People like you make a big difference in the lives of adults with disabilities who are working toward their personal and employment goals. One of those people is Austin Hackley, a retail helper at Kwik Trip gas station in Stillwater, MN. Austin has been with Rise for more than ten years. We hope his success story inspires you to make your first, or renewed, gift to Rise as we continue our mission of unlocking opportunities for people in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. 

Support Rise

Austin, 33, starts each shift with a plan and a purpose. “I’m in charge of taking care of outside garbage bins, inside garbage bins, and stocking the cooler of milk, eggs, butter, and soda,” he explains. He also helps unload deliveries and restock snacks.

Austin does his job with consistency, speed, and a great attitude. “I show up every day, making sure that my tasks are done. And safely,” he says. “I have a good attitude and good customer service.”

Austin is supported by Rise Employment Consultant Victoria Klesk, who checks in with him regularly. “Austin and I typically check in once a week,” Victoria says. “I’ll stop in and visit to see how he’s doing and if there’s anything at work that needs addressing. If I can help ease any stress, I’ll do that.”

Her support includes helping adjust Austin’s schedule when needed, arranging his transportation, and talking through any personal challenges that might affect his job. “He’ll have moments where he can get frustrated with things in his personal life,” Victoria says. “I’m here to help problem-solve and reframe so it doesn’t affect his work.”

With that support, Austin thrives.

“He is incredibly honest and genuine,” Victoria says. “He does his work with care and intention.” Turning to Austin, she adds with a smile, “You’re a superstar at your job here!”

Make Your 2025 Gift

Austin’s energy carries over into his life outside of work. He enjoys spending time with friends, watching “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”, and playing Pokémon – even trading digital cards with Victoria.

He’s also an accomplished athlete. Austin is a runner, a second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and a longtime participant in Special Olympics.

“In 2019, I went to Delaware for training for Special Olympics World Games,” he says. “There were only five people from Minnesota that got selected to go.”

From there, he traveled to Dubai, UAE on a 14-hour flight to compete in track and field events. He placed in both the 800-meter and 1500-meter races – and brought home gold with his relay team.

“Kwik Trip was great about time off for that,” he adds. That kind of flexibility – paired with Rise’s ongoing encouragement – has allowed Austin to grow both professionally and personally.

Without Rise, Austin might not have the chance to show employers everything he can do. “He has a lot of valuable experiences,” Victoria explains. “But he may not necessarily know to share that. If I wasn’t present during the job exploration process, he may not speak enough to his skills and experience.”

Through Rise, Austin found the tools and the guidance to succeed. And through Austin, Kwik Trip gained a teammate who brings passion, dedication, and joy to every shift.

“Austin is a very hard worker,” says John, the store leader at Kwik Trip Stillwater. “He makes people smile and will do whatever is needed to get done. He’s happy, and people enjoy working with him.” Victoria adds, “They care about Austin here. He belongs here.”

Rise supports thousands of people like Austin every day as they work toward independence, purpose, and belonging. Let’s keep that momentum going.

Please give to Rise today. You’re part of a community of people that believes everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their goals, overcome barriers, and lead fulfilling lives. Thank you for being a difference-maker.

Make a Gift to Rise Today     |      More Stories from Rise

Your contribution to Rise, Inc, a 501(c)(3) organization, is tax-deductible according to IRS regulations.