Appropriations Requests for : Vocational Independence Program, Inc. - VIP

1. Cosponsoring legislators:

No Cosponsors

Recipient Information

2. Intended legislatively directed spending item recipient:

Vocational Independence Program, Inc. - VIP

3. Physical address of legislatively directed spending item recipient and the intended location of the project or activity:

5069 VAN SLYKE ROAD FLINT MICHIGAN 48509

4. The recipient's employer identification number:

38-1558541

Funding Details

5. Requested amount of the legislatively directed spending item:

$550,000.00

6. What is the purpose and how does the legislatively directed spending item provide a public benefit that is an appropriate use of taxpayer money?

For over 70 years, the Vocational Independence Program (VIP) has served Genesee County, providing vital services to individuals with disabilities. Spurred by the identification of a significant gap in opportunities for socialization and learning for those with cognitive deficits, VIP is a citizen-founded organization dedicated to ensuring that all Michiganders have access to employment services. VIP now focuses on providing employment services to individuals aged 16 and older, helping them overcome employment barriers. VIP also offers key ancillary services, including a food pantry serving 300 residents monthly, a business incubation program, and a retail space on Genesee Health System's main campus. To continue providing these critical services, VIP’s facilities need significant capital upgrades. The fiscal year 2027 request for state funding reflects the highest-priority needs to ensure services continue uninterrupted. Specifically, the capital project will allow VIP to renovate its commercial kitchen, upgrade its business incubation Micro Enterprise Center, and address erosion and degradation in its parking lot that put community members at risk. With these upgrades, VIP can continue to provide commercial kitchen tenant space for veterans and people with disabilities, safe access to its food pantry, and safer, more accessible public spaces in its facilities.

7. Has the legislatively directed spending item previously received or been awarded any of the following types of funding in the past 5 years?

No previous funding received

8. Estimated time frame for completion of the legislatively directed spending item project:

18 months

Additional Information For Nonprofit Corporations

9. Is the recipient a nonprofit corporation?

Yes

4. Officers and active members on the board of directors:

Judith Dunton, Board Chair Terry Pfaff, Treasurer & Secretary Michael Theile, Member Brooke Gow, Member Travis Howell, Member Amy Johnson, Member Vacancy Jon Ragnone, Financial Advisor

Certification By Sponsoring Legislator

• "I certify that my immediate family members, legislative staff members, and I have no direct or indirect pecuniary interest in the requested legislatively directed spending item."
• "I certify that the intended recipient of this legislatively directed spending item is not a for-profit entity."
• "I certify that the information in this form is true to the best of my knowledge."

Senator John Cherry