METRO-WORK CENTER INC

METRO WORK CENTER provides employment opportunities, life skill development support, community integration, and leisure and recreation activities on an individualized basis to adults with developmental disabilities and related conditions. By providing our services and client consumer opportunities, we enhance participant self-esteem, support independence and promote participation with others in the community. Our programs for working adults and seniors are based on over 40 years of experience with the developmentally disabled community. Metro Work Center provides flexible programming designed to meet the needs of each consumer. With our staff to consumer ratio of less than one to six, the individual always comes first.

Maryanne spent her early years in a state institution housing over 2,000 patients at its peak. The hospital was sued because its improper care, treatment, conditions and training “did not meet constitutional standards.” In search of a safe healthy alternative, Maryanne’s family found the programming at Metro Work Center offered the focused, individualized opportunities to positively meet her personal goals. “Her progress has been amazing!”

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Donna has been working at Mt. Olivet Careview Home for several years. Metro Work Center found a job that matched her skills and interests, provided on-site training and has provided ongoing occasional support over the years to help her be successful on the job. Donna experiences good wages, connections with co-workers and increased independence and self-esteem.

Richard works on a variety of projects at the Metro Work Center site, including a mailing job he particularly enjoys. His health greatly affects his mobility and strength. With the help of a modified work station, Richard is able to complete the work independently while earning his wages.

Most individuals involved in Metro Work Center’s programming want to participate in some type of work activity. Consumers may work independently for employers, in the community at work locations supported by our staff, and on sub-contract jobs on our site. Staff members provide in-house and jobsite training as needed. Individualized training in job readiness prepares consumers for participation in the work world.

LEARNING, RECREATIONAL, AND COMMUNITY OPTIONS Sue is entering her late sixties and is ready to transition from work to other pursuits. Metro Work Center’s ongoing support provides her an opportunity to continue to participate in group and individual activities and gather with friends. Her favorite activity is the Wednesday morning Women’s Club which features a good time with good company and, of course, refreshments!

Tony likes to work but he also likes to get out in the community. As an avid Twins baseball fan, he particularly likes to join his friends taking a light rail trip for an afternoon at the ballpark.

Our non-employment activities are designed to meet the needs of adults and seniors who due to age, medical fragility, or cognitive ability may not benefit from our traditional employment programs. For these consumers we offer individual and group activities that include club meetings (Men’s, Women’s, Java and Juice, Exercise, etc.), arts and craft work, games, puzzles, and other activities of interest. Community participation is always part of our weekly schedule. Walking trips to local retail and dining locations are commonplace. Located on a bus route and near the light rail line, we often visit sites outside the immediate neighborhood. Metro Work Center continues to provide quality programming options designed around consumer choice. To learn more about Metro Work Center, please visit our website at www.metroworkcenter.org or call us at 612-729-7381.

HELP METRO WORK CENTER Your donation to Metro Work Center helps us continue to provide meaningful programming for the community of developmentally disabled adults we serve. Your contribution will help make a positive difference in others lives. To make an on-line investment in quality programming for the developmentally disabled community, click on the “Donate ” button on this page. If you are interested in making an in-kind contribution of goods or services, please call us at 612-729-7381 to discuss our current needs. We always welcome your calls to discuss our program and how working together we can meet our consumers' needs.

Thank you for partnering with Metro Work Center, Inc.