Traverse House aims to increase job opportunities

Traverse City Record Eagle Feature Article Here

The first Michigan Employer Recognition Event for the employment of persons challenged by mental illness was held at the State Capitol on March 2. This event was sponsored by Clubhouse Michigan – a coalition of Clubhouse programs from around the state providing community employment opportunities for adults challenged by mental illness.

The Grand Traverse employer being honored this year is Right Brain Brewery. The award was presented to owner Russell Springsteen for his outstanding partnership in this endeavor. Representative Larry Inman presented the award and certificate of recognition signed by Governor Snyder.

Mr. Springsteen partners with Traverse House Clubhouse, a program of Northern Lakes Community Mental Health, to assure that Clubhouse colleagues have a positive and productive transitional employment experience at Right Brain Brewery. Mr. Springsteen and Traverse House are committed to assisting those who are highly motivated to work, to get back into the work world by building employment skills and establishing a current work history.

Traverse House Director Peter Gembarowski stated, “Russell has been very supportive of us, consistently providing employment opportunities to our colleagues for over seven years, in both good and bad economic times. We are so grateful for their support. In addition to helping us give our colleagues purpose and standing behind them in their employment positions, Right Brain Brewery also helped us with our first-ever fundraiser and is also committed to assisting us in our second fundraising event, tentatively scheduled for September 24.

Gembarowski said, “Through partnerships with ability-minded employers, members gain confidence, a sense of worth, and become active and productive members of society again.”

 

Pictured are Right Brain owner Russell Springsteen (third from left) with Representative Larry Inman (third from right) and Traverse House colleagues.