Minnesota Independence College and Community: Learn Skills. Experience Life.
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Welcome to the Homecoming 2021 website! Due to the resiliency and commitment our community has demonstrated in following COVID-19 protocols, we have been able to remain open and safe while delivering programming. We are so proud of what we have been able to accomplish together. To ensure the safety of our participants, families, and staff, the MICC Family Association and MICC Leadership have made the decision to deliver our Homecoming 2021 event in a hybrid format with both in-person (outdoor) and virtual programming.  

What is Homecoming?

Every year in October, we host a weekend event for our community that gives participants and families a chance to connect, learn, and celebrate! This year, Homecoming will be delivered in an in-person (outdoors) and virtual hybrid format to ensure the safety of our participants and families. The week of September 27th, we will host live virtual Zoom presentations and a live virtual Zoom Happy Hour.  

On Saturday, October 2nd, we will host in-person programming for our entire community, focused on connection, community building, and FUN!


The full agenda and schedule can be found below. All times listed are CST. 
​

How do I participate?

To participate, families and participants are invited to attend our programming in-person on Saturday, October 2nd, first at Donaldson Park, then at Veterans Park. Siblings, friends, and other extended family are welcome to join. 

You can also visit this page to view prerecorded presentations and join the live Zoom presentations and activities at the scheduled time by clicking the corresponding links on the detailed agenda. 

What do we do when there isn't programming in person? We encourage families and participants to enjoy time with one another. We also encourage roommates and participants to get together with other families! Individual meetings with various MICC staff may also take place over the weekend.

Homecoming 2021 Schedule Overview 

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Download the Schedule Overview

Detailed Agenda 

Wednesday, September 29 at 6:00 pm CST 
Virtual Family Association Meeting via Zoom
Rwanda Campbell, MICC Family Association President 
For all MICC College and Community Families 

In this live Zoom session, Rwanda will give an overview of the MICC Family Association and key initiatives. 
View the Proposed 21-22 FA Budget.pdf
File Size: 159 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Family Association Resource Guide
The Family Association Board has created a link for collecting local resources. We hope that families who have found useful resources in the area will share that information with us so a resource list can be compiled for all MICC Families. Complete the Resource Form Here: https://bit.ly/3ATwS3G

Restaurant Recommendations for Your Visit This Weekend
Parents and loved ones, are you looking for dining close to MICC that offers outdoor seating for groups large and small? Try these recommendations...the titles are linked for your convenience: 
​Tavern on France-American Food
6740 France Ave S.
Edina, MN
952-358-6100
Pizzeria Lola
5557 Xerxes Ave. S
Minneapolis, MN
612-424-8338
Pinstripes-Italian American Fare
3849 Gallagher Dr.
Edina, MN
952-835-6440
Applebee’s Grill and Bar
Southtown
7901 ½ Southtown Center
Bloomington, MN 55420
952-881-8845
Fireside Foundry-Thin Crust Pizza
6736 Penn Ave. S
Minneapolis, MN
612-869-4040
​Yumi Japanese Restaurant
Southdale Center
200 Southdale Cir, #2C
Minneapolis, MN
952-405-9830
Click here to watch the Family Association meeting recording

Wednesday, September 29 at 7:00 pm CST
Virtual MICC State of the Organization via Zoom
Amy Gudmestad, Executive Director 

For all MICC College and Community Participants and Families (preregistration not required) 
An overview of the current state of the organization and key initiatives in the coming year and beyond. Attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions through a moderated format following the ​presentation.
Click here to watch the MICC State of the Organization recording

Thursday, September 30 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm CST
Virtual "Become an MICC Ambassador" Meeting via Zoom

For all MICC College and Community Participants and Families (preregistration requested)

An MICC Ambassador shares about the good work of MICC, engages their networks in meaningful ways, and is part of the passionate, generous people working toward a world where individuals on the autism spectrum and with learning differences thrive and are valued. Learn more about being an MICC Ambassador in this Zoom meeting. Attendees will get a sneak peek at the 2022 MICC Gala theme!​
Click here to watch the recording

Thursday, September 30 at 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm CST
Virtual Social Happy Hour via Zoom

For all MICC College and Community Participants and Families 

Can't make it in-person on Saturday? All MICC Participants and Families are encouraged to attend a live Zoom Happy Hour. Grab your favorite beverage and snack and get to know our Community. Attendees will be broken into various Zoom Rooms to network and connect.   ​

Saturday, October 2 at 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm CST
In-person MICC Kick Ball Game 
For all MICC College and Community Participants and Families 

Rain or shine we are excited to bring back our annual MICC kick ball game! MICC employees and families will battle against participants! 

LOCATION: Donaldson Park
7434 Humboldt Ave S
Richfield, MN 55423
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The game will take place at the Baseball field bordering w. 75th Street. 

Saturday, October 2 at 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm CST
In-person Bulldog Barbeque Picnic and Games
For all MICC College and Community Participants and Families 

Rain or shine we are excited to host our ENTIRE community outdoors safely for games, a picnic, and fun. We will have a variety of food to meet all dietary needs, have lawn games including cornhole and ladder ball, host trivia, and a craft station. Come for a portion or stay the whole time! 

LOCATION: Veterans Memorial Park, Vets Park Shelter - 6335 Portland Avenue South
Click here to visit the Vets Park Shelter page: https://www.richfieldmn.gov/departments/parks_and_recreation/veterans_park/vets_park_shelter_information.php​
​The Veterans Park Picnic Shelter is located near the intersection of Portland Avenue and 64th Street.

Spirit Week 

The Class of 2024 is worked hard to plan fun daily themes leading up to MICC's Homecoming weekend. This annual tradition is referred to as Spirit Week. Check out this year's themes:
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Make sure you're following us on Instagram and like our Facebook page for story updates throughout the week.

Participants are encouraged to participate in Spirit Week while they are on-campus and not to dress up or wear their outfits if they are at work or practicum.

Prerecorded Informational Presentations 

Prerecorded presentations are available on this page below. Presentations can be watched at any time and will provide valuable information for all MICC participants and families. ​Additional new presentations will be released the week of September 27th on this page.

Resource Presentations

​FutureLife Options™ 

Allycia Wolff from Arc of Minnesota
For All MICC Families and Participants
​Families of people with disabilities want their loved one’s future to be secure and happy but may not know exactly what to consider. The Arc Minnesota created FutureLife Options™ as a comprehensive program to help families have peace of mind about the future. With support from an Advocate, families consider every area of their loved one’s life and document it all in one place. Each plan is designed for the individual, the people in their life, and anyone who will be there for them in the future. The plan outlines how to make dreams a reality, while also addressing legal or financial planning. Allycia Wolff, an Advocate from The Arc, will give an overview of the program and participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and hopefully join a cohort of MICC families going through the process together

Moving Ahead with Minnesota Benefits

Disability Benefits 101 (mn.db101.org)
For All MICC Families and Participants
Learn more about Minnesota public benefits programs that help people with disabilities. There are two types of public benefits discussed which include cash benefits and healthcare benefits. Cash benefit programs discussed include General Assistance (GA), Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA), Housing Support, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP). Health Care Program discussed include Medical Assistance (MA), MinnesotaCare and Medicare Savings Programs. Minnesota public benefits can help you cover basic needs and get ahead if you work.

SSI/SSDI 101 Overview 

​Jena Kulenkamp, Transition and Resource Coordinator
For All MICC Families and Participants
Learn more about disability programs administered by the Social Security Administration including a comparison of Disability Insurance Benefits and Supplemental Security Income programs while explaining the requirements for each. The session will also cover the process the Social Security Administration uses to determine eligibility for disability benefits. 

BestNotes Portal Training 

Chrissy Cleveland, Assessment and Accountability Program Manager
For All MICC Families
An overview training regarding how to login and access participant information on the BestNotes system.

Program Presentations

Careers Department Overview

MICC Careers Program
For College Families and Participants
This presentation provides a general overview of the Careers Program. 

Community Program Wellness & Support Services Overview 

Lindsey Ryan, Wellness Program Manager
For Community and College Families and Participants
​Learn more about the Community Wellness Program services and programming available to participants in the areas of nutrition and physical fitness. 

Introduction to Job Development

Ali Brickner, Job Developer
For College and Community Families and Participants
​Learn more about the job development process at MICC. 

Zoom Virtual Backgrounds

Join in on the Homecoming spirit by adding a fun MICC Zoom background when you join a live session! Right click on your favorite, choose "Save Image As...". On mobile, long tap, and save!
Learn how to change your Zoom background here.
Download all backgrounds via this compressed zip folder.
Homecoming 2021 Zoom Backgrounds.zip
File Size: 15522 kb
File Type: zip
Download File

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7501 LOGAN AVE S.  STE 2A   RICHFIELD, MN 55423 
PHONE (612) 869-4008 | FAX (612) 869-0443 | EIN 41-1814112

Effective, August 1, 2018, Minnesota Life College changed its name to MICC., pronounced ‘em’ ‘eye’ ‘see’ ‘see’.
​MICC stands for Minnesota Independence College and Community.


At MICC, the values of diversity, equity and inclusion are essential elements of our vibrant learning community. It is vital that everyone receives the tools to succeed and thrive regardless of neurodiversity, race, ethnicity, nationality, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status or any other identity. We are committed to embracing diverse perspectives and creating a supportive environment for all to discuss, challenge, and explore how we can continuously enrich the MICC community.