REPORTER RISE - IN THIS ISSUE
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
RISE REPORTER JUNE 2021 | VOL. 45, NO. 2 IN THIS ISSUE: Movin' and Groovin' in Cottage Grove | Summer Picnic Returns | Technology Updates! Kitchen Career Reboot | MN Employment Center Connects | Journey with Cummins
RISE REPORTER
JUNE 2021 | VOL. 45, NO. 2
WHO WE ARE
Rise unlocks potential and opens doors to success for people with disabilities or other challenges through creative
solutions and customized support. We envision a progressive, supportive, and collaborative environment that fosters
meaningful growth and provides opportunities to live a life filled with purpose.
SUBMISSIONS
We love a good story. Share your photos and accomplishments with us! Your submission to kbartnick@rise.org may
appear in an upcoming Rise Reporter, be featured on Rise's social media sites or both! We can't wait to hear from you!
CONTENTS STAFF
Kathy Klang
Chair, Rise Board of Directors
02 Employment help in the North Country
Lynn Noren
04 Spirit Club comes to Washington County President & CEO
Noel McCormick
06 Rise Picnic returns in August Vice President of Advancement
07 Technology that pays Kelly Bartnick
Communications and Volunteer Manager; Editor
08 Hands-on experience with ARMHS
10 Rise annual report
ON THE COVER
Paul Weller has been making cabinets in Minnesota
14 Rise Gala information for nearly a decade. Read more about Paul's work
and the services he depends on to reach his goals
on page 8.
15 Meet our Rise interns
WELCOME
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Greetings and I hope you have had a fantastic spring.
We are moving more toward a new “normal” in our communities, work, and home
lives each day and I am so hopeful about the future. As restrictions are lifted, we
are also learning more about how our lives and our Rise services will change as we
emerge from this year-long pandemic. While I write this, Rise is updating our policies
and procedures based on new guidance from the Minnesota Department of Human
Services leadership. We expect more frequent updates as restrictions are eased
and will keep you updated through the process. The fastest way to learn about any
changes now and in the future will be to check rise.org. All updates are included on a
COVID-19 banner on our home page.
It has been such a joy to see a return to services as more and more people we serve
and Rise team members have become vaccinated. I am so grateful to the staff who
have continued providing services throughout the pandemic, and for persons served
who have been able to receive support. The pandemic has been an experience we
will all remember for a lifetime! Our reopening also means it’s time to hire additional
staff members to meet the demand for services, which has been challenging for Rise
and for all businesses. We are working hard to fill these roles. If you know people
interested in a joining a team of dedicated and wonderful workers who make a
difference just by coming to work each day, please refer them to Rise.
While reopening for services following the pandemic is exciting, we also have much
more to celebrate this year. Rise kicks off our 50th anniversary later this summer.
It has been so fun to look back at our history as we prepare to commemorate this
incredible accomplishment. I feel fortunate to have spent 42 years with this
organization. Being connected to the people we serve, their families, our business
partners and all Rise’s wonderful supporters has been one of the greatest joys of
my life. I have been constantly encouraged and amazed by the accomplishments of
those we support.
As we embark on our Anniversary celebration, we will be sharing "50 stories," a
series highlighting the successful journeys of people we serve and Rise team
members throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. I want to give all our
interns who helped with this project a special thanks. You will see their stellar work
beginning in August.
I hope you enjoy learning about the wonderful accomplishments of the people we
serve in this issue. We have also included our 2020 Annual Report. Even with the
challenges of 2020, we are extremely proud of our accomplishments. You will also
see a save-the-date for our Rise Gala in the fall and a reminder for this summer’s
picnic. I extend an invitation for both events to you all and would be so happy to have
you join us in celebration of our 50th year!
Lynn Noren
President & CEO
JUNE 2021 1
MINNESOTA EMPLOYMENT CENTER FOCUS
SPEAKING
A SIMILAR
LANGUAGE
Team member at Duluth's
Minnesota Employment
Center helps Bill Kelch
and many others reach
employment goals.
William "Bill" Kelch (pictured right) places
BY JILLIAN MCNETT clean glasses on a shelf at Redneck Meats
BBQ in Moose Lake, Minn. (top photo)
LONG BEFORE A LUNCH or
dinner rush hits the dining room
at Moose Lake’s Redneck Meats
BBQ, Bill Kelch stands over a
stack of pots and pans in the
restaurant kitchen. He’s quick to When I started the job,
move through the dishes as the Mary was there and helped
IMAGES: MARY SOLITS
busy kitchen preps for a long day
show me everything
serving hungry customers. “I am
and what to do.
very fast with loading and washing
the dishes,” Kelch said. “I get com-
pliments on my speed. They tell
me I am the best.”
Kelch has worked at Redneck absence because of his health. and began to lose hope of ever
Meats BBQ for five months. His He was not hired back when he finding work. His situation
managers already consider him an recovered. changed when he met Mary Soltis.
important part of their team and He had previously worked with Soltis works as Rise’s
praise his work. He is happy to feel another provider that was not Duluth-based Occupational Com-
welcomed because his experience fluent in American Sign Language munication Specialist for the
with other employers has not (ASL). The counselor struggled to Minnesota Employment Center
always been favorable. effectively communicate with him, (MEC), an employment services
Four years ago, Kelch was which frustrated everyone. As time program for people with hear-
working at a different em- went on and still facing unemploy- ing disabilities. She is also Deaf,
ployer when he took a leave of ment, Kelch became discouraged and like Bill Kelch, ASL is her
2 RISE REPORTER
MINNESOTA EMPLOYMENT CENTER FOCUS
first language. That makes Mary building confidence himself and his After having an affirming,
exceptionally equipped to assist abilities and work on communicat- accessible, and constructive
Kelch and others like him working ing with managers and staff who are experience at Redneck Meats,
to overcome workplace communi- hearing. Bill now has the confidence and
cation challenges. Because MEC’s supports optimism needed to keep moving
Just like it can be difficult for don’t end when someone finds forward on his employment
bilingual people to understand an a job, Mary Soltis continues journey. He has set a goal to
accent or a dialect in their second working with Bill and others operate machinery, like a forklift,
language, ASL interpreters who as they advance in their career, and may pursue a Commercial
are hearing (i.e., not Deaf) can’t explore changing industries, and Driver’s License (CDL) in the
always easily interpret an individ- seek out additional training. future.
ual’s particular “dialect” of ASL.
This happened often to Bill and is
why even with an ASL interpreter,
he struggled to understand Bill’s journey has been made possible by a grant from our Northeast Minnesota
communications with his previous community partners: the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation, the Lloyd K.
Johnson Foundation, the Northland Foundation, and the Ordean Foundation. We’re so
counselor.
thankful when community institutions invest in employment for everyone!
With a shared first language
and a shared culture, Mary has
been able to ‘re-interpret’ informa-
tion for Bill in a way that matches
Work
his needs and so he understands.
“I helped communicate informa- LOOKING FOR
tion to him at his language level
A REWARDING
and style, which helped everything
come together,” Soltis said.
“I was looking for a long time
CAREER? at Rise!
and it was hard to be patient,” NOW HIRING these positions and more:
Kelch said. “Mary said this may be
Direct Support Professionals:
due to COVID-19 which helped me
Support people with disabilities to
$1,000 Hiring
understand. And when I started work and learn in our community. Bonus
the job, Mary was there and helped
show me everything and what to
do.”
Employment Consultants:
Teach people how to find and keep
No Evenings
Kelch works daily from 9 a.m. a great job. or Weekends
to 2 p.m. at Redneck Meats BBQ.
Because he had been out of the Transportation Drivers: Competitve
workforce for so long, Kelch Provide people with safe, reliable
and Soltis agreed this position
rides to work and activities. Wages & Benefits
would help him re-establish
a work presence, focusing on Apply at rise.org/jobs today! no prior experience necessary
adjusting to a work schedule,
JUNE 2021 3
WHOLE HEALTH PROGRAMS
WELLNESS IN WASHINGTON COUNTY
Spirit Club brings healthly living activities to Rise in Cottage Grove each day,
keeping people moving and grooving. BY JILLIAN MCNETT
IMAGES: RACHEL MEYER AND NICOLE CONTI
Steve Cox (pictured left) and Deanna Cloose (pictured right) take part in in Spirit Club activities held weekdays at Rise in Cottage Grove, Minn.
PAY AN AFTERNOON visit to Rise Each Spirit Club session is led because I’m not very good at it, but
Cottage Grove and find a room full by three instructors. One demon- I like moving my arms,” said Steve
of activity. People are tapping their strates the most intense version of Cox, who also goes by “Goose” and
feet to music, lunging legs, and a workout. The second person per- has come to Rise in Cottage Grove
circling arms with Rise team mem- forms a simpler style of movement for 39 years. “The [Zumba] vid-
bers. These fun health and well- and the third instructor carries out eos were hard at first, but they are
ness workouts are streamed online all movement while seated. Spirit getting easier,” he said. Cox's one
from Spirit Club, a community of Club’s Zumba classes are a Rise fan complaint? He’d like more Kenny
certified fitness experts who create favorite. Rogers music included with the
classes for people of all abilities. “I don’t really like dancing classes.
4 RISE REPORTER
WHOLE HEALTH PROGRAMS
MORE THAN JUST FUN, SPIRIT Another person served, Diane exploring the community.
CLUB'S IMPORTANT BENEFITS Bruce, told us she especially enjoys HEALTHY RECIPE COOKING
Regular exercise has import- the music, and loves when she danc- CLASSES ARE A BIG HIT
ant to overall health and wellness es with Cottage Grove supervisor When people served aren’t
benefits. For people living with Rachel Meyer. dancing in Zumba class, they’re
disabilities, activity improves in the kitchen working on new
motor skills, increases stamina, MENTAL WELLNESS THROUGH healthy recipes. With guidance
MEDITATION and instruction from staff, people
and builds muscle strength—all
Rise team members also hold supported at Rise learn to make
benefits as people take part in
regular meditation sessions to new recipes made up of fruits
community-based activities and
nurture people's mental health. and vegetables that promote a
accomplish goals of finding work.
Meditiation benefits include de- healthy lifestyle. While many
Health and wellness classes
creased pain, fatigue, anxiety persons served live with families or
have also kept people active during
and depression. The mindfulness in group homes, learning cooking
a difficult time. Many served at
practiced during meditation can and nutrition skills contribute to
Cottage Grove want to return to
be useful while developing healthy their independent living skills and
community-based employment
coping strategies. build confidence.
or find new work exploration
In spring and summer, Rise The most recent recipe?
programs. Because people with
team members take wellness Apple turnovers! Brown and Bruce
disabilities sometimes have health
activities outside too. Walking club, both enjoy the cooking classes.
conditions that put them at higher
which became popular last sum- When asked if she liked the apple
risk for serious Covid infections,
mer, returned in April. Employees turnovers, Bruce responded with
their wait to return to work is
are busy planning additional an absolute, “Yes!”
much longer than others.
outdoor activities for every-
Sarah Brown, known to her
one to enjoy time in the fresh air
Rise friends as “Brownie,” told us
she would rather be working to-
ward goals during this time, but Scott Schult, Rise Team Member Monica O'Kane and Tom Scherr make apple turnovers.
these Spirit Club skills will be useful
as she and others go back to work
after the pandemic.
Sam McQuade, who is new
to Rise, said he’s excited to begin
working soon and is participating
in the programs to build strength
and endurance which will contrib-
ute to his goals.
Washington County Health and well-
ness programs are partly funded from
the Lakeview Health Foundation, the St.
Croix Valley Foundation, the Fred C. and
Katherine B. Andersen Foundation, and
the Margaret Rivers Fund.
JUNE 2021 5
YOU’RE INVITED
Rise’s 50th Anniversary Kickoff Picnic
Sunday, August 1, 2021 | 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Aquatore Park, 9191 Lincoln St. NE, Blaine, MN 55434
Music by:
BURGERS BRATS
GAMES! PRIZES!
DJ JOHN THORP
BALLOONS!
Sign up now!
Name:
How many
Email: in your group?
Three easy ways to reserve your spot:
1. Cut along the line above and return your RSVP to a Rise team member, or
2. Scan and return above information to submissions@rise.org, or
Go online to bit.ly/RisePicnic and fill out an electronic RSVP
3.REPORTER
6 RISE
GRANT AND VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHTS
TECHNOLOGY THAT PAYS
Sought-after Shavlik grant helps Rise modernize payroll systems to support our team
members and the people we serve. BY NICOLE CONTI
Rise reached a huge milestone nies because of our size and the
April 14. After more than a year broad and diverse scope of ser-
of planning, we completed a large vices we provide. The software
technology update, modernizing came with a high price tag, which
payroll, hiring, benefits, timecard delayed the implementation for
functions and more for all 350 Rise years. A 2020 technology grant
employees. from the Shavlik Family Founda-
Our new Paylocity software Paylocity will allow Rise to tion made the launch possible.
represents a leap in the work we support our staff in new ways and Rebecca and Mark Shavlik cre-
are doing behind the scenes to launch new initiatives, including ated their foundation after the sale
build better business practices. It an employee recognition program. of their security software compa-
replaces outdated and inefficient “It also gives us the flexibility to ny Shavlik Technologies in 2011.
systems which took too much time offer customized services and sup- Their foundation is one of the few
to work with and maintain, allow- port and faster access to data to funders investing in technology at
ing us more time to support our make faster staffing and pay deci- Minnesota nonprofits.
teams and the 3,500 people com- sions,” said Erin Braaten, Rise VP “A Shavlik grant is an enormous
ing to Rise for services. of Human Resources. “It’s a better win for Rise,” said Grants Man-
“In our business, everything onboarding experience for new ager Nicole Conti. “These grants
we can do to increase efficiency team members, which we hope allow access to powerful tools that
gives all of our team members the will lead to them staying with us contribute to quality services. They
opportunity to work more with longer.” are highly competitive, and we
those we serve,” said CEO Lynn Rise needed modern software thank the Shavlik Family Founda-
Noren. made for large for-profit compa- tion for this important funding.”
VIRTUAL VACATION TIME
Rise takes a remote trip
with Cummins volunteers.
CUMMINS TEAM members
recently hosted a virtual trip and
educational travel presenatation.
People learned about Canada and
Maine during the session. We are
COURTESY IMAGE
grateful to Cummins for their Rise
Partnership.
JUNE 2021 7
HANDS-ON WITH ARMHS
THE CABINET
MAKER
Paul Weller finds work
through ARMHS services.
His craftmanship is on
display in kitchens across
Minnesota and the United
States.
BY TOM BRINKER
PAUL WELLER WALKED into
Galloping Cabinets in rural
Mayer, Minn. to assemble cabinets,
doors, and panels seven years ago.
Weller’s work at the family-owned
custom cabinetry company creates
showpiece kitchens across Minne-
sota and around the country.
“I cut out materials, assemble,
and sand a lot” Weller said. “The
work is usually on my own, but I
also help with training new staff.”
Weller, 57, was connected with
Rise’s transitional housing pro-
gram after facing homelessness.
Soon he was introduced to Adult
Rehabilitative Mental Health Ser-
vices (ARMHS) and Brenda Sorg-
drager, a Rise ARMHS practi-
tioner. Paul Weller frames a new cabinet at Galloping Cabinets in rural Mayer, Minn.
ARMHS programs support navigate housing, employment, essary appointment, which leads
IMAGES: Lexi Wardarski
struggling individuals and more. to setbacks. I help people, includ-
ARMHS services provide peo- “For Paul, anxiety and depres- ing Paul, manage the day-to-day
ple living with mental health strug- sion might get in the way of day- so they can get to their goals,”
gles with crucial resources as they to-day tasks like going to a nec- Sorgdrager said.
8 RISE REPORTERHANDS-ON WITH ARMHS
“Both my job and Brenda have timely, and he has an ability to goal. “I’ll go to his house to meet
helped stabilize my life, keep- not take things so seriously. He with him and he’s usually building
ing me working and taking care takes on a lot internally, but you’d something. His daughter just got a
of what I need to," Weller added. never know that. If you ever need job as a teacher and he built her a
He says he appreciates his job and someone on your team, he’d be desk. Also, the owner of his apart-
Sorgdrager's continued support. the guy,” she said as they share a ment building hired him to do the
"Brenda helps me out with just laugh. flooring in a unit next door,” she
about everything, like budgeting, Weller says his employer said.
grocery shopping, and a lot of daily has become his friend, which is Weller recognizes the valuable
life things,” he said. just one reason he’s stayed with role ARMHS services have played
“Paul has never learned to read Galloping Cabinets for so long. in his life. He wants others to know
or write,” said Sorgdrager. “So, “He’s a pretty good boss! If I too, especially those whose mental
the fact that Paul has learned to ever have issues, he always un- health struggles create daily
budget and do his job well in his derstands,” he said. “My favorite barriers. “I wish people knew
own way is mind blowing. It’s one part of the job is working with my more about mental health issues
of those steps in managing our hands, starting with raw wood and and what it takes for some of us to
own lives that we take for granted.” making something with it.” manage every day. Once you get
Her support extends beyond In his free time, he enjoys golf- a contact and a little help, things
learning and skill development. ing, hunting deer, barbequing, and get easier and more manageable.
Sorgdrager and Rise have connect- handiwork. He would like to build I know there are all sorts of
ed Weller to needed household a career in custom woodworking people out there who are not
appliances, new tires, a comput- someday. receiving the services they need.
er, and accessible technology to Sorgdrager believes Weller has Getting connected to resources is
support his learning disability the skills and passion to reach that the hard part. It’s important.”
through community connections,
programs, and grants.
“Without someone you know
helping you out or someone who
knows what to look for, you can
get passed over for mental health
services and many other areas,”
Sorgdrager said. “The past year
has given everybody a lot of
anxiety and added barriers, which
is what most people on my case-
load have always worked through.”
Dedication to the team
Weller describes himself as
a conscientious, focused, and
hard-working employee. Sorg-
drager agrees. “He’s dedicated,
JUNE 2021 92020 ANNUAL REPORT
3,294
PEOPLE SERVED BY RISE IN 2020
AGE RANGE RACE
17-24 -10%
African American - 707 (22%)
25-29 - 14%
Asian - 102 (3%)
30-39 - 27%
Caucasian/White - 2,265 (69%)
40-49 - 19%
Hispanic - 81 (2%)
50-54 - 10%
Native American - 62 (2%)
55-59 - 8%
Other - 77 (2%)
60+ - 12%
DISABILITY TYPE COUNTY OF RESIDENCE
Hennepin - 39%
Intellectual/ Anoka - 24%
Developmental - 48% Washington - 9%
Mental Health -33% Chisago - 5%
Sensory (Deaf, DeafBlind, Ramsey - 5%
Hard of Hearing, Blind) - 7% Stearns - 3%
Brain Injury - 4% Isanti - 3%
St. Croix, WI - 3%
Physical - 4%
Mille Lacs - 2%
Other - 7%
Other - 4%
SERVICE LINE GENDER
Day Training &
Habilitation - 1,456 Female - 1,698
Vocational & Supported
Employment- 930 Male - 1,584
Adult Day - 136 Transgender - 9
Housing & Independent Undisclosed - 3
Living - 213
Welfare To Work - 559EMPLOYMENT SATISFACTION
The information below reflects employment outcomes The information below is reflective of survey
for people served in our Day Training and Habilitation responses from 289 people served and 41
(DTH), Vocational Rehabilitation/Supported stakeholders.
Employment (VRSE) and Welfare-to-Work (W2W)
service lines.
POSIT IVE
420 NE W
COMPE TI TI VE
98 % RESPON SE FROM
PEOPLE SE RVE D
POSIT IVE
96
JOBS IN 2020 % RESPON SE FROM
STAK EH OLDE R S
“
It's hard for me to believe how
323 helpful and accommodating Rise
DISA BI L I T Y P ROG RA M S has been. I'm so grateful for this
J O B P L AC EM EN TS program, all Rise members
”
involved have treated me with
such kindness and support.
- From a person served
97
“
W 2W J OB P L AC EM EN TS Due to Covid we had our program
virtually so goals could not be
worked on in the traditional way.
12 people transitioned from However, Rise was and is very
center-based or community
(contracted) employment creative with their virtual program
12
”
to competitive which has helped me emotionally
placements in 2020 during this pandemic.
- From a person served
Annual Report continued on page 11.TEAM MEMBER RECOGNITION
AWARD-WINNING TEAM
Rise team member Kelly Robinson's community work highlighted by national nursing
group, The DAISY Foundation.
CONGRATULATIONS TO RISE
Nurse Care Coordinator Kelly
Robinson who was recently
presented with The DAISY Team
Award by Minnesota Governor
Tim Walz.
Robinson is the founder of the
Minnesota chapter of Black Nurses
Rock, a group that provided
valuable medical expertise and
assistance with COVID-19 testing,
PPE and vaccines during the past
COURTESY PHOTO
year. The group was also instru-
mental in helping keep people safe
during George Floyd’s funeral last
June.
The award, created by The Minnesota Governor Tim Walz presented Rise Nurse Care Coordinator Kelly Robinson and the
DAISY Foundation, which cel- Minnesota chapter of Black Nurses Rock with a DAISY Team Award for advancing health equity
earlier this month.
ebrates extraordinary nursing,
applauds Robinson and her col-
leagues’ compassion and skills.
COVID-19 questions?
Federal and state health and safety
guidance has recently changed. Go to
Rise.org/covid-19 for the most up-to-date
information, including:
• Program information and changes
• Health and safety guidelines
• The latest plan and policy news
Check back regularly for updates!
JUNE 2021 1314 RISE REPORTER
MEET OUR RISE INTERNS
VALUABLE EXPERIENCES
Internships create learning opportunities for aspiring young professionals.
Rise welcomed eight spring interns in January. College students from universities across Minnesota and
Wisconsin went from virutal classrooms to remote offices for hands-on work experience in human resources,
communications, event planning, grants and fundraising and video production. Learn more about our interns:
PAIGE CIHUNKA returned to together and support the HR
Rise as a Human Resources Intern team,” she said.
after a successful 2020 internship. Cihunka graduated from
She and the HR team worked hard Winona State University in May
to implement our new computer with a degree in Human Resource
software, Paylocity, which helps Management and Business
us support our employees and the Administration. She has always
people we serve in many ways, wanted to work for an organization
COURTESY PHOTO
such as payroll, hiring, benefits, that helps people, and says she
timecard functions and more. enjoyed working with Rise’s
“Being part of the transition Human Resources team.
definitely was the most valuable
PAIGE CIHUNKA ›› part of my internship this spring.
WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY It is awesome to see it all come
SENIOR SOPHIE STRZOK spent Strzok said, “I have enjoyed
the semester as Rise’s Govern- being with people who are focused
ment Affairs Intern. The Political on helping people experiencing
Science major was attracted to disabilities and have learned much
Rise because of our ongoing about Minnesota’s legislative pro-
legislative advocacy for people with cess. Working on bills and tracking
disabilities and other barriers. them through the legislature was
Strzok’s work at Rise focused an internship highlight.”
COURTESY PHOTO
on legislative updates, social Strzok says her passion for
media promotions and efforts disability rights advocacy grew
encouraging people to attend too. She plans to continue to focus
Disability Day at the Capitol on disability rights in her career in
SOPHIE STRZOK ›› in February. She also worked hard a consulting role or as a disability
ST. CATHERINE UNIVERSITY to update and inform staff and the attorney.
people we serve through regular
advocacy web updates at rise.org.
Meet more interns on page 16.
JUNE 2021 15MEET OUR RISE INTERNS
WITHOUT HIS RISE internship, internships. “Rise’s ability to build
Joe Lehman says he would not have meaningful relationships with
learned about fundraising strate- people and create helpful services
gy, content creation, career plan- is admirable,” he said.
ning or professional development. An Urban Studies major at
As a Development and Special the University of Minnesota –
Events Intern, Lehman helped Twin Cities, he plans to find a
raise our Rise profile through position as a city planner after
COURTESY PHOTO
fundraising research projects and college. Lehman's career goals
by supporting event planning. include community development
Lehman was attracted to and planning or local government
Rise’s mission when searching for administration.
‹‹ JOE LEHMAN
U OF M - TWIN CITIES
NATALIE KARL ››
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHWESTERN - ST. PAUL
NATALIE KARL hopes to build records, and organizing data. She
a rewarding career helping also wrote articles, coordinated
people experiencing difficulties mock interviews, and helped with
in their daily lives. That’s why the volunteer orientation.
University of Northwestern – St. Karl graduated in May with a
Paul senior was attracted to an degree in Nonprofit Leadership
COURTESY PHOTO
internship with Rise. and Intercultural Studies. She
While on our Advancement plans to work in volunteer
team, Natalie dug into Rise’s relations.
volunteer program, updating
JILLIAN MCNETT was attracted its work. My supervisor taught me
to Rise because of our strong repu- about grants, how the industry
tation among Twin Cities nonprof- functions, and gave me tips on my
its. A Strategic Communications future job search,” McNett said.
major, McNett worked as a Grant McNett has enjoyed meeting
Writing Intern, supported grant new people outside of her Rise
projects, wrote articles, and put team and feels lucky to be part of
COURTESY PHOTO
together supporting materials and an organization that values in-
presentations. terns' work and input. She plans
“I’ve gotten a look behind the to find nonprofit work in the Twin
curtain and learned how nonprof- Cities after graduating in the fall.
‹‹ JILLIAN MCNETT
U OF M - TWIN CITIES
16 RISE REPORTERMEET OUR RISE INTERNS
LEXI WARDARSKI's digital skills The UW Madison Com-
have been useful as Rise pre- munications student spent the
pares for our 50th Anniversary. semester off campus because of the
She filmed and edited interviews pandemic. She says her internship
with people Rise serves, staff, and provided valuable experience.
others important to Rise’s legacy. Wardarski graduates in
Interviews will be used through- December with a Communica-
out our anniversary year, includ- tion Arts degree and certificates
COURTESY PHOTO
ing during the Celebrate Rise Gala in Digital Studies and Cinema
November 4. Production. She plans to work as
“I have enjoyed meeting staff an outdoor photographer, creating
and people Rise works with and photos and videos for summer
LEXI WARDARSKI ›› was able to learn so much. Every- camps and camp marketing firms.
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - one has amazing stories to share,”
MADISON she said.
SIERRA ST. JOHN ››
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - WHITEWATER
SIERRA ST. JOHN knew a keep us compliant with current cess,” she said.
Nonprofit Administration In- standards. St. John finds value in learning
ternship with Rise would be She believes hands-on expe- Rise’s person-centered perspective
a great fit when she applied. rience is important to her pro- and hopes to continue her career
The Spanish and Nonprofit Man- fessional development as she be- at Rise. She is also interested in
agement major worked closely gins her career and becomes a continued learning, which may
with our Quality Assurance team. future non-profit leader. “Learn- include Global Policy studies.
St. John also organized surveys ing and applying skills are two
and updated staff training to help very important steps in the pro- Photo not available.
‹‹ OLIVIA STATTERLEE
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - STOUT
OLIVIA STATTERLEE is finishing learned it is possible to work well
up her final semester at Universi- together virtually.
ty of Wisconsin – Stout studying Statterlee is grateful for the
Human Development and Family hands-on experience she received
Studies. while implementing our new
COURTESY PHOTO
Statterlee chose Rise for the Paylocity human resources
opportunity to learn more about technology platform. She plans to
human resources. Working closely serve in AmeriCorps in Duluth fol-
from home with the HR team lowing graduation in May before
during Rise’s Paylocity rollout, she pursuing her master’s degree.
JUNE 2021 17NON PROFIT
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Permit No. 94297
TWIN CITIES, MN
Rise Main Office | 8406 Sunset Road NE | Spring Lake Park, MN 55432-1387
We are so excited to see your smiling faces at our summer picnic August 1, 2021 at Aquatore Park in Blaine, Minn.
This will be our first summer gathering together since 2018 (photos below). Save your spot and learn more on page 6.
www.rise.org | Facebook: Rise, Incorporated | Instagram: Rise.MN | Shop: printstore.rise.org
Mailing Changes send to: Tom Brinker • tbrinker@rise.orgYou can also read
