Richfield, Minnesota - Minnesota Independence College and Community (MICC) has been named Nonprofit of the Year by the Richfield Chamber of Commerce at the annual Circle of Excellence awards ceremony on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. The award recognizes MICC's outstanding contributions to the Richfield community through its life skills and vocational programs for autistic and neurodivergent adults.
 
The event was sponsored by Friendship Village of Bloomington, Northwoods Promotions West, Aviator Studios, and Blue Hippo Bakery. In attendance from MICC included Amy Gudmestad, Executive Director, Anna Hilfers, Director of College Program, Aaron Carper, Director of Community Program, Anna Schenck, Careers Program Job Developer,  Amanda DeJong, Marketing Manager, and Grant S., MICC Student Ambassador.
 
The award ceremony began with an introduction by Kelsey Nagel, President of the Richfield Chamber, and the previous year's winner presented each award to this year’s recipients. The winners for each category were as follows:

It's time to break out the confetti and cheer because we are celebrating the March Participant of the Month, Jordan!

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. Jordan has been recognized by both his peers and staff for his outstanding demonstration of responsibility, resilience, and respect at MICC.

Jordan's helpfulness towards staff has not gone unnoticed, with one staff member praising him for always being ready to lend a hand and lead activities in the Social Program. And it's not just staff that appreciate Jordan's company; his peers have praised him for always having a smile on his face and taking the time to catch up with everyone.

When asked why he thinks he was chosen as the Participant of the Month, Jordan modestly replied, "I'm just an all-around great person and I'm always ready to help with activities." And boy, is he ever! Jordan is a proud member of the MICC Rockband and loves to belt out tunes every day. He's also a self-proclaimed Jeopardy fanatic

Jordan has been a participant in MICC's Community Program and is a graduate of the MICC College Program class of 2010 (formerly MLC's Undergraduate Program). When asked about his favorite memory at MICC, Jordan lit up as he reminisced about the senior winter men's retreat, where they had breakfast burritos, went sledding, and spent time with Uncle Rich.

Congratulations, Jordan!

MICC Careers Program partners will employers in the Minneapolis area to promote neurodiversity in the workplace and ensure participants and graduates find meaningful employment. One of MICC's employment partners is Great Wolf Lodge in Bloomington. 

Von is the Director of Retail, Attractions, and Kids Experience at Great Wolf Lodge in Bloomington. Since Von was received with open arms to his position and welcomed to the "pack," he noticed how much the workplace culture was very family-oriented and inclusive on all fronts.

Experiencing his warm welcome first-hand, Von felt that as the department director, it was important to ensure this culture was carried on as a priority and he continues to nurture it on his team. Great Wolf Lodge has various internal programs for its employees to maintain a positive work environment and support their workplace culture. "As a lodge, we are all one Pack, and everything we do, we strive to do as a team." 

Von became familiar with MICC through some of the pack members, and when he learned more about MICC's mission and programming, he knew that this was a partnership that could enhance lives.

Presently, Von, Great Wolf Lodge, and MICC have a partnership that is very impactful! One of Von's best parts of his job is watching new pack members grow and develop in their roles at the lodge. Pack Member, Ava, comes to mind as Von has seen Ava extend in her job role not only in her abilities but in her comfort and confidence.

Von hope is that participant's who work at the lodge will gain a sense of accomplishment. He shared, "We want all our pack members to learn how fulfilling it can be to bring joy to families and by doing so, how this can also teach us to be leaders among our peers. I can't wait to meet the next young person who is passionate about bringing joy to families and becomes a part of our lodge!"

MICC was thrilled to celebrate this partnership at the annual Champion's Breakfast in October and are so grateful to have Great Wolf Lodge as a part of the employer team.

Join us as we work together to promote neurodiversity in the workplace and help autistic people succeed! Connect with us to schedule a training or to learn more about partnering with MICC's Careers Program as an employment partner.