College & Career Access Center
Quarterly Newsletter: September 2025
Meet Quincie Cheeney
A Jackson County native, Quincie graduated from Concord High School and Albion College and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology. Before joining the CCAC, she worked in behavioral therapy for children with autism. Quincie loves supporting students, learning from diverse perspectives, and spending time with family, friends, and new adventures. Quincie advises at DaVinci, East Jackson, and Michigan Center.
Meet Samantha Hunt
A Jackson County native, Sam graduated from Jackson High School and earned her Bachelor of Applied Arts in Communication, with a minor in Recreation and Leadership, from Central Michigan University. She brings valuable experience teaching and presenting in the classroom and is passionate about guiding students as they explore college and career opportunities. In her spare time, she loves to travel, play tennis, and spend time with friends and family. Sam advises at Columbia Central, Hanover-Horton, and Jackson High.
College of the Quarter
Written by: Quincie Cheeney
Community colleges play a vital role in providing equitable and affordable postsecondary education in the U.S., and Lansing Community College (LCC) in Michigan’s capital exemplifies this mission. Established in 1957, LCC serves over 14,000 students annually with more than 200 programs, including associate degrees, professional certificates, and university transfer pathways. Its multiple campuses—Downtown, West, and East—allow the college to reach a diverse student body in age, background, and educational goals.
LCC stands out for its dual focus on university transfer and workforce development. Robust articulation agreements with universities such as Michigan State, Western Michigan, and the University of Michigan-Flint allow students to complete advanced degrees on campus through the University Center. Meanwhile, the West Campus offers cutting-edge technical programs in fields like welding, HVAC, robotics, and automotive technology, with pathways for apprenticeships and industry certifications.
Located in downtown Lansing, LCC leverages its proximity to state agencies to provide civic learning opportunities and public service internships. Supporting all students is central to its mission, with responsive teaching practices and targeted resources for first-generation and underserved students. Sustainability is embedded in both operations and academics, with a 2025 Climate Action Plan and programs in environmental science, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy.
With strong online offerings, flexible learning environments, and a commitment to innovation, Lansing Community College models a new vision for two-year higher education—integrating academic and vocational pathways, community engagement, and equity-driven student success.
Business of the Quarter
Andy’s Place: A Groundbreaking Recovery Community in Jackson
Written by: Quincie Cheeney
In the heart of Jackson, Michigan, a powerful model of hope and healing is transforming lives. Andy’s Place, located on West North Street, is more than just housing—it's a recovery-focused community designed for individuals and families battling substance use disorders. Opened in 2020, Andy’s Place was created in memory of Andy Hirst, a young man who lost his life to addiction. His father, Mike Hirst, turned personal tragedy into purpose by partnering with local leaders, nonprofits, and state agencies to create a place where people could recover with dignity—and without the ticking clock that often comes with temporary treatment programs.
Andy’s Place provides permanent supportive housing for residents referred through the Michigan Drug Treatment Court system. The complex includes 50 units—39 one-bedroom apartments for individuals and 11 two-bedroom units for families—ensuring that even parents in recovery can keep their children with them in a stable environment. But what truly sets Andy’s Place apart is what happens beyond the apartment doors. Residents have access to on-site case management, recovery programs, job training, life skills classes, and even wellness and recreational activities. There's also a community greenhouse, music room, and gathering space—fostering connection and purpose as key parts of recovery.
The design and construction also reflect long-term thinking. Andy’s Place is certified for green building standards, using energy-efficient appliances and sustainable materials. Solar panels help power parts of the facility, and future expansion—called Andy’s Place II—is already in motion, which will open the doors to more residents outside of the court system. Since opening, Andy’s Place has earned state and national recognition, including the Charles L. Edson Award for Housing Excellence, and is viewed as a model for other communities seeking to combat addiction and homelessness through supportive housing. “We don’t throw people away,” says founder Mike Hirst. “Everyone deserves a second chance—and sometimes a third or fourth. Andy’s Place gives people the time, support, and community to really change their lives.” For Jackson, Andy’s Place represents something bigger than recovery—it represents a future rooted in compassion, resilience, and the belief that healing happens best when people are surrounded by support, not stigma.
