Peckham’s five lines of business provide steady employment and meaningful career pathways for individuals who need opportunity and stability. Theresa Grace has worked in two of these lines of business — Manufacturing and Custodial Services — since joining Peckham in the early 2020s.
At the time, Theresa was emerging from an abusive situation. She was experiencing homelessness, had no reliable transportation, and was starting over with very limited resources. She moved into her daughter’s home, sharing a bedroom because it was the only option available to her. Despite these challenges, Theresa was determined to rebuild her life.
She applied to more than 30 jobs. Peckham was the first organization to call her back. Theresa attended her interview not fully knowing what Peckham did, but she successfully completed the sewing test, performed well in the interview, and was hired as a sewer in Manufacturing. She quickly developed strong skills, advanced to Level Three, and found stability in her work. However, when Peckham’s Charlotte manufacturing plant closed in January 2024, the transition was difficult and uncertain.
Motivated by the experience, Theresa transferred to a sewing position at Peckham’s headquarters in Lansing. While she appreciated the opportunity, the fast-paced environment proved challenging due to the lingering effects of trauma, and she realized she needed a different work setting. She applied for a position with Peckham’s Custodial Services team and began working at the Michigan State Police headquarters — an assignment she still speaks about with pride.
Over the next year, Theresa continued to grow within Custodial Services. She was promoted to Crew Lead in May 2025, and just six months later interviewed for and was selected as Supervisor of Custodial Services at the Grand Tower in downtown Lansing in October 2025.
Today, Theresa oversees three buildings and leads a team of thirteen employees. Her responsibilities include inspecting quality, ensuring equipment readiness, coordinating with management, and supporting her team members. Peckham manages millions of square feet of state facilities in downtown Lansing, and Theresa takes pride in maintaining high standards across the spaces she oversees. State employees regularly recognize and appreciate the quality of her team’s work.
Theresa credits her success to grit, determination, and the support she received at Peckham. She often says Peckham gave her more than a paycheck — it gave her stability, confidence, and people who believed in her before she believed in herself. She now strives to provide that same support to her team, working alongside them when needed and connecting them to housing or support programs when they face challenges.
Theresa has also contributed ideas to improve team member experience. Early in her time at Peckham, she purchased anti-slip work shoes that wore out quickly. After becoming staff, she developed a proposal, presented it to leadership, and secured a $5,000 mini-grant. As a result, Peckham partnered with Playmakers to properly fit team members with appropriate footwear based on their work needs.
Theresa says she plans to continue growing in her current role while supporting the people on her team and helping them succeed. She often shares a simple message with others who are facing barriers to employment: Peckham opens doors at whatever pace you are ready to move forward — and she is proof of what is possible when opportunity and determination meet.