by Lisa Keitel, MICC parent and volunteer (pictured above right with MICC participants)
Our relationship with MICC began in 2014 when we visited and toured MICC. What joy and breathtaking relief to find the perfect place for our son, Andrew! Any alternatives for him paled in comparison. Real world, hands on learning, no books to read and study – all to bring him to a place of independent living!
With his MICC graduation in 2018, and continuing participation in the Community program, Andrew has thrived beyond all our dreams. Seven years of living independently, working, managing the necessities of daily life, pursuing his love of photography and on his bicycle whenever the weather allows, Andrew is a marvelous human being and is a joy to know.
In support of Andrew’s new life and the opportunities MICC has given him, I volunteer to champion MICC whenever and however I can. Andrew and I told our family story at the State Capitol in legislative hearings in support of funding for MICC. I love following up those visits with individual conversations with legislators attending the MICC Gala, connecting their important work to the delight and exciting celebration at the Gala.
My true passion, and where I receive immense pleasure and fulfillment, is volunteering once a month to lead the MICC Bird Club. I am a Minnesota Master Naturalist and a Bird Guide. I wrote the grant to receive funding to purchase binoculars and supplies for MICC in 2019.
Having MICC as part of my regular calendar keeps me connected with the valuable work and mission of MICC. College and Community participants sign up for the monthly event, with many of them being avid birders with excellent spotting and identification skills. Whether we stay close to campus, visiting Wood Lake Nature Center, or head to Crosby Farm Park on the Mississippi River, we always have a delightful time. We may see lots of birds, or not many and that’s okay. The richness of developing friendships with the participants is the true reward.
Interested in volunteering at MICC? Learn more and check out upcoming opportunities here on our Volunteer page.