Save the Date!

save-the-date-2010

The 2010 Growing Dreams Gala is coming soon!

Click here for more information and to order your tickets.

eQuality Farms

What was once called eQuality’s “Greenhouse Project” has now become eQuality Farms! eQuality is again preparing for a growing season in Corcoran. This year instead of using a small part of the property, eQuality is renting most of the nine acres available. This rental includes use of the land as well as the barn. eQuality has spent the spring months readying the property by cleaning up the greenhouses from the winter, modifying the barn for classroom use, adding a new pump to the existing well and running electricity to the barn and greenhouses. Timber Creek Landscape (www.timbercreeklandscape.net) did the electrical trench and graded out the barn floor at no charge to eQuality. In April eQuality began a half day enclave at the farm and groups started venturing out during afternoon programming. Each day, as many as 16 Associates are either working or doing activities at the farm. The Associates have started planting a few vegetables, making cold frames, picnic tables and birdhouses. In May, the groups will be planting the rest of the vegetables, including tomatoes and peppers that have been growing at Fred Holasek and Son Greenhouses (www.holasekflowerpower.com) in Lester Prairie. eQuality Associates will spend the spring and summer planting, weeding, watering and harvesting vegetables as well as cut flowers. eQuality will be at three Farmers’ Markets every week. Come down and see us!

Midtown Market - Tuesdays 3:30 - 7:30, July - October www.midtownfarmersmarket.org

Uptown Market - Sundays 11-5, June 20-September 26 www.uptownmarket.org

Northeast Market - Saturdays 9 - 1, June 5 - October 16 www.nemplsfarmersmarket.com

eQuality’s Board of Directors

Jody Allen, President

Mona Patterson, Executive VP

Greg Hani, Executive VP

Matt Winston, President Elect

Rosemary Fish, Honorary

Ben Poehling, Treasurer

Kathy Cadmus, Secretary

John Kvamme

Anthony DiAngelis

Tami Horwitz

Wendy Canaday

Pat Rounds

Bill Goblirsch

Kevin Myers

Shilo Sorrell, Associate Rep.

eQuality Staff

Greg Hani, Executive Vice President

Mona Patterson, Executive Vice President

Cindy Cunnien, Program Coordinator

Jona Williams, Program Coordinator

David Gray, Program Coordinator

Caitlin Wittnebel, Program Coordinator

Carlie LaBree, Program Coordinator

Sam Ofulue, Program Coordinator

Joan Klukken Keprios, Program Coordinator

eQuality Associates on the news!

Fox 9 News Story

eQuality was recently featured in a Fox 9 news story about Disability Awareness month at Lifetime Fitness. Check out the article and video here to see our Associates and Job Coach in action at the Lifetime Fitness in Eden Prairie.

Our Value

At several places of employment throughout the community, eQuality Pathways to Potential has crews of six – eight associates along with a support staff that we call a job coach. We use this enclave model in local hotels, fitness centers, community centers and ice arenas. This model is contracted employment in which we meet the needs of the employer for an agreed upon dollar amount. We meet the employer’s expectations of one or more full-time equivalents in exchange for the daily, hourly wages of those employees. With a crew of six – eight associates plus a job coach, we are able to perform the tasks of multiple full-time equivalents and many times we exceed those expectations. In this model, eQuality Pathways to Potential acts as a contracted service provider.

An eQuality work crew can fulfill the expectations and workload of one or more employees without incurring the additional costs of:

Liability Insurance
Benefits such as Health Insurance, Paid Time Off, 401K
Payroll taxes and other administrative costs
No overtime expenses

eQuality has many associates who work independently in a competitive environment, hired on directly through various places of employment. eQuality staff performs an assessment process with the associate, assists in the job search and resume building. We work to assure that the associate is ready for competitive employment and is qualified for the type of work that they are seeking. eQuality staff is a part of the original interview as well as the orientation and training process. We provide additional support by having open communication with the employer and we perform regular check-ins with the associate. While seeking employment for an individual that we feel is ready for competitive employment, eQuality works to assure that the placement is appropriate and is a benefit to everyone involved.
Employer benefits of hiring eQuality associates competitively:

eQuality staff assist in the original training-in process which reduces the time the employer would normally invest in a new hire.
Retention rate for eQuality employees is higher due to our independent training process as well as ongoing staff support.
In many cases, employers qualify for an annual Work Opportunity Tax Credit. More information about this benefit can be found at http://www.deed.state.mn.us/wotc/.

Choose Employment

When an Associate chooses eQuality, they are able to create an employment plan that fits their wants and needs. Associates, a representative from eQuality and the Associate’s team sit down to figure out what will work best for them. This decision is based on assessment of the Associate, special needs and input from the team. Some Associates choose to work full time at an enclave site while others work part-time and participate in eQuality’s recreation, education and community integration activities. Associates can also work independently in the community and/or work at volunteer jobs in addition to their other placements. Teams can be creative with the employment plan since eQuality is community based. There are no walls to limit options.

F.A.Q.

How can I meet staff and find out more about eQuality?
If you are interested in finding out more about eQuality we encourage you to arrange a meeting and/or tour with staff. Attending a tour in no way obligates you to choose eQuality, but allows you to compare programs and make a well-informed decision about your future. To arrange a tour, please call Jona Williams at 612-501-3517.

How does eQuality get paid for services it provides?
eQuality bills Hennepin County or Medical Assistance directly, depending on your funding source. Your Hennepin County Social Worker will authorize the service.

How will I get to and from work?
eQuality utilizes Metro Mobility to transport associates to and from work. Transportation during the program day, for fieldtrips, etc. is provided by agency minivans. eQuality pays for all transportation-related costs.

What if I wish to work part-time?
Many eQuality program associates choose to work part-time. These individuals generally work mornings and participate in recreational/educational activities during afternoons. These activities include work-outs at local community centers, fieldtrips, environmental education at the North Mississippi Interpretive Center, theater/acting, arts and crafts, etc.

What if I would like to work independently in the community?
eQuality Job Coordinators work with individuals to seek independent jobs. They work to develop resumes, improve interviewing skills, complete applications, and develop job-hunting strategies. After an individual succeeds in getting a job, the Job Coordinator assists with orientation, training, and ongoing support.

What is the admission procedure?
If you decide that you would like to attend eQuality you should make your County Social Worker aware of your decision. He or she will send a formal referral to eQuality, which will begin the process. eQuality staff will notify you of your acceptance to the program. Our staff will contact your interdisciplinary team to arrange an intake meeting date, and you will choose a starting date. If you are planning ahead for a June graduation, you should confirm with eQuality staff that a place will be held for you. When your graduation approaches, the intake meeting and starting date will be arranged. Click here to read our admission policy.

How can I contact eQuality staff?
click here to contact us.

Choose To Grow

eQuality provides many ways for its Associates to grow over time.

eQuality’s mission is to help individuals with developmental disabilities maximize their potential. eQuality works with each Associate and their team to help them become as successful as is possible for them. Read more

Jobs at eQuality

At the heart of all that happens at eQuality, Pathways to Potential is an excellent staff. We seek to hire individuals who are looking for more than just a job. eQuality staff share a desire to constantly strive for better ways to serve our associates.

Interested in joining eQuality’s team of dedicated staff members? Apply Here We are currently hiring the following positions: (Click on title for position description)

Job Coach

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