Welcome Missionary Baptist Church in Pontiac is dedicated to supporting its local community. Over the past 35 years, Pastor Douglas Jones has led the congregation and worked diligently to cultivate strong community partnerships – like the collaboration with DTE Energy, which has enhanced the city’s workforce development opportunities through its new Waterford Service Center to grow the local economy and better support residents of all ages.
“Not every young person will go to college, and that’s okay. DTE is a true corporate citizen and, thanks to the proximity of its new Waterford Service Center, the organization has helped us highlight a viable pathway into skilled trades – exposing young people to careers that offer good pay, job security and the chance to build a strong foundation for their future,” said Pastor Douglas.
One of the church’s highest priorities is to use action and advocacy to bring positive social change to surrounding communities. Through the collaboration with DTE and the Waterford Service Center, Welcome Missionary Baptist Church has been able to make great strides toward this goal by maximizing job options for community members. Residents have access to job shadowing and can receive hands-on experience right in their hometown, expanding opportunities for developing critical skills for continued career growth.
“We are proud to have strong partnerships that help youth build networks through shadowing business leaders and politicians. DTE being in our area and strongly engrained in our community has helped tremendously with this,” said Pastor Douglas. “Together, we’re building pathways to brighter futures, safer communities and stronger support systems.”
In addition to supporting the community through economic development, DTE’s proximity to the area through the service center has helped strengthen the relationship with residents and enabled DTE to get even more involved.
“They are nearby and if any assistance is needed, we can call right away and get a response,” said Pastor Douglas. “DTE is in our community and here for our community, and it’s a good feeling to know they’re nearby.”
Explore how DTE is making a difference in your community by visiting empoweringmichigan.com.