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October 2025 | Supporting your health in the workplace

Supporting Your Health in the Workplace

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)

Did you know that 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. live with a disability? Here in Minnesota, that is more than half a million people (12% of our population)!

This month, let’s take time to recognize and uplift the talents of individuals with disabilities, and continue working together to create inclusive, welcoming spaces. This is a time to shine a light on the many individuals with disabilities who contribute their skills, creativity, and dedication to the workplaces and our community.

Explore these Disability Employment Resources:

Disability Resources | CareerForce - MN Career resources for individuals with disabilities
Disability Hub MN - Tools and information about health insurance, benefits and employment
JAN - JAN helps individuals with disabilities explore accommodation ideas and provides practical suggestions for requesting and negotiating accommodations with an employer

woman in wheelchair opens her laptop at desk near sun-filled window

blind man wearing dark sunglasses and headphones sits at computer typing

Try These Self-Care Ideas for Better Mental Health

Breathing box method in graphic form shows breathing in and out and holding in 4 second intervals

October reminds us that well-being and meaningful work go hand in hand. A Relate clinician is part of our Employment Services team to help staff respond to mental health needs and offer one-on-one counseling as needed. We also offer a faith-based counseling option onsite, so clients can choose the best fit for them.

Taking care of our minds is just as important as taking care of our physical needs. Asking yourself “How am I feeling?” can help you be aware of how your mood impacts how you show up for work, family, or other responsibilities. Just like you would with a struggling friend, take 3 minutes to check in with yourself everyday:

BREATHE for 1 minute using this simple Box Breathing exercise: Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, breath out for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds. Repeat as needed.
NOTICE how you feel and name the feeling. Tracking your mood in the How We Feel App (free), which also has video resources and activities to guide you through a hard moment in the day.
ASK for help when needed. Sometimes caring for ourselves is overwhelming and we don’t know where to start. Ask for help from your support system, seek out a mental health counselor, or contact the NAMI HelpLine, available M-F, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET. Call 800-950-6264, text “NAMI” to 62640, or email. In a crisis, call or text 988 (24/7).

Visit Our Computer Lab for Digital Literacy Lessons, Job Search Assistance and moreand

IOCP Computer Lab is open for drop-in visits during Open Hours for clients in the IOCP Service Area.

Want to improve your computer skills? We offer NorthStar Digital Literacy courses in the areas of Microsoft Office, email, internet and more! Stop in during computer lab hours to learn more about these free online classes.

You can also visit the computer lab to create or update your resume, get help finding or applying for jobs, or learn how to use AI to boost your job search - no appointment needed.

Check out these useful Tech Tips as well, including this month's tip: Build digital literacy skills through Northstar Online Learning.

CAREERS IN DEMAND

Check out the Career Options in Transportation and Warehousing

Want to get started in commercial driving? Find your fit in a CDL Career

hispanic male driver stands in front of semi smiling

Check out the salary potential of these jobs in demand:

JOB SEARCH TIPS: Get offline... Most people find work through connections, not just applications. Try mixing it up: attend a job fair, join a networking group, or talk with others in your field. Every conversation is a chance to uncover opportunities you won’t find on job boards. Check out upcoming job search events, and challenge yourself to attend one!

Get a college certificate or degree - for FREE!

It's not too late. We have openings in our Employment EdVantage program!

Not sure what career or degree you want to pursue? We can help.
Not sure how to balance school/family & work? We can help.
Concerned about finances? We can help.
Worried that you don’t have the support you need or that you haven’t been successful in college in the past? We can help.

EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS

Holiday Budget Tips & Ideas

Save a little every month and create a separate holiday budget:

Set up a dedicated savings account or fund to keep your holiday spending separate from your regular finances. Determine how much you can comfortably spend & use a spreadsheet or budgeting app to monitor your expenses. See examples of budgeting apps below.

Make a gift list, shop smart, and consider DIY (Do It Yourself) gifts

Write down everyone you plan to buy for and set a spending limit for each person to avoid impulse buys. Look for discounts, sales, and coupons. Start shopping in advance to avoid last-minute price increases. Ideas: Check out our thrift store Resale Select for unique & inexpensive options and/or shop on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Save on utilities this winter - and apply that savings to holiday needs

Submit your 2025-26 Energy Assistance application between now and the end of May.

Consider Seasonal Employment

Using Google or other search engine, type “Who is hiring for the holidays in Minneapolis” or visit the Indeed website to locate Holiday Seasonal Temporary jobs from companies such as Aldi, Amazon, Bath & Body Works, Best Buy, Michael's, Target, UPS, and USPS.