2012 Annual Report - Midwest Special Services, Inc.

We see
possibility.
2012 Annual Report
Board of Directors
Kelly Chase
Parent
Center Pointe Energy
James Clapper
3M
Bobbi Hoppman
Dungarvin
Tom Lyman
Ecolab, Inc.
Dan Ryan
Scott Forss Board of Directors
Attorney
Federal Reserve
Bank
James Clapper
Lynn Schmidt
3M
Steven W. Freimuth
Parent
Steven W. Freimuth
Scott Forss Jenni Taylor
& Company, LLC
Federal Reserve
Bank
Student
Todd Franks
Steven W. Freimuth
Attorney, Retired
Treasurer
Lyth J. Hartz
Steven W. Freimuth
Nitesh Gupa
Midwest Special
Ecolab, Inc. & Company, LLC
Services, Inc.
Todd Franks
Harry Hansen
Board Chair Attorney, Retired
3M, Retired Harry Hansen
Board Chair
3M, Retired
mission
Mary Hinze
ARC, Retired
The mission
ofLongley
Midwest Special
Nancy
ServicesWeber
is toShandwick
assist adults
Tom Lyman
with disabilities
Ecolab, Inc. to reach their
personalJane
goals
and potential
Miller
3M, Retired
through individualized
services
Mark Novitzki
and supports.
Premier Bank
Lynn Schmidt
Vice Chair
Libra Support Services
Jenni Taylor
Student
Lyth J. Hartz
Midwest Special Services, Inc.
Dear friends and family,
Rehabilitation services are driven by outcomes and measured by statistics—the number of clients
served, staff interactions, hours spent in the community, skills introduced and practiced, jobs found,
and hours worked.
By any measure, 2012 was a success for Midwest Special Services. For example, last year; We served
640 clients, an increase of 19% over 2009; More than 95% of the clients, referral agencies and
businesses we served gave us high marks in our annual stakeholder satisfaction survey; We helped
dozens of clients find—and keep—jobs in the community, a 41% increase in over 2011; Mobile
work crews worked nearly 25% more hours in 2012 compared with 2011; Our clients worked over
61,000 hours in our center-based production facility, although this was approximately 10% lower
than we had hoped, and our clients volunteered almost 7,200 hours to community organizations,
a 75% increase over 2011.
While impressive, these statistics are just numbers compiled to provide a snapshot of our success.
Unfortunately, statistics don’t reflect the intangibles that set MSS apart. While it’s impossible to place
a numeric value on intangibles like friendship or being respected as an individual with unique gifts,
we can measure our success in other ways.
The real MSS story is Joanne’s story…When Joanne came to MSS she was highly motivated to
work but lacked critical skills. With support and personal coaching from her MSS team, Joanne has
developed into a leader among her peers and is quickly mastering important job skills that will help
her achieve her employment goals. We succeed every time a client takes their first tentative steps
towards increased independence,every time they accomplish or make progress toward a goal,every
time they gain the confidence and courage needed to apply for jobs in the
community. Our success is validated in the hundreds of smiles and high
fives that clients and MSS staff share every day and in the friendships,
mutual respect and sense of community that our clients find here. We
are honored and humbled to be part of our clients’ personal stories.
We look forward to an equally successful 2013 and will continue doing
what we do best—providing exceptional, individualized client service.
Thank you for your continuing support as we write the next chapter in
the MSS story.
Lyth J. Hartz
President
1
Measuring
success…
At MSS, we focus on possibilities, not limitations. In 2012,
Midwest Special Services helped 640 adults maximize
their unique skills and personal strengths and achieve their
personal goals. Our clients range in age from 18 to over
70, represent multiple ethnicities and have an equally
broad range of abilities, talents and interests. While the
majority of our clients have some type of developmental
disability, we also support clients with mental illness,
medical and physical disabilities, brain injuries and other
challenges. The diversity of our clients, and the personal
goals that drive them, brings out our creativity.
…one person at a time.
“At Midwest, I could not be happier about the things each and every
Staff Member does for their clients; me. They are kind, respectful, and helpful
to my needs and wants. My life has changed for the better since being
accepted into this company three years ago.” — An MSS client
MSS staff members approach each client relationship as a partnership. Each
partnership begins with a clear understanding of the client’s goals, unique
skills, abilities and interests. MSS uses this information to create a customized
program of services and supports that makes the most of the client’s strengths
and reflects his or her unique situation, life stage and interests. Client
satisfaction is a key measure of our success. And, according to the results of our
annual client satisfaction survey, 2012 was a very successful year. In fact, 97%
of clients who responded to the survey gave MSS a positive rating.
2
…one project at a time.
“I think I am your “oldest” customer…since 1991…I would not still be with
MSS if I did not find your services fulfill my needs. Working with wonderful
staff has been another reason why we continue to avail ourselves of your
services. Thank you.” — An MSS contract customer
MSS offers a wide spectrum of vocational services designed to help our clients
build critical employment skills and gain work experience while simultaneously
responding to real needs within the business community. MSS clients worked
in the community as part of mobile crews, working nearly 27,000 hours at
businesses throughout the Twin Cities. These companies contracted with MSS
to provide on-site administrative support, janitorial, packaging and quality
control services under the supervision of an MSS staff member. Our mobile
crews provided employers with the staffing flexibility required during difficult
economic times. The 2012 customer satisfaction survey indicated that 99%
of our customers were satisfied or very satisfied with MSS production and
fulfillment services.
…one meal at a time.
“There is nowhere [our son] has been where he feels so loved, understood,
cared for, encouraged, and also held accountable as a young man. He is
being guided to be the best he can be and to be part of the family at MSS
and part of the larger world he lives in.”— Parents of an MSS Client
Being part of the community comes with responsibilities, including
helping others in need. One of our goals for 2012 was to increase volunteer
opportunities for our clients. We more than achieved that goal! MSS
clients eagerly volunteered their talents and 7,182 hours to support various
community organizations. A 75% increase over 2011. These organizations
weren’t the only beneficiaries. MSS clients also gained stronger community
connections. Our clients are very proud of the important contributions they
have made to the community. On a practical level, volunteer opportunities also
give our clients a chance to build and practice important work skills that they
can apply in other situations.
3
…one paycheck at a time.
“My life has improved because I was able to gain more work experience.”
— An MSS Client
Despite the challenging economy and high unemployment that characterized
2012, Midwest Special Services helped 35 clients with employment barriers
find competitive jobs in the community. Barriers included intellectual
disabilities, chemical dependency and mental health challenges. Clients earned
an average wage of $9.29, 22% above the federal minimum wage.
This group includes four individuals who found jobs in the community
after gaining important skills, work experience and confidence through their
participation on one of our mobile work crews. Working on a mobile crew
is an important first step for many whose goal is a competitive job in the
community because they have the chance to build confidence in their skills and
receive one-on-one coaching and supervision from an MSS job coach. MSS
mobile crews worked 26,786 hours in 2012, an increase of 8%. The average
hourly wage also increased approximately 8%.
…one brick at a time.
There continued to be strong demand for MSS services in 2012 and we have
experienced a nearly 20% increase in clients since 2010, especially at our
Apple Valley and Eagan locations. In response, we continue to invest in our
facilities all five MSS locations in order to enhance the services and programs
we offer. In 2012, we undertook an extensive remodeling our Apple Valley
facility, as well as upgrades to our Shoreview Center and the kitchen area of
the St. Paul Center. Plans are underway to expand in Dakota and Washington
counties in 2013.
MSS also invested in technology. For example, we purchased additional
iPads and educational apps for client use and added a Sorenson Videophone
to improve access for our clients who are Deaf. Recognizing the link between
computer skills and employment, MSS applied for and was accepted as a
Northstar Digital Literacy Testing site. This designation supports our mission
to help clients overcome employment barriers.
4
…one job search at a time.
“There’s more to know about getting a job than just applying for it. You should check eTrac out. It will
show you everything you need to be successful.” — Student, St. Paul Public Schools
Midwest Special Services put the final touches on eTrac® in early 2012. This flexible, innovative online curriculum
was created to allow MSS clients to learn general job search skills at their own pace and allow job placement staff to
work with the client on other job search activities and individual needs.
In development for nearly two years, eTrac was made available on a trial basis to a variety of users, including MSS
clients and others outside of MSS. eTrac is receiving rave reviews. Testers ranged in age from 18 to middle aged
adults and represent a cross section of job-seekers, including those trying to enter the workforce for the first time,
those seeking to re-enter after a long absence and those whose job search is complicated by special circumstances.
In addition to helping MSS clients to achieve their employment goals, eTrac also represents an income-producing
opportunity for MSS. We are exploring opportunities to share this online curriculum with other organizations in
exchange for a licensing fee. We are focusing our initial marketing efforts on special education transition programs,
social service agencies and not-for-profit agencies.
Midwest Special Services embarked on this unprecedented effort in 2010. eTrac gathers what we have learned about
the job search process over the past 60 years into a comprehensive online learning program specifically designed
to meet the unique needs of people with intellectual disabilities, autism, mental health and chemical dependency
challenges and other employment barriers. It was created to meet four basic goals. First, it needed to teach our clients
basic job search skills. Second, it needed to address the unique needs of people with employment challenges. Third,
it needed to be simple, easy to use. Finally,
it needed to be flexible.
The end result achieves all of these goals
and more! eTrac is a virtual classroom that
uses easy-to-understand content, graphics,
animation, audio, video and a flexible
structure to help users understand and
retain what they learn. We have created
two versions to ensure that the curriculum
is accessible to all users. Users can choose a
Flash-based, highly interactive version that
includes animation, videos, simulations and
interactive exercises or a text-based version
that is optimized to work with screen
readers and mobile technologies.
5
Financial Highlights
Statement of Unrestricted Activities
Statement of Financial Position
Year ending December 31, 2012
Year ending December 31, 2012
Revenue
2012 Agency
Assets
Training fees, county
$
Cash & investments
8,794,535
2012
$
Production contract sales
838,621
Accounts receivable & prepaid expenses
RSB, extended employment & case service
302,006
Land, building & equipment, net of depreciation
United Way contributions
135,508
Intangible assets
Other contributions & investment income
119,598
O’Neil Endowment Fund
Released from restriction
143,582
Total assets
Interest & miscellaneous income
24,618
Total revenue
1,145,863
Other program expenses
1,220,031
Total expenses
$10,220,679
Net Operating
$
Unrestricted:
Undesignated
Temporarily restricted
137,789
$
Other contributions (special event)
$ 3,167,074
Board designated for O’Neil Endowment Fund
–
18,517
545,701
Permanently restricted
Unrestricted – Non-Operating
Increase in liability for pension benefits
$1,209,664
Net Assets
735,864
Management & general
759,299
450,365
Total liabilities
1,444,913
Operating expenses
$
Long-term liabilities
5,198,956
475,052
Transportation
764,679
Total net assets
$4,495,971
Total liabilities and net assets
$5,705,635
14,227
Trust & endowment investment income (loss)
11,999
Net non-operating
$
26,226
Change in unrestricted net assets
$
164,015
Expenses
Revenue
RSB extended
employment & case
service, 3%
$5,175,068
Current liabilities
Participant wages, taxes & benefits
United Way
contributions, 1%
251,366
1,061,773
Liabilities
Expenses
$
955,347
2,403,989
Liabilities and Net Assets
$10,358,468
Personnel
502,593
Other program expenses, 12%
Other revenue, 1%
Released from restriction, 2%
Interest &
miscellaneous
income, >1%
Management &
general, 11%
Personnel, 51%
Operating
expenses, 7%
Production
contract
sales, 8%
Training fees,
county, 85%
Transportation,
14%
6
Participant wages, taxes & benefits, 5%
2012 Donors
Midwest Special Services would like to thank everyone — clients, staff, volunteers, donors and
business partners — who contributed to our success in 2012.
5,000+
Anonymous
ARAnet, Inc.
City of Saint Paul
S.T.A.R. Program
Hubbard Broadcasting
Corp. Foundation
Minnesota Department
of Transportation
Premier Banks
Wells Fargo Foundation
Ted & Fran Yoch
$1,000 – $4,999
Anonymous
The Bieber Family
Foundation
E.F.H. Company
Hansen & Company
Harmon & Hartmon, LLC
Lyth & Mary Hartz
Kay Johnson
Land O’ Lakes, Inc.
MSS Board of Directors
Premier Banks
Sick, Inc.
Beatrice Sieber
Weber Shandwick
$500 – $999
Gil & Karen Acevedo
Scott Amundson
Photography
Artistic Finishes, Inc.
Autism Society of MN
Jeff Betchwars
Laurence Butler
City Wide Maintenance
James Stewart Clapper
Ecolab, Inc.
Edward Farr Architects, Inc.
William H. Flanigan
Steven W. Freimuth,
LLC, CPA
Pat & Lucille Henry
Thomas Hinze
Julie & Dwayne Johnson
Christopher Longley
Candace & Carlos Lopez
Tom & Debbie Lyman
Jodi L. Meerovich
Jane Miller
John F. Mitchell
Emily Myhr
Elizabeth Putzier
Lynn & Brad Schmidt
TCF Foundation
Dr. Stephen Antonello
Jessica Argetsinger
Ron & Terri Ausen
Barbara Bade
Daniel Bade
Jim and Bobbi Bade
Marlys Bade
Neil Bain
Joann Barbour
Pamela Barrows
Carol Battey
Bruce Bauer
Kristine Beese
June Ann Bennett
Dea Benson
Heather Benson
Marlene Benson
Bernadette Bernardini
Barb Beseth
Paula Betzold
Kelly M. Birch
Jeff Boesl
Greg Boggess
Michelle Bonk
James Brandes
Barb & Terry Branham
Wayne & Patty Branstetter
Michael Braucher
Jaime Breymeier
Thomas Brice
Richard Bristol
Roger Buege
Bob Burrell
Ken Burton
Paul Butler
David Campbell
Krista Capatske
Jim Carlson
Joanne Carroll
Marceline Carroll
N.L. Chervany
Elaine M. Childs
Jenna M. Childs
Carolyn Clark
Charles Clausen
Jim Clemens
Kathleen Cook
$250 – $499
Anonymous
Bobbi J. Bade
Paul & Cindy Beckmann
Renae R. Chinn
Sharie & Steve Dironca
Pamela Gonnella
Harry Hansen
Stephen Hilton
Roger Hoppel
Johanna King
Roger Lekvold
Lawrence Loomis
Marguerite M. Maginot
North Central Bus Sales
Northwoods Equity, LLC
Gordon O’Neil
Richard Riemer
Avron Seltzer
Peter Staloch
Elaine A. Weismann
Up to $249
Anonymous
Gladys Acevedo
Kathy A. Adams
Agropur, Inc.
Laura J. Albers
Kimberly Alexander
Larry and Ida Alpert
Allana H. B. Anderson
Barbara Anderson
Susan M. Anderson
Renee A. Andreotti
7
Thomas H. Cook
Katherine M. Cookas
Lafky
Nicholas Cookas
Joan Crawford
Rev. Faith Crook-Perrizo
Ann Cummins
Gary R. Dalton
Angela Danelius
Jesse L. DeCarlo
Daniel Decker
Colleen Dee
Patricia Dee
Paul Deeney
James DeLong
Darcy DeMars
Merton Denley
Gina Deveney
Tim & Tanya Dickie
Paul & Ann Dickinson
Nicole R. Donlon
Shawn Dosdall
William Dunkel
Edward Duzynski
John Dwyer
Robert Eckart
Cheri Egge
Steven Ekeberg
Clarence Emon
Diane C. Endorf
Julie Endorf
Mark D. Endorf
Mike Erdmanczyk
Greg & Marcia Erickson
Marshall Evans
Brett Ewaldt
Sean, Lexi & Izabella
Ewaldt
Ruth M. Fagen
Jen Fink
Margaret C. Fiocca
Martin L. Fischer
Clarence Fitzsimmons
Kris Fitzsimmons
Barbara Flanigan
Kevin Fogarty
Jeffrey Ford
Scott Forss
Mike Fouquette
Regina Fouse
Erin L. Fox
Steven J. Fraasch
Steve Freimuth
Michael Freundschuh
Shelby Fuerstenberg
Eric T. Fyle
Sandra Garbrecht
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas
Gardner
Ranae Gates
Maria & Curran Gaughan
Mary C Geisenhoff
Carol Gilsdorf
Robert Golaszewski
Robert Golike
Debra Gomez
Barbara Gonnella
Kevin Goodno
Kathy Goswitz
Gilmore Granat
John Granat
Herman Greiner
Caroline Groten
Melinda Gulbranson
Christy Gutt
Carol Hackett
Georgia Haft
Naomi Hagen
Lisa Haines
Sandy Hall
Russ Hanke
Raymond Hanson
James Hartnett
Eric Hartz
Gary Hatfield
Baron/Hauschild
Family Fund
Rienzi Haytasingh
Darlene Helmer
Helper Monkey
Communications, LLC
Karen Henry
Bonni Herpst
Jack Hillstrom
Mary Hinze
Stephen Hinze
Sonja A. Honstad
Kyle Horkheimer
Patricia & Steven Howard
Richard Howard
Hunerberg Construction
Company
Teresa Jakubowski
Elizabeth Jensen
Mallorie R. Johannsen
Dorothy Johnson
Lois Johnson
Molly Johnson
D. Lance Johnstone
John Jorgenson
Kelly Jozwowski
Charles Juergens
David M. Jungquist
Theresa Leach-Junkersfeld
Dennis Keenan
Robert Kent
Judith K. Keough
Marian Kessler
Kelly R. Killmer
Johanna King
Stephen Kodluboy
Paula Ruder Korbel
Bob Koss
Todd Kramer
Mike & Molly Kroesch
Robert Kubat
Jerome Kuennen
Daniel Kuepers
Jerrold Labuda
Jeremy Lakin
Julie A. Larson
Rhonda Larson
Shirley Larson
Scott Lawson
Margaret LeBien
Tanya Lendway
Dave Libertini
Liberty Diversified
International
Mary Jo Lichtenberg
Lifecore Foundation
Roger Lilleodden
Lac Lindeland
Nancy Lindsey
Robert Lommen
Bernadine Lortis
Suzanne Loscheider
John Lund
Maureen A. Lynch
Holly MacEwen
Adam J. Maginot
Mary Maginot
Peter W. Maginot
Francoise Malek
Edward Malloy
Joan T. Mancuso
Margaret Ann Mancuso
Louie M. Mattucci
Susan Mattucci
Tina & Jim Mattucci
Joe Maturi
David McCaleb
Ella McCauley
Nichole McCauley
Rebecca Manthei
Dennis McDonald
Jay McGregor
Gail McMahon
Geraldine McManus
Mary Pat McManus
Rosita Meehan
Jodi & Mike Meerovich
Cyndy Melby
Kristopher & Alison
Mertens
Allie F Metzler
Robert Meyer
George & Beverley Miller
Laurie Miller
Len & Sheilagh Miller
Paul Miller & Nancy
Sakovich
Stacey Miller
Margene Mistelske
The Montanez Family
Dennis Morgan
Joseph Mott
Katherine Moyer
Steven Mrozla
Renee Mueller
Paul D. Mulheran
Gary Neumann
Jerome P. Novak
Mark Novitzki
Kathleen C. Nypan
Andy Olson
Mary Olson
Timothy Olson
Larraine S. O’Malley
Iona Omnass
Alice O’Neal
Danielle D. Oscarson
John A. Ouska
Gene Pals
Jude & Talitha Pascual
Leon Pauly
Carmen Pereda
Mary Perpich
Philip Peterson
Prairie’s Edge Casino
Resort
Richard & Christine Pratt
Dawn Joyce Rafferty
Jonathon T. Rausch
Linda M. Remer
8
Jeff S. Rice
Jennifer L Rieck-Haskell
Max Rosen
Lois Risser Sampson
Harriet Rode
Donald Rohrer
Mary K. Romoser
Marissa Rosenblum
Steve Rossi
Genevieve Rossow
David Rudolph
William Ryan
Sam Sardo
Kathleen Scherber
Becky L. Schurmann
Andrea E. Schwartz
Mary Schwietzer
Robert Seltzer
James & Connie Senger
Warren Shuros
Srinivas Siddabathuni
Lynn Slowiak
Helen Smith
Harold Sonnek
Colleen Sonnichsen
Patrice Speltz
Marion Ruth Spicher
Dorothy Spoors
Christie St. Clair
Brooke Stadler
Dawn Starr
Linda Stein
Steve & Linda Stenson
Laura M. Stone
Emma Strand
Cory & Becky Streeter
Karen Strom
Christine Strong
David Sutherland
Frances Swenson
Terri A. Tacheny
Danny Tanner
Dawn E. Tanner
Elizabeth Thompson
Joseph Thompson
V. Thompson
Timberland Partners IX,
LLP
Gregory Tonsager
John Tonsager
Roger Tonsager
Maryann Torretto
Travelers Foundation
Jason P. Trowbridge
Elaine Trujillo
Melinda J. Tucker
Missie Tyler
Ann Vellicolungara
Julie and Randy Voelker
Cindy A. Wallace
Andrea Wallin
H. Wang
Shannon Weinmann
Donna Weiss
William P. Wheeler
Sarah Wickman
Steve and Cathie Wilson
Heather Wilson-Huff
Donald Wintz
Irving Wise
Cynthia Wood
Chris Yocum
Peter Zenner
Lynnette R. Ziegenfuss
James Zwiener
Gifts In Memory of
Richard Butler
Sharon Butler
James E. Gilsdorf, Sr.
Roy H. Hanson, Jr.
John C. Hasenbank
Clarence E. Mock
Rosemary Prokot
Michael J. Wier
Gifts In Honor of
Antonio Acevedo
Dave Capatske Family
Marie Cepress
Jane Christenson
Nancy Crook
Steve Flanigan
Amanda Thompson
We sincerely apologize
for any errors or
omissions in our
list of donors and
funders. Please call
651.793.4126 with
any corrections.
Gifts In Kind
Minnesota State Fair
Paula Ruder Korbel
St. Paul Osman
Shrine Circus
Tile X Design
West 7th Street Boys Club
Robert Wood
Employee of the Year Lauren Hughes
The MSS Way epitomizes our commitment to excellence. Throughout the year we
recognize excellence by awarding Employee of the Month status to one lucky staff person
who has been nominated by their peers. The Employee of the Year is selected from the
monthly winners. The 2012 Employee of the Year is Lauren Hughes, Case Manager at
our Eagan Center. Lauren’s quiet demeanor belies her firecracker spirit. She embodies the
MSS Way with creativity and intuitive care giving. We are so lucky to have her on our team.
Years of Service Awards
We are proud to be “quality of life” partners with our clients and welcome opportunities
to celebrate milestones in their lives and ours. A hallmark of MSS is our commitment
to building meaningful and lasting relationships with and amongst the people we serve.
Our annual Years of Services awards recognizes those individuals who have shared their
lives and shaped our programs over several years of participation. We had 47 honorees
in 2012, representing all five of our programs centers. Anniversaries ranged from 5-years
to 40-years. The celebration event was held on April 28th at Woodland Hills Church
in St. Paul and honorees were joined by friends and family. To mark the occasion,
each received a personalized thank you gift, certificate of achievement, and heartfelt
congratulations from everyone present.
John Leach enjoying the celebration
with his sister, Beth Gatti
MAIN OFFICE
ST. PAUL
900 Ocean Street
St. Paul, MN 55106
BROOKLYN PARK
7600 Boone Avenue North
Suite 86
Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
Phone: 651-778-1000
Fax: 651-772-4352
TDD: 651-772-8592
Phone: 763-557-1231
Fax: 763-557-1458
APPLE VALLEY
14779 Energy Way
Apple Valley, MN 55124
EAGAN
3265 Northwood Circle
Suite 180
Eagan, MN 55121
Phone: 952-891-5345
Fax: 952-891-1922
Phone: 651-454-9010
Fax: 651-454-9011
SHOREVIEW
1045 Tomlyn Avenue
Shoreview, MN 55126
Phone: 651-483-3000
Fax: 651-483-5994
OAKDALE
3400 Grenada Ave. N.
Suite 190
Oakdale, MN 55128
Phone: 651-777-7220
Fax: 651-777-7233
Equal Opportunity Employer. MSS is a Private 501(c)3 Nonprofit Agency