OCC and Community Resources

Resources to Help You Succeed

You’re here at OCC to start the process of moving towards a new career path and making a positive change in your livelihood. We want to see you succeed and we’re here as a resource! The OCC team will do what we can to assist so you can successfully complete the training. 

If you are aware of an existing situation or possible challenge you maybe faced with and need some help during the duration of your training program, please connect with your program coordinator and/or the education training specialist. It is best to connect with OCC immediately when an issue arises, so we can quickly find a solution for you. Sometimes it takes us a little bit of time to find the appropriate resource and/or obtain the necessary approvals. 

The following information is not intended to be a conclusive list of the resources available at OCC or in the metro Detroit area. This list can evolve as we learn of additional resources available. Please note that there is no guarantee you will be able to receive resources as there might be some eligibility requirements. This list is meant as a starting point to find potential resources for your situation.

Accommodations & Disability Services

Reasonable accommodations can be arraigned for individuals with a documented disability with the OCC ACCESS department. There is a process involved that takes time for review and approval.  

We strongly recommend that if you are interested in requesting accommodations, to connect with their department before the training starts. 

ACCESS Department
Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5 pm
Auburn Hills campus, B-112B
ahacess@oaklandcc.edu 
(248) 341-2380

Career Services

During the short-term program, you will receive training and in-classroom instruction, learning materials, hands-on learning experiences, eligible to earn certification exams, and network with with employers. While do not place graduates or guarantee employment after the training, you are welcome to use the services provided by OCC’s Career Services.  

Just a few examples of the services you can take advantage of:

  • Create a Handshake account – the College’s online job search platform
  • Schedule a one-on-one meeting with a career coordinator
  • Review of your resume
  • Schedule a mock interview session
  • Participate in Career Services hosted events and activities

Career Services
Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5 pm
Auburn Hills campus, B building, 1st floor
careerservices@oaklandcc.edu 
(248) 232-4730

Childcare

Oakland County Michigan Works! may be able to refer you to an organization with low-cost childcare. Connect with your assigned case manager for details.

Clothing

There are several thrift stores and non-profits in the Metro Detroit area that provide low-cost or no-cost professional and business casual clothing that can be used for interviews and jobs. 

If you need clothing and/or accessories for an interview, we strongly recommend you leave yourself enough time to look for an outfit. Plus, call the organization ahead of time to confirm their business hours. Some may require appointments. 

*Note: Location focuses on women’s apparel. 

Baldwin Center Clothes Closet 
Limited hours, appointments taken for shopping
200 Baldwin Avenue, Pontiac
(248) 332-6101 

Career Dress (partners with Lighthouse)* 
Monday - Wednesday and every other Thursday, 10am - 1:30pm 
55 West Huron Street, Pontiac 
(248) 481-8276

Council ReSale  
Monday - Saturday, 10am - 6pm
3297 West 12 Mile, Berkley 
resale@ncjwmi.org 
(248) 548-6664

Encore Upscale Resale
Monday - Saturday, 10am - 7pm
29080 Southfield Road, Southfield 
(248) 552-1555

Grace Centers of Hope
Monday - Saturday, 10am - 8pm
26740 Dequindre Road, Warren
info@gracecentersofhope.com 
(586) 582-9334

Monday - Saturday, 10am - 8pm
43584 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights
info@gracecentersofhope.com
(586) 997-9942

Monday - Saturday, 10am - 8pm
23119 Coolidge, Oak Park
info@gracecentersofhope.com 
(248) 556-7060

Monday - Saturday, 10am - 8pm
5919 Highland Road, Waterford
info@gracecentersofhope.com 
(248) 618-7057

Jackets for Jobs
Limited hours, appointments taken 
5555 Conner, Suite 2097, Detroit 
(313) 579-9160

Limited hours, appointments taken 
18100 Meyers Road, Detroit 
(313) 579-9160

Neighborhood House (Clothes Closet) 
Tuesday - Thursday, 9am - 4pm and Saturday, 9am - 2pm
44 Mill Street, Rochester 
(248) 656-0230

Open Door Outreach Center (Thrift Store) 
Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 4:30pm (Open until 7pm on Thursday) 
7140 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford 
(248) 360-4977

St. Vincent DePaul Society
25% discount for seniors, active duty military and veterans 

Tuesday - Friday, 9am - 4pm
3000 Gratiot Avenue, Detroit
(313) 393-2870

Monday - Saturday, 10am - 8pm and Sunday 11am - 6pm
28720 North Stephenson Highway, Madison Heights
(248) 206-5644

Monday - Saturday 10am - 8pm, Sunday 11am - 6pm
3198 Gratiot Boulevard, Marysville
(810) 204-9835

Monday - Saturday, 10am - 8pm and Sunday 11am - 6pm
13455 Hall Road, Utica
(586) 323-5133

Monday - Saturday, 10am - 8pm and Sunday 11am - 6pm
5395 Dixie Highway, Waterford
(248) 623-2780

Salvation Army – multiple locations in Metro Detroit

Veterans Returning Home (Thrift Store)
15% discount for seniors on Tuesdays, 20% discount for Veterans and first responders
Monday - Saturday, 10am - 7pm
29523 Gratiot Avenue, Roseville
(586) 285-5606

 Food Assistance

Oakland Community College

Metro Detroit area

 Technology

  • The Oakland County Michigan Works! office you’re working with may have a laptop to loan during the duration of the training program. For details, please check with your case manager.
  • OCC has a very limited number of loaner laptops available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Check with your program coordinator for details on checking out a laptop.
  • OCC library has some equipment (Chromebooks, phone/laptop chargers, webcams) that can be loaned out for a limited period of time. Additionally, the libraries have wireless access. Please note that a OCC username and password maybe needed to access resources.

 Transportation

In some cases, Oakland County Michigan Works! may be able to provide gas station gift cards. Generally, they will require students to have a document signed by the College to confirm your attendance in the classroom for a specified week. Connect with your assigned case manager for more details.

Additional Resources

There are several local organizations in the community that provide a wide variety of services. These are just a few where you can start with. Note:  Some of the organizations listed under the clothing category have additional services available.

  • Common Ground – The non-profit has a dedicated web page with a list of other resources available in the community and additional organizations that are available to help. (mental health, finding a safe place, medical and financial assistance, etc.)
  • Oakland County – The County has a web page with a list of resources related to: food assistance, health, household and utilities, legal resources, mental health, veteran services, and more.
  • Oakland County Michigan Works! – Many of the offices have different funding sources that they case use to meet the needs of their clients. Your case manager will be able to discuss the options available and if you may need to be connected with another contact.
  • OCC Counseling – The College’s counseling department is available to help you with educational, career and personal challenges. They can meet with you either by phone, Zoom or in-person. Plus, they have a list of various hotlines and helplines related to mental health, grief, domestic violence, addiction and more. Each campus has a counseling office. They can be contacted at 248-341-2270.