Grand Traverse Industries

03/16/2026

Last month, GTI was featured on the Strong Tower Radio “On Location” program—and our official spokesman, Austin, even got the chance to help co-produce the episode! 🎙️

Our whole team was excited for the opportunity to share who we are and what we do in for the disability community!

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

03/15/2026

Because of the winter storm upon us, GTI has made the rare decision to close all client services tomorrow (Monday, March 16th) in both Traverse City and Mancelona.

We care deeply about the safety of our team members and staff. With the potential risks on the roads, we believe keeping people safe is more important than trying to navigate difficult conditions. We look forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday!

Thank you for your understanding, and please take care during the storm. ❄️ Stay safe and warm!

03/14/2026

Love helping people with disabilities thrive? GTI is looking for great staff like YOU!

Why Join Us?

💵 Pay: $17.13/hr minimum (higher based on experience)
🏥 Full Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision
⏰ Work-Life Balance: 8 AM – 4 PM, no nights or weekends
🎓 No Experience Required: We’ll train the right person with the right heart
🤝 Amazing Team: Work alongside coworkers like Whitney
🌴 Vacation: Generous accrual rates so you can enjoy time off

Apply today and become part of the GTI family!
https://grandtraverseindustries.applicantpool.com/jobs/1197545

03/13/2026

Shanty Creek Resorts 🤝 Grand Traverse Industries

Celebrating , our Business Partner of the Quarter! 🎉

For more than 10 years, Shanty has been hiring Team Members from GTI to work in their housekeeping department. We’re grateful for partners like this who believe in creating meaningful employment opportunities for people of all abilities. Huge shout out to Jim and his team for all they do for our folks! 💙

03/12/2026

❄️ Well, the snow has returned!

It’s crazy to think that just three days ago we were out geocaching in the sunshine.

That’s weather for you! 😄

03/12/2026

Registration for Dream Team Traverse City is open now through April 1!

Drum roll... It is registration time! And this year we hit it out of the park right out of the gate! We can now accept registrations online, just a simple click away at: https://www.dreamteamnmi.com/registration.html

Our website also has our complete schedule and volunteer/player partner sign up. Opening Day, Sat. May 9, GT Civic Center. Practices begin mid-April.

Families: As we grow, we need your help. We NEED families and fans to sign up for game day responsibilities, helping us prep fields and set-up dugs outs. Watch for info. If many pitch in, makes lighter work for all. We know we can count on you!

We have a BIG surprise coming your way this year, not ready to announce, but you will want to pencil us in on 6/27/26. Hints: local stadium, tons of fun, an all-star experience!

Thank you to the Dream Team Management Team and Coaches who are already prepping and planning another All-Star season.

Roster spots are limited, don't delay, deadline is April 1, 2026

03/11/2026

✨ Celebrating Jazmin! ✨

Everyone loved Jazmin! A big thank you to Generations Ahead for partnering with us on her internship.

Jazmin shared:
"Thank you GTI for this opportunity that has helped me learn what Direct Care work opportunities are available and what to expect. I really learned a lot, and this has helped me shape what my employment future could look like."

Shine on, Jazmin! You’re a natural Direct Care Professional, and we see great things ahead for you.

We welcome internship opportunities—please reach out if you'd like to partner! 😊

03/10/2026

🚨 Michigan Mandated Higher Wages for Direct Care Workers — But Didn’t Fully Fund Them 🚨

At Grand Traverse Industries, we believe Direct Care Workers deserve better wages. These dedicated professionals help individuals with disabilities live independent, meaningful lives every single day.

Recently, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services required that Direct Care Workers earn at least $17.13 per hour starting January 1, 2026.

We support this goal.

But there’s a serious problem.

The state mandated the wage increase without providing enough funding to cover it.

GTI has already raised wages to meet the requirement. However, both Northern Lakes CMH and North Country CMH have informed us they did not receive additional funding from the state to cover these increased costs. Because of this, they cannot increase the rates paid to providers like GTI.

That means organizations like ours are being asked to absorb these costs on our own.

Across Michigan, this is creating serious financial strain for disability service providers.

⚠️ What’s at Stake

Without proper funding, this could impact:
• The availability of services
• Staffing levels and workforce stability
• Programs that support independence, employment, and community inclusion

📊 The Funding Gap

The state allocated $51.9 million toward this wage requirement.

But estimates show $179 million is actually needed to fully fund it.

And another increase is already scheduled for January 1, 2027, raising the minimum wage to $18.40 per hour — creating an even larger gap.

🗣 How You Can Help

Please contact your Michigan State Representative and State Senator using the link below and urge them to fully fund these mandated wage increases.

https://incompassmi.org/advocacy-center/?vvsrc=%2fCampaigns%2f134953%2fRespond

A sample message is included, but you can also personalize it and share why these services matter to you.

Together, we can protect:
💙 Services for individuals with disabilities
💙 The dedicated workers who support them
💙 The organizations that make these programs possible

Please share this post to help raise awareness.

03/09/2026

🎨 Volunteer of the Quarter: Dan Rice 🎨

Retired teacher Dan Rice knows that meaningful work doesn’t end with retirement. Today, we are proud to recognize him as our Volunteer of the Quarter!

Before joining us, Dan oversaw the Peer-to-Peer program at Traverse City West High School, connecting students with autism and their neurotypical peers. But his commitment to inclusion is deeply personal; Dan grew up with a brother who had a developmental disability and sadly passed away at a young age. Both his parents were also special education teachers. These experiences fuel his desire to give back to our team members today.

Each Thursday, Dan leads a small group in hands-on art projects. Most recently, the group collaborated on beautiful abstract pieces that showcased the unique perspectives and creative talents of our team members.

"I am amazed at what they come up with," Dan says. "This population unfortunately doesn’t always get to display their talents. I get a true sense of purpose working with them; they really are the sweetest people—kind, polite, accepting. They have such an excitement for life and for whatever I bring in. It is a wonderful escape."

GTI Program Manager Terri Richards, who assists Dan with the art sessions, sees the impact of his presence every week. "Dan is amazing," Terri says. "The clients always look forward to seeing him. He is just so, so good with our folks."

We are grateful for volunteers like Dan who recognize the immense value of people with all abilities. Thank you, Dan, for sharing your time, your talents, and your heart with us!

👏 Please join us in congratulating Dan on this well-deserved honor!

✨ Want to make a difference? If you’re looking for a way to give back and share your talents—whether in art, music, or another skill—we would love to have you. Visit our website or message us today to learn more about volunteering at GTI!

03/06/2026

SPRING Forward! ⚙️🌱⏰➡️

03/04/2026

Dayna was so proud to support Generations Ahead. They are doing amazing work in our community!

We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dayna Ryan, Director of Operations at , for providing our client with 50 hours of rich, hands-on experience. Your willingness to go above and beyond made a lasting impact, and we are truly grateful for your support and mentorship!

As our client shared, Dayna was “an amazing person to work under and learn from. She was so insightful and always willing to let me learn and help me learn. I will always remember the team there and how they treated me!”

Thank you for creating such a welcoming and empowering environment, experiences like this make all the difference! 💙