“In 1969, there simply weren’t enough programs to meet the needs of people with intellectual disabilities. That’s why our organization was formed,” recounted Michael Kraines, executive director of CHOICE, Inc. “Naturally, it started out small: a handful of volunteers, nine or so children with intellectual disabilities, and a church basement somewhere in Excelsior.
“Education. Recreation. Friendship. Speech, occupational and physical therapy. CHOICE’s founders sought to provide all of these to their own children, as well as give themselves a little much-needed respite.
“The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which ensures access to free, appropriate public education for children with disabilities, would leave CHOICE with only three dozen or so participants in 1975; all adults. State and county funding had come into play by that time. Thanks to that and the continual outpouring of support we receive from our community – including over 85 businesses – CHOICE has now served hundreds of participants at our centers in Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, and Maple Grove.”
“Many of our enrichment programs are designed to help participants join the workforce,” said Jon Hartmann, employment services manager. “I’m sure you can imagine how life-changing a small income can be to an adult with an intellectual disability and their family who cares for them. Just as importantly, employment gives our participants self-respect and stronger ties to their communities. I can’t tell you how much it means to them when they go out in public and get smiled at, high-fived, and otherwise greeted warmly by people who know them. They feel like they belong.”
“CHOICE also transforms participants’ lives through the arts,” added Betsy Ingalsbe, billing and human resources director. “Their talents have been showcased at galleries, libraries and coffee shops throughout the metro. That’s been a huge source of encouragement to many objectively worthy painters and illustrators.
“We’re especially proud of one of our mostly nonverbal participants, who revealed they could compose deep, meaningful stories with the aid of their communication device during one of our writing programs. They became an author in full with the publication of Our Voice: A Compilation of Art and Stories From Exceptional People last fall.”
“Our SHAPE program is accountable for keeping many of our favorite people healthy and active,” said Michael. “Each of our locations has its own on-site gym, where fitness instructors bring joy and accessibility to physical wellness. We once welcomed a participant who had previously received limited support when it came to exercise. We developed a special regimen for her – one that met her exactly where she was at – and were delighted to see how enthusiastically she took to it. She lost 100 pounds and has kept them off to this day. She has even become mobile enough to hold down a physically demanding job. She works in a gym!”
“There’s so much warmth here,” said Betsy. “Just genuine, mutual appreciation for everyone involved.”
“I feel it every time I leave my office,” agreed Jon. “Even if I only duck in there for a few minutes, I’m always greeted by the participants’ same chorus of ‘Jooonnnnnn!’ when I emerge.”
“After spending 36 years with CHOICE, that kind-heartedness is still what sticks out to me the most,” added Michael. “It’s remarkable because it isn’t remarkable. We have somehow managed to make kindness the status quo, even if it’s within the confines of our three centers.
“Which is why I’m happy to announce we’ll be expanding our Eden Prairie facility soon. That added space will allow us to serve 30 new participants who have aged out of the school system, provide relief to just as many families, and make a farther-reaching impact throughout the community we’re so grateful for being a part of. From the bottoms of our hearts, we thank everyone for all their support!”
CHOICE, Inc. enriches the lives of people
with intellectual disabilities by providing:
- Employment
- Health & wellness programs
- Lifelong learning
- Transportation
- Community engagement
- Enrichment programs & partnerships
- And much more
Visit ChoiceJobs.org to learn how you can
support the homegrown nonprofit organization!