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Careers Spotlight: Ann

10/25/2022

This past summer, Ann, MICC Community Program participant, was facing some difficulties at her workplace and decided to change her career. Ann wanted a workplace with a positive work culture and a strong appreciation for its employees. Soon enough, Ann applied to Lunds and Byerlys for a Courtesy Clerk position and got the job. The next step: onboarding.

Lunds and Byerlys is one of MICC’s strongest employers. The family-owned grocery company is committed to the surrounding community and prides itself on its neighborhood feel. That feeling extends to its employees. After her first week, Ann said she had made friends and really likes working at Lunds and Byerlys.

Along with comprehensive onboarding, Lunds and Byerlys works seamlessly with accommodations and scheduling and cares about employees. Hudson, another MICC participant, has been working at Lunds and Byerlys for over a year. Hudson is an upbeat participant who is always looking to make people smile, and this store provides an environment where he can make the most of those qualities. Hudson started as a Courtesy Clerk bagging groceries and has expanded his role to product-facing tasks like product placement. Lunds and Byerlys not only provides opportunities for its employees, but also mobility within the company.

The Lunds and Byerlys website states: “Our stores have been family-owned for three generations, and we believe in giving our customers the same personal attention and exceptional value we would expect for our own family." Their commitment to the community and care for their employees have been a great asset to the community, and MICC is proud to have Lunds and Byerly’s as a dedicated local employer.

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 - Tom

10/20/2022

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Tom V. at MICC's Champions Breakfast where he was celebrated for a decade of independence.

We are celebrating the October Participant of the Month, Tom!

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 Tom’s RESPONSIBILITY:

Aaron Carper, MICC's Director of Community Program, shared: "Celebrating 10 years of independence this year is Tom V. In 2012, Tom began the full-time job with benefits he still maintains today at Nickelodeon Universe, where he is a cashier and retail worker. He also helps at the Crayola Experience on occasion. For the past eight years, Tom has been living in an apartment and has had the same roommate who is also a great friend. Tom loves cooking and is most grateful for the many friends he has at MICC, the weekly socials they attend together, walking with his mom, and attending sporting events with his dad."

Staff also shared Tom has great communication, shows initiative, and "overall, Tom has been a solid MICC participant for a decade. He goes about his business and is always kind. He always says "Hi" and is welcoming."

Congratulations, Tom!

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October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

10/5/2022

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MICC Careers Program proudly celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This year’s theme is “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation.” NDEAM celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices.

“A strong workforce is the sum of many parts, and disability has always been a key part of the equation,” said Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy, Taryn M. Williams. “People with disabilities make up a wonderfully multifaceted group. By recognizing the full complexion of our community, we can ensure our efforts to achieve disability inclusion are, in fact, truly inclusive.” (U.S. Department of Labor, 2022).

Employment is the principal source of such essential psychological needs as time structure, social contact, collective purpose, social identity/status, and activity and the ability to meet these needs correlates strongly with the individual’s well-being.

MICC Careers Program knows that employment is a vital piece of the puzzle to become and remain independent. More than financial freedom, employment provides a sense of purpose, social interaction, structure, and the ultimate ability to make decisions for yourself.

The Careers Program focuses on an employment-first model, ensuring participants are employed in the community and receive a competitive wage.

Participants enroll in Certificate Programs such as Culinary, Health Services, Hospitality, or Retail that are accredited by Century College and noted to have the best curriculum of its kind nationally. Our partnership with Century College has proven what we value, post-secondary education is for everyone.

MICC supports participants in finding meaningful employment aligned with their skills, interests, and preferences. When entering the workforce, participants experience a sense of belonging, personal growth, challenge, and confidence.

To celebrate NDEAM, the Careers Program shines a spotlight on Wally, an MICC College Program graduate. Wally recently met with MICC Job Developers as a recruiting effort to discuss current open positions at the Walgreens he has worked at for six years. Wally shares his career path:

“Six years ago, I was a customer service associate, or CSA. They saw my potential for management. About two years later, I became a shift lead. About two years later, I became the inventory manager. This meant I was in charge of ordering product for our weekly truck and keeping track of inventory. Nearly a year later, I’m training to become an assistant manager on track for springtime.

Aside from my ASMT position, I also work in pharmacy filling prescriptions, ringing up pharmacy patients, help with their insurance, and more. I like it because it’s fast-paced. The role of the ASM is second in command.

When asked how MICC’s program prepared him for employment, Wally shared, “The internship and the retail course. My people skills have improved so much. I also have learned so much patience.”

“I can’t speak for all stores. But my store is incredibly supportive and welcoming. We’re very close knit since we’re such a small store. When one of us is gone it basically brings down the atmosphere of the store. We joke around with each other, buy each other stuff, and feel comfortable sharing personal stuff.”

“Some workplaces say ‘We’re a family’, but here, it’s actually true. Since our store is so small with only maybe 10 front-end employees total, it’s easy to chat during lulls and get acquainted with each other. Some of us even go out to dinner together on our off days. We welcome new employees, as well as keep our regulars not only happy but interact with them on a friend-like basis.”

“I was welcomed in 6 years ago and I share that same welcoming to all my coworkers. I hope that [store number] 2509 can get some dedicated employees that want to work for a small close-knit store.”

Congratulations to Wally on his employment success!

Learn more about MICC's Careers Program on their newly updated site.

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Careers Spotlight: Ann

Participant of the Month - Tom

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

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