Every year, Corewell Health selects an employee to receive the Nursing Excellence “Helping Hand” award. The award recognizes an individual who goes above and beyond to truly make a difference in the Corewell Health community. This year, we’re proud to say our very own Clay Vandenbussche was selected.

Nurses from Corewell Health Grosse Pointe sent the following letter as part of Clay’s nomination:

Clay is the heart behind the LAUNCH program at Grosse Pointe. LAUNCH stands for Learning, Advocate, Understanding, Nurture, Coaching and Hope. Clay worked with Betsy Schulte, the Director of Volunteer Services, to bring this program to life.

The program’s mission is to enable young adults who learn differently to gain training and career exploration, while volunteering in various areas of the hospital. The goals of the program include providing real life experiences to help support young adults with disabilities make successful transitions to a productive adult life and build their self-esteem. Additionally, the program provides volunteer opportunities to increase their skills and maximize their strengths, so that they can thrive and find their place in the world.

Clay mentors these young people and coaches them to bring about long-term positive changes that align and support our organization’s culture and our communities.

Graduates of the program have gone on to be hired into positions at Grosse Pointe and the impact not only on these young adults but on their parents and families is invaluable! We have received many letters from parents who attest to the impact the program has had.

The program is so well-received that it is being considered for implementation across the entire Corewell Health system. This is in no small part due to the innovative nature of the program and exceptional outcomes it has provided.

Clay is not only a shining star but also an angel in a red shirt and I can think of no one more deserving of this award.