The Northland Foundation has awarded MDI a $10,000 grant to design a training program for their integrated workforce, Work Skills 101. This pilot program will provide an opportunity for MDI employees to grow both professionally and personally. The program will be delivered in an integrated setting in which employees with and without disabilities will learn side-by-side.

Work Skills 101 is being designed and developed by Maven Perspectives, a Grand Rapids-based consulting firm with expertise in the creation and implementation of workforce programs. Employees’ skills levels and productivity will increase, preparing them further for jobs within MDI or out in the community. This training will help MDI improve overall operations, capacity, and safety.

Created in 1986 by The McKnight Foundation, the Northland Foundation is a regional foundation serving the communities of northeastern Minnesota. The Northland Foundation has awarded more than 4,100 grants totaling over $30 million to nonprofit organizations in the region.