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.

​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.

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.

​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."