SUGGESTION BOX - In an ongoing effort to enhance the quality of services and to be more responsive to consumer needs, TSE has established an electronic "suggestion box".  All comments and ideas are welcome!!!

GOVERNOR SIGNS MN WORKS BILL

Dana Salmela and Lynn Megan (TSE President) joined Senator Ann Rest (New Hope) and Rep. Gene Pelowski (Winona) at a signing ceremony with Gov. Tim Pawlenty.  The Governon signed a bill extending funding for MN Works, an organization that seeks new employment opportunities on behalf of people with with disabilities.  The Minnesota Habilitation Coalition, TSE's trade association, is one of three organizations that sponsor MN Works, along with MACRO and MNDACA.

Dana was recently highlighted in our Spring 2010 Newsletter for her Capitol Internship during the 2009-2010 Legislative session. 

(L to R) Sen. Gene Pelowski (New Hope), Molly Sveum (MTS),

Dana Salmela (TSE), Gov. Tim Pawlenty

NEW BUSINESSES - We would like to acknowledge the following businesses that have recently hired workers from TSE:

Culvers (Roseville)

Fairfield Inn (Roseville)

Fender Bender (Saint Paul)

Latuff Bros. (Saint Paul)

Liberty Tax (Maplewood)

Liv Inn Suites (Maplewood)

McDonalds (White Bear Lake)
Minnesota Senate (Saint Paul)

Second Impressions (Roseville)

Wendys (Roseville)

MARK'S TOWN HALL STORY

Mark Rush, one of our stars from TSE-Roselawn, spoke at the October 5, 2009 Town Hall Forum sponsored by the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD-MN) and the Minnesota State Council on Disabilities (MnSCOD).  Mark shared his personal story of how services have made a difference in his life.  Mark had previously lived and worked with little to no support.  He now lives in a supported home and is receiving the help there that he needs to survive and to thrive.  Mark also talked about how, through TSE, he has held a job longer than he had ever been able to in the past.  He proudly described how he won the TSE Worker of the Month award recently.

Mark is a great example of a person who has learned to be a strong self-advocate.  We are very proud of you, Mark!

ADVOCATING CHANGE TOGETHER

Advocating Change Together (ACT), the grassroots self-advocacy organization, recently held its annual meeting.  TSE self-advocates were enthusiastic participants in the event.  In fact, two were elected to the ACT Board of Directors:  Carla Webster, from TSE-McCarrons, and Ruth Agre, from TSE-Roselawn.  Based on the tremendous work they have done as leaders of TSE's self-advocacy work, we know they will provide great leadership on the ACT Board.  Congratulations!!

MATT:   NATIONAL CELEBRITY!

Matt Pickford's smiling face can be seen on billboards across the country.  Matt is part of a nation-wide campaign by the National Down Synrome Congress.  The ad campaign stresses that "we're more alike than different".  Matt asks the question, "Who's got better moves on the dance floor, you or me?".  The billboard shown on the photos above was on a bus in Seattle, WA.  We're proud of you, Matt...and NO ONE has better moves than you!

TSE TREASURES

Looking for a unique gift for the person who has everything?  How about a one-of-a-kind, handmade garden stone?  The folks at TSE-Lakeridge can create a beautiful piece for you or a loved one -they even accept custom orders!  Click on the link for a printable order form.

Need a card to go with that gift?  We also make hand-made greeting cards - birthdays, holidays, thank you's...whatever the event, we can create a masterpiece for you.  These can be ordered on the order from linked above (page 2 of the order form). 

If you have custom orders for either garden stones or cards, you may contact Chris Steiner or Heather Meverden at TSE-Lakeridge.

THE LATEST CONSUMER SURVEY REPORT IS AVAILABLE

The latest TSE Consumer Survey Report is now available for review.  The report summarizes the feedback from those people served by TSE (and their representatives) whose annual planning meetings occurred in the last months of 2009.  The feedback we received was very positive!  Ninety-six percent rated services as "Excellent" or "More than satisfactory", and forty-eight percent rated services as "Excellent"!!   You may click on the link to see the complete report.