Our supporters are the reason that thousands of people work with Rise each year as they discover and achieve their employment goals. We hope his success story inspires you to make a gift to Rise as we continue our mission of unlocking opportunities for people in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. 

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For the past five years, Katie Diegnau has been part of a Supported Employment Team (SET) at Bix Produce, preparing and assembling boxes of fresh herbs for shipment. These boxes are then sent out to kitchens across the Midwest. When asked how much work Katie and her team get done every day, she says with a laugh, “A lot of boxes. Maybe a hundred a day.”

Katie, 38, works five hours a day, Monday through Friday, alongside three other team members supported by Rise. She’s proud of her work – and proud of the skills she’s built. “You have got to focus,” she says. “You have to be on time. You have to be friendly.”

Katie came to Rise after high school through a transition program. Since then, she’s found not just a job, but a place to grow and make connections. “I’ve made friends here,” she says. “They’re good at helping me out. It’s a lot of fun.”

Katie’s work also takes dedication. “I like it here because I do a good job,” she says. “And I’m a hard worker.”

Krista Heiple is a Rise direct support professional (DSP). She acts as supervisor, driver, and job coach for Katie and the team. Krista sees Katie’s talents every day. “Katie is upbeat and positive,” she says. “She is a hard worker and knows all the different tasks our crew does throughout the week. She’s always willing to help where she’s needed, and she helps her coworkers if she sees them struggling.”

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Krista’s favorite part of her job is getting to know the people she supports. “I enjoy helping them learn what their strengths are and how to apply them to their job.”

Without Rise’s services and supports, Krista says that employment would be more of a challenge for Katie. “She’s a great worker and could do a variety of jobs, but she needs the guidance and supervision provided at her SET site.”

During her journey with Rise so far, Katie has worked on cleaning crews, at warehouse jobs, and more. She’s learned food safety, proper cleaning techniques, warehouse safety, and social skills. She has also volunteered in the community, joined outings with Rise’s life enrichment programs, and made many new friends.

Outside of work, Katie’s life is full. She’s been in Special Olympics for ten years, participating in basketball, hockey, softball, golf, and now bowling. “I’ve got a lot of sports,” she says with a smile.

In her spare time, Katie rides her bike, regularly goes on walks with her dad, and babysits her baby niece. She’s also a hobby gardener, with a preference for a bright variety of flower colors such as yellow, purple, orange, and white. She adds, “This year, I put mint in my garden and it’s almost time to get it out.”

Katie sees herself staying at Bix for a long time. “I like being here. It’s a good place to work,” she says.

97% of the people we serve report satisfaction with their time with Rise. You and your fellow supporters make this possible. At Rise, we believe everyone deserves the chance to work, grow, and belong. Your gift helps make that possible – for Katie, and for thousands of others building meaningful lives through employment, connection, and community.

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