Serving the community with excellence since 1968
We provide employment opportunities, life skill development support, community engagement, and recreation activities on a person-centered basis.
We enhance participant self-esteem, self-worth and support independence
Metro Work Center, Inc. provides person-centered employment opportunities, life skill development support, community integration, and leisure and recreation activities to adults with developmental disabilities and related conditions. By providing our services and opportunities, we enhance participant self-esteem, self-worth, support independence and promote community engagement with non-disabled individuals.
Metro Work Center uses a person-centered, individual-assessment process to identify the interests and goals of program participants. At least annually, Metro Work Center staff meets with each individual and their family members, guardians, social workers, case managers and other related professionals to review personal progress and prepare new outcomes for the coming year. As always, our individuals actively participate in the decision making process.
Metro Work Center's program is based in South Minneapolis, centrally located near bus and light rail transportation routes. Our program includes transportation to our facility and to the worksites which we coordinate with our consumers' residences.
The Legacy of Metro Work Center
Like many community programs, Metro Work Center, Inc. (MWC) began as a congregational effort. In 1965 Holy Trinity Lutheran Church opened Friendship Center to provide a part-time arts and crafts program for teenagers who had been refused public schooling due to their mental retardation. They partnered with the Open-Door Center at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.
While the program began to meet the needs of children in the congregation, as is often the case at Holy Trinity, the congregation quickly recognized the unmet need in the broader community. The part-time efforts of church volunteers were supplanted by paid staff and in 1968 the two programs merged and incorporated as Day Activity Centers of Minneapolis, Inc. There were 35 young clients living in their family homes and attending the program for five hours per day, three days per week, September through May. Facilities and janitorial services were donated by the churches.
In 1973, the two sites consolidated at Holy Trinity where the program expanded to five days per week. By the mid-80’s, MWC served 84 clients and rather than arts and crafts, emphasis was on community integration and in-house vocational work programs. With that focus the organization changed its name to Metro Work Center, Inc. in 1987.
MWC’s population changed too. Children with developmental disabilities were now served in the public schools and were graduating and moving into the work force. MWC was serving adults, some of whom enrolled as children in the late sixties. 75% lived in supported living facilities away from their family homes and persons with a secondary diagnosis of mental health and/or related conditions were more typical referrals than the young adult with a mental retardation diagnosis.
Today the seed that Holy Trinity planted over 50 years ago continues to blossom. Metro Work Center, Inc. continues to provide services for developmentally disabled adults. We now serve nearly 60 adults and operate 5 days a week year-round. Our participants have become more diverse with a variety of intellectual and developmental disabilities, include ages 20s to 70s, and commuting from every corner of the metro area. Our oldest participant is 77 years old, utilizing MWC programs for 47 years. We currently have two staff who have each been with our organization for over 30 years.
Help us celebrate our longevity, our work, our service and recognize the past 50+ years of the organization by learning more, to enroll, to renew acquaintance, or to donate, call Julie Washington 612-729-7381, or visit their offices on the third floor, Trinity’s busiest space on most weekday’s.
HELP METRO WORK CENTER
You can help Metro Work Center continue to provide employment opportunities, life skill development support, community engagement, and recreation activities on a person-centered basis to adults with developmental disabilities and related conditions.
Agencies/Residences
When developing plans to best meet your consumers' needs, we encourage you to consider Metro Work Center. With over 50 years of experience in providing quality service to developmentally disabled adults it has prepared us to partner with you to provide opportunities for your individual.
We always welcome your calls to discuss our program and how working together we can meet our individuals’ needs.
Support Professionals
Consider Metro Work Center as a valuable resource for your individual. If you haven't visited in a while, now is the time to renew your acquaintance with the Metro family. Schedule a visit today.
Employers
Your employment of our consumers adds quality to your workforce as you contribute to developing an inclusive community that recognizes the value of all its members. Call our Employment Manager today at 612-729-7381 to see how we can partner with you to meet your workforce needs.
Individuals
Your donation to Metro Work Center helps us continue to provide meaningful programming for the community of developmentally disabled adults we serve. Your contribution will help make a positive difference in others’ lives.
Checks can be made out to Metro Work Center Inc. Donations may be sent to our offices at 2730 East 31st St, Minneapolis, MN 55406.
If you are interested in making an in-kind contribution of goods or services, please call us at 612-729-7381 to discuss our current needs.
Thank you for partnering with Metro Work Center. Inc.
2730 East 31st Street Minneapolis MN 55406
612-729-7381
Copyright © 2024 Metro Work Center Inc. All Rights Reserved.