Team Member Spotlight: Ben Streitz
Ben Streitz has a passion for assisting people achieve their employment goals. As an employment consultant at Rise, Ben gets to tap into that passion every single day. Ben’s job calls for him to create, nurture, and manage relationships with business owners and hiring managers in his community. He then
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
Team Member Spotlight: Kevin Gagner
We’d Like You to Meet Kevin Gagner!
Kevin Gagner is a lifelong learner, which makes him an awesome application administrator at Rise. Kevin’s job requires him to carry out a great number of tasks covering a broad range of subject areas, so there are always new things for him to
Team Member Spotlight: Juleen Lee
Juleen aims to always go above and beyond in her role as a direct support professional (DSP) / case manager at Rise, and it shows. Her commitment to her exceptional work ethic reveals itself time and time again through the steady stream of compliments she receives and through the success
Team Member Spotlight: Sarah Gustafson
When there is passion in what you do, you can do anything. Sarah Gustafson is an employment consultant with Rise and proves this every day. She demonstrates her passion in her work by assisting people with intellectual and development disabilities achieve their goals through her special brand of warmth and
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
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
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
UNLEASHING THE INNER ARTIST
Posted on Mar 14, 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 at home.
“I like 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
NEW STATE-FUNDED PLACEMENT PROGRAM PROVIDES CUSTOMIZED SERVICES TO THOSE WHO ARE DEAF
Posted on Feb 25, 2015
Even in the middle of the night, the FedEx Home Delivery facility in St. Paul is bustling with activity. Ryan Woodruff, shown here, works at a steady pace with his partner sorting small packages which will be delivered throughout the Twin Cities area.
“It was
ANGLERS KEEP THEIR EQUIPMENT TANGLE-FREE WITH DELUXE ICE ADVANTAGE ROD CASE ASSEMBLED BY RISE WORKERS
Posted on Feb 25, 2015
Ice fishing is a favorite pastime of many Minnesota sports enthusiasts and people love reeling them in, especially in the dead of winter.
And as most fishermen have a lot of specialized equipment, storing and transporting their gear safely and tangle-free is important. Rise
AMCON ADDS A RISE TEAM TO THEIR WORKFORCE AND FINDS IT IS A PERFECT FIT
Posted on Feb 25, 2015
Walking through American Converter’s (Amcon) expansive foam fabricating plant in Fridley, one is struck by the number and wide variety of customer projects in progress. In the midst of the well-0rchestrated busyness are workers from Rise, intent on their jobs at hand.
After having
ANOKA COUNTY HAS BEEN KEY SUPPORTER, PARTNER SINCE RISE BEGAN IN 1971
Posted on Feb 25, 2015
When a small, but determined group of community volunteers began working to incorporate Rise in the early 1970s, the Anoka County Board of Commissioners granted $10,000 as “seed” money. It was a great show of support and underlined their belief that such an agency would
RISE WORKERS AT FEDERAL PREMIUM AMMUNITION MOVE INTO SPACIOUS NEW BUILDING WITH GREAT AMENITIES
Posted on Feb 25, 2015
Since 1987, Rise workers have been a valued addition to the workforce at Federal Premium Ammunition in Anoka. The team of more than two dozen workers, along with CBTE Site Supervisor Marian Bodin and CIP Specialist Melissa Pavek, were excited to move into a
GRATEFUL RECIPIENTS OF RISE’S NEW ADVANCING LIVES FUND USE GIFTS FOR A WIDE RANGE OF NEEDS
Posted on Feb 25, 2015
Guests at the 2014 Celebrate Rise Fundraising Gala held last October not only enjoyed a fun and festive evening, they also seemed to enjoy generously donating to Rise’s new Advancing Lives Fund. They helped raise more than $20,000.
In its first few months, more
WELLS FARGO VOLUNTEERS CONDUCT WORK SERMINARS, MOCK JOB INTERVIEWS
Posted on Dec 09, 2014
Together in a quiet computer room at Rise’s Northeast Minneapolis office, Douglas Taylor sat with Frank Lide carefully reviewing Douglas’s resume and discussing his career plans. At the same time down the hall, seven job-seekers listened carefully to Neil Serdinsky’s presentation on the basics
SPECIAL GRANT ENABLES RISE TO ADDRESS NEEDS OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE A FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER
Posted on Dec 09, 2014
Balancing the demands of two part-time jobs while finishing up your last year in high school can be a real challenge. But Caitlyn Bosley finds that when you enjoy both working and school, it makes it easier.
Having a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
RISE BOARD WELCOMES TWO NEW DIRECTORS
Posted on Dec 09, 2014
The Rise Board of Directors recently elected two new community volunteers to serve a three-year term.
Kathy Klang of Minneapolis is a CPA and managing partner with Cummings, Keegan & Co., P.L.L.P. Kathy is excited to serve on Rise’s Board of Directors and put
RISE RECEIVES THREE-YEAR CARF ACCREDITATION, CITED FOR EXCELLENCE
Posted on Dec 09, 2014
Based on an intensive, three-day survey conducted by four CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) surveyors, Rise was awarded its tenth three-year certification, the highest level
of accreditation.
Surveyors thoroughly examined and evaluated all aspects of the agency, including Rise’s management system, employment
RISE HONORS TWO AREA EMPLOYERS AT CELEBRATE RISE
Posted on Oct 09, 2014
Rise was proud to recognize two area businesses as its 2014 Employers of the Year at the Celebrate Rise Fundraising Gala on October 2 at the Marriott Minneapolis Northwest in Brooklyn Park.
Since the store opened in the summer of 2013, Walmart in Blaine
DIXIE’S ROLES AS PARENT AND ADVOCATE MAKE HER AN EFFECTIVE RISE BOARD MEMBER
Posted on Aug 29, 2014
Most of my life has been centered around important issues pertaining to people who have disabilities,” said Dixie Mengelkoch, mother of Tracy who works in Rise’s CIP-Coon Rapids program. Dixie has been a member of Rise’s Board of Directors for more than 20 years.
PENTAIR CO-WORKERS RANDY AND FRANK HAVE FRIENDSHIP BEYOND THE WORKPLACE
Posted on Aug 29, 2014
It was a great Minnesota summer evening for a concert in the park. Among the hundreds of music enthusiasts who had gathered to listen to live blue grass music were Randy Olson and Frank Thielen.
The two men met back in 1993 when a
RISE EXPANDS COMMUNITY WORK SITE EVALUATIONS
Posted on Aug 29, 2014
Mitch Ries says that one day, he hopes to work with older people in a nursing home setting. “They need help and I’m one of those people who likes to help others. I’m going to attend Anoka Tech to study to be an occupational
RISE’S WORK WITH HENNEPIN HEALTH FEATURED IN MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE OP-ED PIECE
Posted on Aug 27, 2014
Rise’s great collaborative work with Hennepin Health was featured in a Minneapolis Star Tribune op-ed piece on August 22. It states that this program should be a model for the nation and further, “It aids the most vulnerable and provides quality, life-changing care. At the
RISE RESPONDS TO DHS’S PROPOSED EMPLOYMENT FIRST POLICY
Posted on Jul 15, 2014
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) recently requested comments on its Employment First Polity. Implementation of this policy will lead to tremendous changes in employment service delivery for all people with disabilities.
Following is a letter submitted to the Minnesota Department of Human Services by
ELECTROLUX RELIES ON RISE WORKERS TO ASSEMBLE MORE THAN 6,000 COMPONENTS EACH DAY
Posted on Jun 10, 2014
With their employees turning out a home freezer every ten seconds, employees in the Electrolux Major Appliance (EMA) Freezer Division need to have all the right parts at their fingertips. They rely on Rise workers to subassemble several of the components and meet their
RISE AND LIBERTY CARTON ENJOY MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL ‘PARTNERSHIP THAT WORKS!’
Posted on Jun 05, 2014
“As the veteran college football coach, Lou Holtz, was known to say, ‘I don’t need all the best players; I need all of my players doing their best.’ That’s what we get from the Rise workers – everyone working hard and giving their very