Friday, January 26, 2024

News & Announcements

MICC's Financial Assistance Portal is OPEN!

MICC is pleased to offer need-based Financial Assistance annually to College participants and families.

MICC utilizes TADS, an independent evaluation service to collect, audit, and summarize family financial information. The results are reviewed by MICC's designated internal Financial Assistance Committee to determine awards.

The deadline to apply for financial assistance is

Thursday, February 15, 2024.

Please visit MICC's Financial Services webpage for more details about how to apply for Financial Assistance, College Program Fees FAQ, and more!

Learn More and Apply

Reminder: 2024-2025 College Program costs will be officially announced and the Cost Breakdown Guide will be published by March 31, 2024.

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Funding

MICC has been selected to receive funding from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). This is a significant milestone for our organization, and it opens new opportunities to enhance our Career programs and services.

As part of our commitment to complying with DEED's requirements, we must ensure that all participants enrolled in our Career Program have copies on file of their Social Security and state ID cards. This information is crucial for program documentation and reporting purposes.

To facilitate this process, all copies of these essential documents must be submitted by February 1, 2024.

Here are two options for submission:

Email Submission: You can scan or take clear photos of the participant's Social Security and state ID cards and send them as attachments to [email protected]. Please ensure the documents are legible and you include the participant's name in the email subject line.
QR Code: Scan the QR code to submit your documents directly from your phone to our secure document upload drive.

We ask for everyone's prompt completion of this request as it will help us maintain compliance with MN DEED regulations and continue providing high-quality services to all participants.

If you do not have a copy of your Social Security card, you can obtain one by contacting the Social Security Administration. More information can be found by visiting their website by clicking here. If your state ID is expired, please begin the process of obtaining a new one as soon as possible.

If you have any questions or require further assistance, please connect with any MICC staff member.

Upcoming Information Sessions

Supplemental and Special Needs Trusts

Interested in learning more about supplemental needs trusts and special needs trusts? These two kinds of trusts similarly exclude the trust assets when a beneficiary applies for medical assistance, waiver programs, or SSI benefits, but there are differences between them.

This informational session provides an introduction to the nature of these unique kinds of trusts for those who have or are considering such trusts.

Topics include:

The similarities and differences between supplemental needs trusts and special needs trusts;
New laws about who can transfer assets into such trusts;
An introduction to Pooled Trusts which are another flavor of such trusts;
Tips for administering such trusts;
The benefits of establishing such trusts alongside ABLE accounts; and
More.

David W. Wick, the presenter, is a special needs and elder law attorney with nearly 40 years of experience. His law firm, Wick Law, is located in Edina, Minnesota.

Registration is required – reserve your spot today.

Date: Thursday, February 1, 2024

Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Location: Zoom, register below

This info session will not be recorded and is free to the MICC community

and the public, so please share with your networks!

MN Waivers Overview

Join MICC's Jena Kulenkamp to learn more about the waiver programs in MN.

Participants use waivers (specifically, CDCS funding) to help pay for MICC's programs and services in the College, Careers, Social, and Community Programs. These informational sessions are introductory and will provide a broad overview and steps for people who have not started or are in the beginning stages of the waiver process.

These sessions are not open to the public at this time.

Thursday, February 8

12 PM

Tuesday, March 5

12 PM

Thursday, April 18

12 PM

Tuesday, May 14

12 PM

Advisory

10 Ways College Students Can Beat the Winter Blues

Minnesota has all four seasons which means it can get cold during the winter. Cold weather usually means you spend more time inside which can result in the winter blues. You might feel unmotivated, lethargic, or less sociable.

Though the days are slowly getting longer, and spring will eventually be here, the cold days of winter can be dark and dreary. If you find yourself feeling down or gloomy, you might be experiencing winter blues or Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.). And you are not alone! One out of every four college students experiences seasonal feelings of sadness or lethargic moods.

Do You Have the Winter Blues?

The key to beating the winter blues, or S.A.D., is understanding why you are feeling down and taking the initiative to stay active. The following is a list of common winter blues symptoms that are important to recognize in yourself:

General sadness
Lack of energy
Difficulty sleeping
Feeling less social than usual
Withdrawing and isolating from peers
Loss of interest in activities you typically enjoy

Why Do We Get the Winter Blues?

The primary culprit is the lower levels of natural sunlight and less time spent outdoors. This results in an imbalance of melatonin and serotonin levels, the hormones that regulate sleep cycles and feelings of happiness and well-being.

Luckily, there are ways to improve both your mental health and physical well-being during the winter to feel better.

How Can You Beat the Winter Blues?

Combating the winter blues can be as easy as finding a window to study by, listening to upbeat music, or planning something fun to look forward to. Here are ten remedies for the winter blues and ways to stay ahead of it:

It is important to get outside on days when the sun is out. Take a break from studying and go on a walk, hike, or try an outdoor winter activity like skiing or snowshoeing.
Maintain a regular schedule to keep everything in balance and regulate your mood.
Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day to help normalize your sleep cycle.
Make (and keep) plans with your friends and family to help you stay connected with those who matter most. This can be not easy, especially in the current virtual world, but staying connected is worth the time and effort.
Take time for yourself and engage in activities you enjoy.
Plan something to look forward to, whether it be fun weekend plans with friends, a spring break trip, or a summer job.
Exercise on a regular basis, three to five times per week for 30 minutes.
Stay healthy by embracing a healthy lifestyle and eating healthy foods.
Create a support group and find trusted friends who motivate you.
Get Creative! Play games, do an art project, color!

What if it is More Than the Winter Blues?

The winter blues make the winter months difficult for many students, but they don’t pose the same problems that long-term depression does. If you are experiencing the winter blues or feel like they don’t seem to lift when spring comes around, please contact your Advisor or therapist. Remember, if you are feeling sad or gloomy, you are not alone. Many college students experience the winter blues and there are easy solutions to improve both physical and mental health. Even adding one to your daily routine might help.

Reminder to Please be Respectful of all Appointments

We would like to remind everyone to communicate with your Advisor, Job Developer, Instructor, or Social staff when you aren't able to attend a class, meeting, service, or social event you have committed to.

It is all about the 3 Rs: Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience.

We aim to have these relationships be a partnership that thrives on good communication. If you are sick, running late, or unable to make an appointment, please call or email to let us know as soon as possible. We know life happens and things come up, so please respect our time as we aim to respect yours.

If you would like support with creating a weekly schedule, completing your planner, or creating a calendar on your phone with timed reminders, please talk to your Advisor.

Wellness

It’s Slow Cooker Season at MICC

While the weather has been more on the mild side this winter, that doesn’t mean we don’t have those nights where a warm crockpot meal just hits the spot.

Some of the recipes in the rotation this season include Crockpot Italian Chicken (pictured here with first-year student Jonah A.) and Slow Cooker Lasagna!

Education on the ease, convenience, and flexibility that comes with creating a crockpot meal, as well as the clean-up process (look for those liners!) is part of this apartment cooking adventure.

National Oatmeal Month

January is National Oatmeal Month! Let’s take a moment to appreciate this amazing grain.

Oats are eaten around the globe by humans and animals alike and have a huge range of benefits. They add important nutrients to your diet, like phosphorus, thiamine, magnesium, zinc, protein, and fiber. Studies show that eating oats can help you:

stay full longer,
lower your cholesterol,
regulate your blood sugar,
increase healthy gut bacteria,
strengthen your immune system,
prevent diseases like atherosclerosis,
and more!

Check out the recipes below for some oat inspiration:

Social Engagement

Weekend Activities

Friday, January 12

Surprise activity

with Jack

Karaoke – Movie Hits!

Saturday, January 13

Baking with Chris

MOA shuttle

Birdseed Ornaments

Pretty Polish Nails

80’s Song Bingo

Sunday, January 14

Muffins and Monopoly

Paint by Number

NFL Conference Games

Mandala’s with Mike

Calm Meditation

Winter Wonderland Event

Winter Wonderland is coming! On Saturday, February 3rd, we will be dancing our socks off while enjoying some drinks and appetizers.

When you need a break from all the dancing, bingo and calm coloring will be available!

Suggest Ideas

Have an idea for an activity or excursion you would like to try? We are always looking for more ideas! You can submit ideas or events at the link below anytime.

Submit Social Ideas

Careers

Participant Spotlight

Bruno, a senior College participant, has always strived to support those around him and make a positive difference in people’s lives whether it’s at school, work, or in the MICC community. When this program year started, Bruno began looking into new career pathways with the most important part of the job search was being in a position that would allow him to do those very things.

After a few weeks, Bruno was able to find a great position with Prairie Bluffs Senior Living community as a Dietary Aide and has been thriving in his new role.

“My job is to help the residents through their meals and support them with anything they might need in the dining room."

Having already completed multiple volunteer programs with different senior living communities like Ebeneezer and Shalom Home, Bruno knew this was an environment that gave him the chance to meet all of his career goals.

“I like to work with senior citizens and be a point of support and help for them.”

Additionally, Bruno’s previous work experience with Jerry’s Foods gave him the tools and confidence to succeed in the kitchen as a Dietary Aide.

Though he is now working with the culinary team, Bruno hopes to continue with Prairie Bluffs building his skills with the eventual goal of becoming a full-time Resident Assistant after graduation.

Congratulations, Bruno!

Staff Spotlight: Karena Schrempp

What is your role at MICC?

I am a Job Developer in the Careers Program at MICC.

How long have you been at MICC?

I have been at MICC for about a year and a half.

What do you most enjoy about your role?

I love talking to participants every day and helping them work towards their goals. No participant has the same goal or work style, and I thoroughly enjoy helping them navigate their careers.

What do you enjoy most about working with MICC participants?

My favorite part is seeing their “big picture” journey. This could be helping participants get their first paid part-time job or helping them choose their classes for their first day of community college. Either way, I love helping participants find success and pathways that can provide them with opportunities they didn’t even know existed.

I love helping participants grow into their abilities and gain confidence in their skills. Agency is something I am very passionate about, and it’s amazing to see participants gain confidence in their career paths.

What's your favorite part about working with staff in Careers?

We communicate constantly, and it’s refreshing to be in a group that is so committed to the participants we serve. The Job Developers work together so much, and we are constantly looking for ways to help our own caseloads as well as our coworkers. I also rely on all the instructors for insights or different perspectives for hurdles I come across. I have never worked with a better group of people.

Agency Announcements

Preview Days

February 20 and 22, 2024

1 - 3:30 PM or 4:30 - 7 PM

MICC Campus - Richfield, MN

Preview Day sessions are designed to provide prospective participants and families with a firsthand look at MICC's programs which are tailored to meet the unique needs of autistic and neurodivergent young adults.

The half-day event includes campus tours, a Q&A panel with current participants and staff, and more!

If you know families, groups, or professionals who would be interested, please tell them about MICC's Preview Days. Your recommendation means a lot and can help others find out about the great things happening at MICC!

Learn More

Program Admissions

Share these opportunities with your networks and help others embark on a journey of growth, independence, and empowerment with MICC!

College

Applications for College Program - Fall 2024 enrollment are currently open through April 1, 2024. Applying early gives families more time to engage with the Admissions team to ensure a smooth process. Learn More.

Summer

Applications are open for both June sessions, designed for job exploration, self-advocacy, social engagement, and skill building. Learn More.

Careers SES

The pilot program is in full swing and applications for the July session will open soon! Explore MICC's innovative career opportunity, where you can earn an accredited Century College certificate in the food service/hospitality industry. Open to College graduates, Community Program participants, and autistic and neurodiverse adults. Learn More.

MICC’s 21st Annual Gala: Uniquely Minnesota

Get ready for an evening where joy, community, and Minnesota pride converge in the most spectacular way! MICC’s gala is an unforgettable experience that brings our diverse and vibrant community together.

As many of you know, an MICC gala is a casual and fun atmosphere, which means themed costumes and outfits.

Embrace your Minnesota spirit in creative attire, whether it's a nod to local sports teams, folklore legends like Paul Bunyan, or as simple as rocking your favorite up north, bonfire flannel - whatever you want to showcase your Minnesota-style!

Here are some highlights from previous galas:

2023 Making Waves

2022 Come Together

2019 Expedition Independence

So, mark your calendars and don’t miss this year’s event! We're excited to see your creativity shine and contribute to this year's unforgettable gala!

Learn More & Register