Employment Skills for Persons with Autism

Presenters from the Oakland University Center for Autism Outreach Service will share information on programs for families affected by autism on Wednesday, December 12, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The emphasis is on the pre-employment skills for adults ages 18 and older. This training program helps adults high on the spectrum learn the interpersonal skills necessary to get and keep a job. Scholarship information provided. Registration is required. Go to troypl.org/calendar or call (248) 524-3534.

Meet the Author

Meet Yasmin! follows a curious and creative Pakistani-American girl as she solves problems and experiences adventures. Saadia Faruqi, author of Meet Yasmin!, will share a story time read-aloud and answer questions about her books at the Troy Public Library on Saturday, December 15, from 2 to 2:45 p.m. Registration required at troypl.org/calendar or (248) 524-3541.

‘Tis the Season for Giving in Troy

There are many ways to share with those in need this holiday season. Whether you adopt a family, send food or money, help out with cold weather gear or donate your old cell phone, you are sure to make someone’s holiday better and brighter. Check out five great ways to give:

24th annual Police & Alliance Mobile Health Holiday Food & Gift Drive

Contribute by adopting a family, making a monetary donation or donating food. Non-perishable food can be dropped off at the Troy Police Department front desk during business hours through Wednesday, December 12 and monetary donations (checks payable to Alliance Mobile Health) or gift cards will be accepted until Monday, December 17.

Troy People Concerned Adopt a Family

Troy People Concerned (TPC) helps Troy citizens in crisis situations. TPC receives more requests for help during the holidays than any other time of year. To donate, make up a holiday food basket, adopt a family so they have holiday gifts, or donate local grocery store gift certificates. Call (248) 528-9199 to find out how you can help or visit troypeopleconcerned.org.

Decorate the Winter Warmer Trees

The Troy Women’s Association sponsors Winter Warmer Trees at three locations in Troy. Donate new mittens, gloves, scarves, and hats to hang on the tree. These winter warmer donations will be distributed to local organizations supporting needy children and families. Trees will be on display through December 20 at Troy City Hall, Troy Library, and Troy Community Center.

Cell Phones for Soldiers

The City of Troy and nonprofit Cell Phones for Soldiers are asking Troy residents to help troops call home by donating gently-used cellular phones. Funds raised from recycling these phones are used to purchase prepaid international calling cards. For every donated phone valued at $5, Cell Phones for Soldiers can provide two and a half hours of free talk time to deployed troops. Founded by two teenagers in 2004, the non-profit has supplied more than 300 million minutes of free talk time to deployed soldiers. The donation box is at City Hall in the Community Affairs Department during holiday season and throughout the year.

Toys for Tots

Bring new, unwrapped toys for boys and girls to the Toys for Tots collection box at Troy City Hall on the second floor outside of the City Council Chambers. The collection box will be there until December 20.

Troy Chamber Mentorships Available

The Troy Chamber of Commerce offers members a mentorship program to help young professionals access resources, insights and new skills by connecting with more experienced professionals. The goal is for participants to have professionally and personally rewarding conversations and connections.

To be considered for the program, mentees and mentors must fill out applications.

MENTOR APPLICATION

MENTEE APPLICATION

Applications are analyzed to match mentees to mentors that can provide the most useful resources and skills. After a preliminary meeting to ensure a good fit, the mentorship process generally includes weekly contact and a monthly face-to-face meeting.

For information, contact Theresa Ervin at (248) 641-1606 or theresa@troychamber.com.

Aptiv to Expand Troy Operation

Aptiv US Services General Partnership is a global technology company that develops safer, greener and more connected solutions enabling the future of mobility. Aptiv has approximately 150,000 employees and operates 14 technical centers, as well as manufacturing sites and customer support centers in 45 countries. They plan to renovate their Troy facility to accommodate approximately 500 engineers and support staff. Aptiv conducted a national search and narrowed its finalists to four states earlier this year. After a competitive process, Troy came out on top, beating locations in three different time zones.

Aptiv is expected to generate a total private investment of $20 million and create 500 jobs over the course of the project.

“The City of Troy is thrilled that Aptiv plans to locate its mobility research and development facility at its current Troy location. Aptiv is a global leader in developing advanced future mobility solutions,” said Troy Mayor Dane Slater. “Aptiv’s decision to locate its mobility R&D facility in Troy expands upon Troy’s reputation as a global hub for cutting edge research, development, engineering and technology.”

For information about careers with Aptiv, visit aptiv.com/careers.