Thanks to the hard work of Tracy Green, David Hollingsworth, Jake Peterson, and Dan Webster, every morning at Northwood Technical College in New Richmond, Wisconsin begins in clean, welcoming spaces. 

With support from Direct Support Professional (DSP) Steve Hawes, they’ve become more than just a cleaning crew; they’ve become a valued part of the college community. 

Rise’s partnership with Northwood Technical College began when Rise CBTE Program Supervisor Michelle Andrews connected with college staff at a community event. What started as a small two‑day‑a‑week trial quickly grew. 

“We started out two days a week here, and the team did so well that they transitioned to three days a week,” she says.  

The team handles a wide range of cleaning tasks across three campus buildings. Jake says he works hard “to make sure everything is nice and clean to make it better for everyone,” and vacuuming is his favorite activity. Dan shares that “vacuuming and mopping are fun,” while Tracy enjoys wiping surfaces until they’re clean and disinfected. 

But the impact of their work reaches well beyond spotless floors. 

Facility Maintenance Manager Nick Watters sees the partnership as one of the most rewarding parts of his job. “The benefits are all of the intangibles,” he says. “The smiles, and the hi‑fives, and the hugs… it goes so far above and beyond just the work they perform.” Students from the Vet Tech program often stop by to say, “hello,” or invite the team to meet the animals. These are small moments that illustrate how deeply connected the Rise team is with campus life. 

Their presence has also improved efficiency. “Bringing Rise in has increased the productivity of my team,” Nick said. With the Rise crew handling daily cleaning, his staff can focus on other maintenance projects that keep the college running. 

DSP Steve Hawes has supported the group for nearly two years, which means he has also had a front row seat to the personal growth each person has achieved. “They’re very well received by everybody here, and they’re proud of their work,” he said. His goal is to guide them toward independence: “I try to make them as self‑sufficient as possible, to the point where I’m present only as a resource for questions and ideas,” he says. 

For Watters, the relationship with Rise is personal. He keeps the colored pictures they’ve gifted him hung in his office as reminders of the bond they’ve built and says days where the Rise team come to the campus are among the best days of his week. He and his family also attend Rise’s annual New Richmond holiday party celebration. 

 “Having Rise here means the world to me,” he says. “We are certainly ALL better for having the relationship that we do with Rise.”