ALPENA TOWNSHIP — The Charter Township of Alpena was nominated for the state’s Business Partner Championship Award for 2019 for its work hiring and supporting people with disabilities.

Although it didn’t win, the recognition from the state means a lot, township Supervisor Nathan Skibbe said.

“To even be looked at for an award for the work that we are doing with people with needs in the community means a lot,” he said. “They have added nothing but positive vibes, and they are part of our staff and we treat them as such.”

This year, the township partnered with North Eastern Michigan Rehabilitation and Opportunity Center Inc. to employ workers with disabilities to help with Department of Public Works jobs, clean up and paint around the office, and other projects.

Skibbe said the employees are paid a fair wage, like the rest of the employees, and have done great work. He said the employees mesh well with other staff.

The Business Partner Champion Award is awarded to organizations that have demonstrated a strong commitment to empower individuals with disabilities to take charge of their futures, as well as other criteria, according to the state. The award is given through Michigan Rehabilitation Services, which is part of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and the Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services.

Skibbe said there were four employees in the township, but that number is down to three. Currently, they are painting faded and chipped fire hydrants in the township.

He said this is the program’s first year and it will continue. Skibbe said he doesn’t know of any other municipalities that have a similar program, but he said he would encourage them to adopt one.

“Even more than the work they are doing on behalf of the taxpayers is what they bring to everyone they come across every time they are at work,” Skibbe said. “They are our employees. I think too many times people judge others by their disabilities, when they should be judged by their abilities. We aren’t separating someone because of what they can’t do. We are hiring an individual for they can do.”

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpenanews.com.