Help Provide Work, Community, and Independence

Have you ever had a life-altering experience? One that deprived you of your ability to live independently.

Mary Wilkinson has.

Mary had a life altering experience. But she didn’t let it stop her!

And your donation today will help ensure that others like Mary will have the opportunity to build community and find meaningful work to help them live more independently.

Before her traumatic experience, Mary had a fruitful professional career.

She had been working in people-centered careers from the age of 12 when she cared for her grandfathers. She’s worked at group homes, owned a restaurant, a hotel, and a bar. She’s even been a DJ.

Mary began working as a job coach and driver at EEI in 2005. She loved connection with others. Mary says, “A good day is when people are around.”

Above photo: Mary working as a DJ.

Above photo: Mary leading a dance.

Until one night in 2018.

As she worked a night cleaning shift, her left side froze up, and she fell to the floor. Dragging herself across the floor to reach a phone, she dialed and, hoping the call went through, yelled, “Help!”

Fortunately, she was found and rushed to St. Cloud by helicopter.

Her priest was called. Sacraments were administered.

No one thought Mary would make it. But she DID!

Something burst at the base of her brain, impacting both sides of her body—leaving her unable to feel anything. Neither hot nor cold. Not a mosquito bite. Not the loving touch of a friend.

Her life had drastically changed in an instant!

As she worked to regain her “outside and inside senses,” she caught pneumonia. She “died.” She remembers a white light…

That didn’t stop her.

She had neck surgery to chisel away at a fused C5 vertebrae.

“You’ll never work again,” they said.

Mary said, “WATCH ME!”

By 2019, Mary was maneuvering her wheelchair around EEI, pushing recycling bins to the shredder with her good foot.

Her goal was to earn a paycheck.

Two knee replacements didn’t stop her.

Mary adapted when Covid-19 precautions kept her from the community and socialization she loved.

That didn’t stop her!

In 2021, Mary moved into the Bridge Program as a direct support personnel assistant.

She led activities and assisted other individuals, drawing on her experience in customer services and group homes.

Above photo: Mary assisting with crafts as a Direct Support Personnel Assistant in the Bridge Program.

Mary says, “I liked the Bridge, my own crew.”

In 2024, Mary moved to the Discovery Program in its new downtown location. Mary says, “I really like Discovery.”

She knows 95% of the individuals attending Discovery.

She recalls each staff person from her years at EEI, or working as a DJ at a birthday, or a relative of a relative, or going to school together. “I know everyone!” Mary says.

Mary has attended all three EEI buildings. Working as a driver, direct support personnel, recycling shop individual, direct support personnel assistant, and now attending programs. Mary represents the full spectrum of programs EEI offers.

Mary didn’t let life-altering physical ailments stop her!

She’s seen it all and done it all.

Mary’s new goal is to continue the journey with her EEI crew. Mary says, “EEI is a place where I can relax, be with people, and enjoy company.”

Above photo: Mary assisting individuals with planting.

At EEI Mary found work, community, and independence.

But EEI needs your help to continue supporting individuals like Mary.

With your support, individuals with diverse abilities can achieve work, create community, and maintain their independence. You can help support the vision of person-centered employment for someone like Mary who has had a traumatic life event.

You’ll also have peace of mind, knowing that you’ve done what you can to help a strong, hopeful, determined individual achieve her goals.

Financial support from community members like you allows individuals like Mary to achieve their goal of work, engage in the community through enriching activities, and find independence by unlocking their greatest potential.

You can be part of our community!

Donations of all sizes are welcome and make a difference. Your donation or planned gift will impact the lives of people in your community who want work, belonging, and independence for years to come.

And don’t forget, you can increase your impact by inviting friends and family to donate!

Please donate as generously as you can today:

• Scan the Network for Good QR Code

• Text “Donate” or “Give” to 866-570-0979
• Make an online donation by clicking “Donate Now” on eeimn.org/donate or “Donate” on employment-enterprises-inc.networkforgood.com
• Donate by check to EEI at P.O. Box 303, Little Falls, MN 56345
• Visit in person at 307 Ninth Avenue, NW, Little Falls, MN 56345
• Include EEI in your will.
• Call Kathy Rutz at 320-639-2432 or email eei@eeimn.org to arrange a tour to learn more about how you can get involved with EEI.
• Scan the Facebook QR code to follow us.

On behalf of all of us at EEI and the individuals like Mary who have benefited from your support, thank you.