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MICC Named Nonprofit of the Year by Richfield Chamber of Commerce

3/21/2023

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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:
Nonprofit of the Year: Minnesota Independence College and Community
2021 winner: Youable Emotional Health (formerly Headway Emotional Health)
 
Government Service Award: Richfield Liquor
2021 winner: Visit Richfield
 
Community Service Award: Richfield Leadership Network
2021 winner: My Credit Union
 
Small Business of the Year: Pizza Luce – Richfield
2021 winner: Lighten Up, LLC

Business of the Year: Friendship Village of Bloomington
2021 winner: Richfield-Bloomington Honda

Larry Farrington Business Leader of the Year: Cassie Senetra of State Farm
2021 winner: Dave & Lisa Hintermeister of Mortgage Consultant Team
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Amy Gudmestad, MICC Executive Director
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Richfield Chamber Circle of Excellence Award Recipients
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Grant S., MICC Student Ambassador, representing MICC participants at the ceremony.
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Amy Gudmestad accepts Richfield Chamber Circle of Excellence Nonprofit of the Year award
“[MICC] is a very impressive program,” said Pat Dale of Headways Emotional Health as he introduced MICC’s Executive Director, Amy Gudmestad to accept the award for nonprofit of the year.
 
MICC was chosen for the Richfield Chamber of Commerce award due to its impressive staying power and substantiated history as an established nonprofit organization in the Richfield community. MICC has provided person-centered education and training for adults for over 25 years. In addition, the organization has experienced significant growth in the number of participants it serves and has increased its impact on the community through innovative programs and partnerships.

Since its inception, more than 250 adults have completed MICC’s skills programming. Today, more than 100 graduates are employed and still reside independently in the Richfield area. MICC's vocational skills training programs, certified by Century College and accredited by CARF International, prepare people for careers in the health services, retail, culinary, and hospitality industries.
 
"We are honored to receive this recognition from the Richfield Chamber of Commerce," said Gudmestad. "Our dedicated team of instructors and professionals work passionately to empower participants to create the life they want with independence, meaningful careers, and relationships. This award is a testament to their hard work and dedication. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to find purpose and belonging in a supportive community."
 
In 2015, MICC was previously inducted into the Richfield Small Business Hall of Fame and was first named a Minnesota Top Workplace by the Star Tribune.

MICC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for autistic and neurodivergent young adults. Since its founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to supporting participants in successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC participants achieve sustained, independent living; rewarding employment; financial security; personal growth; and responsible citizenship. We champion all participants, carry their successes into the world, and collaborate with others in service of our vision.

Media inquiries can be directed to: marketing@miccommunity.org
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Careers Spotlight: Great Wolf Lodge

2/21/2023

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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.


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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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.
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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.


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 - Cole

2/16/2022

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PictureCole will graduate from MICC’s College Program this Spring in 2022.
We are celebrating our February Participant of the Month, Cole!

​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 Cole’s RESPECT:

A peer wrote, “He always cares and asks how everyone is. He is very kind-hearted.”

Additionally, a staff member shared, “Cole demonstrates respect daily. He always asks his peers and staff how they are doing (and asks follow-up questions)! He is a great participant in class and respects the opinions of his peers.”

When asked why he has been recognized as Participant of the Month, Cole shared, “I think I was recognized as participant of the month because I am respectful and I like to ask people about their day and help others.”
 
Cole’s favorite thing about MICC are “the socials. Especially going to the zoo.” Two fun facts about him are that he likes holding doors for other people and he likes anime.

Congratulations, Cole!


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 - Ava

1/19/2022

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PictureAva graduated from MICC’s College Program in 2021 and is a current participant of the Community Program.
We are celebrating our January Participant of the Month, Ava!

​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 Ava’s RESILIENCE:

A peer wrote, ​​“Ava has been through a lot and bounced back so well. I have seen her grow in knowing how to take action in tough work situations, standing up for herself, and never giving up.”

Additionally, a staff member wrote at length about how resilient Ava has been especially with some tough interpersonal relationship situations lately, and while “uncertain at first, Ava showed resilience in being open to the idea” of coming together to find resolutions and problem-solving.

When asked why she has been recognized as Participant of the Month for December, Ava shared, “I think I have been recognized because of the growth my peers and staff have seen in me. I have changed in many ways since beginning at MICC in 2018. I know what to do in stressful situations and how to take care of myself. I have been able to manage tough situations and grow stronger from it. I am proud to be able to be more resilient and have a support team and network of peers.”
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Two fun facts about Ava are she loves roller coasters and enjoys diamond painting while marathoning one of her favorite shows, Friends.

Congratulations, Ava!


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.