November/December 2022

Lyon County Environmental Services Named a 2022 Outstanding Disability Employer by MOHR


Honorees provide exceptional work opportunities for employees with disabilities throughout the state

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


11/15/2022


Marshall, 11/15/2022, — Lyon County Environmental Services has been named a 2022 Outstanding Disability Employer by the Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation (MOHR). The recognition honors companies that go above and beyond to provide quality work opportunities as well as supportive and inclusive policies and practices for employees with disabilities.


MOHR’s Outstanding Disability Employer Awards coincide with National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Established by President Truman in 1945, the month was the first national call for Americans with disabilities to be able to access the opportunities and rewards of employment. These awards are one of the ways MOHR recognizes the valuable role that organizations play in employing people with disabilities and providing them a sense of community and accomplishment.


“Individuals with disabilities across Minnesota are able to gain independence, purpose, and community when they are included in the workforce,” says Julie Johnson, MOHR Board Chair and President and CEO of MSS in St. Paul. “The businesses we’re honoring all go out of their way to create an environment where Minnesotans with disabilities can thrive.”


Lyon County Environmental Services was nominated by Advance, a disability employment service provider based in Marshall, Minnesota.

 

“Roger and the Lyon County Environmental Services staff are strong advocates for all of their employees. They recognize the value and contributions of each individual employee. Most importantly, Roger has created a supportive culture where every employee is listened to and heard. This culture promotes the growth and productivity of the employees, the organization, and the entire community,” says Elizabeth Schear, CEO of Advance in Marshall.

 

A complete list of honorees can be found at mohrmn.org.

 

About MOHR

MOHR is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit association that serves 100+ member organizations across Minnesota who provide day and employment services to tens of thousands of Minnesotans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The purpose of MOHR is to provide leadership, inspire excellence, engage in advocacy, and facilitate the success of its members through collaboration, research, networking, awareness building, resources, and active participation in legislative and policy-making forums. MOHR is governed by a volunteer board of directors who present a clear and authoritative voice on issues affecting the independence and well-being of youth and adults with disabilities. Learn more at https://mohrmn.org/

Marshall Independent: Lyon County Environmental Services Receives Award


Click here to read the article featured in the Marshall Independent:

https://www.marshallindependent.com/news/local-news/2022/12/lyon-co-environmental-services-receives-award/

Photo by Deb Gau (Marshall Independent) Advance Opportunities CEO Elizabeth Schear and operations director Jamie Struck presented Lyon County Environmental Administrator Roger Schroeder with a recognition from the Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation (MOHR). MOHR named Lyon County Environmental Services one of its 2022 Outstanding Disability Employers.

Pictured above: Advance celebrated with the Lyon County Environmental staff on December 6 in honor of their award - we are so thankful for their work to support individuals served! Everyone enjoyed a breakfast of egg bake, donuts and orange juice. Thanks Lyon County!

Let's Learn Something New Every Day


Advance staff have been working hard to incorporate learning into daily activities, both essential life skills and personal interests. Here are a few topics that individuals served have been learning about through videos, outings, hands-on activities, games and worksheets in our November/December Day Services program:

  • Snowflake poems
  • Art projects/holiday gifts: holiday hats; snowflakes with wire, clothespins, popsicle sticks; hot chocolate jars, snowmen art cut/paint/glue; wooden painted snowmen
  • Walt Disney
  • Christmas tree production
  • Human heart
  • Basic math skills
  • Social skills: conflict resolution
  • Activities planning on calendar

Interested in Virtual Services?


Now that winter has settled in, we have been taking precautions to keep people safe from hazardous driving conditions and frigid cold. Virtual services is one way we can all stay in touch while staying home and safe.


Click here to learn more

Photo credit LinkedIn Sales Solutions on Unsplash.com

What was your favorite part/memory of 2022?

(answered by individuals served and staff)

"Family"

"Seeing my brother, niece and nephew"

"Being at Jesus Cares camp"

"Going to Guatemala"

"Backstreet Boys concert"

"Moving to Minnesota"

A Year of Birthdays


One individual was very excited about celebrating their birthday at Advance and this sparked an idea! This past year, individuals served were able to choose if they wanted to celebrate their birthday at Advance and pick the decorations: a crown, sash, wall banner, chair banner and/or cards. It has been a great way to recognize individuals and let them add a personal touch -- one individual even wrote a speech and read it aloud on their special day!


Holiday Meal Celebrated

on December 7


Advance had a delicious meal by the Country House in Lake Benton (beef, potatoes/gravy, carrots, bun, punch and ice cream) and enjoyed time together!

DHS Transformation Grant Update


Advance continues to pursue creative opportunities to expand our services and assist more individuals in securing competitive, integrated employment. We are actively recruiting Career Coaches and Employment Coordinators who plan to complete a unique Customized Employment training in early 2023. Advance has also formed a Transformation Team, made up of DSPs, leaders, board members, and individuals served, that will be working to identify and define the "Why" behind Advance's existence.


Be Prepared this Winter

with Text Weather Alerts!


2 Ways to Sign Up:


  1. Call Lisa: 507-537-7018 ext. 101
  2. Email your name and cell number to: lisa.king@advanceopp.org

Can you help?


Check out our current Amazon wish list below to support projects chosen by individuals served. Items can also be purchased locally or on Amazon. Thank you to our generous supports who have already donated items!


Click here to view list on Amazon

Have a success story or idea you'd like to share in our newsletter?
Please email it to: elizabeth.schear@advanceopp.org
Advance
1401 Peterson Street, Marshall MN 56258
phone: 507-537-7018 | fax: 507-537-7025
Visit us online at: advanceopp.org

Advance is an equal opportunity provider and employer.