Published by Rise, Inc., a nonprofit agency assisting people in the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota advance their lives through employment, housing, and personal growth

June 2014Vol. 38, No. 2RISE REPORTER

Bob Meagher wraps a pallet of finished product for shipping at Liberty CartonCompany in Brooklyn Park. Rise President Lynn Noren and Mike Fiterman,chairman/CEO of Liberty Diversified International, discuss their mutuallybeneficial “partnership that works” on page 2.

RISE REPORTER JUNE 20142

Rise and Liberty Carton have enjoyed a mutally beneficial ‘partnership that works’ since 2003A

s the veteran college footballcoach, Lou Holtz, was knownto say, ‘I don’t need all the best

players; I need all of my playersdoing their best.’ That’s what we getfrom the Rise workers – everyoneworking hard and giving their verybest. It’s true of the whole organiza-tion.”

Mike Fiterman, chairman/CEO ofLiberty Diversified International (LDI),was speaking with Rise PresidentLynn Noren about the “partnershipthat works” which the two companieshave enjoyed for more than 10 years.

“While the spirit of the whole team –Rise workers and supervisors, andLiberty Carton customers andemployees -- increases the impactwe have on the community, it’s stillthe success of each person thatmakes this relationship so valuable.”

Noren pointed out that with theunemployment rate for people whohave disabilities at 70 percent, havingan opportunity to work for a greatcompany like Liberty Carton, an LDIsubsidiary, and be a productivemember of society is important toone’s feeling of self-worth.

Currently, there are about 45 peoplefrom Rise working at Liberty Carton.At the sprawling Brooklyn Park facili-ty, they assemble a wide range ofcustom corrugated packaging, dis-play, and fulfillment products to beshipped to Liberty customers aroundthe world.

Noting that “Diversity” is Liberty’smiddle name, Fiterman said Riseworkers bring great diversity to hisworkforce that would be difficult toduplicate on its own. “I think we have

all learned a lotfrom Rise work-ers, especiallyin regard toovercomingchallenges andbuilding on ourown individualstrengths.”

Although opento bringing inRise workers,Fiterman admits he originally was a little concerned with issues like worker safety,supervision, and transportation.

“But Rise made that seamless withoutstanding staff, great workers,and reliable transportation. Theymade it all work.”

Noren said that for her, a key char-acteristic of a good partnership isworking through challenging times.“Sometimes we had to put ourheads together to grapple with anissue, both being willing to give andtake some, and then solve it to bothour satisfaction.”

“Rise and Liberty have a mutualtrust, a commitment to excellence,and care about each other,”Fiterman added. “I know what Riseworkers and supervisors do andhow well they do it, so it takes theworry out of whether the work willget done on time to our qualitystandards.”

Noren also mentioned how muchRise workers and staff appreciatebeing treated respectfully, enjoyingdinners, gifts, and special recogni-tions available to all Libertyemployees.

For instance, each year Libertygives out special holiday gifts inDecember. The last few years, itwas a check for $25 which therecipient could make out to the person, group, or organization ofhis or her own choosing.

“It was an exciting opportunity forRise workers to be able to donateto a cause or agency that they sup-ported,” said Noren. “They learnedfrom Liberty how gratifying it is togive back. I know it meant a lot toeach one of them.”

“We look at Rise in two major ways,”Fiterman added. “It is a trusted ven-dor, as well as an agency that iseffectively addressing critical socie-tal issues and deserves our support.It’s been our privilege to be a partof this partnership that bringsadded value to the individuals, ourcompanies, and the community.”

Founded in 1918, LDI is a privatelyheld family of companies in thepaper and packaging, workplaceenvironments, healthcare, buildingproducts, and precision machiningmarkets.

Lynn Noren and Mike Fiterman at LDI’s headquarters in New Hope.

BECAUSE EVERYONE DESERVES to enjoy a

SELF-DETERMINED LIFE

THIRD ANNUAL Cele�ate RiseFUNDRAISING GALA

Thursday, October 2, 20145:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Minneapolis Marriott Northwest7025 Northland Drive North

Brooklyn Park, Minnesota

Free parking | Live music

Master of Ceremonies:Jason DeRusha, WCCO-TV

5:30 Social Hour and Games6:30 Dinner7:30 Awards Program, Live Auction, and Fund-a-Need for the Advancing Lives Fund

TICKETS GO ON SALE AUGUST 1, 2014Please watch for ticket information on our website: www.rise.org

If you have questions about the event or to inquire aboutevent sponsorship, contact Noel McCormick at Rise:

phone: 763-783-2832 | email: nmccormick@rise.org

RISE REPORTER JUNE 20144

After owning her own design andsewing business in Russia, Nadia puts

skills and talents to work at AirtexBeing deaf, Nadia appreciates support fromRise’s MEC program to find just the right job

When Nadia and her husbandLeonid moved from Russiato Texas about five years

ago to be closer to their onlydaughter, they knew they wouldface many challenges making a newlife in the United States.

Although they both had marketableskills, they had trouble findingemployment as they are deaf andneither understood English. Nadia’sdaughter, son-in-law, and friendstaught them American SignLanguage (ASL).

The couple moved to Minnesota in2011, because there were moreRussian people and culture here.Her first job was cleaning her pas-tor’s home. She and her husbandalso found work cleaning apart-ments, but that didn’t prove to be agood fit.

Eager to find a better job, Nadiawent to the Minnesota WorkforceCenter. They referred her to theMinnesota Employment Center(MEC) for People Who are Deaf andHard of Hearing program whichRise co-manages with Lifetrack inSt. Paul. She and Career PlanningSpecialist Mary Jo Duncan workedtogether to tailor her job search tofind something suitable to her inter-ests and skills.

Nadia went to work with a localretailer, tagging and preparing mer-

chandise on the sales floor. Sheenjoyed the job, but it wasn’t full-time work, didn’t pay benefits, andwas a long bus ride from home.

So Mary Jo and Nadia continuedsearching. A talented seamstress,Nadia had owned her own businessin Russia for 35 years doing design-ing and sewing wedding dressesand other clothing. In May 2013,Mary Jo found a job lead for asewing position at Airtex Design inNortheast Minneapolis. Airtex wasso impressed with the results of hersewing test that they hired her onthe spot.

Through an ASL interpreter, Nadiaindicated that she enjoys her chal-lenging work at Airtex very much,especially the variety of high-endproducts she works on. Located inNortheast Minneapolis, AirtexDesign Group designs a wide rangeof cutting-edge and innovativehome fashions, luggage, clothing,and other unique products.

“Nadia is a very dedicated, reliableemployee, and is a joy to havearound,” said her supervisor,Production Manager LornaKalibatas. “We value her attentionto detail and her quality of work.”

But the best part of her job, Nadiasaid, is the friendly people. She isteaching some of them some ASLso they can communicate better.

Mary Jo meets with Nadia twice amonth to assist her with interpretingand communication issues, fillingout paperwork as Nadia doesn’tread English, and helping with otherthings that may pop up.

Nadia signed that she appreciatesthe full support she gets from MaryJo. “She is wonderful and when Iwas frustrated, she helped me somuch. It was hard at first, but I hadto be patient and keep trying to finda good job; I’m very happy here.”

Using her SmartPhone, Nadia oftenrelies on signingsavy.com and anEnglish-to-Russian translation appto ease communication challenges.

Nadia said she is proud she and herhusband have made it on their ownwithout support from the Americangovernment. “We have worked andworked to make a good life here. Isay ‘thank you’ to everyone.”

“Nadia’s persistence certainly haspaid off,” said Mary Jo. “Shedeserves all of her success and I amvery proud of her.”

Leonid works as a carpenter for ahome remodeling company. Theyhave been married for 34 years andenjoy spending time with friends atDeaf Life Church in St. Paul. Theyalso love to travel to Kentucky tovisit herdaughter’s family, includingthree grandchildren ages three toseven.

RISE REPORTERJUNE 2014 5

Courtney faces housing, transportation, mental health challenges head on, focuses on a great future for her familyA

t times, her problemsseemed almost insurmount-able, but with tenacity and

determination, this young motherof two small boys is moving for-ward with great success.

Just two years ago, CourtneyGapinski was unem-ployed and living in aSt. Cloud-area home-less shelter with herchildren. Realizingher family neededprofessional assis-tance, Courtney wentto Central MinnesotaMental Health Centerfor services.Counseling sessionsand support were abig help for everyone.

A new job atPreferred Credit in St.Cloud enabledCourtney and hersons to move into their own apart-ment, but it stretched her budgetmuch too tightly and was not locat-ed in a good neighborhood.

In February 2013, Courtney’s men-tal health case manager referredher to Rise’s Central MinnesotaWorks program in St. Cloud whereshe began meeting twice a monthwith Lea Engnell, a mental healthand housing support specialist.

Together, Courtney and Leaaddressed her challenging issues.She had lost her driver’s licenseand didn’t have a car so it took hermore than two hours in the morn-ing and evening using public trans-portation to make the loopbetween home, her children’s daycare, and work. It was exhausting

and stressful for everyone, and leftlittle family time.

Courtney and Lea were able to findmore affordable housing in a betterneighborhood closer to work. Theyalso worked on getting her driver’slicense reinstated.

Courtney’s in the driver’s seat, butappreciates support from Rise’s LeaEngnell.

One of Courtney’s biggest recentaccomplishments was budgetingfor a car. “After not having my ownfor two years, buying a car in Marchhas transformed our lives!” shesaid. “Our morning and eveningcommutes have been cut to anhour, giving us so much more timefor family activities, and relieving alot of stress.“

Courtney and Lea continue to worktogether on budget issues so shecan repair her credit record andrepay student loans.

“It’s been an especially tough yearwith my son, who is now 8 years

old, having been in and out of thehospital,” Courtney added. “Butdespite all the ups and downs, Ihave managed to keep moving for-ward. Lea is good about giving methe push I need sometimes andthat’s very helpful.”

Courtney has enjoyed hercurrent job for two yearsand recently received apromotion to performancemanagement associate.She has also worked inhealth care and hopes tosomeday return to schoolto get a degree in criminaljustice, perhaps workingwith troubled juveniles.

“I think Courtney is one ofthe most resilient women Ihave met in a long time,”said Lea. “Despite manydifficult situations, she isstrong and knows what shewants; I admire her tenaci-

ty. We all need support at differenttimes in our lives and I’m happy tohelp Courtney explore all theoptions. She has her hands full, butshe’s doing a great job juggling itall.”

“There have been times when Iwanted to give up because therewas so much to deal with,” Courtneyadmitted. “But it’s so nice to havesomeone who’s in my corner to talkthings over with. Lea challengesme, but she also tells me I’m doinga good job and I need to hear that.And we continue to set goals for thefuture.”

For information about Rise’s mentalhealth and housing support servicesin Central Minnesota, call AmyCarter at 320-656-5608.

RISE REPORTER JUNE 20146

Lino Lakes City Hall employeescount on Matt’s attention to detailand solid work ethic in critical document scanning work

Amid the boxes and piles ofdocuments stacked in anoffice at the end of a quiet

hallway in the Lino Lakes City Hall,Matt Perrault methodically goesabout his important work. SinceOctober 2013, Matt has been scan-ning into a computer years’ worthof city records, accounting reports,and official paperwork prior tothem being shredded.

“Matt is an excellent worker and wecould not be more pleased withhim,” said Lisa Hogstad-Osterhues,deputy city clerk. “He is depend-able, reliable, detail-orientated,focused and hard-working. Weappreciate how meticulous he isabout his work. ”

Matt, 23, graduated fromCentennial High School in 2009and then participated in ProjectSEARCH, a statewide collaborationwhich places students who havedisabilities in area businesses togain job skills and experience. Heworked in an unpaid internship atMedtronic, rotating between threedifferent office locations anddepartments.

There he learned valuable comput-er skills, data entry, record scan-ning, photocopying, filing, andhigh-speed scanning, includingimporting, indexing, and verifying –all which helped prepare him forcompetitive employment. Matt alsoworked at University of MinnesotaPhysicians in their HumanResources Division doing recordsmanagement.

Referred to Rise forcareer planning andjob placement servic-es by Minnesota VocationalRehabilitation Services (VRS), Mattworked at Rise’s CommunityIntegration Program in CoonRapids doing clerical and produc-tion subcontract work during his jobsearch. With assistance from MarySteinmetz, a placement specialistwith Rise’s Milestones program, hethought the job with Lino Lakesmatched his skill set and wouldgive him an opportunity to grow.

Mary helped Matt prepare for hispanel job interview, and once hired,she assisted in training him in onhis new job. In the past severalmonths, Matt has expanded hisresponsibilities by creating newcomputer file templates, as well aslearning a new scanning processand laser-fiche program. The job isa twelve-month contracted posi-tion.

“I like getting my work done,” saidMatt who works about 25 hours aweek. “I like seeing all the work I’vecompleted, and the challenge ofwhat’s left to do. I know I do a goodjob and I’m proud of that. I’d like tostay with this job a long time.”

Matt said he also enjoys getting twopaychecks. After working his dayhours at Lino Lakes City Hall, hetakes Metro Mobility to the AnokaCounty Library branch in CirclePines where he works earlyevenings . Matt started as a volun-teer shelving books in 2010. He

enjoyed this work so much and wasdoing such a great job that thelibrary hired him in October 2013.Between the two jobs, Matt worksabout 40 hours a week.

His friendly, supportive city hall co-workers have been impressed withhow easily Matt was able to learnthe computer hardware and soft-ware and figure some new thingsout on his own; they also appreciatehis strong work ethic. Matt enjoysbeing included in potluck lunchesand other social gatherings with hisco-workers.

Matt said it’s nice to know that Maryis available for guidance or supportshould he need help with anyaspects of the job.

“But he hardly ever calls me!’ Maryquickly pointed out with a laugh. “Ithas been really fun to see how Matthas grown and come out of hisquiet shell. He always has a smileon his face and enjoys his co-work-ers. It has been an awesome oppor-tunity for Matt to increase his socialskills and gain meaningful workexperience.”

Matt, who has a twin sister,Jeanette, lives with younger sisterLisa and parents in Lino Lakes. Inhis free time, he enjoys playing thepiano, working on his computer,and swimming in his backyard pool.

Matt’s skill set was a good match forhis job at Lino Lakes City Hall.

RISE REPORTERJUNE 2014 7

Electrolux relies on Rise workers to assemble morethan 6,000 components each day for home freezers

2014 First Quarter Quality Electrolux Scorecard was 98.9%!!

With their employees turningout a home freezer everyten seconds, employees in

the Electrolux Major Appliance(EMA) Freezer Division need tohave all the right parts at their fin-gertips. They rely on Rise workersto subassemble several of the com-ponents and meet their high qualitystandards.

Each work day, about 40 people atRise’s Spring Lake Park productionfacility assemble several differentfreezer components, includingseven different fan motors, sevenfrost-free controls, one cold con-trol, two fan shrouds, and two drainpans. Averaging more than 6,000units each day, in April alone, Riseworkers completed a total of128,350 pieces to be shipped backto the Electrolux plant in St. Cloud.

Even more impressive than thenumbers of components produced,however, is the quality score EMAassesses the Rise team for its work.For instance, in the first quarter of2014, it was 98.9%! Electrolux’s

Supplier Scorecard measures sev-eral operational performance met-rics to come up with its rating.

Those working on the variousElectrolux lines are proud of theirwork and look forward to theScorecard being posted eachmonth so they can check their workresults.

“The Electrolux work is greatbecause so many people of varyingskill levels get to work on the con-tract,” said Michele Warren, Rise’sproduction manager. “Some of theElectrolux assembly is quite com-plex, so people have had to learn toread spec sheets, procedure list-ings, and schedules – even how topalletize the products and preparefor shipping. Electrolux has excep-tionally high standards for qualityand on-time delivery, and we areproud to consistently meetElectrolux’s performance require-ments.”

“We’re really good at Electrolux,”said Shawn Lovejoy of Rise’s Brain

Injury Connections program. He ispart of a finely tuned assemblyteam working together to producefan motors. “There’s a certain orderwe have to do things in and then wecheck the quality before we send itback to Electrolux.”

Rise and Electrolux have beenworking together since August2009, noted Rise’s Sales &Marketing Representative NancyHoff.

“We are fortunate to work withsome talented people at EMA whotake time to help us understandtheir processes, updates and fore-casts to do our job well,” saidNancy. “The work we do for EMAnot only brings variety and newskills to the table, but promotes asense of pride and dedication. Withtrucks showing up daily, we have tobe ready – and we are!”

Jeff Havensconstructs hundreds of theElectroluxcomponents ina work day.

Abdidaq Botan assembles Electroluxfans with detailed precision.

2013 INCOME STATEMENTIncome

Program service fees $ 11,969,490Production and labor sales to public 9,125,464Family Life Mental Health Center 2,772,792Grants and special projects 2,350,189Transportation 2,158,843Program contracts 1,677,377Donations/special events/United Way 305,372Other 278,134

Total Income $ 30,637,661

ExpensesDay Training and Habilitation Programs $ 10,241,869Vocational Rehabilitation and Supported

Employment Programs 3,181,508Housing and Independent Living Programs 1,012,870Adult Day Progams 546,576Welfare-to-Work Programs 401,314Family Life Mental Health Center 2,707,076Production 6,303,148Management and General 3,259,905Transportation 2,336,807Fundraising 81,105

Total Expenses $ 30,072,178

2013 BALANCE SHEETAssets

Current assets $ 2,539,216Land, buildings and equipment 13,241,566Less depreciation (7,224,318)Net land, buildings, and equipment 6,017,248Other assets 854,281

Total Assets $ 9,410,745

LiabilitiesCurrent liabilities $ 3,342,500Long-term debt 268,906Other liabilities 319,013

Total Liabilities $ 3,930,419

Net AssetsNet assets, unrestricted $ 15,113,192Net assets, temporarily restricted 240,354Net assets, permanently restricted 126,780

Total Net Assets $ 15,480,326

2013 Rise, Inc. Annual Report RISE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Julie Weaver, AnokaChair

Steve Well, ShorewoodVice Chair

Tom Kettleson, PlymouthTreasurer

Gene Merriam, Coon RapidsSecretary

Mark Bergmann, Minneapolis *Jon Grunewald, Elk RiverDixie Mengelkoch, BlaineLarry Pietrzak, Brooklyn ParkSherry Robinson, Andover *Manfred Tatzmann, Brooklyn ParkMary Zins, Golden Valley

* Elected in 2014

RISE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Lynn Noren, PresidentTim Dickie, Vice President Rosalin Chrest, FLMHCMary AndersonMelinda DannleyBeth DePointJennifer GajewskiDan HagbergTom HaglundMike HarperNancy HoffKeith HovlandNoel McCormickTruc PhamRobert ReedyKim StrandlundMichele Warren

Percentage of People Served by Disability Groups

Mental health: 30%Intellectual / developmental: 30%Sensory (blind, deaf, hard of hearing): 6%Traumatic brain injuries: 5%Learning: 3%Physical: 2%Other barriers; no disability condition: 24%

Housing and Homelessness Prevention ServicesHouseholds receiving homeless outreach

& referral services (people): 1,430Emergency services/short-term housing

support (households): 78 Community support programs/Independent

living skill services (adults): 55

Percentage of People Served by Rise’s Service Lines

Vocational Rehabilitation andSupported Employment: 34%Day Training & Habilitation: 28%Welfare to Work: 21%Housing and Independent Living: 14%Adult Day: 3%

Employment Services Competitive employment: 647Center-based employment: 521Community employment: 374New placements: 296Average hourly wage: $9.52Average hours worked per week: 28

County of ResidenceHennepin County: 48%Anoka County: 28%Central Minnesota Counties: 9%(Stearns, Benton, Sherburne, Wright, Pine, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Chisago)Other Minnesota Counties: 15%

Rise served 2,859 people in more than 40 housing support, employment, andpersonal growth programs throughout the Twin Cities and Central Minnesota

The Family Life Mental Health Center (FLMHC), a subsidiary of Rise located in Coon Rapids, served morethan 3,500 people through its full range of mentalhealth diagnostic and treatment services.

Rise’s transportation fleet traveled more than 3.5 million miles taking people to and from work, dailytransporting an average of 660 people.

Hundreds of people had the opportunity to participate inLife Enrichment activities, such as music therapy, ArtSpeaks, recreational/fitness activities, community volunteer projects, and community integration events.

Percentage of program participants who had a positive,affirmative statement about Rise services was 96%!Said one: “Everyone has gone above and beyond inhelping me, they’re concerned people, very kind andcompassionate. I am very grateful and thankful for thewonderful stuff.”

Percentage of stakeholders (family, social workers,referring agents, et al) who had a positive, affirmativestatement about Rise services was 98%!Said one: “We feel that Rise does a wonderful job helping people reach a higher quality of life andincrease their self-esteem. What Rise does best is theygive each person a good chance to excel.”

Additional Agency Highlights

JUNE 201410 Rise Reporter

Display Art Worldwide appreciatesRise crew’s high quality work onimportant rush packaging project

In April Cliff Thelen, productionmanager for Display ArtsWorldwide in Fridley, needed

close to 300 display systems cus-tom packaged and shipped outacross the nation in less than aweek to meet a client’s deadline.Thelen realized that based on theirbusy production schedules, currentwork loads and other clients’ dead-lines, Display Arts was in need ofadditional skilled help to work onthis rush project to satisfy animportant client.

Thelen called Rise’s Sales &Marketing Representative JohnNielsen to see if he had a crew ofworkers he could send over to helpon this important short-term proj-ect. Rise has been working withDisplay Arts since 2008 on a widerange of assembly and packagingjobs for their customers, mostoften at Rise’s production facility in nearby Spring Lake Park.

“Rise has enjoyed the businessrelationship that we have withDisplay Arts Worldwide for the pastseven years,” said Nielsen. “They

have supported Rise’smission and havesought out additionalwork opportunities forus. Cliff and his teamhave always beengreat to work withand we look forwardto growing our part-nership.”

Rise EmploymentSpecialist JebbAnderson brought ateam of four workersto get the job done.It took them only three days to finish the rush order.

Account Executive Marty Moynihanappreciated their efforts. “Whatreally helped us in having them dothe work here is that as they fin-ished individual orders, we couldship them out immediately. Wedidn’t have to wait for the full orderto be completed to start distribu-tion. Not only did this help us withtiming, but it cut our freight costs.”

Maintaining Display Art’s high qual-ity standards on the project was thework crew’s top priority.

“This was a win/win situation forus,” said Thielen. “The Rise crewwent to work quickly and finishedthe project early so we were able tobeat our customer’s expectations!”

In appreciation for their good work,Display Arts’ President TomMacGibbon treated the work crewto lunch their last day on the job.

Since 1925, Display Arts has beencreating world-class tradeshowexhibits and point-of-purchase /retail displays. Their artisan staffhandles the creative design, fabri-cation, and graphics, while theirlogistical professionals handleexhibit management, rentals,installation and dismantling, ship-ping, and warehousing of thesecustomized products.

A Partnership That Works!Business-to-Business Solutions

Rise welcomes the opportunity to discuss how together we can generate solutions that best meet some of your most pressing workforce and production challenges.

If you would like a free, no-obligation estimate, please contactRise’s Sales & Marketing Representatives:

Nancy Hoff at 763-783-2807; email: nhoff@rise.orgJohn Nielsen at 763-792-2434; email: jnielsen@rise.org

For more information, visit our website at: www.rise.org/4/business-to-business-solutions.html

Doug Golden (left) and Francis Hite were part of the crewwho helped Display Ad meet their customer’s needs.

RISE REPORTERJUNE 2014 11

Special thanks to our kind and generous friends at Cummins PowerGeneration (CPG) in Fridley who again have demonstrated their sup-

port of Rise’s programs by donating assembled bags of household items,plus additional personal hygiene items. Rise’s mental health and housingpractitioners pass along these critical items to people in need.

Rise sincerely appreciates Cummins' Community Involvement Team’scommitment to addressing the needs of people in this communitythrough a wide range of projects with various local agencies, includingRise. From left are Rise’s Barb Sopp, Holly Brabeck, Nancy Hoff, and LoriClauson; CPG’s Al Stephens, Supriya Budihal, and Rehnuma Sharmin;and Rise’s Sandy Jorgensen.

Cummins Power Generation generously supports housing programs

The Rise Board of Directorselected two new members atits March meeting to serve a

three-year term.

We welcome Mark Bergmann, amanager in Target’s IT Departmentwhere he has worked for 13 years.Mark's interest in Rise was sparkedwhen he volunteered to work at the2013 Celebrate Rise FundraisingGala. He said he was not onlyimpressed with the event itself, buthow enthusiastic and dedicated toRise people were. Mark has servedon several other advisory boards,many relating to education.

Sherry Robinson was also electedto Rise’s Board of Directors.

Originally from Rhode Island,Sherry worked for Pentair for sevenyears before relocating toMinnesota to serve as the humanresources manager at Pentair

Technical Solutions' Anoka plant inJuly 2011. Sherry said she considersserving on Rise's board as "a won-derful opportunity to work with agreat organization.”

Bergmann and Robinson excited to join Rise Board of Directors

Shop The Rise Storefor Rise apparel, drinkware

and gift certificates at

RiseStore.2020Brands.com

Rise’s Boardof DirectorswelcomedMarkBergmannand SherryRobinson inMarch.

Legislative session ends with big impact on Rise programs

RISE REPORTER JUNE 201412

Jon finds that working at Premium Watersimproves his health and outlook on life

Putting in a full day on the jobis personally gratifying forJon Retzlof who works at

Premium Waters as a water techni-cian refurbishing office and homewater coolers.

Once the water coolers have beenrepaired and refurbished, Joncleans them and tests them toensure they are working properly.The crew works together as a teamand completes scores of coolerseach day.

After not having worked for nineyears, having a steady job that he isgood at and enjoys has greatlyimproved Jon’s health.

“My mind is so much more focusedand I have a reason to get up in themorning,” said Jon. “When we havedays off for holidays, I actually missworking. I feel better, I feelstronger, and because I’m doing sowell at work, it has given me moreconfidence in other areas of my life,

too. I appreciate having a goodjob.”

In the fall of 2013, Jon wasreferred by a psychologist atthe Hennepin County MentalCenter to Rise’s CreatingAccess program for job place-ment and support services.Mental health issues and atraumatic brain injury had hin-dered Jon’s ability to find suit-able employment for manyyears.

Rise Employment ConsultantLisa Borucki Vukelich metwith him on a weekly basis to assessJon’s work history, and together,they developed a career plan. Theyalso came up with strategies andhealthy methods for structuredsleep that would be critical to Jon’semployment success.

“I saw the motivation in his eyes,”Lisa commented. “I knew he wasready to get back into the work-force.

Jon continue to meet twice amonth with Rise’s Chris Oestreicherto help ensure all continues to gowell on the job.

Along with other state serviceproviders, Rise is pleased

that the Minnesota Legislatureended its 2014 session May 16with changes in policy issues andincreased funding that will direct-ly impact the people Rise servic-es and its programs.

The most notable bill thatpassed this session was the 5%Campaign to increase rates forMedicaid-funded services. Thislegislation specifies that 80% ofthe funding be used to increase

related to rate-setting, licens-ing, and other regulatory areasthat will impact Rise’s services.

Special thanks to those whosupported these issues andcontacted legislators to sharetheir views; it made a differenceand is much appreciated.

Please feel free to contact RisePresident Lynn Noren atlnoren@rise.org if you have anyquestions or concerns.

the wages and benefits of directsupport professionals, with theremaining funds used to offsetadministrative expense increasessuch as fuel, utilities, and otheroperating expenses.

Additionally, the ExtendedEmployment programs received $250,000 statewide to increaserates. This amounts to a 2% rateincrease, or about $20,000, forRise.

There were also policy refinements

Jon takes pride in the work he doesat Premium Waters. Having agood job has give him confidencein other areas of his life.

RISE REPORTERJUNE 2014 13

New programs address previously under-served needsRobert Reedy, Rise's director ofVocational Services for the metroarea, testified at the Minnesota StateCapitol regarding Fetal AlcoholSpectrum Disorder (FASD). Withspecial funding from the MinnesotaOrganization Fetal AlcoholSyndrome (MOFAS), Rise now offersan employment program for peoplewith FASD.

Rise is excited to begin offer-ing three customizedemployment programs

starting mid-2014, designed toaddress specific needs of previous-ly under-served groups of people.

MOFAS Employment ServicesTo help meet the unique employ-ment service challenges peoplewith Fetal Alcohol SpectrumDisorder (FASD) face, Rise haspartnered with and is receivingfunding from the MinnesotaOrganization on Fetal AlcoholSyndrome (MOFAS) that willenable people to work in the com-petitive workforce.

In the first year, Rise staff willreceive specialized FASD trainingto work with at least 20 people,most of whom haven’t had a jobbefore. To be eligible for services,you must be 18 years of age orolder, live in Hennepin or AnokaCounty, and have a diagnosis ofFASD (or display FASD indicators).

MOFAS Employment Servicesinclude vocational assessment,career planning, job-seeking skillssupport, resume and cover letterdevelopment, and mock job inter-views. Once the individual is hired,Rise also offers job coaching,employment support, and follow-up services to help ensure success.

To help determine a person’s suit-ability for work in a particular fieldof employment, people may partic-ipate in an on-the-job tryout. Thisshort-term, paid position couldlead to a job offer, said AnneMornes, program coordinator forthe program.

For more information or to sched-ule an intake with a Rise employ-

ment consultant, please contactAnne at 612-706-2517; email:amornes@rise.org. Learn moreabout Fetal Alcohol SpectrumDisorder at www.MOFAS.org.

Sensory Support job placement Rise received a Home andCommunity-Based ServicesPerformance-Based IncentivePayment Program grant from theMinnesota Department of HumanServices (DHS) to fund communityjob placements for people in Rise'sDTH Sensory Support program whoare deaf and have intellectual dis-abilities and related conditions.

This exciting expansion to the pro-gram offers career planning, jobplacement, and follow-up servicesto people who want to work in com-munity employment positions.

Occupational communication /placement specialists will provideindividual placement and follow-upsupport services.

Three-agency MFIP service hub Rise joined with two other localhuman service agencies, LutheranSocial Service of Minnesota (LSS)

and CAPI (Center for Asian/PacificIslanders), to provide employmentand job placement services to peo-ple who are enrolled in theMinnesota Family InvestmentProgram (MFIP) in the SouthSuburban Region of HennepinCounty. Two employment coun-selors from LSS, CAPI and Riseeach will rotate working at a hubcenter (location still to be deter-mined), serving individuals who areseeking employment.

Rise’s director of MFIP andWelfare-to-Work programs, TrucPham, who started Rise’s MFIPservices for refugees and immi-grants in 1996, helped establish thisthree-agency collaboration.

“This partnership brings togetherthe capacity and infrastructure ofone of the largest nonprofit serviceproviders in Minnesota, LSS, withthe cultural/ethnic expertise ofCAPI, as well as Rise’s expertiseserving people with disabilities andother significant barriers to self-suf-ficiency,” said Pham. “All threeorganizations are high-performingwith current MFIP Hennepin Countycontracts and employ diverse staffmembers who are representative ofthe families served through MFIP.”

LSS is serving as the lead agencyfor this project. For more informa-tion, contact Truc at 612-872-7720.

RISE REPORTERJune 2014 * Vol. 38, No. 2

Beth DePointEditor; Director of Public Relations

Noel McCormickDirector of Advancement

Lynn NorenPresident

Julie WeaverChair, Rise Board of Directors

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