Each year we highlight accomplishments of people who are doing big things through our Rise’ing Stars awards. Nominees are recognized for their extraordinary attitude, achievements and perseverance at work, home and in their communities. Four people were honored at this year’s Growing with Rise Gala, held November 7. The 2024 winners are:

John Cornelius

John Cornelius has been passionate about horses since he began therapeutic riding lessons as a child. Working with them was his only goal when he connected with Rise.

Finding long-term steady work at area stables was challenging. At first, he worked at more than one location just to fill his days and found it difficult to keep track of specific needs for up to 30 different horses. John eventually found a non-profit horse rescue in New Richmond where he works five days each week. With support from his mother, he is also becoming more independent. John took on extra work hours and is now searching for housing where he can live independently. We admire John’s patience, flexibility and persistence along with his strong commitment to being a better stable hand.

Janet Krear

Technology has allowed Janet Krear to find her own voice after decades of listening to others make important decisions on her behalf.

Janet has incorporated assistive technology into her daily life. An iPad and app with pre-programmed words and phrases now allows Janet to speak her mind. Adapting to the technology, which also uses facial recognition speech, has been challenging for Janet and her support team, who regularly meet with a Rise employment exploration specialist to build new skills and refine the technology. Janet has gained greater autonomy because of her hard work, and for the first time, at age 50, she is exploring the idea of employment.

Jafar Lee

Jafar Lee has worked hard to prove that he can work independently. He recently found success as a dining room attendant at Crestview Assisted Living and Memory Care in Columbia Heights, Minn.

Jafar initially joined a Rise supported employment team at a local manufacturer. He knew he could do more, and began exploring independent employment, eventually finding Crestview through a job tryout. Jafar feels good about his job. The dining room work allows his personality to shine, and because it is a competitive employment position, he is also happy with the higher wage. He believes in himself and with the support of his family and his employer he will continue to find success.

Samantha J. Manthe

Sam Manthe’s life is trending upward.

In 2024 she crossed off several achievements, including finding a job she loves and moving to independent living, which has been a long-term goal. Sam prepared to find work and was offered a job at the first place she interviewed! Sam also bravely put a face to IPS employment support services for all Minnesotans while testifying before the Minnesota Workforce Development Finance and Policy Committee earlier in 2024. Thank you, Sam for making your voice heard, and congratulations on your success!