On any bustling weekend at Pizza Ranch in Andover, MN, you’ll find Andrew Newstrom in the middle of it all at the dishwashing station. He’s hard at work, focused, and telling jokes as he keeps the heart of the restaurant running. His motto: “Everywhere in the world, people need pizza and chicken.”

Andrew trained for and found this job in partnership with Rise. Our supporters like you make it possible for people with disabilities to find meaningful jobs. We’re sharing Andrew’s story in this letter and hope it inspires you to make your first, or renewed, gift to Rise.

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Andrew, 48, washes more than 1,200 dishes a day. It’s fast, physical work. But when asked his favorite part of the job, he says, “Pay day,” followed by a chuckle.

After a brain injury that affected the movement of his left side, Andrew had to start over. Despite being told he lacked ambition, he knew that was wrong. He wanted a job and just needed someone to work with him to reach his goals. He didn’t give up.

“Andrew had been waiting for a job for 15 years,” shares Jennifer Nedegaard, an employment exploration specialist with Rise who now supports Andrew. She sees the hurdles that people with disabilities face when seeking employment. “They face stereotypes. They get given up on or forgotten about. We work with them to find opportunities,” she shares. “Andrew just needed some support.”

That support came through a case manager, a referral to Rise, and the Restaurant Ready Program. Restaurant Ready is a partnership between Hospitality Minnesota and organizations like Rise. The program and its classes help people build the skills they need to succeed in the hospitality field. Andrew showed up to classes eager to learn.

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Andrew knew exactly where he wanted to work – Pizza Ranch Andover. “It’s my favorite food and just down the road from me.”

Jennifer remembers how quickly everything changed in February earlier this year. “It all happened so fast.” She joined Andrew for an introduction to the general manager and tour at Pizza Ranch. She then helped him complete his application. Within just a few days, Andrew received a call, interviewed, and was hired on the spot.

After so many years of waiting, Andrew was hopeful this was the opportunity for him.

Rise’s Advancing Lives Fund also stepped in to make sure Andrew had what he needed to start strong. Items included work attire, a new wallet, and new BOA technology shoelaces, which make tying his shoes easier.

During his first shift, Jennifer stood beside him in the crowded, warm kitchen, doing dishes and learning the job together so Andrew was comfortable to work on his own moving forward. She still checks in regularly, connects with his managers, and helps with paperwork, questions, and anything else he needs to stay successful.

Andrew has found a supportive team at Pizza Ranch Andover, who have embraced him fully. Manager David describes Andrew as someone who “brings a positive attitude. He gives one hundred percent. He is always willing to learn.”

Jennifer has seen Andrew’s confidence grow so much in a short time. “When he started Restaurant Ready classes last fall, he wondered if he’d ever get a job,” she said. “Now he’s thriving.” His job is more than a paycheck – it’s a dream fulfilled. With Rise and his hard work so far, Andrew is building skills and proving exactly what he’s capable of.

And he’s not done yet. “Right now, I’m working on learning how to keep up with everything here. And I’d like to get more hours,” he said. Andrew’s progress and confidence continue to grow because of people like you.

Your generosity makes journeys like Andrew’s possible. These journeys are full of opportunity, confidence, purpose, and belonging.

Your gift today opens the door for another person waiting for a chance, just like Andrew. Please make your gift to Rise today! Thank you for making a difference.

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