With support from Rise and HCMHC, Cliff finds a great job at Aspen Waste Systems that suits his personality perfectly
Starting his downtown Minneapolis route at 5 a.m., Cliff Meacham winds around through the Mill City ruins area and then on to the University of Minnesota campus, emptying mostly dumpsters. “It’s fun to see large pieces of furniture get crushed in the garbage truck!” he said with a laugh.
Ironically,
Ronnie is known for doing quality work at New Plastics Plus
Keeping a steady, even pace, Ronnie Watson feeds large pieces of plastic trim from production jobs into a massive grinder which pulverizes them into tiny pellets for recycling. His co-workers bring him gaylords a day and Ronnie seems to thrive on staying busy and meeting their production needs.
New Plastic
Liz finds working at FedEx Ship Center helps make her feel more productive and builds her self-esteem
With the holiday shopping season in full swing, Liz is excited to have a role in making sure people across the country get their gift purchases on time. Working at the FedEx Ship Center in Maple Grove, Liz is on the ‘front line’ of package distribution for the Twin Cities
Bringing energy and enthusiam to his work, Dan Beauregard excels at cashiering job at Cub Foods
WITH THE STORE well-stocked and decorated for holiday grocery shoppers, Cub Foods at Northtown in Blaine is ready for the busy weeks ahead. From the bakery to the deli to the floral department to the shelves lined with groceries, Cub team members are primed to serve their customers.
Standing ready
Mario serves up a slice of Italy at Fat Lorenzo’s
The smell of oregano and other earthy spices hit you immediately when you open the door to Fat Lorenzo’s Italian restaurant in South Minneapolis. You just know you’re in for something special from their award-winning menu!
Rise Employment Consultant Amber Barnes was excited one day this summer when she stopped
Online holiday shopping keeps Jason especially busy at Amazon distribution center — just the way he likes it!
By Samantha Marks, Rise Development Manager
Just like you and me, Jason Hyland is preparing for the hustle and bustle of the “most wonderful time of the year.” Not only is he searching for those perfect gifts for his fiancé and two young children, if you are an Amazon shopper,
Adult Day Program supports Dan in building new skills after brain injury incurred at work changes his life forever
By Samantha Marks, Rise Development Manager
On the morning of April 9, 2007, Dan moved through his usual routine to prepare for another day on the job at Mitsubishi Motors where he had worked as a service technician for the past 15 years. He kissed his wife of eleven years
Mark Brown personifies ‘more doing’ at Home Depot
LITTLE DID HE imagine when hired as a part-time seasonal employee in the summer of 2013 at the Home Depot store in Blaine, that the opportunity would turn into a permanent competitive job.
No stranger to hard work, Mark Brown had worked with a Rise Coon Rapids work team at
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
Eddie has no plans to retire any time soon
With a steady hand and steadfast concentration, Eddie Ridge keeps up his role in the preassembly process of electrical parts which will eventually go into appliances for consumers around the world.
Dressed in his signature cowboy hat and suspenders, he’s easy to spot on the production floor at Rise Spring
Through her exquisite art, Dorinda expresses the seasons of her life
Dorinda Tveit was recently honored to have two pieces of her artwork in the Art of Possibilities spring art show at Courage Kenney Rehabilitation Institute in Golden Valley. She is shown here with her oils and acrylics piece titled, Feelings Below the Surface.
Her ‘statement of art’ read:
“The ramifications
Doris drives her career forward with Enterprise
By Samantha Marks, Rise Development Manager
When you meet Doris Walker at Enterprise Rent-A-Car in the Lyn-Lake area of Minneapolis, you are immediately greeted by her ear-to-ear smile and courteous customer service.
“She’s super friendly and super active!” said Enterprise Branch Manager Jake Bednartz. “She does not like to sit
Linda’s enjoying work ‘to the max’ at Stillwater TJ Maxx
For those who enjoy a fun shopping adventure, it’s hard to top a trip to a TJ Maxx store with its wide range of interesting products at affordable prices and great customer service.
Linda Ackerknecht has been part of the team at the TJ Maxx store in Stillwater for more
Hard at work, Michelle is as happy as a kid in a candy store
We all know how happy kids are in a candy store. Well, at 44, Michelle Ferrick is even happier to work in one!
You can smell the incredible aromas of butter, sugar, and chocolate even before you even walk through the doors of this busy old-tyme shop. Located on Main
Michael Sack lets his ‘fingers do the talking,’ writing about mobility, accessibility issues — and SPORTS!
This past February, the ‘Minne-SNOW-ta’ metro area saw its snowiest month in history. Though some people may appreciate its white, glistening beauty, many people focus on the slick roads, lengthy commutes, and snow-covered walkways it causes.
Michael Sack knows firsthand that these sidewalks and curb cuts can become “impassable” for
The Centre’s members and employees appreciate Rick’s good work, reliability
The New Richmond Area Centre is a busy place located in the heart of this Wisconsin town. An inclusive, nonprofit organization serving the St. Croix Valley area since 2009, The Centre (as it’s known locally) has 6,000 members of all ages who enjoy a wide range of health and fitness
Ubah takes it day by day, step by step to build a new life
Even though her favorite Ohio State Buckeyes were not vying for a NCAA basketball championship at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis this March, Ubah Mohamud was nonetheless thrilled to be working for Whelan Event Staffing at the Final Four games.
In addition to that coveted job assignment, Ubah also worked
Denise admires ARCH’s mission, finds work interesting
Throughout her career in office support positions at Rise, Denise Coppess has always kept her sights set on working for a great company out in the community one day.
In her position as a financial office support staff at ARCH Language Network in Little Canada, Denise feels like she has
Austin’s years of running with his dad pay off when he qualifies for USA team
Austin Hackley has been running with his dad Bob since he was a young boy; they even completed the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon together. But little could he have imagined that someday he would represent the United States at the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi in the United
Pat’s new-found career changes her life in many ways
After experiencing a moderate cognitive disorder, Pat Valentine thought her working days were over. An administrative executive assistant for 40-some years, she was no longer able to do her job and began receiving disability benefits. Pat moved from the state of Washington to Minnesota to be closer to her sister.
Jesse Skare puts his values to work at The Estates in Rush City
When Jesse Skare sat down with Rise Employment Consultant Michelle Thompson to discuss his next career move, she asked him about his work values and how important they were to him. Jesse was clear that he valued having a real purpose by helping others, being able to express his talents
Crystal connects with her clients, offers compassionate care
With aspirations of being a registered nurse some day, Crystal Peterson feels that she “was born to serve. God put it in my heart to do this job.”
As a direct caregiver for Compassionate Health Care, Crystal provides home care for seven elderly people who want to live in their
Lauren’s determination pays off with two great jobs!
By Michael L. Sack
Growing up in Mapleton, a small town in south central Minnesota, Lauren Ireland enjoyed school and having fun with her friends, but was not really sure what she wanted to do in the future. Today, after a long journey, Lauren is grateful to have two good
Sheila Morales enjoys fast-pace job at MSP Terminal 1’s Caribou Coffee
Although people moving through Terminal 1 at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport are often on their way to a fun (and at this time of year, WARM!) destination, there can still be a lot of stress in traveling. Sheila Morales and her teammates at the Caribou Coffee shop do their very
Jeremy’s art featured at Minneapolis American Indian Center
Jeremy Pomani is one of two featured artists whose 19 original art will be on display through February 8 at the Minneapolis American Indian Center. His work appears with another local artist, Tamara Aupaumut. A special reception was held November 16.
Jeremy took an art class in high school and
Generous co-workers surprise Jaron with a new set of Fat Bike wheels
Minnesota is well-known for its extremes in seasonal climates – hot and humid in the summer and C-O-L-D in the winter. But neither end of the weather spectrum keeps Jaron Garland from riding his bike to Werner Electric’s distribution center in Cottage Grove where he does both maintenance work and
Nathaniel enjoys big job at small brewery in Hudson
It was a busy, fun night before at the Hop and Barrel Brewing Co., located in the heart of Hudson, Wisconsin. Bright and early, Nathaniel Johnson is hard at work getting the taproom cleaned up and ready to go for today’s guests. Co-Owners Justin Terbeest and Brian Priefer appreciate his
Clayton proud of the precision work he does at Meier Tool & Engineering
Employees at Meier Tool & Engineering, Inc.’s manufacturing plant in Anoka are proud of the custom tooling design, validation, and manufacturing work they do primarily for the medical and defense / aerospace industries. Managing upward of 250 different contracted parts, their work is innovative, precise, and of the highest quality.
Roger’s a valued employee at Kohl’s
Roger Samsa grew up in the small town of Oconto, Wisconsin, and moved to Cambridge in north central Minnesota in 2013 to be closer to his siblings. After three years of living with his brother, Roger was eager to move out on his own as well as enter the workforce.
Alice assists others learn the ropes as a McDonald’s crew trainer
There aren’t too many places in America busier than a McDonald’s restaurant at noontime. And the one located on West Orleans St. in Stillwater, just a few miles from the Minnesota-Wisconsin border, is certainly no exception.
Alice Kane handles the steady stream of hungry customers with welcoming and friendly efficiency.
Charlie retires after 40-plus years of working hard
Charlie Frye has his first official day of retirement on July 2 already planned out: he’s going to relax out by his backyard pool and maybe jump into the hot tub. Aahhhh….
Wait – what – RETIRE? Charlie’s retiring?
This quiet, hard-working, steadfast guy is not one much for big
Jenny loves signing/singing with Wingspan’s Glee Club
Being a fun and vivacious young woman, it’s no surprise that Jenny Eickhoff loves to sign / sing and perform with Wingspan Life Resource’s Glee Club. Of the 20 or so members, she is the only one who is Deaf and interprets songs with American Sign Language (ASL).
At their
Nikki discovers better process for assembling Pentair parts
As one of the hard-working team members at Pentair’s production facility in New Brighton, Nikki gives it her best efforts every day to meet production and quality requirements.
But when assembling nozzles used in tractors proved to be an uncomfortable and sometimes painful process, Nikki figured out a different way
Jaime Richards advocates for herself at work and at home
Jaime Richards always seemed to know just what she wanted and then advocate for herself to reach her goals.
Jaime first started working in Rise’s Day Training and Habilitation Sensory Support program in 2014 and very soon afterward began defining her career path.
Following her interest in computers, Jaime started
LeeAnne realizes “it’s never too late to start over with your life”
It’s a toss-up as to what is the best thing about LeeAnne Brown’s job as a teacher’s aide — working with “the best people on the planet” — OR — caring for “pure, innocent little babies who depend on you and connect with you in a wonderful way.”
Pick either
Mike brings his solid work ethic to the job every day
Working between 50 and 65 hours a week may sound grueling to most people. But driving a commercial truck in the Twin Cities metro area is a great job that Mike Jones is grateful to have and really enjoys. Mike has faced significant personal obstacles and tragedies throughout his life. […]
Mata enjoys her Starbucks job and extra coffee ‘perks’
Little did Mata Sisomnuk dream that when she was hired as a cafe attendant within a few short months, she’d be learning to brew coffee at Starbucks! For a lover of specialty coffees even before she went to work for the country’s largest coffee house chain, this was beyond her […]
Darnell cooks up good food and good times at Boys & Girls Club
Having had many years of some really hard times, Darnell Jones can now confidently say that she feels she went through all of it for a reason. Despite her many “bumps and turns,” Darnell believes it all served a purpose for bringing her where she is today. For more than […]
Heather and Deb honored for creative, collaborative pieces in two prestigious Twin Cities art events
Artists Heather Barber and H. (Heather) Leigh were the proud recipients of the Bill Murray Choice Award in the CoLab project at The Show Gallery Lowertown. The award was presented at the exhibit’s opening reception in downtown St. Paul on December 9. Each year, photos of pieces in the CoLab […]
Matt strikes a good balance and finds career success at Hy-Vee
Admittedly, Matt Monson has had a lot of jobs since he started working at the age of 13: machinist, pizza deliverer, carpet and flooring installer, carpenter, medical device assembler, to name just a few. But there is something special about Job #27 that he feels this may be a good […]
We’d like you to meet — David Schwartz
The Dalles House Restaurant and Lounge in St. Croix Falls has been an upscale, favorite dining location for generations of Wisconsinites and Minnesotans alike. It features classic American cuisine with a fun twist from the past. Those who work there are proud to carry on its long traditions of great
Juliana proud to be earning her way in America
When Juliana Korkor moved from Ghana to the United States with her extended family in May 2016, she was determined to make a good life for herself in this new country. Despite having only an eighth-grade education and never having worked before, Juliana, who is 24, was motivated to improve […]
Randy’s career is ‘going to the dogs’ which he finds fun and truly rewarding
Opening the door to Woof Central in Richfield, one is greeted with the cacophony from dogs of all sizes, breeds, and barking abilities. About 75 dogs a day go there for doggie day care, boarding, training, and/or grooming. Having grown up on a farm with lots of animals in Pennsylvania, […]
Chad has the drive to continually better himself
It goes without saying that not many people have Hollywood movie roles or Calvin Klein modeling gigs on their resume, but Chad Dmytryszyn does. As a young child actor, Chad had bit roles in movies like Animal House and Sixteen Candles, and the TV hit show Miami Vice. He was […]
We’d Like You to Meet…Polly Philblad
When Polly Philblad walks in the door to work at the Kwik Trip station in Brooklyn Park, her co-workers are happy to see her. Polly, a part-time retail helper, works to keep the store nice for its hundreds of daily customers. The job can be physically demanding, but Polly likes […]
Initiative could be Erik Selseth’s middle name!
Initiative could be Erik Selseth’s middle name! (It’s not–it’s Nelson.) A quietly confident guy, he is comfortable speaking up for what he needs and wants to do to keep his career moving forward. After working for nine years with a Rise team at Liberty Carton Co. in Brooklyn Park, Erik […]
ERIC HAS MUCH TO BE PROUD OF AT THE END OF THE DAY
Posted on Sep 05, 2017 Eric really enjoys the feeling of accomplishment when creating something with his own hands. He learned his welding skills nine years ago when he was working at a heavy equipment manufacturing company in North Dakota. During the past three years, Eric has experienced some major obstacles […]
WE’D LIKE YOU TO MEET KEN JOHNSON
Posted on Aug 28, 2017
Ken Johnson is excited to put his analytical, problem-solving skills to work on different kinds of projects and help create solutions for Cummins Power Generation.
“My new position as a business analyst in the manufacturing supply chain is a great fit for me because it
WE’D LIKE YOU TO MEET MIKIAS TILAHUN
Posted on Jul 27, 2017
Born in Ethiopia, Mikias Tilahun attended boarding school in the United Kingdom before moving to Minnesota in 2000 where he finished high school. He started work at Rise in 2003.
Mikias is always looking to improve his work skills, and over the years, has held
WE’D LIKE YOU TO MEET – SARAH LAMBERT
Posted on Jun 26, 2017
Turning Sarah Lambert’s passion – her love of four-legged animals – into a business venture has resulted in Sarah’s Cat & Doggy Daycare in Fridley. She hopes to be “your best friend’s second best friend.”
With assistance from Rise’s Employment Consultant Amber Barnes and much-appreciated support
WE’D LIKE YOU TO MEET – ALEX BLAISDELL!
Posted on Jun 19, 2017 | Tags: |
When Rise Site Supervisor Diana Gangl was tasked with starting up a new work crew at Aggressive Industries, she knew that one of the three team members she needed to get the contract off to a great start was Alex Blaisdell. Diana knew she
BRIAN CELEBRATES HIS SILVER ANNIVERSARY AT GLS
Posted on May 17, 2017
In today’s workforce, it’s rare to find someone who reaches his or her 25th anniversary with one company. But when you love your work, are really good at it, and have great co-workers, the years on the job seem to fly by.
Brian Walsh celebrated his
IFTU HASSEN IS WORKING HARD AT NEW JOB, HONING SKILLS, MAKING FRIENDS
Posted on May 17, 2017
At just 20 years old, Iftu Hassen traveled alone from her home in Ethiopia to Minneapolis to start a new life in the United States. She was both excited for the many possibilities America held for her, but sad to leave her mother behind.
Iftu’s father
WE’D LIKE YOU TO MEET SHAWN LOVEJOY
Posted on May 15, 2017
With his booming voice and signature purple or pink polo shirt, Shawn Lovejoy is hard to miss in a crowd. Yet the one thing that makes Shawn stand out even more is his outgoing and uplifting personality.
“I’m basically a happy-go-lucky, positive kind of guy,” said
CORY PUTS HIS GREAT PEOPLE SKILLS TO WORK AT COBORN’S
Posted on May 08, 2017
Cory Frank’s career exploration started seven years ago when he attended a vocational skills training program at Ridgewater College in Willmar for people with disabilities. The program helped Cory hone his job skills to secure a competitive job.
During the program, he had the opportunity to
WE’D LIKE YOU TO MEET HILARY LOWELL
Posted on May 01, 2017
“Writing is cathartic for me,” said Hilary Lowell. “It gives me great joy to be able express myself — my feelings about people important in my life, my injury. My poetry gives me a voice.”
A well-educated and published author, Hilary suffered a traumatic
WE’D LIKE YOU TO MEET CHANTILLY LYNCH BY MICHAEL SACK
Posted on May 01, 2017
When Chantilly Lynch graduated from Minneapolis South High School in 1995, she was not exactly sure what she wanted to do next. To discover her job interests, Chantilly had the opportunity to train and work in several clerical jobs at community businesses through her school district’s
WE’D LIKE YOU TO MEET ERIK LINDMAN
Posted on Mar 27, 2017
Erik Lindman is a man on the move at Creative Partnerships North in Crystal where he has received day training and habilitation services for the past six years.
Erik, who will be 41 in May, is an industrious guy and loves to help with whatever he
WE’D LIKE YOU TO MEET LYLE WEDEBRAND
Posted on Feb 27, 2017
To say that Lyle Wedebrand has worked in a number of companies throughout his 23 years at Rise is an understatement. But unlike some people who tend to job-hop, Lyle moves around a lot because he’s good at what he does and Rise production
PIERRE & RIZIKI ARE FILLED WITH HOPE FOR A NEW LIFE IN THE U.S.
Posted on Feb 21, 2017
HAVING LIVED IN various refugee camps throughout Africa since he was a child, Pierre Gatera dreamed of offering his three children a better life – one of hope, security, and accomplishment.
Pierre’s parents escaped Burundi to Rwanda where they lived as refugees until 1994.
JOANNA’S A PERFECT FIT FOR WARNER’S STELLIAN APPLIANCE STORE
Posted on Feb 20, 2017
MOST MINNESOTANS KNOW that if they are looking to purchase home appliances, they will likely find just what they need at a Warners’ Stellian Appliance store. Family-owned since 1954, they offer quality products, installation, and service.
As an administrative assistant / receptionist at the
BRUCE HIXON BUILDS GREAT MACHINIST CAREER
Posted on Feb 20, 2017
HAVING SUCCESSFULLY worked as a machinist since 1977, Bruce Hixon was dismayed when the company he had been working for close to 25 years closed abruptly after 9/11 as the manufacturing industry began to struggle.
Skilled and motivated, Bruce had worked hard to build his
WE’D LIKE YOU TO MEET MARY RICHARDS
Posted on Feb 13, 2017
Just when most of her peers are thinking about retiring, Mary Richards is hoping to start a new career and is pursuing her job search in earnest.
“I’d much rather be working than at home feeling sorry for myself,” she said. “Everyone needs to
WE’D LIKE YOU TO MEET BRIANA BERGERON
Posted on Jan 30, 2017 | Tags: |
Briana Bergeron’s ability to quickly learn new job tasks and her solid work ethic make her a valued employee at the Taco John’s restaurant in Forest Lake where she has worked three days a week since July 2016.
Equally appreciative of
WE’D LIKE YOU TO MEET LANE MOONEY
Posted on Jan 17, 2017 | Tags: |
At the end of his work day at Rise, nothing makes Lane Mooney happier than to tinker in his make-shift work shop in the corner of Mark and Sarah Gustafson’s barn in Champlin. There, whatever has wires, lights, or electrical components – is of
STORY #45 – KEVIN ARRIAZA
Posted on Dec 19, 2016
Being the “rock star” and quick learner that he is, it didn’t take Kevin Arriaza very long to find his way around and through the miles of hallways in the Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) in downtown Minneapolis — which is a good thing because
STORY #44 – JUDY
Posted on Dec 12, 2016
For someone who had worked most of her adult life, Judy was simply not ready to sit home idle after retiring in 2012. Instead, she chose to attend Rise’s Adult Day Program at the Emma B. Howe Northtown Family YMCA in Coon Rapids three days
STORY #43-JOHN FLEAGLE
Posted on Dec 05, 2016
Living up to his nickname at HOM Furniture, “Hercules,” is hard work, literally – but John Fleagle gives it everything he’s got every day.
As one of the first to join the crew when Rise established a workplace partnership with HOM Furniture in Coon Rapids
THE SKY’S THE LIMIT AT LSG SKY CHEFS
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
BREANNE’S LOVE FOR CHILDREN MAKES JOB AT NICKELODEON UNIVERSE A GREAT MATCH
Posted on Nov 29, 2016
Breanne Miller was determined to find a job working with kids – one through which she could bring joy to their lives. And what a better job than as a ride operator at Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America!
Breanne was so excited
STORY #42 – BRIDGET ZWACK
Posted on Nov 28, 2016
Armed with a freshly earned two-year degree in medical coding and health information management from St. Paul College, plus almost eight years of clerical administrative work at Cummins Power Generation, Bridget Zwack is ready to take the next step on her career path.
After graduating
STORY #41 – RUDY REYES
Posted on Nov 22, 2016
Although he says that working with others is the best part of his job at Pentair in Anoka, Rudy Reyes also says he enjoys the solitude of working in the company’s cafeteria and dishroom every Tuesday where he cleans and washes dishes.
“I get
STORY #40 – EDDIE RIDGE
Posted on Nov 14, 2016
As Eddie Ridge approaches his 64th birthday in January, he is still as committed to his work as he was when he first started at Rise in January 1974.
“I can’t even think about retirement yet – I like working too much,” he said
STORY #39 – LAKEISHA SQUALLS
Posted on Nov 07, 2016
With more than 240 stores located in eight Midwestern states, people are excited about the new Hy-Vee grocery stores now opening in Minnesota communities. One of the newest stores is located in Brooklyn Park and LaKeisha Squalls was among the first employees to be
STORY #38 – TOM CHRISTOFFEL
Posted on Nov 01, 2016
Walmart stores nationwide are proud to hire great people who are excited about working together as a team to serve their customers. That’s just what Tom Christoffel was looking for in a job when he applied and was hired for a maintenance position at the Walmart