Success Stories
Allie Rumpel is an “awesome” Wisconsin worker
“Each time we’ve come back from a closure, she’s gotten better and better at her job. She’s so dedicated! ” – Kim Ersland, Rise job coach Allie Rumpel works two days a week at Western Wisconsin Health Fitness Center (WWHFS) and three days each week at a local grocery store, both in Baldwin, WI. Prior…
Read MoreCraftsman’s work on display in Minnesota Kitchens
by Tom Brinker Paul Weller walked into Galloping Cabinets in rural Mayer, Minn. to assemble cabinets, doors, and panels seven years ago. Weller’s work at the family-owned custom cabinetry company creates showpiece kitchens across Minnesota and around the country. “I cut out materials, assemble, and sand a lot” Weller said. “The work is usually on…
Read MoreDuluth’s Minnesota Employment Center team helps Bill Kelch reach employment goals
by Jillian McNett Long before a lunch or dinner rush hits the dining room at Moose Lake’s Redneck Meats BBQ, Bill Kelch stands over a stack of pots and pans in the restaurant kitchen. He’s quick to move through the dishes as the busy kitchen preps for a long day serving hungry customers. “I am…
Read MoreNew town, new career field gives Ray hope for the future
After facing some difficult and challenging times in his home state of Tennessee, Ray Joyce decided to make a big move northward to Minneapolis in March 2020 to get a fresh start. And then the pandemic hit — rocking everyone’s world, including Ray’s. Without a job or a place to live, Ray went to Harbor…
Read MoreFollowing pandemic, Larry regroups and lands ‘dream job’
If this man’s friendly face looks familiar, you may recognize him from a Rise Reporter feature in the March 2020 issue. OR — you may have asked him for directions in downtown Minneapolis and had him escort you to your destination. Larry Mitchell works as an ‘ambassador’ with the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District (DID) and…
Read MoreFollowing brain injury, Robert rebuilds life; valued County Market employee
“Robert, could you please hand me that jar of honey on the top shelf?” a customer asked. “If I don’t come home with the right brand, my wife won’t let me in the door!” he added with a laugh. Most of the customers at Jerry’s County Market in Hudson, Wis., know Robert Radtke by name…
Read MoreKevin and Robert proud of front line work in Chisago City
Kevin Stignani has worked as a retail helper with the Kwik Trip in Chisago City for the past 14 months. A dedicated employee who always arrives early for his shift, Kevin works safely by wearing a mask, social distancing, and sanitizing equipment. Kevin is proud of the work he does, and even in a cold…
Read MoreOn the front lines at Cub, Fred provides great customer service
The temporarily tented Jerry’s Cub Food store in South Minneapolis was a lifeline to its many customers when protesters and looters severely damaged its brick-and-mortar building following the death of George Floyd on Memorial Day 2020. Erected in July in the parking lot, the “Community Market Lake Street,” was in a culturally diverse, low- to…
Read MoreLaura works on the front lines at Walmart
“Wearing a mask has been the biggest challenge for me with the pandemic because communicating is harder,” said Laura Lecher using American Sign Language (ASL). She works as a stocker at the Walmart in Forest Lake. “Before the pandemic, I was able to read people’s lips and help people faster. But now with masks, it…
Read MoreJacob’s co-workers appreciate his attention to detail, solid work ethic
With homeowners servicing their lawn mowers to be stowed away for the season and then tuning up and preparing their snowblowers for the coming winter, Medart CPD in Anoka is a busy place. As a distributor of more than 40,000 small engines, parts and equipment for lawnmowers and snowblowers, employees fill and ship out orders…
Read MoreJohn meets the huge challenges of starting a new life over in Minnesota
Having worked since he was 13 years old, John Bradley’s strong work ethic and pride in a job well done have been honed over many years in different career fields. Starting over in a new town with a family to support has been challenging, but given’s John’s perseverance, it’s been worth it. Following the devastation…
Read MoreMichael worked to help people know how to vote, make their voices heard
Combining his excellent writing skills with his interest in advocacy for disability-related issues, Michael Sack served as a senior volunteer consultant of voter accessibility for just over two months, September until the election in November, with Emma Greenman’s campaign. She won the Minnesota State House of Representatives (63B) seat with more than 73 percent of…
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