Challenges Met. Together.
The year 2025 brought tremendous transition and challenge across many areas, and SEMCA was not immune. The rollercoaster of changing directives and priorities from external sources was significant — rules issued and rescinded, funding delays and reductions. At many points during the year, it was difficult to determine what the path ahead might look like and how best to prepare and respond in service to our staff, partners, and customers. As we reflect on the year, SEMCA can say with confidence that we met the challenges put before us.
DOWNLOAD REPORT – SINGLE PAGES | TWO-PAGE SPREADS
When faced with uncertainty around program direction, SEMCA responded by strengthening connections with partner organizations and increasing our communications. We intentionally created more opportunities to share the work being done and ensure lawmakers understood our impact in the communities we serve. We expanded dialogue that led to positive outcomes, kept partners informed, and adjusted outreach methods to better reach customers who are often hardest to serve, building stronger relationships in the process.
A third consecutive year of reductions in federal formula funding led SEMCA’s leadership to make the difficult decision to close two American Job Centers. A multi-month, data-driven review process guided this decision and helped minimize the impact on customers while maintaining needed service levels at other locations. Careful planning and clear communication with stakeholders supported a smooth transition.
The year also brought changes in service delivery, both planned and unplanned. New partners joined our American Job Center (AJC) network, and we said goodbye to a longstanding provider as ETDI closed its doors after 25 years as part of our AJC system. Collaborative planning between board and staff allowed us to integrate new partners and service approaches while maintaining performance and improving the overall customer experience.
Several programs experienced customer surges as economic conditions shifted. In periods like this, stability matters. The longstanding leadership of our Board, CEO, and key staff helped maintain program quality despite uncertainty. Our experience, planning discipline, and trusted partner relationships across the region remain central to our ability to respond and deliver results.
This report highlights the challenges met and the outcomes achieved for individuals, families, and businesses. Across our programs, teams brought people together to learn and grow — through youth Level Up Career Pop-Ups, Connect 360 convenings, and employer spotlight events. We supported individuals rebuilding their lives, including newcomers to our area and those seeking a fresh start after difficult circumstances. We continued to introduce new programs and resources in response to community needs and opportunities. In these and many other ways, we faced challenges — and met them.
We are deeply grateful for the dedication of our teams and partners. Together, they make this work possible. Our AJC contracted service providers — Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS), Downriver Community Conference (DCC), Educational Data Systems (EDSI), Employment & Training Designs (ETDI), The Information Center, Michigan Workforce Development Institute (WDI), Monroe County Employment and Training Department (MCETD), Monroe Intermediate School District, SERCO and SER Metro — remain central to the results achieved across our region.
The Global Epicenter of Mobility, WayneLINC and Workforce Intelligence Network initiatives also illustrate SEMCA’s commitment to collaboration and partnerships. As you will see later in this report, SEMCA leads these extraordinary initiatives in formal partnership with a combined total of 31 organizations.
As the Chairs of the Southeast Governmental Alliance and Workforce Development boards, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to SEMCA’s boards, staff, and collaborative partners for their dedication and innovative efforts. Their commitment has been vital to the successes reflected in this report, and we look forward to continuing this work together and building on this strong foundation to expand opportunity across the communities we serve.
The 2025 Annual Report showcases SEMCA’s impact, highlighting how challenges were met and progress continued across the region. As CEO, I invite you to explore these stories and recognize the collective work behind them. With continued partnership and shared commitment, we are well positioned to carry this progress forward.
Respectfully,
Commissioner Abdul “Al” Haidous – SEGA Board Chair and Chief Elected Official
Charlotte “Charlie” Mahoney – Workforce Development Board Chair
Gregory Pitoniak – Chief Executive Officer