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MICC Visits the Minnesota State Capitol

1/31/2023

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PictureJenna, Ben Lentz (Director of Advancement), Michael, Gemma
Tuesday, January 31, 2023 

Gemma, Jenna, and Michael, MICC participants, joined by Ben Lentz, MICC’s Director of Advancement, spent the day at the Minnesota State Capitol to spread awareness about MICC to House and Senate members. Gemma, Jenna, and Michael shared their stories and engaged in meaningful conversations with an impressive 21 legislators, including five Senators and 16 Representatives. 

The group received a tour of the Capitol Rotunda, Senate Chamber, House Chamber, and a rare glimpse of the Minnesota Supreme Court Chamber. The day was filled with back-to-back meetings, with a lunch break at noon. Michael joined the group at the House building after spending the morning at his practicum site in Rosemount. His positive energy was what the group needed to kick off the second half of the visit day. Despite the cold weather, the group utilized the underground system and tracked their steps, ending the day with more than 12,000 steps. 

MICC is grateful for the bi-partisan support at the Minnesota House and Senate. This visit was a pivotal moment for MICC as it marked two years since their last in-person engagement with the Minnesota House and Senate. The team was thrilled to connect directly with the legislators and update them on the exciting plans and initiatives in the works. The visit was a chance to strengthen relationships, and to showcase the impact that MICC is making in the community. 

MICC would like to thank all the Representatives and Senators listed for their support in the past and during the 2023 Legislative Session. 

Rep. Dan Wolgamott  
Rep. Michael Howard 
Rep. Mohamud Noor 
Rep. Brian Daniels 
Rep. Anne Neu Brindley 
Rep. Marj Fogelman 
Rep Debra Kiel 
Rep. Ron Kresha 
Rep. Jeff Witte 
Rep. Danny Nadeau 
Rep. John Huot  
Rep. Nathan Coulter  
Rep. Jessica Hanson 
Rep. Joe McDonald 
Rep. Kristin Robbins  
Rep. Joe Schomacker 
Rep. Mary Franson 
Rep. Peggy Scott  
Sen. Aric Putnam  
Sen. Zach Duckworth  
Sen. Robert Farnsworth  
Sen. Robert Kupec 

Sen. Jason Rarick  

The day was filled with important conversations, inquisitive questions, and the opportunity for members of MICC’s community to represent themselves and their own unique stories. MICC is grateful for this opportunity and looks forward to continued collaboration with the Minnesota House and Senate. 


Minnesota Independence College and Community is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for autistic and neurodivergent adults. Since our founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to helping participants make successful transitions towards independent living and self-determination. MICC is proud to be recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune.

Media inquiries can be sent to marketing@miccommunity.org.
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Careers Spotlight: World Market

1/24/2023

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PictureMICC participant Reese (pictured left), and Jeffrey (pictured right) at work at World Market.
After working at the same job for over 10 years, Jeffrey was ready for a change and found a seasonal position at World Market. Not only was he hired permanently, but his job developer noticed a significant change in his attitude and confidence. He was upbeat, engaging with new people, and "coming out of his shell”.

Fast forward to spring 2022, Reese was on the hunt for the perfect job. Knowing of Jeffrey's success at World Market, her job developer suggested she check out open positions. And just like that, Reese was hired on the spot! She's been loving her new career, working on the cash register and stocking and learning new skills every day. Reese said that one of her favorite things about her job is the people she works with, especially her supervisor, Casey. 
 
Casey shared that working with Reese and Jeffrey is "a delight". She said, "They are both always positive and bring a good sense of humor to the team."

World Market "seeks out individuals who are upbeat and positive, have a can-do attitude, a passion for what they do, and an interest in others." They value inclusivity and hiring diverse, unique, and eclectic individuals. MICC is proud to have an employer like World Market as a great work environment for participants.


Minnesota Independence College and Community is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for young adults with learning differences and autism spectrum disorders. Since our founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to helping our students make successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC is proud to be recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune.

Media inquiries can be sent to marketing@miccommunity.org.
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Careers Spotlight: Tyler

12/27/2022

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PictureTyler at work as a Customer Service Assistant at Walgreens.
​Tyler graduated from the College Program in May of 2020 with his Century College certificate in Hospitality.
 
The Hospitality certificate program prepares students for positions in restaurants, tourism, and customer service. He recalled that the skills her learned in the certificate program prepared him for employment by learning how to assist customers.
 
Tyler has been working for Walgreens as a Customer Service Assistant since February 2021. He stocks food and drinks and cashiers. His favorite part about his job is helping customers. He also shared, “My coworkers at Walgreens are very nice and supportive. They take time to help me solve problems. I am also able to speak with management whenever I have an issue. I am motivated to go into work because I enjoy meeting and helping the customers that come into the store.”
 
His advice for students just starting their job search, "It might be a long process looking for a job and discouraging at times. Don't give up. You will find a job when the time is right. You will also have hard days at work, and you get through those days as well."
 
His future career goal is to increase his hours and responsibilities at Walgreens and become a Shift Lead.


Minnesota Independence College and Community is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for young adults with learning differences and autism spectrum disorders. Since our founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to helping our students make successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC is proud to be recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune.

Media inquiries can be sent to marketing@miccommunity.org.
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Participant of the Month - Lyndsey

12/20/2022

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PictureLyndsey graduated from MICC's College Program in 2016 and is a current Community Program participant.
We are celebrating the December Participant of the Month, Lyndsey!

Participant of the Month is awarded by nominations from both peers and staff for individuals who have clearly demonstrated one or more of our three R’s: responsibility, resilience, and respect. Here are some of what people had to say about Lyndsey’s RESPONSIBILITY:

A staff member shared Lyndsey "has been taking leadership roles in class and helping out without being asked”.

Another staff had this praise to share, “Lyndsey is so kind. She always greets people with a smile and often a hug. Lyndsey clearly articulates all that she learned in the College Program and talks about how she demonstrates that knowledge in everyday life. Lyndsey is a treat to be around!”

When asked why she has been recognized as Participant of the Month, Lyndsey said, “I have made many positive changes in my life, I've been responsible with working at Great Wolf Lodge, and I have a cheerful attitude while being a role model for College students.” You nailed it, Lyndsey!

Lyndsey is currently a participant in MICC’s Community Program, and is a MICC College Program class of 2016 graduate. She loves to bowl and is currently in the Special Olympics Bowling elective and will be talking Weird Science in the spring. She loves all the friends she has made at MICC and participating in activities.
​
Congratulations, Lyndsey!


​Minnesota Independence College and Community is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for young adults with learning differences and autism spectrum disorders. Since our founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to helping our students make successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC is proud to be recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune.

Media inquiries can be sent to marketing@miccommunity.org.
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Careers Spotlight: Gaby

11/22/2022

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Picture
​Gaby graduated from MICC's College Program in 2021 and works as an Attractions Assistant for Crayola Experience at Mall of America.

Gaby had an interesting start to her job at Crayola due to unpredictability of 2020. She was offered a position in November 2020 and shortly after, Crayola temporarily shut down due to a spike in COVID-19 cases. Even though the return date was unknown, Gaby showed resiliency in pursuing paid employment.

In January 2021, Gaby received a call that Crayola was reopening, and they had a job for her. Gaby said, “I felt excited and a little nervous to start my new job at Crayola."

Since then, Gaby has settled into her job as an Attractions Assistant. In her role, Gaby assists children in all sorts of different activities like “Rockin’ Paper," “U Design”, and “Drip Art”. Gaby said her favorite part of her job is “interacting with the kids who come to the attractions, especially when I get to work with kids with disabilities - they make my day!”

Her career goals include continuing to work at Crayola and increasing her skills. She shared, “I would like to become a PCA one day because I love helping people! Especially those who have special needs."


Minnesota Independence College and Community is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for young adults with learning differences and autism spectrum disorders. Since our founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to helping our students make successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC is proud to be recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune.

Media inquiries can be sent to marketing@miccommunity.org.
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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.