About MICC
Minnesota Independence College and Community (MICC) is a nonprofit post-high school vocational and life skills training program for autistic and neurodivergent adults. Since its founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to helping participants make successful transitions towards independent living, self-sufficiency and true belonging.

​Through hands-on learning, education, support, and resources, MICC participants achieve sustained, independent living, rewarding employment, financial security, personal growth and responsible citizenship. For more information about MICC, visit https://www.miccommunity.org/

For interviews with MICC team members, please contact Ella Carlsson, Red Mood Marketing at 612.805.0572, [email protected]

Welcome to the Starbucks in Richfield, where something special is brewing! This particular Starbucks is not just your average coffee shop—it's a part of a remarkable MICC Careers Program work partner. Let's dive into the story.

Karen, the dedicated manager of this Starbucks, has a profound passion for both coffee and people. She genuinely cares about her customers, her staff, and making a positive impact in the community. In fact, we're fairly certain that Karen also considers MICC a vital part of that list. Back in 2021, she had an inspiring conversation with her supervisor about finding new ways to empower and support individuals in their personal and professional growth.

​And guess what? The universe seemed to align perfectly. Today, we're celebrating Thalia, one of Starbucks' shining stars and a proud MICC participant. Thalia is whipping up delicious pumpkin spice lattes with the skill and finesse of someone who's been doing it all her life.

Karen's commitment to her customers is unwavering. She understands the importance of building genuine connections and believes that passion is the key to success. "When you truly love what you do, not only do you excel, but your entire team thrives, and customers can feel that too. It's what makes our Starbucks stand out, and it's how our family keeps growing," Karen passionately shares. Her motto is as simple as it is powerful: "A happy team is a productive team."

As we celebrate Thalia's work anniversary, let's take a moment to congratulate her on her dedication and growth. She continues to find joy and fulfillment in her role at Starbucks, thanks to the incredible opportunities offered by the Careers Program.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the entire Starbucks team for their unwavering commitment and the exceptional experiences they create.

​MICC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for autistic and neurodivergent young adults. Since its founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to supporting participants in successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC participants achieve sustained, independent living; rewarding employment; financial security; personal growth; and responsible citizenship. We champion all participants, carry their successes into the world, and collaborate with others in service of our vision.

​Media inquiries can be sent to [email protected].

MICC Careers Program partners will employers in the Minneapolis area to promote neurodiversity in the workplace and ensure participants and graduates find meaningful employment. One of MICC's employment partners is Great Wolf Lodge in Bloomington. 

Von is the Director of Retail, Attractions, and Kids Experience at Great Wolf Lodge in Bloomington. Since Von was received with open arms to his position and welcomed to the "pack," he noticed how much the workplace culture was very family-oriented and inclusive on all fronts.

Experiencing his warm welcome first-hand, Von felt that as the department director, it was important to ensure this culture was carried on as a priority and he continues to nurture it on his team. Great Wolf Lodge has various internal programs for its employees to maintain a positive work environment and support their workplace culture. "As a lodge, we are all one Pack, and everything we do, we strive to do as a team." 

Von became familiar with MICC through some of the pack members, and when he learned more about MICC's mission and programming, he knew that this was a partnership that could enhance lives.

Presently, Von, Great Wolf Lodge, and MICC have a partnership that is very impactful! One of Von's best parts of his job is watching new pack members grow and develop in their roles at the lodge. Pack Member, Ava, comes to mind as Von has seen Ava extend in her job role not only in her abilities but in her comfort and confidence.

Von hope is that participant's who work at the lodge will gain a sense of accomplishment. He shared, "We want all our pack members to learn how fulfilling it can be to bring joy to families and by doing so, how this can also teach us to be leaders among our peers. I can't wait to meet the next young person who is passionate about bringing joy to families and becomes a part of our lodge!"

MICC was thrilled to celebrate this partnership at the annual Champion's Breakfast in October and are so grateful to have Great Wolf Lodge as a part of the employer team.

Join us as we work together to promote neurodiversity in the workplace and help autistic people succeed! Connect with us to schedule a training or to learn more about partnering with MICC's Careers Program as an employment partner.

After working at the same job for over 10 years, Jeffrey was ready for a change and found a seasonal position at World Market. Not only was he hired permanently, but his job developer noticed a significant change in his attitude and confidence. He was upbeat, engaging with new people, and "coming out of his shell”.

Fast forward to spring 2022, Reese was on the hunt for the perfect job. Knowing of Jeffrey's success at World Market, her job developer suggested she check out open positions. And just like that, Reese was hired on the spot! She's been loving her new career, working on the cash register and stocking and learning new skills every day. Reese said that one of her favorite things about her job is the people she works with, especially her supervisor, Casey. 
 
Casey shared that working with Reese and Jeffrey is "a delight". She said, "They are both always positive and bring a good sense of humor to the team."

World Market "seeks out individuals who are upbeat and positive, have a can-do attitude, a passion for what they do, and an interest in others." They value inclusivity and hiring diverse, unique, and eclectic individuals. MICC is proud to have an employer like World Market as a great work environment for participants.

​Tyler graduated from the College Program in May of 2020 with his Century College certificate in Hospitality.
 
The Hospitality certificate program prepares students for positions in restaurants, tourism, and customer service. He recalled that the skills her learned in the certificate program prepared him for employment by learning how to assist customers.
 
Tyler has been working for Walgreens as a Customer Service Assistant since February 2021. He stocks food and drinks and cashiers. His favorite part about his job is helping customers. He also shared, “My coworkers at Walgreens are very nice and supportive. They take time to help me solve problems. I am also able to speak with management whenever I have an issue. I am motivated to go into work because I enjoy meeting and helping the customers that come into the store.”
 
His advice for students just starting their job search, "It might be a long process looking for a job and discouraging at times. Don't give up. You will find a job when the time is right. You will also have hard days at work, and you get through those days as well."
 
His future career goal is to increase his hours and responsibilities at Walgreens and become a Shift Lead.