In the realm of corporate responsibility, Medicine Creek Enterprise Corporation (MCEC) made strides as it recently received a “Supports Families” recognition from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).

This award acknowledges MCEC’s dedicated commitment to good business practices, which include new hire reporting, income withholding orders, and national medical support notices related to child support enforcement.

The significance of this certificate lies in MCEC’s ongoing efforts to prioritize the support of our employees and their families.

“Whenever we onboard a new employee, we promptly report that information to DSHS,” said MCEC Human Resources Director Megan Peterson. “The speed of our reporting ensures that the children of our employees receive the child support payments they depend on. Providing for MCEC families has always been a top priority for us.”

“Providing for MCEC families has always been a top priority for us.”

Megan Peterson, MCEC Human Resources Director

Indeed, the speed and efficiency of our reporting were key contributing factors to earning the accolade.

“We report these new hires within 24 hours, which has led to our recognition for being swift and efficient in our collaboration with DSHS,” Peterson emphasized. “The ultimate goal is to ensure that MCEC families have the support they need, when they need it.”

However, MCEC’s commitment to supporting families extends beyond office work.

“We believe it’s crucial to support the youth connected to MCEC,” Peterson said. “In addition to our collaboration with DSHS, we run youth programs at our work sites during the summer. These programs provide the children of our employees and the Nisqually community with valuable opportunities to grow and develop. We are determined to contribute to creating a brighter future for the next generation.”

“The ultimate goal is to ensure that MCEC families have the support they need, when they need it.”

Megan Peterson, MCEC Human Resources Director

The details of these summer youth programs illustrate that determination.

“We had young participants, aged 15 to 17, working in various capacities within the Nisqually Markets, such as gas attendants, deli clerks, and baristas,” Peterson said. “Our aim was to expose them to the realities of a nine-to-five job, helping them become familiar with working schedules, having a boss, and collaborating with coworkers. This experience equips them with essential skills as they transition into adulthood.”

The certificate presented by DSHS received additional praise, providing more insight into why DSHS selected MCEC for the distinction.

The document concludes with a heartfelt message from DSHS: “We realize the efforts you are putting in, though vital to helping families thrive, demand extra time and attention. As a token of our appreciation and as a symbol of your excellence, we have enclosed a well-deserved badge of honor window cling for you to display at your establishment, signifying to others that this employer supports families.”

For Peterson, the recognition serves as a source of pride and a true validation of MCEC’s efforts.

“This is a significant milestone for us because we’ve never received an accolade like this before,” Peterson said. “It’s truly gratifying to know that we are making a positive impact by supporting families in the best possible way.”