A life of homelessness and hardship took Occupational Development Center (ODC) Individual Placement and Support (IPS) client, Robbi Jensen away from the deserts of Arizona and back to his northern roots. Jensen knew in order to get back on his feet, he could not dwell on the struggles from the past but must work to move […]
Brink Lunch Club Invests in ODC Employee
Brink Lunch Club, in Baudette, Minn invested in their employee and Occupational Development Center, Inc.(ODC) client, Tim Richards. Richards, who has been with the ODC since 2008, has completed his Food Safety Training and Food Handler Certification – both courses paid by his employer. “I feel like I have a step up now that I have […]
Success with IPS: Christine Froehler
Overwhelmed with anxiety from job searching. Confident in her ability to work. Occupational Development Center (ODC). client, Christine Froehler did not let her anxiety and depression stop her from finding a job and contributing to her community. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), nearly 40 million people in the United States […]
One Red Word Saves Lives
Do us a favor, pull out your State ID or Drivers License. Is there a little red word that reads DONOR? April 15 was, National Donate Life Blue and Green Day, a day designated to promote the success of organ, eye, and tissue transplants and the need for people to be registered donors. According to the […]
Willard Named ODC Division Coordinator
Bemidji, Minn. – Jan. 6, 2015 – The Occupational Development Center (ODC), welcomes Keith Willard as new Division Coordinator for their Bemidji Division. Willard joins the Bemidji Division with eighteen years manufacturing experience and seven years pastoral experience. “I look forward to working with our clients; to expand their skills and strengths for future opportunities,” […]
ODC Welcomes Ariel Schmit as International Falls Division Coordinator
International Falls, Minn. – Jan. 5, 2015 – The Occupational Development Center (ODC), welcomes Ariel Schmit as the new Division Coordinator for their International Falls division. Schmit holds a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of Minnesota Duluth and looks forward to a new adventure with ODC. “I am looking forward to the rewarding […]
Julie Carpenters Wish
After a year of searching for a job that she loved, Julie Carpenter finally hit the jackpot. Every Thursday Julie works at the Star of the North Humane Society in Grand Rapids, MN. “Julie expressed to us when she starting in the Community Employment program that she wanted to work with animals or children,” her […]
ODC Welcomes Torina Peterson as New Divison Coordinator
Thief River Falls, Minn. – Dec. 14, 2015 – The Occupational Development Center (ODC), welcomes Torina (Tori) Peterson as new Division Coordinator for the Thief River Falls and Crookston divisions. Peterson holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a focus on Special Education, Communication and Leadership from Minnesota State University, Moorhead. “I look forward to […]
Lakeland News Features ODC’s IPS Program
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and the Occupational Development Center has been working hard to eliminate the myths behind hiring individuals with intellectual and other employment barriers. Yesterday, the Occupational Development Center (ODC) was given the opportunity to showcase their Individual Support and Placement Program (IPS) on Lakeland Public Television (LPTV). Young […]
Hard Work Proves Ability Overpowers Disability
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities is 10.4 percent compared to the non-disabled unemployment rate of 4.7 percent. Fortunately, former Occupational Development Center (ODC) client, Mary Kembitskey is no longer a part of this statistic. After her janitorial enclave was laid off, AmericInn manager, Darrin Smedsmo […]