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.

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.

​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."