October 2, 2007
In 1983 Harry & Bev Weeks started Freedom Work Opportunities, Inc. With a crew of 6 consumers Harry set off to change the lives of hundreds of people. Not only did he help group homes by providing them with lawn service, 6 disabled adults were able to be contributing members of society and earn their first paychecks. Over the past 20 + years FWO has grown to provide hundreds of disabled adults the opportunity to learn job skills, have community interaction, build friendships, build trust and show society what a great bunch of productive people they are. With out the leadership of Harry as our Executive Director many of our accomplishments would not have been possible.
Harry was truly loved by his family, friends, consumers and staff, who will always treasure their great memories of him. His dedication and commitment will go on through the lives of the people he has touched.
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June 7th, 2010
Since 1993 Kris has been a part of FWO’s family. Her smile, humor, strength and wonderful personality could easily brighten up any one's day. Although Kris was non vocal, wheelchair bound and had limited arm movement, her main job at FWO was computer work (and keeping everyone in line)! Kris was able to go online, type papers, create Birthday cards, submit online orders for FWO shipping jobs, and complete FWO’s lawn crew billing, all with an adaptable headpiece that let her type with her head movements. Kris loved to come to FWO to work on her computer, she was always looking for more work & felt a joy of accomplishment when completing her tasks. She was featured in FWO’s Consumer Spotlight Newsletter in November of 2009 and in local news articles over the years for overcoming her struggles. When asked “What is something you want people to know about you?” her response was “I don’t give up!” She is missed by her many staff and co-workers who consider her a true friend.
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 May, 2009
Clayton worked for FWO since 1993, he has worked at several of our shops and with many of our staff and consumers. He will be remembered for his off the wall jokes and his love for the consumers
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 October, 2008 "Dan overcame incredible adversity to achieve an independent lifestyle and become an active advocate for people with disabilities. Born with cerebral palsy, which affected his speech and muscle coordination, Mr. Moran was sent to a state mental institution at age 5. He spent three years there, followed by many years in foster care with different families where he became more independent. After graduating from Holly High School in 1983, he moved into a semi-independent home and held a series of jobs over the years. In 2000, FWO assisted Dan in getting hired as a part-time training and monitoring assistant in the Office of Rights and Advocacy, where he coached the staff on how to treat clients and educated others with disabilities about available services. "
-From the December 2008 Arc Michigan Newsletter
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December, 2008
Wanda was a wonderful consumer who always had a smile on her face. She enjoyed going out on outings with the FWO senior crew since 2002. Wanda made many friends with both staff & her coworkers who all miss her beautiful smile.
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