REPORTER RISE - Roger Samsa helps keep the Kohl's store in Cambridge clean and inviting for its shoppers. Find out more about Roger on page 7 ...
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RISE REPORTER FALL 2018 | VOL. 43, NO. 3 Roger Samsa helps keep the Kohl’s store in Cambridge clean and inviting for its shoppers. Find out more about Roger on page 7. Photo by Tilt Photography, Minneapolis
RISE REPORTER FALL 2018 | VOL. 43, NO. 3
A LETTER FROM PRESIDENT LYNN NOREN
You may recall that in the last issue of the Rise Reporter in June, we covered the challenging 2018 Minnesota
legislative session that resulted in a 7% cut to providers of Home and Community-Based Services funded by the
Medicaid Waiver. Both the House and Senate had passed bills which addressed the cut and restored the funds, but
ultimately, the final bills got caught up in political challenges when the Human Services Omnibus spending bills were
vetoed by Governor Mark Dayton.
Since that time, provider organizations and four individuals who have disabilities and receive Medicaid-funded
services have worked together to file a lawsuit in federal court to stop the cuts immediately until the issue can be
addressed in the next state legislative session. Unfortunately, the request for immediate relief was denied by Judge
Wilhemina Wright. The following quote from Julie Johnson, president of MOHR, a trade association representing
providers like Rise and ESR, sums up our disappointment on this issue.
“This was a complicated case, and ultimately, we respect the ruling of the court. Legislators supported a fix, but
in combining that fix with other unrelated items, it got caught up in a political battle. The great tragedy here is that
Minnesotans who have disabilities and the hard-working staff who support them have been allowed to become
collateral damage of partisan battles at the State Capitol.”
So where do we go from here? There are individual rate appeals being made as rates are impacted, as well as
further discussion about continuing the lawsuit. What we know for sure is that the Minnesota Legislature will be
called upon to resolve this challenge in 2019 and we will need your support on advocating for resolution.
This issue of the Reporter contains so many hopeful and exciting stories. Our focus at Rise will continue to be on
making a difference in the lives of the people we serve every day, regardless of the tumult going on around us. We
are excited that ESR has merged with Rise, and we believe that together, we are better organizations. It will be excit-
ing to watch as opportunities arise from our partnership and we collectively look forward to a bright future.
WHO WE ARE
Rise unlocks potential and opens doors to success for people with disabilities or other challenges through creative
solutions and customized support. We envision a progressive, supportive, and collaborative environment that
fosters meaningful growth and provides opportunities to live a life filled with purpose.
CONTENTS AT RISE
03 You’re invited to the 2018 Celebrate Rise Fundraising Gala Tom Kettleson
04 Alice works her way up to being a McDonald’s crew trainer Chair, Rise Board of Directors
05 Better together - ESR merges with Rise
Lynn Noren
06 Fifth Rise Adult Day Program opens in New Brighton President, Chief Executive Officer
07 Roger a valued employee at Kohl’s
08 Clayton proud of his precision work at Meier Tool & Engineering Noel McCormick
Vice President of Advancement
09 Employers find working with MEC most beneficial
10 Spotlight on volunteers Beth DePoint
11 Where’s Jean Stephenson? Retired! Director of Public Relations; Editor
12 Mary Anderson wraps up her exemplary 40-year career
13 Meet Rise’s Champions of the Month
14 Summer interns perform interesting, valuable work
16 Meet some great Rise team members - Want to join our staff?
We delight in the beauty of the butterfly,
but rarely admit the changes it has
gone through to achieve that beauty.
— Maya Angelou —
JOIN US FOR THE 7TH ANNUAL
Monday, October 22, 2018
5:00-8:30 p.m.
Minneapolis Marriott Northwest
R S V P B Y O C TO B E R 1 , 2 0 1 8
To purchase tickets online,
visit CelebrateRise2018.eventbrite.com
Featured Speaker
Beth Wozniak, CEO of nVent
If you are interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities,
please contact Noel McCormick at 763-783-2832 or nmccormick@rise.org.
CAN-DO ATTITUDE CATCHES MANAGER’S ATTENTION
After proving herself as a hard worker, Alice assists
others learn the ropes as a McDonald’s crew trainer
THERE AREN’T TOO many places ing colors!
in America busier than a McDon- Since 2009, Alice has trained
ald’s restaurant at noontime. And most of her co-workers on keeping
the one located on West Orleans the dining area and lobby clean,
St. in Stillwater, just a few miles taking food orders, preparing food
from the Minnesota-Wisconsin trays, delivering meals to seated
border, is certainly no exception. guests, assisting people with the
Alice Kane handles the steady new ordering kiosks, keeping the
stream of hungry customers with counter area stocked, and attend-
welcoming and friendly efficiency. ing the drive-through.
Whether they are traveling through In the past ten years, Alice has
town or regular diners, busy work- trained in scores of new workers. A
ers, school athletes after practice, few of them have even gone on to
families, or soldiers, Alice and her become McDonald’s store manag-
co-workers are a well-synchro- ers.
nized team serving their guests “Some people have what it
good food with a lot of pride. takes to work in a busy restaurant
Store Manager Richard Shadee
In her close to 30 years with and some don’t,” Alice observed.
said Alice’s co-workers and cus-
McDonald’s, Alice has done almost “I have to assess each person in
tomers look forward to seeing her
every job in the restaurant except the trainer’s log book,” she added.
smiling face everyday.
cook. Confident and unflappable at “It takes about four days to train
the height of the lunch rush, Alice in a new person before they are on
clearly enjoys her work. their own. But we always help each in late December, works Monday
“When I first started in May other out. We have a lot of really through Friday, about 28 hours a
1989, I never dreamed I would loyal employees who work here.” week. She takes Metro Mobility as
work here so many years,” said “Alice is a big part of our com- well as an ESR van to and from her
Alice. “My job was just keeping munity here at work,” said Store foster care provider/sister Linda’s
the dining area clean. But when Manager Richard Shade. “Her co- home in Lake Elmo to work.
my second manager got to know workers and customers look for- In her free time, Alice works
me better, she thought I could ward to seeing her smiling face ev- out twice a week at a fitness center.
do much more than clean so she eryday.” She is also active with Guardian
trained me on all the different jobs. Alice has been receiving fol- Angels Catholic Church in Oakdale
“And I’ve had to keep learning low-up support services from ESR, where she volunteers as an usher
new things,” Alice added. “The a new subsidiary of Rise, since De- and ar special events. Alice enjoys
cash register changes, we have new cember 1999. Employment Con- bowling, going to dances and the
ordering kiosks, the menu chang- sultant Denise Gibson meets with movies, and is a big sports fan.
es. I am a hard-worker and I al- her weekly to discuss any work-re- She wears a Minnesota Twins visor
ways do my very best.” lated issues she may have. They at work and will soon switch to a
Alice’s positive, can-do attitude discuss transportation concerns Minnesota Vikings’ visor when the
caught the attention of her manag- and work together with the Mc- football season starts.
ers. They encouraged her to study Donald’s team to ensure a great Being so close to Wisconsin, Al-
and take the exam to qualify to be customer experience for all. ice will no doubt enjoy bantering
a crew trainer. She passed with fly- Alice, who turns the ‘Big 5-0’ with many Green Bay Packer fans!!
4 RISE REPORTER
AGENCIES’ MERGER IS MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL
These will remain open, although
most of ESR’s administrative func-
tions, such as accounting and hu-
man resources, will move to Rise’s
main office in Spring Lake Park by
the end of 2018.
Two members of ESR’s board
of directors joined Rise’s board in
June. Susan Langfeldt works for
RISE ADDED 115 TEAM members months of a mutual discovery pro- Bremer Bank and lives in Deer
and began serving an additional cess, the Rise Board and the ESR Park, Wis.; Kelly Steffens of Pri-
500 people this summer. Board decided our merger was the or Lake is corporate counsel with
ESR, a nonprofit agency best option for everyone.” Home Services America.
which provides services to people Rise President Lynn Noren “In the past few months, Lynn
throughout Washington County, concurred. “Given all the changes and Rise’s Senior Leadership Team
Minnesota, and St. Croix County, in our industry, the leadership and have spent a lot of time meeting
Wisconsin, officially became a sub- boards of both organizations have with ESR staff and family mem-
sidiary of Rise on July 1. The two concluded that this partnership bers at all five locations to answer
agencies will transition into a full will result in a stronger combined their questions and address what-
merger by January 2019. organization in the future.” ever concerns they may have,” Ed
After more than 40 years of “ESR has a 54-year history of noted. “I think people realize that,
working the vocational rehabilita- providing quality employment ser- for the most part, it will continue to
tion field, Ed Boeve, ESR’s execu- vices to the people they serve and be ‘business as usual’ and that our
tive director, retired July 1, 2018. Rise is excited for the opportunity two agencies will be even stronger
He is, however, working part-time to partner with them,” Lynn con- together.”
through the end of the year to help tinued. “Our missions and service “Our team members are meet-
the merger process. philosophies are nearly identical, ing with community organizations
“Initially the ESR Board of Di- so we anticipate a smooth transi- and employers to introduce them
rectors was going to hire someone tion of professional team mem- to Rise and further solidify the
to fill my position, but they were bers, the people we serve, as well already-established partnerships
also looking at other options, in- as their families and support staff.” they have had with ESR,” Lynn
cluding merging with another ESR has five locations: Stillwa- added. “We are confident we will
agency,” said Ed. “Several Minne- ter, Cottage Grove, Forest Lake, be able to continue to build upon
sota organizations had expressed Oakdale (all in Washington Coun- these mutually beneficial work re-
an interest, but after two or three ty), and New Richmond, Wis. lationships.”
Honoring Larry Pietrzak, Emeritus Director
ALL OF US AT RISE extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Larry Pietrzak
who died August 20. Larry had been a valued member of Rise’s Board of Directors
since 1991, and through those many years, gave us countless hours of his vast
financial knowledge and experience, as well as his heartfelt compassion.
Larry truly enjoyed his 50-year banking career, and since 1995, was the senior
vice president of Northeast Bank at its Columbia Heights location. He was well-
known throughout the area, and was loved and respected for his integrity, humor,
and generosity. Larry and his wife of 48 years, Cheryl, were the proud parents of
sons Brian and Andy, and loving grandparents of Matthew, Joseph, Ben, Sophie,
and Ella. Thank you, Larry, for all you have done for Rise and the people we serve.
Your gifts of time and talent will be felt for many years to come.
FALL 2018 5
ADULT DAY PROGRAM EXPANDS
To meet the continuing need, Rise adds a fifth Adult
Day program in the New Brighton Community Center
DUE TO THE INCREASE in re- their plans for the future.”
quests for services, Rise has added Prior to its opening on August
its fifth new Adult Day Program 13, Judy and Program Supervisor
(ADP) at the New Brighton Com- Kim Sorenson worked with Jenni-
munity Center. fer Fink, the city’s director of Parks
Rise’s ADP services are fully and Recreation, and Community
integrated in community settings, Center staff to discuss program-
including at the Emma B. Howe ming opportunities and determine
Northtown Family YMCA in Coon how the two organizations could
Rapids, the Fridley Community work together.
Center, the Maplewood Communi- “Because Rise offers our Adult
ty Center/YMCA, and the Mounds Day Programs in partnership with
View YMCA/Community Cen- other community organizations,
ter. In total, about 100 people are we are able to cost-effectively ex-
served in these five locations. pand the specialized services and
ADP offers specialized recre- opportunities to better serve indi-
ational, personal growth, as well viduals’ needs and interests,” Judy
as health and fitness services for explained.
people who have intellectual and In addition to the many ADP
physical disabilities, brain injuries, services, people will have access to
and related conditions. the community center’s resources.
Depending on the Rise ADP People benefit from having access
location, people can choose to par- DSP Shari Happel takes people for to a great walking track, exercise
ticipate in a wide range of activi- a stroll around the walking track.
machines, gymnasium, classes,
ties, including art and music thera- and a branch of the Ramsey Coun-
pies, cooking and nutrition, YMCA possibility of hosting an Adult Day ty Library.
group classes and events, fitness Program in their community cen- With individual, flexible sched-
activities, volunteer community ter, the city was just starting an uling, people can create their full-
service projects, as well as social inclusive community taskforce,” time or part-time schedule to suit
and learning activities. said ADP Program Director Judy their personal needs.
“When I approached the New Andersen. “So this kind of part- “This is a great location – a re-
Brighton City Council about the nership with Rise fit perfectly into ally amazing facility,” Judy added.
“Jennifer and all of her staff have
made us feel so welcome. They
continue to come up with fun ways
for us to work together. I know it
will be a great collaborative part-
nership.”
For more information regard-
ing Rise’s Adult Day Programs,
please contact Judy Andersen at
Case Manager Rachel West leads a song fest of Elvis and Johnny Cash 763-567-0626; email: jandersen@
favorites. rise.org.
6 RISE REPORTER
INDEPENDENCE AT TOP OF LIST OF GOALS
Roger’s work ethic, diligence make
him a valued employee at Kohl’s
By Samantha Schoen, “Roger is truly a model em-
Rise’s Development Manager ployee and a very, very important
part of the Kohl’s community,”
ROGER SAMSA GREW UP in the said Cameron Hals, senior area
small town of Oconto, Wisconsin, manager for Diversified Mainte-
and moved to Cambridge in north nance Systems, LLC, who has been
central Minnesota in 2013 to be Roger’s supervisor for three years.
closer to his siblings. After three At the same time that Kohl’s
years of living with his brother, was changing custodial services,
Roger was eager to move out on Cameron also made a career move
his own as well as enter the work- to Diversified. extra mile for his new co-workers.
force. He quickly checked “inde- Due to his invaluable work eth- “He has seen many other peo-
pendence” off his list after moving ic, willingness to help others, and ple come and go, but he keeps
into an apartment. reliability, Cameron wanted Roger moving forward and is extremely
Unfortunately, Roger’s new to make the switch to his new team diligent and adaptive to the chang-
living situation didn’t last long as just as much as Kohl’s wanted to es,” Cameron added.
his landlord wasn’t keeping his keep Roger in their store. In fact, Roger drives his five-minute
building up to code, and conse- Kohl’s told Roger that he could commute to work himself and pays
quently, Roger was forced to move make his own schedule, selecting his sister rent with his proudly
out of his first independent home. the days and hours he wanted to earned wages.
Roger’s sister Mary, a pastor in work. In just three years, Roger has
Cambridge, offered Roger a place “Roger is a smiley, cheerful accomplished exactly what he set
to stay. Roger knew, however, that guy with the ability to affect oth- out to do. Although it is evident
he wouldn’t be fully satisfied un- ers around him with it,” Cameron that Roger’s impeccable qualities
til he found employment and was said. “I honestly wish I could clone led him to independence, Roger
able to pay her rent. him for some of my other sites.” stated emphatically that he would
Based on people’s advice, Mary Roger was flattered yet hum- not be where he is without the help
and Roger decided to check out bled by everyone’s desires for him of Jill and Rise’s services.
Rise. The two stopped into Rise’s to stay. During this four-month “I have no words to describe
Cambridge office and met Place- transition to the new company, how thankful I am for Jill,” Roger
ment Specialist Jill Johnston. Roger was the only custodian and said. “She has pointed me in all of
With Jill’s assistance, Roger was worked eight- to nine-hour days, the right directions.”
hired by a custodial company con- five days a week -- a schedule that Jill and Roger continue to meet
tracted by the Kohl’s department was usually spilt between four em- two or three times a month to make
store in Cambridge. Although Rog- ployees. On top of his extra hours, sure all is running smoothly at his
er was technically employed by the he also trained in new employees. job.
custodial company and not Kohl’s, But Roger loved his job and Outside of the workplace, Rog-
Roger’s presence at the store lasted was willing to put in the extra er likes to watch World War II
longer than his employer’s did! hours. Even when Diversifed’s movies and browse through thrift
How does that work?! Answer: contract officially began and Kohl’s stores searching for Avon collect-
Exceptional work by an exception- was back to having four custodians ables and vinyl records to add to
al employee. on duty, Roger continued to go the his well-established collection.
FALL 2018 7
‘WORK CAN BRING YOU HAPPINESS’
Clayton’s proud of the precision work
he does for Meier Tool & Engineering
EMPLOYEES AT MEIER Tool through, and quality-check up-
& Engineering, Inc.’s manu- ward of 6,000 pieces each day.
facturing plant in Anoka are “It took me about a week of
proud of the custom tooling one-on-one training to learn the
design, validation, and manu- different jobs,” said Clayton, who
facturing work they do primar- works from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.,
ily for the medical and defense Monday through Thursday. “I like
/ aerospace industries. Man- working on a variety of jobs. It’s a
aging upward of 250 different quiet work place, people are very
contracted parts, their work is nice and treat me well, and I have in August 2017, Clayton worked for
innovative, precise, and of the my own work station. All this real- about ten years at Lakeland Tool
highest quality. Their custom- ly helps me focus on the job. & Die in Anoka with a Rise work
ers expect no less. “I take a lot of pride in my work,” team as well as at Rise’s produc-
Clayton Skrove is proud of he added. “I think I do a good job, tion facility in Spring Lake Park.
the part he plays in this cus- maintaining my speed and accura- When he decided he was ready
tom metal-stamping business. cy. I hope to stay working here for for a new and more independent
Working on a wide range of a long time.” job in a community business,
components, Clayton is one of “Clayton is a valuable member Program Supervisor Kathy Frank
the last pair of eyes to check of our production team,” said Pro- worked with Clayton to find just
for quality and accuracy prior duction Supervisor Janelle Tieken. the right position. Direct Support
to parts being shipped to their “He’s reliable, self-motivated, and Professional Brandon Klug follows
end-users. detail-oriented -- a real joy to work up with Clayton and his supervisor
His inspection job requires with. He works hard every day to on a regular basis to help ensure
patience, dexterity, and com- exceed our customers’ expecta- that everything continues to go
plete focus. Clayton uses those tions.” well on the job and address any is-
attributes to inspect, sort Prior to getting his job at Meier sues which may come up.
Receiving work experience and
Clayton with Meier’s support from Rise has really paid
Operations Manager off, Clayton says. For those people
Jon Preston who are looking for employment,
Clayton advises to “get good train-
ing and be patient -- in the long
run, it will really pay off.
“Going to work at a job you like
will bring you happiness,” Clayton
added. “You will feel so much bet-
ter, you will improve your social
skills, and it sure helps financial-
ly!”
Clayton lives in Cedar and
drives to work. In his free time, he
especially enjoys shopping, going
to movies, and attending old car
shows. His favorite models are a
’57 Chevy and a ’70 Camaro.
8 RISE REPORTER
GETTING THE EMPLOYER’S PERSPECTIVE
Employers, employees appreciate support from MEC
By Austin Beatty, ”It has been
MEC Program Supervisor great to partner
ESTABLISHED IN 1996, the Min- with MEC and I
nesota Employment Center (MEC) appreciate their
provides employment support for support,” said Twi-
people who are Deaf, DeafBlind la. “Each person
and Hard of Hearing. Over the past brings unique attri-
20-plus years, we have supported butes and barriers,
hundreds of people successfully and MEC has been
obtain and retain employment. there all along to
But what about the employer’s provide resourc-
perspective? What is it like to part- es and education
ner with MEC for the ongoing sup- about working with
port services critical to maintain- employees who are
ing a strong relationship between Deaf. I often call on
employer and employee? Susan’s occupational communica- ing in the information (via an ASL
ARCH Language Network cur- tion specialist [OCS] to relay new interpreter), to support her with
rently employs two people who are information to her to help ensure follow-up questions that may come
Deaf, both of whom have received she gets it quickly and has an op- up later, or to formulate an email
services from MEC’s Sheila Ritter portunity to ask questions or seek with the right wording to express
and Austin Beatty since their first clarification, if needed.” her questions or concerns.
days on the job. Early on, an MEC OCS sug- “The biggest piece is knowing
Twila Erickson (at right in the gested one simple accommodation about and preparing for accom-
photo with Susan Mahler), ARCH‘s which made quite a difference to modations which may be needed,”
director of operations, has been a Susan. She was able to reposition said Twila. “After that, it’s really
key partner to help ensure a mutu- her desk so that when people en- not any different than having an
ally satisfactory work experience. tered her office she could see them employee who isn’t Deaf.”
Noting that ARCH uses an in- and not be startled. It was a seem- “ARCH has been a great com-
dividualistic approach to hiring, ingly small change, but one that pany to partner with and has pro-
Twila carefully determines the best had a profound impact on Susan’s vided a hugely supportive work-
fit within the company based on a comfort and ability to work well. place for its diverse employee
person’s strengths and interests. When ARCH recently rolled out pool,” Sheila noted.
ARCH first hired an employ- new software for the work that Su- “We know there are many peo-
ee who is Deaf in 2014. That per- san does, her OCS was there on the ple in the Deaf community who
son quickly acclimated to her new first day to assist in this big change are ready and able to work – and
work environment and voluntarily and has been involved in exten- there are many great employers
discontinued her follow-up sup- sive hands-on training since. Clear like ARCH who are willing to hire
port services with MEC shortly af- communication is vital in training, people for interesting positions,”
ter starting. and MEC helps ARCH ensure that Austin added. “The OCSes at MEC
Twila consulted with MEC to Susan gets the information she are ready to assist in matching em-
hire Susan Mahler who works in needs to continue doing her job ployers with great candidates.”
the Financial Services department. with minimal interruptions. For more information, con-
Susan has blossomed in her role Susan commented that it’s al- tact MEC at 651.265.2337; email:
throughout the two-plus years she ways helpful to have her OCS avail- sritter@rise.org. Check out MEC’s
has been with the company. MEC able in situations like these -- to website:MnEmploymentCenter.
continues to offer assistance. take notes while she is visually tak- org.
FALL 2018 9
VOLUNTEERS ENHANCE RISE SERVICES
Meet some great volunteers ~ read complete stories online
BEV WOLTERS -- “I think variety is the spice of life for volunteer-
ing,” said Bev Wolters. “I really enjoy doing so many different kinds of
things with different people at different Rise locations.”
Bev discovered a list of volunteer opportunities with Rise online in
October 2016 and met with (then) Volunteer Coordinator Zoe Leon-
ard-Monrad to see what would best suit her interests.
“Bev is my go-to person when I have special one-time or short-term
projects,” said Zoe. “She comes in with a big smile, ready to get to work on
whatever we need. Rise team members really appreciate her enthusiasm
and her flexibility. I know that if it works with her schedule, Bev is up for
anything!”
In the past year or so, Bev has helped serve at a number of Rise picnics
and holiday parties, tended bake sales, worked on clerical projects, sold
game tickets at the Celebrate Rise Fundraising Gala, and even helped
hang an Art Speaks exhibit at the Blaine City Hall. Read more about Bev
at rise.org/volunteer-opportunities/volunteer-spotlights
HALEY BREMER -- With New Age music playing softly in the
background, “yogis” Rachel and Andrea joined Volunteer Haley Bremer
for an hourlong yoga class. Using a soothing voice, Haley led the two
women through stretches and poses specifically adapted to meet their in-
dividual needs and physical capabilities.
“It’s nice to see people relax and just reflect on their day,” said Haley
who has been coming to Rise’s Bloomington facility about twice a week
since early June. “It was challenging at first, but with each session, I get
to know people better and our communication improves. People seem to
enjoy it more and more, and I think they find our sessions meaningful.
“It’s fun to be creative with yoga and people have really responded
well to it,” Haley noted. “I try to come up with new poses to add to our
practice each time and adapt poses for people who are in a seated posi-
tion, concentrating mostly on their arms, shoulders, and head.”
Read more about Haley at rise.org/volunteer-opportunities/volun-
teer-spotlights.
Are you interested in volunteering?!
We have opportunities throughout Rise in: * Administrative services * Special events
* The Celebrate Rise Gala Committee * Art Speaks * YMCA recreation * Mock job and
informational interviews * Special indoor and outdoor projects * Internship opportunities
To find out more about individual and group volunteer opportunities at Rise, or to submit
an online application form, check out our website at rise.org/volunteer-opportunities
Questions? Call Bethany at 763-792-2454; email: volunteer@rise.org.
Read about other volunteers online at rise.org/volunteer-opportunities/volunteer-spotlights
10 RISE REPORTER‘THE HEART’ OF RISE’S ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
Where’s Jean?! Enjoying her well-earned front desk, her replacement was
almost always asked, “Where’s
retirement after 18 years at Rise! Jean and when will she be back?”
Sometimes, people would wait un-
BETWEEN GREETING GUESTS, teractions I’ve had with so many til she returned, claiming she was
answering the phones, and re- different people – the public, the the only one who could really as-
sponding to people’s immediate people we serve, their families sist.
needs, Receptionist Jean Stephen- and support staff, my co-workers, “I’ve gotten to know a lot of
son was kept hopping at the front Rise’s business partners. It was fun people pretty well over the years,”
desk of Rise’s administrative offic- to have such a mix of activity.” said Jean. “It’s been really reward-
es in Spring Lake Park. Considered “Jean has been an incredible ing for me to help people and be
by Rise team members and the gem for Rise and I’m so happy for there for them. Sometimes people
people we serve to be “the heart” of her to be entering this new phase just need another person to listen
this office, it was a bittersweet day of her life,” said President Lynn to them even if you can’t really do
when Jean retired September 4! Noren. anything to fix the situation.”
Jean and her husband Ted “She has been our ambassador Jean said she finds it exciting
moved from Rapid City, South Da- to every visitor who steps inside. to see all the progress people have
kota, in 2000 to be closer to their One of the things I admire most made in their own work experienc-
daughter Teri’s growing family. about Jean is the way she interacts es and careers over the years, es-
She was hoping to find a good job with the people we serve and their pecially those who have traumatic
that was close to her new home in families. She is so respectful and brain injuries and sensory disabili-
Fridley since she wasn’t that famil- supportive; she takes the time to ties.
iar with the Twin Cities area. get to know them in such a genu- “People are so motivated to
“My first job many years ago ine way. Jean made all of us feel better their lives through work,”
was with a nonprofit organization welcomed every day.We are really she observed. “I also give a lot of
and my daughter Kelly had disabil- going to miss her.” credit to Rise’s staff, county social
ities, so I was really attracted to In her almost 18 years at the workers, and their family mem-
Rise,” Jean remembers. “At first, front desk, Jean has undoubted- bers. Rise’s program services have
I didn’t know what the parame- ly answered thousands of phone proven to be very successful.”
ters would be as a receptionist, calls. But one stands out in partic- Jean notes that she feels she
but I quickly realized that my job ular – a call from the White House! herself has changed some in this
would be doing whatever I could “I had to ask twice WHO was position. “I think I have become
do to help people throughout the calling, and even then, I didn’t re- more tolerant and empathetic over
day. I have really enjoyed the in- ally believe it,” Jean remembers. the years. I have a better under-
“But I put the call standing of the many kinds of chal-
through anyway lenges people face.”
and was later “It sure won’t be the same
surprised to find around here without Jean,” said
out it really was Kevin Whitley who is served at
someone from Rise. “She is pretty marvelous
the White House and did her job so well. She has
calling. Almost big shoes to fill. Lucky for all of us
every day, I have that Tracy [Dock-Masanz, who had
had a fun story worked in Rise’s accounting de-
to tell Ted when partment] is our new receptionist.”
I got home from Jean is really looking forward
work!” to not setting an alarm to get up
When Jean early. She also plans to travel and
was not at her spend more time with her family.
FALL 2018 11EXEMPLARY MENTOR, PROGRAM DEVELOPER
Mary Anderson retires from 40-year career
FOR THE PAST 40-PLUS years, whom she interacts and brings
Mary Anderson has devoted her such an energized, positive ap-
professional career to support- proach to everything she does.
ing people with disabilities. In People respond in kind and we all
her many positions in Minnesota benefit from the tone she sets.”
organizations, she has developed In 2011, Rise recognized Mary
exemplary program services, ad- as its Outstanding Community
vocated for systems change, served Partner of the Year, honoring her
on local and statewide organiza- 15 years serving as a volunteer on
tional boards and committees, and Rise’s Human Rights Committee,
mentored many men and women. of which she was chair.
In short, Mary has done out- Through CCP, Mary worked
standing work and left her mark collaboratively with Rise in the de-
on the disability field! velopment of services for some of
For the past five years, until her the last people to leave the state’s
retirement on July 2, Mary served disabilities in direct support posi- regional treatment centers in the
as the director of Rise’s CIP-Coon tions. mid-1990s.
Rapids Day Training and Habili- “I especially enjoyed working “I have known and worked
tation (DTH) and Supported Em- as a recreation director,” remem- with Mary on state and local issues
ployment Services in Anoka Coun- bers Mary. “I started a softball for many years,” said Rise Presi-
ty. team, took people camping in the dent Lynn Noren. “I have always
“I wanted to come work for north woods, and even toured admired her professional, compas-
Rise because it has such a great Florida. Many had never been on sionate dedication to people facing
reputation statewide and nation- an airplane or stayed in a motel.” challenges as well as her ability to
ally and is known for being at the After a brief stint in business look at ‘big pictures’ and develop
forefront of progressive program and personnel administration, real-time solutions leading to pos-
development and delivery,” said Mary went to work for CCP (Com- itive changes. She is well-respect-
Mary. “I have really enjoyed my munity Connection Partnership), a ed across the state and I was so
time here! It has been amazing to nonprofit organization in the Twin happy when she came to work for
work in a very positive, collabora- Cities providing skill development, Rise five years ago. Our DTH team
tive environment and experience employment, community, healthy members and the people we serve
the outstanding leadership of Lynn lifestyle, and recreational supports have benefitted greatly from her
[Noren] and Tim [Dickie].” to people with disabilities. She experience and expertise.”
A proud graduate of North Da- served as CCP’s executive director Mary plans to spend more time
kota State University, Mary grew for 21 years. on her family farm in North Dako-
up on a farm in “bison country.” Rise Vice President Tim Dickie ta and work with her brother on
Her younger brother, Mark, was has known and worked with Mary his art projects. She continues to
born with Down Syndrome and for many years before she came to serve on boards and committees
inspired Mary to study special ed- Rise. where she offers her professional
ucation before switching to child “She has such a tremendous expertise to help improve the lives
development and family relations. knowledge base, as well as a great of people with disabilities through-
She moved to the Twin Cities business sense and effective man- out the state of Minnesota.
after graduating from college to agement skills,” said Tim. “But All of us at Rise offer our sin-
begin her career working in res- most importantly, Mary cares cere thanks to Mary for her exem-
idential services for people with about each and every person with plary work and congratulate her on
her retirement!
12 RISE REPORTERHONORED BY RISE CO-WORKERS
Champions of the Month--
Meet some of Rise’s finest professional team members
EACH MONTH, RISE team mem- He is a fantastic team player and
Amanda
bers submit co-workers to be rec- an overall outstanding co-worker!”
Kendall,
ognized as a Champion of the Follow-Up Specialist Sue
May
Month. From this group (January Featherly is July’s Champion.
through August 2018 honorees), Her teammates were verbose in
one person was selected as the their respect and admiration for
2018 Champion of the Mission and Sue as she nears her 30th anniver-
will be honored at the upcoming sary at Rise. Two nominators said:
Celebrate Rise Fundraising Gala “Sue treats the people she
on October 22. serves with respect, kindness, and
Meet those who have been hon- understanding of their special and
ored May through August. unique needs. She helps improve
Rise co-workers say Amanda their lives by finding out what kind Paul
Kendall always goes above and of life and livelihood the person Herfindahl,
beyond her job as an employment truly wants -- what will make them June
consultant with Employment In- happy -- and then works with them
novations in Lindstrom where she so they can achieve it under their
has worked since January 2017. own steam.”
Amanda is noted for keeping com- Another said: “The people Sue
munications positive, going the serves know they can count on her
distance for the people we serve, as she is always there when need-
and assisting others. ed and goes out of her way to give
“I truly enjoy my position at consistent, professional service.
Rise,” said Amanda. “The people She is an excellent listener, collab- Sue
whom I support are all unique- orator, and advocate.” Featherly,
ly different in their personali- Antiwnette Holliday, a case July
ties, backgrounds, interests, and manager with Rise’s Community
strengths. It is amazing to watch Intergration Program (CIP)-Coon
them thrive and be successful at Rapids, was August’s Champion.
their employment goals!” Her fellow team members
Congratulations to Paul Her- appreciate that after a thorough
findahl, activity specialist with analysis, Antwinette revamped the
the Adult Day Program in Coon clerical team which helped people
Rapids. His co-workers say: “Paul be more confident with assign-
is dedicated to those whom he sup- ments. Antiwnette
ports at the YMCA. He is always They also said, “The people Holliday,
looking to make that day the best served feel more successful and are August
day for everyone, greeting each doing great work, thanks to Anti-
person as they arrive on the vans. wnette’s ideas and guidance.
He is so positive with both his “Antiwnette is always willing
co-workers and those he supports to help others. She is interested in
each day. finding what works best for peo-
“Paul knows what to do to re- ple and helping them achieve their
solve any situation that may arise. goals.”
FALL 2018 13INTERNS CONTRIBUTED MUCH TO RISE
Rise and interns benefit from another successful
summer cohort in a variety of agency departments
RISE WELCOMED a summer co- sue a career in data analysis or a women’s health issues, and per-
hort of six interns in June who similar field. haps one day, teach.
worked in program areas across “I came to Rise because the in- When she found Rise’s Linked-
the agency, including advance- ternship really fit what I was going In listing for the internship, Sarah
ment, accounting, assistive tech- to do with my future,” said Matt. “I said she “thought it was a miracle”
nology, human resources, market- was also really excited about how as the position would incorporate
ing, and program development. the agency provides opportunities her nursing compassion and her
Using the cohort model, in- for growth for people who other- business insight.
terns also participated in biweekly wise may not find such a position “Rise has an atmosphere that
training sessions to discuss a va- elsewhere in the community. is hard to put into words -- it is
riety of professional development “I was the first data analyst magical,” said Sarah. She helped
topics and learn from each other. intern that Rise has had, so in a structure a job club at Rise’s Coon
“We are excited about giving sense, I felt I brought something Rapids site for people who were
people the opportunity to learn new to the company -- working new to the job search process.
more about nonprofits, social ser- with data sets and creatively inter-
vices, and specifically, disabili- preting and showcasing them for Rachel Wilson-King,
ty- and employment-related pro- the rest of the company.” program marketing
grams,” explained Erin Braaten, Rachel graduated in May from
Rise’s vice president of human re- Sarah Bergen, Macalester College in St. Paul with
sources. “We hope they personally program development degrees in political science and so-
and professionally benefited from Sarah will start her senior year ciology, and a minor in legal stud-
their experiences here and perhaps at Marquette University in Mil- ies. She will be attending the Hum-
will consider a career in this field.” waukee in the fall where she is ma- phrey School of Public Affairs at
The interns came from a wide joring in nursing with a business the University of Minnesota in the
range of Minnesota and out-of- administration minor. After grad- fall pursuing her master’s in public
state colleges and universities, and uation, she hopes to go into health policy. Eventually, Rachel would
are pursuing degrees in differnt ar- research with a primary focus in like to do policy analysis and re-
eas. search in the field of education for
a nonprofit or government agency.
Matt Klein, Rachel initially came to Rise
data analysis last spring as a government affairs
Matt is a math major intern.
heading into his senior year “Grassroots advocacy, engag-
at Saint John’s University in ing with law-makers, and pro-
Collegeville. He plans to pur- viding legislators with real, per-
son-centered examples of why
Morgan Parke assisted they should support Rise’s mis-
Heather Barber and other sion, were all areas and skills I im-
data entry clerks in Rise’s proved with my internship. I loved
Crystal Data Ability that Rise primarily focused on that
program with their grassroots and self-advocacy piece
adaptive computer as I think it is so empowering for
hardware and software. people to have real opportunities
14 RISE REPORTERGREAT PROJECTS, GREAT EXPERIENCES
to connect with the legislative pro- From top left:
cess on a personal level.” Josh Stainer, Matt
Rachel followed up with a sec- Klein, and Rachel
ond internship position at Rise in Wilson-King.
marketing and outreach this sum- From bottom left:
mer. Jackie Bell, Mor-
“Even though I don’t have a gan Parke, and
background in marketing, the re- Sarah Bergen.
search and outreach aspects of my They learned a lot
projects helped me create some from their intern-
marketing products which I hope ships as well as
will be of value to Rise teams. from each other.
“My internships with Rise pro-
vided me with so many opportuni- and made adjustments to people’s specifically looking at the direct
ties and connections which will be assistive technologies. I researched support professionals’ position.
invaluable to me,” Rachel contin- and helped improve the systems Training is frequently related to
ued. “Not only have I gained a bet- used to advance the program and employee turnover, so by improv-
ter sense of the nonprofit and dis- improve people’s independence. ing training, employee turnover
ability services industries, but the I also developed guides for Rise might decrease.”
people whom I’ve met—Rise team team members to address and fix
members, the people they serve, as common technology issues.” Jackie Bell, development and
well as community and business special events
partners -- are what I’ve been most Josh Stainer, Jackie began her final year at
grateful for.” human resources the University of Minnesota Mor-
Josh graduated from the Col- ris in August, majoring in busi-
Morgan Parke, lege of St. Scholastica in Duluth ness management with a minor in
assistive technology with a degree in psychology and communications and an emphasis
Morgan will be a senior this minors in management and orga- in dance. She would like to have a
fall at the University of Minneso- nizational behavior. He is pursu- career in event planning.
ta–Twin Cities studying speech ing his master’s degree in industri- “I wanted to learn about the
language hearing sciences. She al/organizational psychology at St. nonprofit business world so the
plans to attend graduate school Cloud State University. He worked development and special events
for speech pathology and get her with Rise’s human resources team internship sounded both fun and
license to practice. to improve training and human re- educational,” said Jackie.
“I chose to intern with Rise be- sources practices. “I was really drawn to Rise’s
cause I am passionate about help- “Rise’s mission to provide op- mission. In working on the upcom-
ing others gain communicative portunities to people with disabil- ing Celebrate Rise Fundraising
and personal independence,” said ities and other challenges really Gala, I learned more about what
Morgan. “I am intrigued by the ad- resonated with me,” said Josh. it’s like to work for a nonprofit and
vancements of assistive technolo- “I would like a career in training the many facets of hosting a suc-
gy and how Rise has incorporated and development and/or change cessful major special event for the
various forms of it throughout its management. My internship pro- public. I hope I also contributed
programs. Through my work here, vided me with valuable experi- additional ideas for Rise’s social
I was able to gain a wider knowl- ences which will help advance my media and recognition commit-
edge base about the field of as- future career and professional de- tees.”
sistive technology and who it can velopment. Rise’s internship positions are
benefit, as well as see it in action. “I helped identify areas in posted on our website at www.rise.
“I answered questions about which training can be improved, org/jobs.
FALL 2018 15NON PROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Permit No. 94279
TWIN CITIES, MN
Administrative Offices | 8406 Sunset Road NE | Spring Lake Park, MN 55432-1387
t e R ise Ga la inside!
n to C e l e b r a
Invitatio
Interested in an exciting career? Join the Rise team! Find out more at rise.org/jobs
Meet just a few of our 400+ professional, dedicated, talented Rise team members ~
Top row: 1. Direct Support Professional Stephanie Lundeen works at CIP-Coon Rapids 2. Direct support professionals at
Crystal 3. Van Driver Brian Jafvert Second row: 4. Program Supervisor Samantha Trebtoske with Data Ability
5. Case Manager Williane daSilva with the Adult Day Program in Maplewood
Rise is all about people Photos by
and potential. We want Tilt Photography,
exceptional people on our Minneapolis
team who will help make a
difference in people’s lives!
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Send mailing changes to: Samantha Schoen | 763.792.2450 | sschoen@rise.orgYou can also read
