Success Stories

Background Triangles
Tristan stands in front of a Dollar General Store sign.

Growing confidence and self-advocacy skills sets Tristan Olson up for success at Dollar General

Jason smiles in front of the kitchen where he works at Stacy Sports Grill.

“I definitely want to stay here” – Jason finds fulfillment at Stacy Sports Grill

web riseing stars image

Meet our 2023 Rise’ing Stars

Pearl Peterson smiles wearing glasses, a white top, and black sweater.

Peterson finds new success returning to the workforce

MEC_Vert_2c

MEC Celebrates 30 Years

Mata smiles in front of the sinks at her job at Starbucks.

Mata crosses five years at Starbucks while Rise’s MEC program celebrates 30 years

Jason Paddock smiles wearing a Rise t-shirt beneath a black suit jacket.

Story 48 – Jason Paddock

Janet Krear smiles wearing a mint green sweatshirt while sitting against a white background.

Story 47 – Janet Krear

Kim Hultgren smiles in front of a light gray background wearing a black zip up sweater.

Story 46 – Kim Hultgren

5 questions with family slide@3x

Ally’s childcare job at New Horizon Academy

Elisa Raymond smiles in front of a building entryway wearing a black jacket and glasses.

Story 44 – Elisa Raymond

Jordan Rock smiles in front of a white and blue wall wearing a black t-shirt.

Story 43 – Jordan Rock

Lisa Geng smiles wearing a blue shirt with her name on it and large purple and black glasses.

Story 42 – Lisa Geng

Ashley Wright smiles in front of a gray portrait background. She has long, straight brown hair and is wearing a gray t-shirt.

Story 41 – Ashley Wright

Rosanne smiles in front of lockers with Rise colored triangles: pink, yellow, blue, orange, and purple.

For Rosanne, Rise Coon Rapids “feels like my second home”

Dominic Buckingham smiles wearing a taekwondo outfit holding small boards of wood.

Health and Wellness Support in Isanti County

Jordan Rock stands at his worksite wearing a bright orange vest.

Jordan gains confidence and learns new skills in growing job

Cheyenne Johnson stands near grass and a sidewalk smiling wearing a black sweatshirt and baseball hat.

Feeling at home in St. Cloud

Denise Coppess sits in a wheelchair smiling as she greets people during her job at The Home Depot wearing an orange Home Depot apron.

Denise Coppess’ new job lays foundation for a career change

Kevin Whitley smiles at work wearing a gray Rise t-shirt.

Story 19 – Kevin Whitley

Tyler Wollersheim smiles at his workplace holding his Portillo's work hat and red polo shirt.

Tyler brings “positive attitude and work ethic” to Portillo’s

Allie Rumpel wears a blue and yellow printed mask while holding a mop.

Allie Rumpel is an “awesome” Wisconsin worker

Paul Weller smiles standing next to a wood structure that he built.

Craftsman’s work on display in Minnesota Kitchens

Bill Kelch Headshot

Duluth’s Minnesota Employment Center team helps Bill Kelch reach employment goals

Angela Yang wears a mask while arranging flowerpots inside her workplace warehouse.

Angela embarks on new employment journey at florist

Ray Joyce smiles in front of a brick building wearing blue scrubs.

New town, new career field gives Ray hope for the future

LarryDID

Following pandemic, Larry regroups and lands ‘dream job’

robertmarket

Following brain injury, Robert rebuilds life; valued County Market employee

RobertKwikTrip

Kevin and Robert proud of front line work in Chisago City

fredcub

On the front lines at Cub, Fred provides great customer service

laurawalmart

Laura works on the front lines at Walmart

JacobMedart

Jacob’s co-workers appreciate his attention to detail, solid work ethic

JohnBradley

John meets the huge challenges of starting a new life over in Minnesota

MichaelSackRoll

Michael worked to help people know how to vote, make their voices heard

Kristicow

21 Roots Farm provides nurturing, transforming environment for Kristi

MeyerBelkin

Meyer’s long journey to recovery leads him to serve others who are struggling with addictions in many ways

BurgerKing

Amira’s first job sets her on a great career path with Burger King

Jeanean

Jeanean has interesting career as an American Red Cross phlebotomist

KimHerman

Kim benefits from IPS team’s collaboration

TheRose

Heather has featured painting in Courage Kenny’s annual art sale

StevenEull

Steven Eull donates savings from three jobs to help fight COVID-19

CummingsAmanda

Amanda uses her experiences to help others struggling with mental health issues

MikeSteffen

Mike Steffen enjoys camaraderie working at TWO great jobs!

Larry

Larry never gives up and uses his life experiences to inspire, support and help others in similar situations

Andy

Andy enjoys working independently, but part of a team at Design Ready Controls