Today the Monroe Life Skills Center for Independent Living launched their new office location and training center at 15515 South Dixie Highway in Monroe.   State Senator Randy Richardville was on-hand to celebrate the momentous occasion and cut the Occupancy Ribbon, celebrating the new shared office space and collaborative program with Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Michigan.

The Monroe Life Skills CIL, a growing and dynamic community enrichment, learning and advocacy organization and eBay Drop-Off Center, was established in 1994 as the Monroe office of the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living. The Monroe Life Skills CIL provides individualized supports and a pathway to independence for the over 18,000 children, youth, adults and seniors with disabilities who live in Monroe County who experience barriers to a life of inclusion and independence. Nearly all of the staff and volunteers of the CIL have a personal experience with disability and know first hand how to live effectively with a disability.

Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Michigan, celebrating 50 years of service this year, provides opportunities for people facing barriers to improve their lives. Goodwill provides employment and training services which include vocational evaluation, trial work experiences/ on-the-job training, job placement, and technology-based training, and has retail stores located in the City of Monroe and Lambertville.

Their new shared office space, training center, and collaborative approach to designing and providing program services has not only greatly enhanced both organizations’ abilities to positively impact the lives of people in disadvantaged positions in Monroe County, but also is unique in the community as well. This creative and cost-effective approach enables both organizations to maximize their strengths and put scarce financial resources where they matter most — into programs and services that benefit people in Monroe County.

Other community partnerships with the Monroe Life Skills CIL include the Monroe County Intermediate School District, Monroe County Community Mental Health Authority, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, St.Isidore Farms/Helping Hands of Monroe County, and SEMCA Michigan Works.