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CLIENT STORY: Able Eyes – Pomeroy Living

CLIENT STORY: Able Eyes – Pomeroy Living

Pomeroy Living: Where Compassion, Innovation, and Community Come Together
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Finding the right senior living community is about more than choosing a place to live. It’s about finding a place where people are treated with dignity, where families find peace of mind, and where every detail is designed to help residents live with purpose.

That’s the philosophy behind Pomeroy Living.

Serving communities across Michigan, Pomeroy Living has built its reputation by combining exceptional senior care with thoughtfully designed communities and a culture that invests in both residents and the people who care for them. Whether someone is looking for independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation services, or a meaningful career in healthcare, Pomeroy Living is committed to creating environments where people can thrive.

A Full Continuum of Senior Care

Every person’s journey is different, and Pomeroy Living believes senior care should reflect that. Their communities offer a complete continuum of care, allowing residents to receive the level of support they need while remaining part of a welcoming and familiar environment. Services include independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation, long-term skilled nursing, outpatient therapy, and specialized healthcare services designed to meet changing needs over time.

Rather than viewing healthcare as a series of separate services, Pomeroy Living focuses on continuity. As residents’ needs evolve, families can feel confident knowing compassionate care remains close to home. That approach creates stability during life’s transitions while allowing residents to maintain meaningful relationships with caregivers, neighbors, and loved ones.

Every Detail Has a Purpose

Walk through a Pomeroy Living community, and you’ll quickly notice something different: the design isn’t simply beautiful—it serves a purpose. Every hallway, gathering space, and resident suite has been intentionally planned to promote safety, comfort, and independence. From abundant natural light to thoughtfully designed common areas, every element supports residents while helping create an environment that feels welcoming instead of clinical.

One of the most important design features is something many people may never notice. Step-free accessibility.

“How we built our buildings matters. You’re going to see a lot of step-free areas. Even step-free into showers instead of that step to step in. Those are all risks. Everything we’ve done, we’ve done with purpose.”

By removing unnecessary fall hazards and creating spaces that are easier to navigate, Pomeroy Living helps residents maintain confidence while reducing potential safety concerns. It’s a reminder that good design isn’t just about appearance.

It’s about improving everyday life.

Building Community, Not Just Providing Care

At its heart, Pomeroy Living is about people.

Daily life extends far beyond healthcare services, with opportunities for residents to build friendships, participate in activities, celebrate milestones, and stay connected to the community around them. Whether it’s gathering for happy hour, participating in wellness programs, attending special events, or simply enjoying conversations with neighbors, residents are encouraged to remain socially engaged.

Those connections play an important role in emotional well-being and quality of life. Because while healthcare supports the body, community supports the spirit.

A Place to Build a Career

The same philosophy that guides resident care also shapes Pomeroy Living’s workplace culture. Healthcare careers aren’t simply jobs—they’re opportunities to make a lasting impact on someone’s life.

Pomeroy Living offers career paths across a wide range of disciplines, including nursing, certified nursing assistants, medication technicians, culinary services, food service, therapy, rehabilitation, and administrative support.

More importantly, they believe great caregivers aren’t always found—they’re developed. Individuals interested in healthcare can begin their careers without extensive experience, learning firsthand through caregiving roles while receiving ongoing mentorship and professional development.

Investing in Growth

Education is a cornerstone of the Pomeroy Living culture. Rather than simply filling positions, the organization actively helps employees build careers. Caregivers interested in advancing into nursing assistant roles can participate in certification programs that prepare them for new opportunities while increasing their earning potential. Many continue their education beyond certification, pursuing nursing degrees with encouragement and support from leadership.

Today, multiple team members are advancing through nursing school while continuing their careers with Pomeroy Living. That investment benefits everyone. Employees gain valuable skills and career opportunities. Residents receive care from professionals who continue growing in both knowledge and experience.

It’s a culture built around long-term success instead of short-term staffing.

Looking for the Right People

Technical skills can be taught. Compassion cannot. That’s why Pomeroy Living places tremendous value on individuals who genuinely enjoy caring for others.

As one team member shared:

“The person whose bucket gets filled by taking care of others, those are the people that belong here. If that’s your passion, I say start with caregiving.”

It’s a philosophy that shapes hiring, training, and daily interactions throughout the organization. Whether someone has years of healthcare experience or is exploring the field for the first time, a servant’s heart remains the most important qualification.

Raising the Standard for Senior Living

Senior healthcare continues to evolve, and Pomeroy Living is committed to evolving alongside it. Through thoughtful facility design, comprehensive healthcare services, employee development, and a resident-first approach, the organization continues raising the standard for what senior living can be.

Families searching for care want more than medical expertise. They want trust. They want compassion. They want a community where their loved ones are treated with dignity every day.

Pomeroy Living strives to deliver exactly that. Whether you’re exploring care options for a family member or searching for a meaningful healthcare career, Pomeroy Living offers something that extends beyond services and amenities.

They offer purpose.

Because at the end of the day, great senior care isn’t defined by a building. It’s defined by the people inside it.

MISSION CONTROL: Vance Blackfox

MISSION CONTROL: Vance Blackfox

Mission Control Welcomes Vance Blackfox: My Favorite Storyteller
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Every story has someone who changes the way you see the world. For Paul J. Schmidt, Vance Blackfox has been one of those people.

As UnoDeuce Multimedia celebrates 25 years of storytelling through Season 6 of the Mission Control podcast, the conversations have shifted inward—not to celebrate a company, but to recognize the people who shaped its mission. Some were mentors. Some were clients. Some became lifelong collaborators.

Vance Blackfox is all three.

Throughout the years, Vance has challenged assumptions, encouraged deeper conversations, and reminded everyone around him that great storytelling begins with listening first. Their latest Mission Control conversation isn’t just about career milestones. It’s about relationships, culture, and why authentic stories have the power to transform communities.

A Journey Rooted in Identity

Today, Vance serves as the Director of Ecumenical and Tribal Relations for the Indigenous Theological Circle, but his story begins much earlier in the Cherokee Nation community of Zeb, Oklahoma.

Surrounded by generations of history, Vance has always understood that every place has stories worth telling. That perspective has guided his career across churches, nonprofits, Indigenous communities, and educational organizations throughout the country.

While many people see travel as visiting new places, Vance views it differently. It’s about understanding people. Learning history. Building relationships. And discovering how every community carries wisdom that deserves to be heard. Those values have made him an influential voice in nonprofit leadership and someone who continues helping organizations tell stories with honesty and purpose.

Mission Is About Relationships

One of the biggest themes throughout the conversation is redefining what mission work actually means. For Vance, it has never been about checking boxes or completing service projects.

It’s about building genuine relationships. Whether he’s working with Indigenous leaders across denominations or guiding young people through cultural immersion experiences, the goal remains the same: create opportunities for people to understand one another.

That philosophy is evident through youth programs that take participants into communities across Indian Country and the Texas-Mexico borderlands. Instead of simply volunteering for a weekend, participants spend time listening. They ask questions. They hear stories that aren’t always found in history books. And they begin connecting historical events to the realities people experience today.

Those experiences often become life-changing moments. Not because someone tells them what to think—but because they’re invited to see the world through someone else’s perspective.

Storytelling Beyond the Camera

Although UnoDeuce is known for video production, this episode reminds listeners that storytelling isn’t confined to a screen. Sometimes the most powerful stories happen during conversations around a dinner table. Sometimes they’re shared while standing beside a creek in Oklahoma. Sometimes they emerge after difficult questions that challenge long-held assumptions.

Vance believes those conversations matter because they create understanding. They invite empathy. And they leave room for growth.

It’s the same philosophy that’s guided UnoDeuce for 25 years. Stories aren’t about producing content. They’re about creating connection.

Finding the Moments That Matter

Throughout the episode, Vance shares experiences that have stayed with him for years. He recalls conversations with young people visiting the southern border. He reflects on moments when students encountered perspectives they had never considered before. He remembers the questions that didn’t have easy answers.

Those are often the stories that leave the greatest impact. Not because everything gets resolved. But because people leave changed.

For Vance, success isn’t measured by attendance numbers or completed projects. It’s measured by whether someone begins seeing another person’s humanity in a new way.

A Lifelong Student of Stories

Away from work, Vance continues learning. With a background in film and television, he’s always paying attention to how stories are constructed.

Movies become lessons in character development. Scenes become examples of visual storytelling. Even quiet moments near rivers and creeks become opportunities to reflect. Those moments of stillness help fuel the work he continues doing across the country.

Meaningful stories require space to listen before speaking.

Why This Conversation Matters

Mission Control has spent years highlighting nonprofit leaders making a difference in their communities. Season 6 expands that mission by exploring the people who shaped UnoDeuce’s own story.

Vance Blackfox represents something that’s been true throughout the company’s history. The best partnerships aren’t transactional. They’re transformational. They’re built over years of trust, curiosity, and shared purpose.

Those relationships continue influencing how UnoDeuce approaches every nonprofit story it tells today.

Looking Ahead

As UnoDeuce celebrates its 25th anniversary, conversations like this serve as reminders that no journey happens alone. Every milestone is built on mentors who invested their time. Collaborators who shared their wisdom. Friends who challenged ideas and encouraged growth.

Vance Blackfox has been one of those people. His passion for relationships, community, and authentic storytelling continues inspiring organizations across the country—and continues shaping the work UnoDeuce does every day.

Because the stories that matter most aren’t always the loudest. They’re the ones that help us better understand one another.

HOPE IN ACTION POD: Yolanda Pope

HOPE IN ACTION POD: Yolanda Pope

Host Sheri Jones talks with Yolanda Pope, founder of DAP Services and Resources, about a mission born from experience on the front lines of senior care. As a licensed practical nurse, Yolanda kept seeing the same story: seniors and families disconnected from resources that could change everything. So she built the bridge herself.

Today, DAP Services offers case management, housing support through its Senior Stability Program, and Harbor House, a transitional shelter created specifically for elderly individuals with nowhere else to turn. Yolanda shares real stories of transformation, the growing crisis of senior homelessness in our community, and why she believes in doing the hard work now, before families are forced into crisis later.

It’s a conversation about hope, resilience, and what’s possible when one person decides to become the safety net.

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CLIENT STORY: The Arbor Inn

CLIENT STORY: The Arbor Inn

A Warm and Compassionate Community

For many families, the search for assisted living or memory care begins with a difficult question: How do we find a place that truly feels like home?

At The Arbor Inn in Warren, the answer starts with relationships. Family-owned and operated since 1975, The Arbor Inn has built its reputation on a simple philosophy—treat every resident like family. That mindset shapes everything from daily care and activities to the way staff support loved ones through life’s biggest transitions. It’s not just about providing a place to live. It’s about creating a community where people feel known, valued, and cared for every day.

Care That Starts with Compassion

Every resident arrives with a unique story, and The Arbor Inn believes their care should reflect that. Whether someone needs a little extra assistance with daily routines or specialized memory care, the staff focuses on meeting people where they are while preserving their dignity and independence.

One team member summed up the philosophy simply: “Think of them as your parents, your grandparents, your aunt and uncle. What would you want for them? We all look at each other as a family.”

That perspective influences every interaction. From a morning greeting to helping someone navigate a difficult day, compassion isn’t reserved for special occasions—it’s part of the everyday experience. Families often talk about the warmth they feel when they walk through the doors. Residents aren’t treated like room numbers or schedules. They’re neighbors, friends, and members of an extended family.

Supporting Every Stage of the Journey

Moving into assisted living is often accompanied by uncertainty—not only for residents, but for the people who love them. The Arbor Inn understands that transition and works to make it as smooth as possible.

Staff members build relationships with residents from day one, learning their routines, preferences, and personalities. Whether it’s helping someone stay active, providing companionship, or coordinating healthcare services, the focus remains on creating stability and comfort. That personalized approach extends beyond the resident. Families become partners throughout the process, receiving updates, support, and reassurance as their loved one’s needs evolve.

Specialized Memory Care with the Reflections Unit

As memory care needs increase, having the right environment becomes essential. In 2020, The Arbor Inn expanded its services with the Reflections Unit, a secure community specifically designed for residents living with dementia and other forms of cognitive decline.

The goal isn’t simply safety—it’s quality of life. Specially trained caregivers provide individualized support while encouraging residents to remain engaged through meaningful daily activities. Cognitive stimulation, gentle exercise, grooming assistance, and social interaction all work together to help residents maintain purpose and connection. Even as memory changes, opportunities for joy, conversation, and belonging remain central to everyday life.

More Than Healthcare

While clinical care is important, The Arbor Inn recognizes that wellness includes emotional connection just as much as medical support. Residents enjoy opportunities to participate in activities that encourage movement, creativity, and conversation. Those everyday moments—sharing meals, attending events, or simply spending time together—help create the sense of community that families often notice immediately.

The Arbor Inn also collaborates with physicians, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure residents receive comprehensive care tailored to their individual needs. It’s a team approach designed to support the whole person.

Helping Families Navigate Financial Questions

For many families, financial concerns become one of the biggest obstacles when considering senior living.

The Arbor Inn believes those conversations deserve the same compassion as every other part of the process. The admissions team works closely with families to identify resources that can help make care accessible, including Michigan’s PACE program and Veterans Aid and Attendance benefits for eligible residents. Their goal is simple: help families find solutions rather than roadblocks.

As one staff member explained: “No one ever runs out of money here. We find a way… to find a solution for them.”

That commitment provides peace of mind during what can often feel like an overwhelming decision.

A Place Families Trust

One of the strongest endorsements of The Arbor Inn comes from the families who have experienced its care firsthand. Many describe an environment where staff continuously look for ways to improve not only the resident experience but also the experience of loved ones walking through the journey together.

One family member shared: “They just always seem to be striving to better the experience for family as well as residents.”

That ongoing commitment reflects something bigger than excellent customer service. It reflects a culture built around relationships.

A Community That Feels Like Home

Finding senior living isn’t simply about choosing a building. It’s about choosing people. The Arbor Inn has spent nearly five decades creating an environment where compassion, respect, and family remain at the center of everything they do. Whether providing personalized assisted living, specialized memory care through the Reflections Unit, or helping families navigate complex financial decisions, the mission remains consistent: ensure every resident feels safe, supported, and at home.

For families searching for senior care in southeast Michigan, The Arbor Inn offers more than services. It offers a community where people are welcomed, cared for, and treated like family.

HOPE IN ACTION: Celebrating National Nonprofit Day

HOPE IN ACTION:
Celebrating National Nonprofit Day

This month, host Sheri Jones celebrates National Nonprofit Day by spotlighting three organizations quietly changing lives across the Lansing community.

First up is DAP Services & Resource Center, founded in 2021 by executive director Yolanda Pope, a nurse with nearly 20 years in geriatric healthcare. What began as a case management program for medically vulnerable seniors grew into something bigger after Pope noticed a gap in housing support — so she built the bridge herself. DAP now offers walk-in hours every Tuesday and Thursday, helping seniors navigate everything from doctor’s appointments to housing crises, all with the compassion of what Pope calls being a “professional relative.”

Next, Julia and Jackie of Youth Builders Community Development Corporation share how they’re turning teenagers’ ideas into real entrepreneurial ventures — from T-shirt printing to logo design — giving justice-involved youth ages 14-18 the tools and confidence to build financially stable futures.

Finally, Larry Johnson of Brotherhood Against Drugs joins to discuss his organization’s mission, along with the powerful reading program inspired by his mother’s work decades ago. Last year’s cohort saw remarkable results, with the majority of third and fourth graders jumping multiple reading levels — proof that early intervention changes trajectories.

Plus, catch this month’s community calendar for upcoming events across the nonprofit hub.

?️ Don’t miss the companion podcast for an in-depth conversation with Yolanda Pope about her journey founding DAP Services — available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

A special thank you to our visionary sponsor, LAFCU, for their continued partnership.

MISSION FOCUSED JUSTICE: Our “Why”

MISSION FOCUSED JUSTICE: Our “Why”

Content Warning: Sensitive topics discussed include physical and sexual violence.Get to know us! Join three impact leaders as we explore the “why” behind their work. We talk about what first drew us to mission-driven, justice-focused work, what continues to inspire us, and what keeps us going. Connect with us as we kick off this journey with stories of purpose, passion, and the people behind the mission.

CLIENT STORY: Child and Family Charities – Street Outreach

CLIENT STORY: Child and Family Charities – Street Outreach

Child and Family Charities’ Street Outreach Team Is Building More Than Services–They’re Building Community

Every young person deserves a place where they feel safe, supported, and seen.

That’s the vision driving Child and Family Charities’ Street Outreach team as they continue expanding services throughout Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties. Through relationship-building, practical resources, and a new Drop-In Center, the team is creating more opportunities for youth to connect with caring adults and access the support they need. Their mission isn’t simply to respond to challenges. It’s to remove barriers before they become roadblocks and help young people discover pathways toward stability, resilience, and hope.

As the team continues to grow, so does their presence in the community–including the launch of new social media channels that make it easier than ever for people to stay connected with upcoming events, outreach opportunities, and available resources.

Meeting Youth Where They Are

Street outreach is about much more than showing up; it’s about building trust.

Every interaction is an opportunity to listen, understand, and help connect young people with services that can make a lasting difference. Whether someone needs immediate support, guidance toward housing or mental health resources, or simply a trusted adult willing to listen, the Street Outreach team focuses on meeting youth where they are–both literally and emotionally.

Their work reaches throughout the Tri-County region, creating relationships that extend beyond a single conversation. Instead of expecting young people to navigate complex systems on their own, the team brings resources directly into the community, creating accessible pathways to support.

That commitment is captured in one simple vision: “We want to be Lansing’s living room moving forward.”

It’s a powerful statement that reflects more than a location. It reflects an atmosphere–one where everyone feels welcome.

A New Home Base for Connection

One of the most exciting additions to the Street Outreach program is the new Drop-In Center. While outreach will always remain an important part of the team’s work, having a permanent space creates entirely new possibilities for serving youth across the region.

The Drop-In Center gives young people a place where they can stop in, connect with staff, participate in activities, and access resources without barriers or expectations. It’s designed to feel less like an office and more like a community space.

A place where relationships grow naturally, a place where support is always available, and most importantly, it’s a place where young people know they belong.

More Than a Building

The Drop-In Center represents far more than four walls. It creates opportunities for meaningful engagement that extend beyond crisis intervention.

Through workshops, community events, and skill-building activities, the center gives youth opportunities to learn, connect, and grow in an environment built around encouragement and respect.

Programs are designed to meet a wide variety of needs, including:

– Educational workshops
– Career exploration and guidance
– Life skills development
– Mental health support
– Counseling resources
– Community engagement activities

By creating consistent opportunities for interaction, the center helps strengthen relationships while encouraging young people to build confidence and independence.

Strengthening Community Through Partnership

No single organization can meet every need. That’s why collaboration remains a cornerstone of Child and Family Charities’ approach.

The Street Outreach team works alongside community partners throughout the Lansing area to connect youth with additional resources and services whenever needed. These partnerships help create a stronger network of support, ensuring young people have access to everything from housing assistance and behavioral health services to educational opportunities and workforce development.

When organizations work together, communities become stronger. That’s exactly the kind of collaboration Child and Family Charities continues to foster throughout Mid-Michigan.

Staying Connected Beyond the Streets

Another exciting step forward is the launch of the Street Outreach team’s dedicated social media presence.

The new platforms offer community members an easy way to stay informed about:

– Upcoming outreach events
– Volunteer opportunities
– Workshops and activities
– Community resources
– Program updates
– Ways to get involved

For young people, families, and community partners alike, these channels create another avenue for connection and communication.

Building a Place Where Everyone Belongs

Perhaps the most inspiring part of Child and Family Charities’ Street Outreach initiative isn’t a building, a program, or even an event; it’s the philosophy behind it.

Every young person deserves to feel welcomed, and every young person deserves to know someone cares.

By combining outreach, relationship-building, practical support, and a welcoming community space, Child and Family Charities continues creating opportunities for youth to find encouragement, connection, and hope.

Their vision of becoming “Lansing’s living room” isn’t just about opening doors. It’s about creating an environment where young people know they can walk through those doors and be accepted exactly as they are.

Looking Ahead

As the Street Outreach program continues expanding across the Tri-County area, the future is full of possibility. New partnerships, community events, workshops, and Drop-In Center activities will continue creating spaces where youth can connect, grow, and access the support they need to thrive.

For Child and Family Charities, every conversation matters. Every relationship matters. Every young person matters. And with every new connection, they’re helping build a stronger, more compassionate community—one where hope isn’t just something people talk about. It’s something they experience.

MISSION CONTROL: Jae Margetson – My First Non-Lutheran Client

MISSION CONTROL: Jae Margetson – My First Non-Lutheran Client

Mission Control Season 6: Jae Margetson on Community, Leadership, and Making Things Happen

For five seasons, Mission Control has focused on the leaders behind nonprofits–the executive directors, changemakers, and visionaries working every day to strengthen their communities.

Season six is a little different.

As UnoDeuce Multimedia celebrates 25 years of storytelling, we’re turning the camera around. This season explores the people, relationships, and moments that shaped the company from the very beginning. Some of those stories are about mentors. Others are about clients who became lifelong friends.

Few people embody that better than Jae Margetson.

Long before UnoDeuce had decades of nonprofit experience, Jae trusted us with one of our earliest major projects. Over the years, she became more than a client. She became a collaborator, a trusted partner, and someone whose passion for community continues to inspire everyone around her.

On this episode of Mission Control, Jae reflects on a career built around one simple idea: use your talents to make your community better.

A Career Built on Purpose

Jae’s journey didn’t begin in Michigan. Originally from the Caribbean, she eventually made her way to the Midwest, where she pursued a degree in sport management with an emphasis in public relations at Bowling Green State University.

She arrived with two goals: Graduate with honors. Land an internship with the Detroit Pistons. She accomplished both.

That internship would become the launching point for a career centered on community engagement, relationship building, and creating opportunities for others.

“It was always my intent to use the resources of a sports organization to help the community.” That mindset has remained constant throughout every chapter of her career.

Learning by Doing

Like many great careers, Jae’s wasn’t built in a classroom alone. Her internship with the Detroit Pistons gave her hands-on experience in event planning, communications, writing, and community relations.

Instead of simply observing from the sidelines, she was trusted with meaningful work. She helped organize community events, supported neighborhood park revitalization efforts, and worked alongside organizations dedicated to improving lives throughout Detroit. Those early experiences reinforced something that continues to define her career today.

Events aren’t just about logistics–they’re about people. Every event is an opportunity to bring a community together, celebrate a mission, or create an experience that leaves a lasting impression.

One of UnoDeuce’s First Clients

For Paul Schmidt, this conversation is also deeply personal. Jae wasn’t simply another guest on the podcast, she was one of UnoDeuce Multimedia’s earliest clients. One of their first major collaborations involved producing a video for the Detroit Police Athletic League—a project that became a defining learning experience for both teams.

Like many productions, things didn’t go exactly according to plan. Leadership changes created shifting timelines. Deadlines moved. Expectations evolved. Rather than becoming frustrated, everyone adapted.

Looking back, those challenges became valuable lessons in flexibility, communication, and trust. Those early experiences helped shape the way UnoDeuce approaches storytelling to this day. Great partnerships aren’t built when everything goes perfectly. They’re built when people solve problems together.

Becoming the “Make Things Happenologist”

Throughout her career, Jae developed a reputation for making complex projects look effortless. Whether coordinating intimate gatherings or managing large-scale conferences, she became known as someone who could take dozens of moving pieces and turn them into seamless experiences.

Her colleagues eventually gave her a fitting nickname: “The Make Things Happenologist.” It’s a title earned through years of preparation, organization, and calm leadership.

Successful events aren’t accidental–they’re built through countless conversations, careful planning, and a willingness to solve problems before attendees ever realize they exist. That behind-the-scenes leadership has become one of Jae’s defining strengths.

A Front-Row Seat to History

One career highlight stands above many others. While working on the Ford Freedom Awards, Jae had the opportunity to serve as journalist Robin Roberts’ personal videographer during the event.

High-profile productions require precision. Every detail matters. Schedules shift. Expectations remain high.

Jae navigated the experience with the same professionalism that has defined her career, balancing vendor relationships, production logistics, and the needs of a nationally recognized guest.

Moments like these don’t happen by chance, they’re earned through years of preparation and a reputation built on trust.

A New Chapter with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan

Today, Jae continues creating impact in her role as Vice President of Special Events and Projects with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan. Her work now focuses on creating meaningful experiences that invest directly in young people throughout the Detroit region.

One exciting initiative is the continued evolution of Metro Detroit Youth Day. Rather than a single-day celebration, the event is growing into a broader experience that reaches more neighborhoods, engages more partners, and creates more opportunities for youth across the community.

It’s another example of Jae doing what she’s always done best–bringing people together around a common purpose.

The Power of Relationships

One of the themes that runs throughout this conversation is something we’ve talked about often on Mission Control: relationships matter.

For 25 years, UnoDeuce Multimedia has been fortunate to work with organizations that became much more than clients. They became collaborators. Friends. Partners. People we’ve learned from.

Jae is one of those people. Her story reminds us that careers aren’t measured only by titles or awards. They’re measured by the people you serve, the partnerships you build, and the impact you leave behind.

Looking Back–and Forward

As Mission Control celebrates UnoDeuce Multimedia’s 25th anniversary, conversations like this help tell the story behind the story. The cameras, the productions, the events…They’ve always been about something bigger. They’re about people who dedicate their lives to strengthening communities.

Jae Margetson has spent her career doing exactly that. From internships with professional sports organizations to community revitalization projects, from award-winning events to youth programming, she has consistently found ways to connect people, create memorable experiences, and leave every community stronger than she found it.

WARFIGHTERS UNITED: Episode 2 – Jon Sofronas

WARFIGHTERS UNITED: Episode 2 – Jon Sofronas

In this episode of the Warfighters United Podcast, we continue our conversation with Jon Sofronas surrounding TBI, PTSD, and the growing discussion around Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as a potential treatment option for veterans battling invisible wounds. We also talk about Corpsman Compass and the work being done to support and guide those who have served. Join us for an honest conversation focused on awareness, advocacy, and making a difference for the veteran community.

CLIENT STORY: Able Eyes – Consumers Credit Union

CLIENT STORY: Able Eyes – Consumers Credit Union

More Than a Job: Exploring STEMM Opportunities at Consumers Credit Union

When people think about financial institutions, they often think about loans, checking accounts, and transactions. But behind every branch, every member interaction, and every financial solution is a team of people working to make a difference in their communities.

At Consumers Credit Union, that mission extends far beyond banking.

Since 1951, Consumers Credit Union has grown into a thriving organization with 33 branches and continued expansion across Michigan. Along the way, they’ve built a reputation not only for serving members but also for investing in the people who make that service possible. For job seekers looking for more than just a paycheck, Consumers Credit Union offers something increasingly valuable: a workplace focused on growth, opportunity, and belonging.

A Legacy of Service and Growth

For more than seven decades, Consumers Credit Union has been helping individuals, families, and businesses navigate their financial journeys. As the organization continues to expand, so does its impact. New branches, evolving technologies, and changing member needs create opportunities for innovation and career development across nearly every department.

But growth at Consumers isn’t measured solely by the number of locations they operate. It’s measured by the people they develop.

The organization has built its culture around the idea that success happens when employees have opportunities to learn, grow, and pursue meaningful careers. That philosophy is evident throughout the organization, from entry-level positions to leadership roles.

Opportunities Across the Organization

One of the biggest misconceptions about working at a credit union is that every role revolves around traditional banking. The reality is much broader.

Consumers Credit Union offers opportunities in a wide range of disciplines, including:

– Information Technology
– Data Analytics
– Accounting
– Loan Servicing
– Operations
– Member Services
– Leadership and Management
– Project Management
– Marketing and Communications

As financial services continue to evolve, so do the skills needed to support them. Technology, data, and innovation play increasingly important roles, creating career paths that appeal to professionals from many different backgrounds. Whether someone is beginning their career or looking for their next professional challenge, Consumers provides multiple entry points into the organization.

Education Matters, But Potential Matters Too

One aspect that stands out about Consumers Credit Union is its approach to hiring and professional development. While some positions may prefer specialized education or advanced degrees, the organization understands that talent comes in many forms.

Instead of focusing exclusively on credentials, Consumers looks for people who demonstrate potential, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. That means opportunities exist for individuals entering the workforce, making career transitions, or seeking advancement.

The organization values a combination of technical skills, communication abilities, leadership potential, and a commitment to serving others. Most importantly, they recognize that not every skill needs to be present on day one.

A Culture Built on Learning

Ask almost any successful professional how they advanced in their career, and chances are they’ll mention mentorship, training, or opportunities to learn from others. Consumers Credit Union has intentionally built those opportunities into its culture.

Professional development is not treated as a one-time event. It’s woven into the employee experience. The organization offers training programs, growth initiatives, internal education opportunities, and leadership development resources designed to help employees continue building their skills.

Promoting from within remains a major priority. By investing in existing employees, Consumers creates clear pathways for advancement while strengthening its team from the inside out. Employees are encouraged to explore different areas of the organization, expand their knowledge, and discover career opportunities they may not have initially considered.

The Power of Mentorship

Growth rarely happens in isolation. That’s why mentorship plays such an important role at Consumers Credit Union.

Employees have opportunities to participate in shadowing experiences, collaborate across departments, and learn directly from colleagues with different areas of expertise. These experiences help team members better understand the organization while identifying potential career paths that align with their strengths and interests.

The result is a workplace where people are encouraged to ask questions, pursue new challenges, and continue evolving professionally.

Creating an Inclusive Workplace

A strong culture starts with making people feel welcome. Consumers Credit Union places significant emphasis on creating an environment where employees can bring their authentic selves to work.

“We really pride ourselves on this really inclusive culture that we have created at Consumers Credit Union.”

That commitment shows up in both everyday interactions and formal initiatives designed to foster connection and belonging. The organization supports employee-led programs, engagement activities, and wellness initiatives that help create a positive workplace experience.

One example is Unite, a self-led employee team focused on inclusion and engagement. Consumers also invests in employee wellness through partnerships like Be Nice, which promotes mental health awareness and support.

Together, these efforts help create a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and connected.

Finding the Right People

When hiring, Consumers Credit Union looks beyond resumes and technical qualifications. While skills and experience matter, character matters too.

As their team explains:

“We say we can teach you a lot of the things that you need to know on the day-to-day, but really we’re looking for good, kind, solution-oriented people that like to work hard.”

It’s a philosophy that reflects the credit union’s broader mission of serving members and communities with care and integrity.

More Than a Career

At its core, Consumers Credit Union is about people. It’s about helping members achieve financial success. It’s about creating opportunities for employees to build meaningful careers. And it’s about fostering a culture where learning, growth, and inclusion are part of everyday life.

As the organization continues to expand, so do the opportunities for individuals looking to make an impact. For those searching for a workplace that values development as much as performance, Consumers Credit Union offers more than a job title. It offers a place to grow.

And sometimes, that’s where the most rewarding careers begin.

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