Eric Sanders’ journey is a testament to resilience and the power of opportunity. Born prematurely, Eric faced significant challenges when a ventilator malfunction left him without oxygen for 15 minutes, resulting in cerebral palsy and a nearly lifelong reliance on a wheelchair. At age two, a CT scan revealed severe brain damage, with doctors uncertain he would live to see his sixth birthday. Yet, with youthful determination and supportive parents propelling him, Eric not only beat the odds, he clobbered them.

During his early teen years, Eric developed a passion for computers. In high school, he enrolled in computer courses at Lansing Community College (LCC), building skills that would shape his future. After earning a certificate from Michigan Career Technical Institute in 2004, Eric faced a new challenge: meager and limited Social Security payments offered him little independence. Seeking an alternative to a home-bound future, he connected with Michigan Rehabilitation Services, which introduced him to Peckham, a nonprofit federal contractor dedicated to empowering people with disabilities through meaningful employment.

Peckham’s mission, delivering high-quality services while fostering the potential of individuals like Eric, resonated deeply with him. In 2004, he joined their new call center as one of its first agents. His commitment and aptitude led to a supervisor role within a year and a half, where he excelled in mentoring others. Eric later trained new team members for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Enterprise Service Desk before returning to supervision with the USDA service desk, where he continues to thrive.

Peckham provided more than a job; it offered Eric a path to self-sufficiency. With his earnings, he unshackled himself from the hassle of public transportation by purchasing his first car. Becoming a member of Peckman’s self-advocacy team (PSAT) took his confidence to new heights. It “taught us how to be advocates in our community,” Eric says, reflecting on Peckham’s commitment to giving employees a voice. This ethos inspired him to advocate for himself and others, reinforcing the value of inclusion.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, Eric’s role as an essential worker opened further doors. Michigan’s Futures for Frontliners program provided tuition assistance, and Peckham’s Supervisor Scholarship Program offered additional support. Eric enrolled at LCC in 2021, and in May 2025, earned his degree with a 4.0 GPA each semester and a place on the President’s List. “My dream became a reality,” he says, giving a nod to Peckham and state support for his success.

Eric’s wife, Sherri, is overjoyed. “He doesn’t let anything stop him. Peckham saw what he was capable of and gave him a position to challenge himself and grow,” she said, reflecting a sentiment that bears witness to Peckham’s impact: creating opportunities where barriers once stood. “If it wasn’t for Peckham, I’m not sure where I’d be,” Eric reflects. Through perseverance and the unwavering support of his family and employer, Eric has built a stable, fulfilling career that enriches the lives of everyone with whom he comes in contact.