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The
WORKS!
WORKS!
Providing quality support in employment and community for people with disabilities and other special needs!
www.esrworks.org East Suburban Resources October 2011
Oakdale set to open Dec. 1
Excitement grows
as lease is signed,
build-out begins
Excitement is growing as the
lease is signed and construction
begins at ESR’s new site in Oakdale.
The site, with an anticipated
move-in date of Dec. 1, will be
licensed for 74 individuals and
will be home to the agency’s first
Bringing the crowd to its feet formalized program for individuals
John, Jeff and Kevin (from left) led the crowd in a rousing rendition of with autism. At about the same
“YMCA” at the recent Cottage Grove show, “ESR’s Got Talent.” The time, a second program focusing on
production allowed consumers to sing, dance and show off a little for incorporating arts into the day will
friends and families. More photos on Page 3. be launched at ESR’s Stillwater site.
“This is an exciting time for us,”
said Ed Boeve, executive director.
Tickets available now! “Opening a new site is big on its
Night of Dreams to support new programming own; and we’re going beyond that to
introduce two new programs at the
The date is set, the to keep your hunting dog on his
same time. It feels a little crazy.”
entertainment contract signed and toes; and
The new site will take pressure
space reserved for ESR’s fifth n “Good eating,” from Kowalski’s.
off ESR’s Cottage Grove and
annual Night of Dreams event. The live auction includes a
Stillwater sites, which house
Billy McLaughlin headlines the five-course dinner for eight at Acqua
consumers (those served by the
event, set for Friday, Nov. 11 at 6 Restaurant in White Bear Lake,
agency) who live in the Oakdale
p.m. at the Dellwood Hills Country accompanied by wine pairings with
and Woodbury areas. Both sites are
Club. The evening features live and each course; plus much more.
experiencing growing pains and
silent auctions, raffles, games and Tickets are $50 each and can be
have been remodeled over the last
great food. reserved by calling 651-351-0190.
several years in order to make use of
Silent auction items will include: Event proceeds will allow ESR
every available inch of space. While
n “Tailgating with the pros,” to invest in its growth by introducing
some space remains in Stillwater,
featuring a portable grill, ice bucket, specialized programs to serve the
the Cottage Grove site is full.
cooler on wheels and unique needs of people with autism
“We had to do something to
more; and incorporate arts into the day.
relieve overcrowding, and additional
n “Hunting dog’s Learn more about the Night of
remodeling wasn’t an option in
delight,” featuring Dreams and see a sampling of the
training materials auction items at www.esrworks.org. New site to Page 6
From the director
By daring to try, we can help others achieve their dreams
Seeking input from customers is
commonplace around ESR. As I listened to our consumers, it struck
In that vein, our Leadership
me that our annual fundraising event is
Team held a meeting recently with
nine of the consumers in our service.
appropriately named the ‘Night of Dreams.’ Ed Boeve
These consumers are friends with Each of us has dreams for our future, and
each other and are often together through the fundraising event and the work that we do, we
during their program time here. support consumers in their journey to realizing their dreams.
Another common denominator of
the group is that they often turn they are in the group social setting. of us has dreams for our future, and
down work opportunities both in There’s something to work on there through the fundraising event and
the community and the production for us. the work that we do, we support
center settings. We gathered the The second and more valuable consumers in their journey to realizing
group because we wanted to learn insight came when I asked the their dreams. The first step is listening
more about that issue and listen to consumers to share the type of work and helping them put their dreams
their ideas about how to improve they liked to do. Their immediate into words so the target is known. It
our service to them. reaction was to passionately then becomes our challenge to dare
I was reminded of two describe ‘my dream job.’ to try and help them achieve those
important human traits during the The consumers’ dream jobs dreams.
listening session. One was the ranged widely, from auto mechanic The idea of daring to try is so
power of peers; the second reminded to child care worker. One consumer important we have made it one of our
me of the value of a dream. identified at least three different jobs core values. As such, we challenge
Social groups can be a powerful that were all of the dream variety. our staff and our communities to
force in our lives. As consumers Another’s description included a abandon the concept of ‘maybe
shared their perspectives, we heard new case manager. It was a little someday’ and dare to try it NOW.
most individuals state that they strange, but maybe a topic for a We dare to try by first listening
enjoy working and prefer being busy future column! to our consumers and helping them
to the alternative. I believe each of As I listened to our consumers, articulate their dreams. We dare you
them when they say that; yet the fact it struck me that our annual to try by joining us at the Night of
is those same individuals frequently fundraising event is appropriately Dreams, where together, we can help
turn down work opportunities when named the ‘Night of Dreams.’ Each turn those dreams into reality.
ESR Works! is published quarterly for the friends of ESR by its Marketing/ ESR Board of Directors
Development Office, 1754 Washington Avenue, Stillwater, Minnesota 55082.
Jim Thommes (Chair) Richard Paukert
TTY use MRS 1-800-327-3529. Visit us online at www.esrworks.org
Meg Heinz Nancy Peterson
Louis Jungbauer Barb Sellstedt
2
Consumers share love of singing, dancing
in ‘ESR’s Got Talent’ stage production
Cottage Grove performers included
(clockwise from above) Andy, who
encouraged audience participation
during his performance; Anthony, the
show’s only magician; Koleta, who
brought peals of laughter from the
audience; and Mara, (at right) who got
a hand from Paul Tatge, Cottage Grove
program supervisor. The program
was emceed by Amy, Nancy and
Morgan. Carol (white sweater, below)
played a pretend guitar and sang “Grandpa,
Tell Me About the Good Ol’ Days,” which
delighted her
grandparents,
Art and Betty
(below).
Thank you to C
ottage Grove V
Post #8752 for d FW
onating their sp
We appreciate th ace.
e generous dona
tion!
3
Private donations help fill gaps between funding, costs
Year-end giving makes a difference for ESR and can reduce your taxes
Looking for a year-end tax At the same time, you could receive What are the advantages
deduction? a charitable deduction for the of making a year-end gift?
Please consider making a property’s full fair market value. Your year-end gift can
financial donation to ESR. Your It is also possible to make a significantly reduce your income
gift makes a difference in the lives gift of your home, farm or vacation taxes while providing meaningful
of those we serve and allows you, home so that you and your spouse support for those in ESR’s service.
regardless of your income in most can continue to use it for your One of the best ways for ESR to
cases, to lower the taxes you pay lifetimes — while you receive a remain financially strong is to fill as
through charitable giving. current year tax deduction. Speak much of the funding gap as possible.
“The donations help us fill in the with your tax advisor for more “If we can fill the gaps, we can
gaps left when government funding information. maintain existing programs and
does not keep pace with the cost of services, as well as weather the
providing services,” said Natalie Stock typically lean months of January
Johnson, director of marketing and If you own stock it is almost and February,” said Ed Boeve, ESR
development. “If we can’t fill these always more beneficial to contribute executive director. “The most recent
gaps, programs and services must stock than cash. This is because a round of budget cuts threaten to do
be scaled back. This means fewer gift of appreciated stock generally real damage. Year-end revenue from
opportunities for those we serve.” offers a twofold tax savings. First, the Night of Dreams and private
In considering your year-end you avoid paying capital gains tax donations are vital in getting us
giving, you may want to consider on the increase in value of the stock. through the next couple of months.”
one of the following options (and Second, you receive an income tax Year-end giving to the agency
always check with your tax advisor charitable deduction for the full fair is easier than ever, with donations
before making your decision): market value of the stock at the time accepted through the mail or online
of the gift. at www.esrworks.org. Donors may
Cash also give online at www.givemn.org
If you itemize, you can lower Charitable Gift Annuities and designate ESR as the recipient
your income taxes simply by writing If you own stock that is of their gift.
a check to ESR by December 31. fluctuating with the stock market “Please include ESR in your
There is no easier way to garner a and paying little in dividends, year-end giving,” said Boeve. “Our
year-end charitable deduction. Gifts you may want to consider a “life- mission to provide employment and
of cash are fully deductible — up to income” gift. By transferring the integration opportunities to adults
a maximum of 50 percent of your stock to ESR and establishing a with developmental disabilities is
adjusted gross income. charitable gift annuity, you would important. We work hard to ensure
receive an annual return, often these individuals are not overlooked
Real Estate between five and nine percent. This in society and that they have the
Your residence, vacation home, farm income would be paid to you and/or same access to employment and
or acreage may have appreciated in a loved one for life, after which the their communities as you and I do.
value through the years. If so, selling assets would be distributed to ESR. Together, we can and do make a
it may mean you’ll pay a sizable Through such an arrangement, real difference in the lives of these
capital gains tax. By turning this you may be able to increase your individuals while strengthening our
property into a gift to ESR instead, income and make a meaningful (and communities for everyone.”
you may avoid the capital gains tax. tax-deductible) contribution to ESR
at the same time.
4
Financial gifts to agency are making an impact
Donations support initiatives that might otherwise not be possible
The donations ESR receives and results in inefficiencies that through private donations and ESR’s
are used to fill in the gaps between cost time and money. Donations annual fundraising event known as
government reimbursements and the have supplemented the agency’s the Night of Dreams.
actual costs of providing services. technology budget, enabling ESR “These are just a few of the
Specifically, donations have: to be more current with its basic many examples of the significant
n Balanced fluctuations in fuel technology infrastructure. impact donors’ gifts have had
prices. When fuel costs soar, n Supported programs and on the agency,” said Natalie
another gap opens in the agency’s services. The demand for ESR’s Johnson, director of marketing and
budget – between government services continues to increase, development. “The donations we
transportation funding and the actual making it necessary for us to invest receive are purchasing equipment,
costs of operating and maintaining in our own growth. We must remain stretching budgets and allowing ESR
a fleet of 35 vans and cars. Private financially and programmatically to do things that would otherwise
donations have helped balance these sound so we can meet the needs of have been impossible.
fluctuating prices. those we serve while positioning “We greatly appreciate the
n Updated technology. ESR ourselves to welcome others to our support of our donors,” Johnson
must be in a position to do service. continued. “Their gifts have a direct
business efficiently with the world n Purchased needed equipment. impact on our work. We consider
in which it operates. Outdated Two lift vans to transport individuals ourselves very fortunate to partner
technology interferes with our in wheelchairs and a delivery with so many wonderful people in
ability to maintain and share truck to pick up production work support of our mission.”
information, causes frustrations were purchased with money raised
Mark your calendar today!
Join other Minnesotans in supporting nonprofits on Give to the Max Day, Nov. 16
Join your fellow Minnesotans for fundraising
the Great Minnesota Give Together drive in
on Wednesday, Nov. 16. history,
Launched in November 2009, raising more
Give to the Max Day is an annual than $14
day for Minnesotans to come together million for from Give to the Max Day as donors
on GiveMN.org to show their support Minnesota charities in 24-hours – used the online resource to make
for nonprofits in the state and smashing the previous record of their gifts. Several of the donations
beyond. The goal of the special day- $3.8 million raised in Dallas. More received during Give to the Max
long event is to raise as much money than 3,400 Minnesota nonprofits Day came from individuals who
as possible for nonprofits within benefited from contributions made were unable to attend ESR’s Night
a 24-hour period and “showcase by more than 38,000 donors. of Dreams fundraiser and wanted
Minnesota’s unparalleled generosity In 2010, GiveMN.org raised the to contribute to the event’s success.
to the world,” according to event bar and more than 42,000 individual Others provided donations as part of
organizers. donors responded, raising $10 their year-end giving.
In its initial year, Give to million for Minnesota charities. You can access ESR’s page
the Max Day became the most ESR has been among the on www.givemn.org by typing the
successful place-based online thousands of nonprofits to benefit agency’s name in the search box.
5
Excitement grows as new site’s floor plan unveiled Continued from Page 1
either Stillwater or Cottage Grove,” 10,500 square feet and Cottage have,” Boeve said. “We appreciate
said Boeve. “Opening a new site Grove’s 8,000 square feet. Forest the support we’ve received from the
was the best option we had.” Lake is the agency’s smallest site at county, the state and others who have
An exciting feature of the 5,500 square feet. helped us realize this vision. The
Oakdale site will be a program “Handling our continuing excitement is definitely growing.”
serving the unique support needs growth is a wonderful challenge to
of those with autism spectrum
disorders. While ESR already serves
a number of people with autism, the
opening of a new site provides an
opportunity to thoughtfully design
and outfit space specifically for
these individuals’ unique needs.
The new site will also include
four program areas where staff can
work with consumers to complete
contract work for businesses in the
community or conduct nonwork
activities for those who choose not
to work. Offices will house the site
supervisor and program managers,
and provide space for staff who are
on the road and need a place to land
to fill out paperwork or visit with
consumers. A conference room will
be available for meetings, and a
spacious staging area ensures room
to prepare the product consumers
package or assemble as part of the
agency’s contract work with its
business partners.
The site will be 8,600 square
feet, compared to Stillwater’s
Bremer Foundation grant will support partnership between ESR, county
A grant of nearly $25,000 from Americans, many of whom have threatened to eliminate the program,
the Bremer Foundation will sustain never worked before. Launched just prompting ESR to seek private
a partnership between ESR and three years ago, the program pairs funding to continue its work.
the Washington County workforce Washington County WorkForce “This is great news for the
Center supporting the employment Center counselors with ESR job program,” said Ed Boeve, ESR
goals of African Americans. developers and mentors to find job executive director. “The Bremer
The partnership, known as opportunities with area businesses. Foundation’s generosity allows us
the “Extra” program, provides Last year, nearly 60 clients were to continue helping our clients find
job search assistance, supported referred to the program. their way out of poverty through
wages, training and emergency The state’s budget deal reduced employment.”
food subsidies for African funding to the Workforce Center and
6
Consumers give ESR staff, services high marks in satisfaction survey
The results of a recent consumer satisfaction survey n 94.1 percent of those surveyed like their jobs.
indicate individuals in ESR’s service are happy people. n 99.1 percent said ESR staff was nice to them.
The surveys are typically done twice a year to n 95.2 percent of those surveyed said they had
measure the satisfaction levels of consumers, as well learned new skills at ESR.
as caregivers/families and the businesses partners who Consumer comments included:
work with ESR to provide employment opportunities. n “I don’t know what I’d do without my job coach.”
Results are shared among staff and improvement plans n “I love my job.”
created when results reveal issues that need to be n “I like working here a lot.”
addressed. Individuals working in one of ESR three program
In the latest survey among consumers, the majority sites also participated in the survey, with these results:
of respondents reported high satisfaction levels with n 95.3 percent reported that they liked their job in
their jobs, the ESR staff, and the goals their teams and the production center.
ESR staff help them set. All consumers are invited to n 99.1 percent reported ESR staff was nice to them.
participate, with assistance available for those who n 94.8 percent said they had learned new skills.
request help. A total of 63.6 percent of ESR’s consumers Consumers comments included:
chose to participate. n “I give ESR a thumbs up.”
Among the individuals working in the community n “I like everything the way it is at ESR.”
either in independent placements or as members of work n “Everyone is nice and I am happy in (the
crews, the survey results showed: production) center.”
Turn your yard into a four-star restaurant for the birds
Birdseed initiative growing; proceeds pay consumers, sustain program
There’s nothing quite like waking to the sounds of in plastic bags. Then someone is
birds gathering in your yard. needed to seal the bags and label
ESR can help make your yard the favored gathering them for sale. Consumers have
spot for feathered friends with Birders’ Select birdseed. also helped take inventory and
The seed blends, carefully mixed to attract different determine which blends need to
varieties of birds, provide employment opportunities be created to stock retail shelves.
for the individuals served by the agency. There are jobs “Each blend we create makes
measuring the seeds contained in the blend, mixing them jobs available for consumers,”
in large containers, and packaging them said Pam Mund, ESR director
of sales. “Individuals of all abilities can participate in the
Special offe process. And the more birdseed we sell, the more jobs
r for newsle
tter readers there are available.”
Place your o !
rder by Octo The birdseed venture took flight in 2009, and has
and get 15% ber
Mention pro off your purc 31 resulted in the sale of nearly 10,000 pounds of Birders’
mo code N hase Select blends. Sale proceeds are returned to ESR to pay
1015 when o
rderin
g wages for consumers who do the blending and packaging,
Place your o
by calling 65 rder today purchase more seed and support agency programs.
1-351-0190, “This retail venture allows us to provide job
See the entire ext. 10
list of Birders opportunities for consumers,” said Mund. “As sales
’ Select seed increase, we are able to get more consumers involved and
www.esrwor s
ks.org pay them for their work, while showing a return on our
investment on behalf of the entire agency.”
7
Summertime outing turns a little fishy thanks to local nonprofit
Mix a little sun, a calm body of water and a few fishing poles and
you get a perfect summer outing.
Consumers from ESR’s Cottage Grove site and Stillwater
Community Jobs Team were treated to fishing trips this summer,
courtesy of “Let’s Go Fishing,” a nonprofit with chapters in Hastings
and Stillwater. Volunteers and ESR staff served as the crew on the
pontoon, helping with life jackets
and fishing poles. Consumers could
choose between enjoying the scenery
or dropping a fishing line into the
water. Several consumers decided
to try their luck and were provided
equipment and bait by the “Let’s
Go Fishing” team. A number of
fish were caught, admired and then
released back into the water.
The “Let’s Go Fishing”
organization provides no-cost
fishing trips to organizations
serving adults with disabilities
and the elderly.
East Suburban Resources Inc.
1754 Washington Avenue
Stillwater, Minnesota 55082
651-351-0190
www.esrworks.org
mail@ESRworks.org
Return service requested
