Partnership Resources receives state level Life Enrichment Award

Partnership Resources, Inc. (PRI), a St. Louis Park-based nonprofit serving people with disabilities, received a Life Enrichment Award from the Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation (MOHR) for a substantial arts program that traces its roots to 2001.

“Having a good life involves connecting with the people around us and being involved in our community and activities outside of work,” said Mike Burke, president of MOHR. “Nonprofit service providers are innovators when it comes to enriching the lives of the individuals with disabilities, and they deserve more credit for their work.” The MOHR organization represents more than 100 such day programs across the state.

“PRI’s art program breeds opportunity, fosters success and fulfills dreams never imagined,” said Kalina Spielbauer, senior director of program services for PRI. “Our choice-filled environment supports individuals to expand their creativity and artistic knowledge, build trust in themselves and others and grow soft skills and life skills.”

The brainchild of PRI CEO Norm Munk, the program began with a grant and a new arts instructor, and became the PARTnerships visual arts program in 2003. Individuals with disabilities trained with professional artists to produce prints, calendars and cards.

Greeting card sales peaked at more than 100,000, with more than $250,000 in sales. There are studio arts classes with professional teaching artists. Funded by grants and donations, these create experiences for people with disabilities in the visual arts, music therapy, glass-making, clay and ceramics, the performing arts and more, explains Spielbauer.

PRI has built more than a dozen partnerships to benefit the people it serves, and has served as a pioneer in the art field for people with disabilities.

Burke said it’s important for service providers to honor the choices of people with disabilities, who often want to participate in meaningful activities and community routines along with their friends. Day programs help navigate community interactions for individuals and give them more options that they otherwise wouldn’t have, Burke explained. “It’s part of creating a holistic life pattern and having people become a part of many things outside of work.”

The nonprofit’s state association and award organizer, MOHR, has a mission to advocate and support its nonprofit members in providing meaningful services to persons with disabilities and communities served. Members are committed to respect for each individual, a person-centered approach and expanding opportunities. More information is available at mohrmn.org.

Photo: From left, PRI Art Director Candice Simpson, CEO Norm Munk and Kalina Spielbauer, senior director of program services.