Minnesota Independence College & Community Named Nonprofit of the Year

Richfield, Minnesota - Minnesota Independence College and Community (MICC) has been named Nonprofit of the Year by the Richfield Chamber of Commerce at the annual Circle of Excellence awards ceremony on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. The award recognizes MICC's outstanding contributions to the Richfield community through its life skills and vocational programs for autistic and neurodivergent adults.

The event was sponsored by Friendship Village of Bloomington, Northwoods Promotions West, Aviator Studios, and Blue Hippo Bakery.

The award ceremony began with an introduction by Kelsey Nagel, President of the Richfield Chamber, and the previous year's winner presented each award to this year’s recipients. The winners for each category were as follows:

Nonprofit of the Year: Minnesota Independence College and Community
2021 winner: Youable Emotional Health (formerly Headway Emotional Health)

Government Service Award: Richfield Liquor
2021 winner: Visit Richfield

Community Service Award: Richfield Leadership Network
2021 winner: My Credit Union

Small Business of the Year: Pizza Luce – Richfield
2021 winner: Lighten Up, LLC

Business of the Year: Friendship Village of Bloomington
2021 winner: Richfield-Bloomington Honda

Larry Farrington Business Leader of the Year: Cassie Senetra of State Farm
2021 winner: Dave & Lisa Hintermeister of Mortgage Consultant Team

“[MICC] is a very impressive program,” said Pat Dale of Headways Emotional Health as he introduced MICC’s Executive Director, Amy Gudmestad to accept the award for nonprofit of the year.

MICC was chosen for the Richfield Chamber of Commerce award due to its impressive staying power and substantiated history as an established nonprofit organization in the Richfield community. MICC has provided person-centered education and training for adults for over 25 years. In addition, the organization has experienced significant growth in the number of participants it serves and has increased its impact on the community through innovative programs and partnerships.

Since its inception, more than 250 adults have completed MICC’s skills programming. Today, more than 100 graduates are employed and still reside independently in the Richfield area. MICC's vocational skills training programs, certified by Century College and accredited by CARF International, prepare people for careers in the health services, retail, culinary, and hospitality industries.

"We are honored to receive this recognition from the Richfield Chamber of Commerce," said Amy Gudmestad, Executive Director of MICC. "Our dedicated team of instructors and professionals work passionately to empower participants to create the life they want with independence, meaningful careers, and relationships. This award is a testament to their hard work and dedication. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to find purpose and belonging in a supportive community."

In 2015, MICC was previously inducted into the Richfield Small Business Hall of Fame and was first named a

For more information about Minnesota Independence College and Community, please visit www.miccommunity.org.

About MICC

MICC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for autistic and neurodivergent young adults. Since its founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to supporting participants in successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC participants achieve sustained, independent living; rewarding employment; financial security; personal growth; and responsible citizenship. We champion all participants, carry their successes into the world, and collaborate with others in service of our vision.

Media Contact: Amanda DeJong
Marketing Manager
Minnesota Independence College and Community
Phone: (612) 869-4008
Email: marketing@miccommunity.org