History

From Inception to Licensure ...

On May 7, 1982, the Articles of Incorporation were formed for this Minnesota nonprofit corporation then called PUNT, Inc. in the city of Saint Paul, Ramsey County. The purpose of this corporation was "to provide day programs for persons with developmental disabilities residing in Nekton, Inc. group homes.” This effort was to enhance the physical and emotional well-being of the participants by structuring recreational, educational, and vocational activities outside of the residential facilities. The original board consisted of nine members. On a small scale PUNT, Inc. continued to provide community activities and financial resources to Nekton residents in the Twin Cities for ten years.

On August 18, 1992, Simeona Nygren wrote a proposal to Joe Modec, of Nekton, Inc. in Duluth for the development of a new program to serve vocational and community needs of residents in the Duluth area. It stated, "This proposal addresses the commitment to establish a vocational outreach program to persons with developmental disabilities, regardless of the severity of such disabilities. It respects every individual's right to participate in his or her own future planning based on individual needs and desires. It is committed to being an outreach program that will provide individuals with choice and opportunities for personal growth through a variety of experiences. It promotes ongoing interagency involvement for referral, transitioning, and placement." The proposal was accepted and discussions started with St. Louis County Social Services for the development of a non-traditional day program for people with developmental disabilities.

Punt, Inc. held its last board meeting in the Metro area on November 5, 1993 and accepted the resignations of its present members and accepted the nominations of its new board members from Duluth, MN. Punt, Inc. moved its office headquarters to Duluth, MN and separated itself from any fiscal control by Nekton, Inc. and formed its first board of directors. Punt, Inc. held its first board meeting on November 9, 1993 electing to office the following members: Laurie Berner, President; Russ Francisco, Secretary; and Craig Hom, Treasurer. Simeona D. Nygren, Executive Director and Joe Modec, Advisor attended the meeting. In addition, the newly elected board voted to amend its name and on November 22, 1993 received its Certificate of Amended Assumed Name....CHOICE, unlimited.

The following month, a "limited vendor" contract was developed with the Department of Rehabilitation Services and community based employment services began. CHOICE, unlimited mailed its Day Training and Habilitation (DT&H) application to the Department of Human Services, Division of Licensing and on February 1, 1994 and officially received its license as a Day Training and Habilitation Center uner the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Rule 38, Division of Licensing.

……from Licensure to the Present

From 1993 to the present CHOICE, unlimited has grown to serve an average of 175 people per year. The agency’s physical office has moved and expanded five times to provide sufficient and accessible office space. During this time a number of best practices have been developed to provide a quality employment and community support service to people in the area:

• Development of new services and expansion of traditional services when needs are identified by funding agencies, the community, labor market, stakeholders, etc. Examples include: Community based situational assessment sites; Supported Employment Program; CORE for retirement enrichment; Ticket to Work; BOLD-choice Theatre Company and the Arts Program

• CARF Accreditation was awarded to CHOICE, unlimited for the following services: Community Employment Services Job Development, Job Supports, Job-Site Training, Employee Development Service, Employment Planning Services, and Community Integration Services

• Communication accessible services with staff that are knowledgeable in ASL, Signed English, and other augmentative communication systems used with individuals who are non-verbal

• Consumer Action Group serving individuals who are receiving services from CHOICE, unlimited and those interested in attending outside of this agency

• Development of new and expanded staff positions: Education Coordinator, Job Developer (1.5 fte), Arts Program Coordinator, Business Manager, Human Resource, Supported Employment Coordinator

• Regular and consistent follow-up services following job placement and initial job-coaching

• Ongoing technical assistance for employers and consumers

• Partnerships developed with funding agencies, referral agencies, service providers, post secondary educational institutions to improve and expand current services

• Awarded federal and foundation grants for special projects such as the Arts Program and Specialized Employment Services for Deaf and Hard of hearing

• Networking through the Northern Area Placement Team, People with Disabilities for Change, Chamber of Commerce, ICOD, PABIR, Minnesota APSE, etc.

• Development and implementation of CHOICE, unlimited's strategic planning process and integrating aspects of the Strategic Plan at all levels of the organization

• Expansion of fundraising efforts for special projects