Co-Founder
Brief info
Curt Behlow grew up in Sterling Heights, Michigan; the oldest of 7. From an early age, Curt had a close relationship with his maternal grandfather, Donald Shock Sr., whom he called Papa. From his Papa, Curt learned the value of faith, prayer and a strong work ethic.
At 18, Curt felt a call to duty and enlisted in the Marine Corps to serve his country. During his military career, Curt, was stationed on Parris Island, S.C. where he helped recruits prepare for training. As a Marine, Curt picked up many skills that would help him succeed in life. After being honorably discharged in 1994, he returned to Michigan. Like countless other Veterans; Curt struggled to translate the many skills learned in the military to a worthwhile, gainful career. He eventually learned skills in brick masonry and started a business in brick and concrete restoration.
In 2001, Curt gave up his business and traveled to Europe while discerning a spiritual call. There he studied Sacred Scripture and European art for two years. Curt settled in Dublin, Ireland and volunteered for the Society of St. Vincent De Paul. During this time, he felt a strong need to serve others in some way and a desire to return to academics. Curt felt he could best accomplish these two things by returning home.
In 2003, Curt returned to Michigan to begin undergraduate studies at Wayne State University while also working at St. Joseph’s Mercy Macomb hospital as a patient care assistant, phlebotomist, and a telemetry technician. Working in patient care, combined with his study of Ignatian Spirituality and the guidance of Jesuit mentors, Curt realized his desire to transition his education to social work. In 2007, Curt moved to Ann Arbor to study at the University of Michigan. In 2009, he completed his Master of Social Work degree which focused on interpersonal practice, mental health, and community organizing.
Upon graduation, he worked as a unit coordinator at Fresh Start Clubhouse; a member-led community supporting people with mental illness. The Clubhouse is where Curt experienced community empowerment in action. He practiced servant leadership while working side-by-side with clubhouse members; empowering them to take on leadership roles. His work led to the Clubhouse gaining International Accreditation. This accreditation served as clear demonstration of a Clubhouse’s commitment to excellence.
While at the Clubhouse, Curt started eagerly applying to VA for social work positions. Once again he felt a call to service and knew that he was meant to support and empower other Veterans, like him, who had struggled to find their purpose after discharging from the military.
In 2012, he was hired by the Detroit VA Medical Center as a social worker providing a broad array of services to homeless Veterans. This was a challenging job, but Curt was able to draw on his passion to serve and his clinical social work skills to get the job done. In 2014, Curt was hired by the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System as the Community Employment Coordinator (CEC) in the Homeless Program.
In March of 2015, Curt was faced with the need to help countless homeless Veterans return to employment. By April, he envisioned the idea of turning to the community to help the many Veterans needing support and gainful employment. It was this vision that prompted him to reach out and find key individuals in the community to join a planning committee that would soon be Hire MI Vet. Today, Hire MI Vet continues its mission with an all-volunteer team.
Curt extends his utmost gratitude to all Hire MI Vet volunteers for their hard work and commitment. Hire MI Vet would not be possible without you. Thank you to all who helped us get started: April LaRock, Rebecca Flatt, Donald Deatrick, Beverly Conatser, Colleen Mallory, Sayaka Matsumoto, Javon Gatewood, Barbara Hauswirth.
Special Thanks to Donald Deatrick who helped us take Hire MI Vet to new levels. Hire MI Vet is now a non-profit and growing in success due to Don’s focus and dedication.