Enrichment Focus – Greater Minnesota
Michael Walker, PHASE Industries
Sandstone
DSP Lead
“Over the years, I see clients change from their shoulders slumped forward to walking around with more of a swagger. I love being a part of that process where we help people find themselves and be happy with what they’re doing.” – Mike Walker
Fourteen years ago, Michael Walker decided to retire from his 40-year career in highway heavy construction and instead put his energy into serving his community. Now at the age of 73, Michael is a constant source of support for clients at PHASE – Industries, Inc. One of his biggest impacts was the creation of the Heritage Barnwood program, which consists of tearing down barns, harvesting the wood, then repurposing it in the wood shop. The program has seen countless custom orders for tables, chairs, flower boxes and burnt wood lettering plaques. After completion of the finished products, Michael takes participants to local shows, where they set up a display and sell the products. In addition to the Heritage Barnwood program, Michael regularly invites program participants to his farm to interact with his horses and his many dogs.
“I wish they knew the reward that they can gain from their position. Clients are also here to do what we do – build character and get that reward back.” – Mike Walker
Photo: Above, Michael Walker, at left, with PHASE Industries Executive Director Tim Schmutzer
Article and media taken from MOHRMN.ORG – https://mohrmn.org/awards/mohr-awards