Armed with a recent $25 million grant, Michigan State University is spearheading an ambitious initiative to address the severe shortage of direct care workers who provide health care support for some of the state’s most vulnerable residents.  

Four million dollars has been allocated to 26 agencies statewide to support innovative projects designed to strengthen the workforce. The remaining $21 million of the grant supports initiatives such as establishing a comprehensive training and credentialing center and implementing new strategies and career success models to improve recruitment and retention. 

The federal grant was awarded to MSU’s IMPART Alliance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services using American Rescue Plan Act/Home and Community Based Services Spending Plan project funds.  

Eric Paad, founder and president of the Caregiver Incentive Project based in Marquette, plans to use mini grant funding to create a success fund to help direct care workers overcome barriers to success. For example, the fund will assist a care worker with auto repairs or childcare so they can cover their shifts.

“Receiving this mini grant from IMPART Alliance will ensure we can continue our work toward our mission to end the shortage of in-home caregivers across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan,” Paad said. 

IMPART Alliance + Caregiver Incentive Project | Mini-Grant from IMPART Alliance Video Library on Vimeo.

By addressing the critical shortage of direct care workers, MSU and IMPART Alliance are not only supporting the state’s vulnerable populations but also paving the way for sustainable, long-term solutions. This initiative is a beacon of hope, promising a brighter future for Michigan’s direct care workers and the individuals who depend on their care. 

“Our awardees are launching groundbreaking projects that promise the change we all seek. This initiative will address the underlying issues leading to the lack of economic security and respect that plague the profession,” said Clare Luz, executive director of IMPART Alliance and leading faculty researcher in the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine.  

Direct care workers go by many names and provide support to individuals with disabilities and older adults, assisting with essential hands-on care and tasks necessary for maintaining independence. Paid direct care assistance is often crucial for families, yet there is a dire shortage of trained professionals to meet this need. Employers are facing significant challenges in hiring, training and retaining staff. Currently, approximately 190,000 direct care workers are serving Michigan residents, but at least 36,000 more are urgently needed. 

IMPART Alliance, housed within MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, is dedicated to expanding and supporting the direct care workforce through comprehensive training, credentialing, career pathways and state-level advocacy. Serving as the grant convener, IMPART Alliance collaborates with a robust network of statewide partners. Initiatives such as the mini grants are meant to increase the number of qualified caregivers and improve recruitment and retention rates. 

Mini grant projects will be awarded to agencies from Detroit to the Upper Peninsula and focus on one of four key areas: 

• Widening the pipeline: Developing and testing new recruitment methods within nontraditional populations. 
• Removing barriers to success: Identifying and eliminating obstacles such as lack of tuition assistance, emergency funds and transportation, as well as establishing support networks with local businesses to meet these needs. 
• Integrating remote technology: Enhancing digital literacy to facilitate virtual training and engagement with innovative technologies. 
• Expanding training opportunities: Creating accessible and affordable training programs.

Priority was given to projects targeting nontraditional or underrepresented groups including immigrants, veterans, tribal communities, persons with disabilities, high school seniors and residents in rural or remote areas. These initiatives aim to build a diverse and resilient workforce.   

“We’ve implemented a wide range of strategies including inviting employers to become partners in this unprecedented opportunity by receiving mini grants to develop and pilot innovative solutions to the shortage,” Luz said.  

A request for mini grant proposals was published in early April and drew an overwhelming response from nearly 900 applicants.  

“This incredible response highlights the untapped potential and creativity of direct care employers across Michigan,” Luz added.  

The list of mini grant recipients includes:  

• Amor Homecare Inc. of Michigan: Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Monroe counties  
• The Senior Alliance: Portions of Wayne County  
• Services to Enhance Potential: Wayne County  
• HOPE Network: East Lansing, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids 
• Alternative Home Care Solutions, LLC: Detroit 
• The Arc of Macomb County: Macomb 
• Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan: All of Michigan’s 83 counties 
• Otsego County Commission on Aging: Otsego County  
• Vinculum Care: Sanilac and St. Clair Counties, 
• UPCAP Services: Upper Peninsula   
• Caregiver Incentive Project: Upper Peninsula   
• Ezra Care, LLC: Hamtramck, Detroit, Warren, Sterling Heights, Troy, Hazel Park 
• Gesher Human Services: Macomb, Oakland, Wayne counties 
• Mid-Michigan Industries, Inc: Clare, Isabella, Gratiot, Montcalm counties  
• Empowered Living Services: Oakland, Wayne, Macomb counties 
• EAI Employment Resources, Inc: Wayne County  
• Vail House – Midland, Inc: Midland County  
• Well Wise Services AAA: Jackson, Lenawee, Hillsdale counties 
• Papas Place Adult Day Care: Mecosta, Osceola, Lake, Newaygo, and Wexford counties 
• Sigma Home Care: All of Michigan’s 83 counties 
• National Home Care Service, LLC: Ingham, Kent, Ottawa counties  
• Preferred Employment & Living Supports: West Michigan-Muskegon/Ottawa County
• Care Connect Plus: Oakland and Wayne counties  
• Anikare, Inc: Otsego, Plainwell, Kalamazoo 
• MOKA Corporation: Grand Rapids  
• M&Y Care, LLC: Oakland and Macomb counties

Read more from IMPART ALLIANCE.