8th annual Celebrate Rise Fundraising Gala a great success
Oh, what a night!
More than 450 community partners, family, friends, Rise team members, and people we support attended the 8th Annual Celebrate Rise Fundraising Gala. It was held October 21 at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest in Brooklyn Park and was a festive evening of great food, fun and games,
Collaborative art project enhances New Brighton Community Center
You can’t help but slow down and take a nice, long look at the new piece of art adorning the whole north wall of the New Brighton Community Center located on N.W. 10th Street just off I-694. It’s colorful, whimsical, and beautiful!
The City of New Brighton was awarded a
Rise’s Re-Entry program assists people reacclimate successfully to the community, find sustainable work
Having worked a range of temp jobs over the past several years, and being on supervised release for 25 years following his incarceration, it was difficult for Lars to find a good job. But with career development, job placement, and follow-up support from Rise Employment Consultant Cassie Anderson, Lars has
Rachael Smith’s passion to help create awareness and understanding leads to position on Rise Board of Directors
By Shannon Widstrom, Volunteer & Recruitment Coordinator
Having been a member of Rise’s board for the past five years, Rachael Smith prides herself on being the “voice of the people.”
Back in 2015, Rachael’s Special Olympics golf coach was aware that Rise wanted to add to their volunteer board of
Mad Hatter Wellness offers Sexuality for All Abilities
It is an alarming statistic: People with intellectual disabilities are sexually assaulted at a rate of seven times higher than those without disabilities. Studies show that 83 percent of women and 32 percent of men are sexual assault victims at some time in their lives.
Our culture often doesn’t
Recognize and advocate for more support for staff
Note: Tracy Bird is a data entry clerk who works at Rise Spring Lake Park. This article was originally published in the June issue of Access Press – Minnesota’s Disability Community News Source.
By Tracy Bird
Whether state lawmakers are at the Minnesota State Capitol or in their districts, it
Music Man John Thorp offers great tunes for fun times
By Caitlin Maly, Rise intern
With a passion for both spending time with people who have disabilities and playing music, Rise volunteer and former van driver, John Thorp thoroughly enjoys hosting dancing and social events throughout the Twin Cities area.
He describes himself as “a big volunteer guy!” and has
Summer college interns assist with important projects
Rise welcomed four college interns in June to work over the summer in human resources, volunteerism, and development/special events. They also participated in biweekly professional development and training sessions in a wide range of topics.
“We wanted to offer them the opportunity to learn more about nonprofits, social services, and
Ruan & Bobcat value Rise workers
It wasn’t long after Todd Peterson started his new position as warehouse manager for Ruan’s Otsego facility in the spring of 2018, that he called Rise’s Sales Representative Nancy Hoff. He wanted to see if they could put a team of people from Rise to work.
Todd had worked at
MOHR awards shine a light on Rise’s outstanding team members, program services
Over the years, Rise team members and the agency itself have received many accolades and awards. But we consider those bestowed upon us by our peers as among the most valued.
Rise has three terrific honorees of the 2019 MOHR (Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation) awards which were presented
Mikros Engineering offers wide range of career opportunities
With Minnesota’s current unemployment rate hovering around three percent, businesses in all sectors often find it challenging to hire enough qualified workers to keep their operations running smoothly.
So that’s why Johnathan Milks, the Human Resources director at Mikros Engineering, Inc., says it exceptionally helpful when Rise’s Employment Consultant Amber
Register for Celebrate Rise! on October 21
Rise’s 8th annual Celebrate Rise Fundraising Gala is set for Monday, October 21 at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest in Brooklyn Park, from 5 – 8:30 p.m.
It’s a fun evening of special games and prizes, auctions, awards and honors, wonderful food and great people! Tickets are available online.
For sponsorship
Team lets Cummins employess know – ‘You’ve got mail!’
Among the many things the mail delivery team at Cummins in Shoreview enjoys about their work are the excited reactions they get when they email or call a Cummins employee to let them know they have a package to pick up.
“Are you sure it’s for me – I never
Workers at Activar find that team work is especially critical in multi-step operation building fire extinguisher cabinets
When Human Resources Generalist Grace Boese was looking to add more staff at Activar Construction Products Group in Bloomington, she knew just who to call: Rise’s Senior Sales Representative Nancy Hoff.
The idea was sparked by another manager who suggested supplementing the firm’s workforce with people from Rise. Grace had
For most Americans, the holidays are a time to enjoy spending time with family and friends, reflecting on the past year, and dining on great food!
But when the average Thanksgiving meal costs $48.90 per family, it can cause financial stress to many of the people Rise serves. Enter our
Community-integrated locations enhance Rise’s Adult Day Programs services
Filling an ever-growing need in the community for day services for people who no longer wish to work due to their disability or their age, Rise offers five Adult Day Programs in the Twin Cities.
People, ages 18 through retirement, benefit from and enjoy participating in day activities, creating friendships,
Rise’s Pathways for Refugees job placement program honored with state award for service excellence
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) recently kicked off the new fiscal year with a conference and awards ceremony at the Shoreview Community Center. Employment Consultant Mohamed Daher from Rise’s Pathways for Refugees program was proud to accept the state’s 2018 Outstanding Refugee Program Excellence Award on behalf of
Rise’s ever-expanding partnership with Cretex companies continues to offer exciting work
Within the 110,000-square-foot facility in Anoka, rms Surgical employees manufacture and assemble state-of-the-art orthopedic medical devices that are implanted in patients throughout the United States and across Europe. A leader in surgical instruments and sterilization delivery systems, rms Surgical is part of the Cretex family of medical companies, a privately
Oh, what a night!!
More than 450 Rise team members, people we support, community partners, family and friends, and supports attended the 7th Annual Celebrate Rise Fundraising Gala held October 22 at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest in Brooklyn Park. It was a festive evening of great food, fun and games, special honor awards, FUNdraising, and much,
Employers, employees appreciate support from MEC
Established in 1996, the Minnesota Employment Center (MEC) provides employment support for people who are Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing. Over the past 20-plus years, we have supported hundreds of people successfully obtain and retain employment.
But what about the employer’s perspective? What is it like to partner with
Intern cohorts contributed much to Rise
Rise welcomed a summer cohort of six interns in June who worked in program areas across the agency, including advancement, accounting, assistive technology, human resources, marketing, and program development.
Using the cohort model, interns also participated in biweekly training sessions to discuss a variety of professional development topics and learn
Rise adds fifth Adult Day Program site in New Brighton
Due to the increase in requests for services, Rise has added its fifth new Adult Day Program (ADP) at the New Brighton Community Center.
Rise’s ADP services are fully integrated in community settings, including at the Emma B. Howe Northtown Family YMCA in Coon Rapids, the Fridley Community Center, the
Honoring Larry Pietrzak, Emeritus Director
All of us at Rise extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Larry Pietrzak who died August 20. Larry had been a valued member of Rise’s Board of Directors since 1991, and through those many years, gave us countless hours of his vast financial knowledge and experience, as well
Where’s Jean?! Enjoying her well-deserved retirement!
Between greeting guests, answering the phones, and responding to people’s immediate needs, Receptionist Jean Stephenson was kept hopping at the front desk of Rise’s administrative offices in Spring Lake Park. Considered by Rise team members and the people we serve to be “the heart” of this office, it was a
ESR merges with Rise
Rise added 155 team members and began serving an additional 500 people this summer.
ESR, a nonprofit agency which provides services to people throughout Washington County, Minnesota, and St. Croix County, Wisconsin, officially became a subsidiary of Rise on July 1. The two agencies will transition into a full merger
Volunteer Haley Bremer offers yoga classes
With New Age music playing softly in the background, “yogis” Rachel (shown here) and Andrea joined Volunteer Haley Bremer for an hourlong yoga class. Using a soothing voice, Haley led the two women through stretches and poses specifically adapted to meet their individual needs and physical capabilities.
“It’s nice
Bev Wolters thrives on the variety of volunteering projects
“I think variety is the spice of life for volunteering,” said Bev Wolters. “I really enjoy doing so many different kinds of things with different people and at different locations.”
Bev discovered a list of volunteer opportunities with Rise online in October 2016 and met with Volunteer Coordinator Zoe Leonard-Monrad
Mary Anderson culminates 40-plus career
For the past 40-plus years, Mary Anderson has devoted her professional career supporting people with disabilities. In her many different positions in Minnesota organizations, she has developed exemplary program services, advocated for systems change, served on local and statewide organizational boards and committees, and mentored many men and women.
In
Rise and Medtronic have enjoyed “a partnership that works!” for decades
Richard Gottier has no trouble getting in his daily 10,000 steps as he makes his way through the hallways of Medtronic’s Energy and Component Center (MECC) in Brooklyn Center. Once an hour, he makes the long trek to pick up finished products and take them to the shipping department.
Having
New Rise Board members bring expertise, enthusiasm
Rise is pleased to welcome three new community volunteers to its Board of Directors to serve three-year terms.
Patrick (Pat) Deeg of Deephaven said he was interested in serving Rise “because of the wide range of services and programs it offers people with disabilities or other life challenges. With such
Volunteer Kay Rosenthal assists people explore their creative sides
It all started with a “guest” presentation that she made with her friend and veteran Rise volunteer, Mary Jellison, to a group served in Rise’s Adult Day Program (ADP) back in April 2017. Kay Rosenthal demonstrated spinning natural fibers on her spinning wheel and they were an enthusiastic audience. Just
Melinda Dannley retires from 40-year career
Culminating 40-plus years of working with people who have disabilities, Melinda Dannley retires from Rise on June 1, as the director of Rise’s Community Integration and Life Enrichment programs.
“I’ve had a wonderful career,” Melinda said. “I have enjoyed building relationships with the people we serve, their families and supporters,
Volunteer Mike Brisky carries on his father’s legacy in service
From the sound of the cheers when he walked in the door at Rise’s Adult Day Program at the Emma B. Howe Northtown YMCA in Coon Rapids, you’d think a rock star had just arrived. Well, you’d be close – it’s Volunteer Mike Brisky who has come to spend time
Volunteer Lauren Kozlak helps people ‘dress for success’
With a keen eye for fashion, Lauren Kozlak enjoys helping others dress comfortably and look good. She volunteers one morning a week at Rise, primarily working in Michael’s Closet as well as helping out with other special projects when needed.
“I like meeting with people one-on-one to find out a
Three extraordinary Rise team managers honored with first-ever Excellence in Leadership awards
Nominated by fellow team members, three Rise managers were honored with the first Excellence in Leadership award at an end-of-year managers’ retreat. This is what the nominators had to say in part about the honorees: Mental Health Program Manager Becky Rother (left) with SES-Anoka County “is an amazing leader. She […]
ABC opens up new work opportunities for Rise teams
If you’re a parent, an athlete, or someone who just likes good fruit juice, chances are you’ve enjoyed a juice pouch produced at the American Beverage Company (or ABC, formerly Faribault Foods) in Elk River. ABC is a Safe Quality Food (SQF) Level 3 certified beverage manufacturing company that produces […]
Volunteer Liam Moran lends his expertise to assist people better understand critical financial issues
On just their third meeting with volunteer Liam Moran, the trio was on a mission in a local Target store to learn more about making good purchasing decisions within their budgets. You could call this session, Real Life Spending 101. As they moved through
Volunteers Marcia Bell and Amber are day-brighteners for people Rise serves
When Marcia Bell snaps on the special blue leash around Amber’s neck, the energetic, playful English shepherd quickly transitions into her calmer, mellower personality. Amber knows it’s time to “go to work” as a therapy dog.
For the past eight months, Marcia and Amber have gone to Rise’s Data Ability
Area employers play critical role in Rise’s comprehensive evaluations
From the time we were still very young, people have asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Our answers probably have changed several times over the years, but the older and more serious we became, perhaps the more difficult it was to reply.
Most people base
DeafBlind Club provides social outlet, mutual support events
Dozens of DeafBlind people from around the Twin Cities gather once a month for food, fun, and mutual support.
Says club host and founding member, Steve Oglesbee: “The DeafBlind Club was set up so that people could chat and play games. With the help of several organizations, DB Club has
Volunteers find many ways to support Rise – Are you interested in helping with our important mission?
Rise is honored to have more than 100 volunteers who have served 3,000-plus hours this year to help us achieve our mission of unlocking potential and opening doors to success.
We are thankful for our volunteers who:
Prepare the people we serve for their important job interviews by conducting
Celebrate Rise Fundraising Gala was a festive event
Posted on Oct 06, 2017
It was a fun and festive evening! We want to thank everyone who helped make our Celebrate Rise Fundraising Gala a huge success! Generous corporate and individual sponsors, 500-plus guests, and donors helped us raise much-needed funding so that we can assist people in living life as a great
RISE WORKERS MEET AGGRESSIVE INDUSTRIES’ QUALITY, ISO STANDARDS
Posted on Sep 05, 2017
Rise and Aggressive Industries have been “good neighbors” since both companies opened their doors across the street from each other on Sunset Road in Spring Lake Park in 1971 and 1972, respectively. Through the years, Rise and Aggressive have also developed a mutually beneficial working
RISE EXPANDS ADULT DAY PROGRAM TO TWO NEW COMMUNITY SITES
Posted on Sep 05, 2017
When the kids from Fridley Public Schools’ Tiger Club delivered a large, brightly decorated poster they made welcoming Rise’s Adult Day Program to the Fridley Community Center (FCC) on August 1, Program Director Judy Andersen knew for sure this was going to be a great
RISE OFFERS WIDE RANGE OF INTERESTING INTERNSHIPS
Posted on Sep 05, 2017
Rise welcomed a summer cohort of five interns in June who worked in program areas across the agency, including advancement, mental health, human resources, community innovation, and art therapy.
“We are excited about giving people the opportunity to learn more about nonprofits, social services, and
MEC EXPANSION INTO GREATER MINNESOTA SUCCESSFUL
Posted on Sep 05, 2017
In its 25 years of services, the Minnesota Employment Center (MEC) for People Who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing has assisted more than 2,000 men and women plan their careers, find great jobs, and retain successful employment.
MEC was co-established by Rise, Minnesota
DO YOU KNOW A RISE’ING STAR?!
Posted on Jun 19, 2017
Every year at Rise’s Celebrate Rise Fundraising Gala, we take the opportunity to recognize some really amazing men and women who are served in our programs. The public is invited to nominate people for this honor.
Do you know someone who has overcome obstacles and challenges and
EXCITING SUMMER ONLINE AUCTION – TWINS BASEBALL SUITE!
Posted on Jun 01, 2017
What a perfect way to celebrate with friends and family, treat your child’s sports team, or entertain customers! Rise is auctioning off online a 24-person suite to watch the Minnesota Twins take on the Milwaukee Brewers at Target Field on Monday, August 7, 2017 at 7:10
YOU’RE INVITED TO THE 3RD ANNUAL TAPPING INTO POSSIBILITIES
Posted on May 15, 2017
Gather your friends and make your way to the 3rd annual Tapping into Possibilities event which will held Monday, July 17, 5:00-7:30 p.m., at Bauhaus Brew Labs in Northeast Minneapolis. Enjoy a fun evening of delicious food and drink, live music and great people!
You can purchase tickets ahead of time online or at
2ND ANNUAL CELEBRATE TALENT WAS A SHOW-STOPPING EVENT!
Posted on May 02, 2017
It was an evening of talent extravaganza! Our audience of friends and family enjoyed a great show featuring singers, dancers, poets, and instrumentalists! Rise’s second annual Celebrate Talent showcased men and women served by Rise and a team member who regaled us with a wide
Volunteer Katie Dennis enjoys helping people with fun, creative art projects
Every other Monday at Rise’s Creative Partnerships South facility in Bloomington is extra special for the men and women who participate in Art Speaks because Volunteer Katie Dennis is on hand to assist them with their work.
Katie is a senior financial analyst for Allianz Life in Golden Valley, responsible
CARF AWARDS RISE THREE-YEAR ACCREDITATION
Posted on Apr 12, 2017
Based on an intensive, three-day survey conducted by four CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) surveyors, Rise was awarded its eleventh three-year certification, the highest level of accreditation.
Surveyors thoroughly examined and evaluated all aspects of the agency, including Rise’s management system, employment programs and
Volunteer Jenny Poyorena finds many different ways to support Rise
Jenny Poyorena is an enthusiastic volunteer who is generous with her time and talents, Over the past few years, she has supported Rise in several different ways.
Jenny is the controller for American Converters, Inc. (Amcon) in Fridley which produces custom foam fabricating products for customers nationwide. People from Rise are well-integrated into Amcon’s
MORE THAN 180 PEOPLE HELP CREATE MOSAIC
Posted on Feb 20, 2017
A COLLECTIVE ‘WOW!!’ was heard at the recent unveiling on February 14 of a most spectacular collaborative Art for All project. The expansive five-piece mosaic display stretches down the hallway leading to the production floor at Rise’s Spring Lake Park administrative offices. It was
GRANT HELPS EXPAND PLACEMENT SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES
Posted on Feb 20, 2017
“MY ULTIMATE DREAM JOB would be working for a sports organization doing data entry or communications,” said Mike Sack, who currently works as a data entry clerk for Rise’s Data Ability program in Bloomington.
Mike is one of several job-seekers receiving customized career planning
LET YOUR VOICES BE HEARD DURING THIS MINNESOTA LEGISLATIVE SESSION!
Posted on Feb 20, 2017
The 2017 Legislative Session is underway! This is a very important year to pass legislation related to services for people who have disabilities. Rise President Lynn Noren like to share a few key priorities and ask for your support in helping us advocate for
THE SKY’S THE LIMIT FOR LSG SKY CHEFS WORKERS
Posted on Nov 29, 2016
When Natoli Bulga moved his family almost 8,000 miles from Ethiopia to Minnesota, his hopes were high and his dreams were big. He knew the transition to this new life would be challenging, but Natoli felt his family’s future would be brighter in the United
RISE AUCTIONS DELUXE NOT-SO-TINY PLAYHOUSE
Posted on Nov 29, 2016
The gavel fell on Rise’s first-even online auction with a final bid of $980 for the Not-So-Tiny Playhouse!
Some lucky children will soon be enjoying this specially designed playhouse, swing and patio set which was generously donated by Hoffman Weber Construction of Minneapolis. It
EXCITING NEW ART FOR ALL
Posted on Sep 29, 2016
Rise is honored to be chosen and participate in the Greater Twin Cities United Way’s Art for All collaboration. Rise is already a strong proponent of how art can positively impact people’s lives so we are excited to partner with COMPAS and GTCUW on
RISE IS PROUD OF AWARD-WINNING TEAM MEMBERS
Posted on Aug 31, 2016
Rise is pleased to recognize two of its direct support professionals, Sue Krause and Ebony Johnson, both of whom received statewide awards for their exemplary work. The awards were presented by the Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation (MOHR) at their annual training conference held
PROJECT SEARCH’S PREPARATION, INTERNSHIPS LEAD TO GOOD CAREERS
Posted on Aug 29, 2016
Oliver McDowell is proud that his work helps ensure that hospital patients are well-cared for. He is a Central Processing Technician I and sterilizes medical equipment at Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) in downtown Minneapolis.
To get this good job, Oliver participated in Project
‘ONE TEAM’ CONCEPT WORKS WELL AT LOGIC PD
Posted on Aug 29, 2016
The bright, expansive high-tech facility hums with a steady production flow. Rise’s team of six workers are working on several different tasks in various locations throughout the plant which are all key to Logic’s overall operation.
Logic PD in Eden Prairie provides its customers
RISE CELEBRATES ITS 45TH ANNIVERSARY!
Posted on Aug 02, 2016
August 2 is Rise’s 45th anniversary! In our yearlong celebration, it’s been a fun opportunity to look back through our history, track our growth and development, honor key players in our successes, and recognize many of the hard-working men and women we serve.
2ND ANNUAL TAPPING INTO POSSIBILITIES WAS A FESTIVE EVENT!
Posted on Jul 20, 2016
Special thanks to everyone who attended Rise’s 2nd annual Tapping Into Possibilities which was held July 18 at the Bauhaus Brew Lab in Northeast Minneapolis. This “friend-raiser” was a really fun evening with fabulous food, fun music, great donated raffle prizes, specialty beers — and lots
RISE’S EMPLOYMENT PAYS! PROGRAM FEATURED ON HENNEPIN COUNTY’S WEBSITE
Posted on Jun 21, 2016
Dashawanda Cole was having suicidal thoughts. “I didn’t think I’d actually act on them,” she recalls, now 18 months later, “but I was scared of myself. I didn’t feel safe.” She went to HCMC’s Acute Psychiatric Services and asked for help.
There, at the
RISE WELCOMES TWO NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Posted on May 25, 2016
Andrea Murphy and Blake Elliott were elected to Rise’s Board of Directors in March.
Andrea is a commercial lender with Northeast Bank where she has worked for 14 years. “I appreciate Northeast Bank’s commitment to the community and our dedication to volunteerism.”
Andrea is
DHS’S ALEX BARTOLIC ADDRESSES SERVICE CHALLENGES
Posted on May 25, 2016
As human services professionals, the people we serve, and their supporters may likely agree, this is a time of unprecedented change in terms of public policies at all levels related to supports for people who have disabilities.
Rise President Lynn Noren (LN, left) sat
TWIN CITIES NORTH CHAMBER NAMES RISE ‘NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR’
Posted on May 25, 2016
The Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce honored Rise with its 2016 All Star Business Award as the Nonprofit of the Year at the Chamber’s annual gala.
Rise was cited for its demonstration of superior performance, quality, and consistency in the pursuit of its
WE HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US FOR CELEBRATE RISE ON OCTOBER 6!
Posted on May 17, 2016
Please mark your calendar for the 5th annual Celebrate Rise Fundraising Gala which will be held Thursday, October 6, at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest in Brooklyn Park.
You can register online for this festive event.
If you would like information regarding sponsorships, volunteer opportunities, and registration, please contact Noel
CELEBRATE TALENT WAS A GREAT SHOW!
Posted on May 16, 2016
Rise’s first-ever Celebrate Talent show, held May 3 at Fridley High School Auditorium, was an extraordinary event with 26 performers singing, dancing, telling stories, playing instruments — and most of all, having fun!
Very special thanks to Auditorium Coordinator Dan Wold and ASL Interpreter
JOIN US FOR 2ND ANNUAL ‘FRIEND-RAISER’ – TAPPING INTO POSSIBILITIES
Posted on May 09, 2016
Gather your friends and family and join us on Monday, July 18 at Bauhaus Brew Labs at 1315 Tyler St. in Nordeast Minneapolis for the 2nd annual Tapping Into Possibilities!
Your $15 cover charge includes: $5 delicious craft beers, fabulous appetizers donated by local restaurants (including Big Marina Deli,
TUESDAYS AT THE CAPITOL
Posted on Apr 05, 2016
Each Tuesday now through the end of the legislative session, May 10, The Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD) will host ‘Tuesdays at the Capitol’ from 10-11 a.m. in the DOT Cafeteria, 395 John Ireland Boulevard in downtown St. Paul.
The purpose is to
WANTED: GIFTS OF TIME AND TALENT
Posted on Mar 07, 2016
by Zoe Leonard-Monrad, New Sector Fellor
AS A FELLOW WITH New Sector, an AmeriCorps program focused on nonprofit professional development, I am working for eleven months to develop a volunteer program at Rise. This will help team members effectively tap into the talents and
UNLEASHING THE INNER ARTIST
Posted on Feb 23, 2016
BRIAN HOFFMAN HAD a vision for his painting of the Statue of Liberty and appreciated the professional tips on acrylic techniques he received from Art Therapist Stacy Gross. He plans to hang the painting on his living room wall.
“I like to paint because
HONORING THE PAST, CELEBRATING OUR FUTURE
Posted on Feb 23, 2016
IT PROMISES TO BE a year of celebration as Rise recognizes its 45th anniversary with several special events and projects scheduled throughout 2016.
We kicked off the year with our 45 Stories for 45 Years series. Almost every week, we will tell you about
PAM WOODRUFF SITS DOWN FOR A CONVERSATION WITH RISE PRESIDENT LYNN NOREN
Posted on Feb 23, 2016
AS ALL YOUNG PARENTS do, John and Pam Woodruff had hopes and dreams for their firstborn son, Ryan. But their original plans took a sharp turn when at nine months old, doctors diagnosed Ryan with cerebral palsy, a hearing disorder, and likely, an intellectual
REP. KEITH ELLISON VISITS RISE’S PATHWAYS OFFICE
Posted on Feb 18, 2016
Rise’s Pathways office in South Minneapolis was filled with MFIP / welfare-to-work job placement counselors and other Rise team members, job-seekers (many of whom are refugees and immigrants), and HR representatives from Home Depot, Delta Global Services, and LSG Sky Chef for the opportunity
IT’S GREAT TO BE AT THE YMCA
Posted on Dec 10, 2015
The halls of the Mounds View YMCA are bustling with activity with two busloads of kids on a school retreat as well as a group of older adults arriving for the Seniors Sneakers program. And just down the hall is where Rise’s third Adult
LISTENING IS KEY
Posted on Dec 10, 2015
Since Rise was selected to be one of four agencies in Minnesota to participate in a yearlong demonstration project to implement Person-Centered Thinking (PCT) into all aspects of Rise, the preliminary results have been exciting.
Vice President Tim Dickie explains how PCT is transforming
IT WAS A FABULOUS NIGHT AT THE 2015 CELEBRATE RISE FUNDRAISING GALA
Posted on Oct 14, 2015
On behalf of everyone here at Rise, we thank those who helped make our 4th annual Celebrate Rise Fundraising Gala such a huge success!
Through the generosity of almost 500 sponsors and guests, as well as other Celebrate Rise donors, we raised more than $130,000! These crucial funds
RISE HOSTED NEW SECTOR FELLOW TO UNDERTAKE YEARLONG PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Posted on Aug 24, 2015
By Luke Kretchmar, New Sector fellow
A nonprofit in its inaugural year in the Twin Cities, another with deep roots across the state, and a young professional focused on creating social impact — these pieces came together to undertake a unique enterprise.
For eleven months,
THE NEW RISE SWITCH EXPANDS OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDEPENDENCE AT WORK, LEISURE, AND PLAY
Posted on Aug 24, 2015
The look of awe and wonder on Bri Sanderson’s face is priceless as she turns on a lighted glittery spinning ball all with the gentle touch of a big orange button. This seemingly simple device, the Rise Switch, has proven it can make all
RIMMER NAMED MOHR’S “JOB COACH OF THE YEAR”
Posted on Aug 24, 2015
Michelle Rimmer, an occupational communication specialist (OCS) with Rise’s Minnesota Employment Center (MEC) for People Who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, was named MOHR’s Job Coach of the Year for the Twin Cities metro area. MOHR is the Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation.
2ND ANNUAL CELEBRATE SUMMER PICNIC GREAT FUN!
Posted on Aug 24, 2015
It was a great way to spend a Minnesota summer Sunday afternoon — good food BBQ’ed by the Coon Rapids North Star Lions, great friends and co-workers, listening and dancing music by DJ John Thorp, generous supporters — and plenty of FUN at Aquatore Park
LAKELAND TOOL & ENGINEERING AN IMPORTANT PARTNER SINCE 1993
Posted on Aug 24, 2015
A quick scan of the production area Lakeland Tool & Engineering in Anoka shows people working on a wide range of interesting and challenging subassembly and hand packaging contracts, from assembling cash register drawers to putting together pulley kits for specialty beds. Rise has had
TAPPING INTO POSSIBILITIES WAS A GREAT “FRIEND-RAISER!”
Posted on Jul 29, 2015
Things were “hops’ing” at 612Brew in Nordeast Minneapolis the evening of July 20 when Rise hosted our first-ever Tapping Into Possibilities “friend-raiser.” More than 170 people came to support Rise and enjoyed music from Battlelegs (who donated their time and talent!), good food, great
RISE ENJOYS MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL RELATIONSHIP WITH CONDUCTIVE CONTAINERS
Posted on May 26, 2015
On any given day, people at Rise’s production facilities in Spring Lake Park and Coon Rapids will likely be working on orders for Conductive Containers, Inc. (CCI). Their products are easy to spot as most of them have hot pink foam parts that stand
DHS SELECTS RISE TO IMPLEMENT NEW PERSON-CENTERED THINKING
Posted on May 26, 2015
Rise was one of four agencies selected to participate in a yearlong professional technical assistance training program designed to implement and integrate person-centered thinking processes throughout the organization. This groundbreaking demonstration project is sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) and the University
RISE GRANTED FUNDING TO PROVIDE SIX OF MINNESOTA’S IPS PROGRAMS
Posted on May 26, 2015
Grill Chef Antoine Simon is ‘in the zone,’ happily cooking for a long line of customers at the Elements Café on the sixth floor of the Science Museum of Minnesota in downtown St. Paul. “I love sending guests off satisfied after a good
RISE BOARD ELECTS TWO NEW DIRECTORS
Posted on Mar 30, 2015
The Rise Board of Directors elected two new members on March 18 to serve three-year terms.
Rachel M. Smith (right) lives in Brooklyn Center and works for both the Osseo Area School District as an educational support para-professional and for Anoka-Hennepin School District #11 as