Moving Forward Transition in Cambridge has been named East Central Energy’s Touchstone Energy® Community Award winner for facilitating partnerships, inspiring hope and creating opportunity for a population of students working on transitional skills.
The program provides “a next step” after high school for young adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities in Cambridge-Isanti School District. Last year, 12 of 15 students in the program got their first paid job.
On a recent Monday afternoon, two students from Moving Forward arrived at Cub Foods in Cambridge ready to work. One carefully sprayed and thoroughly wiped the store’s glass doors and windows, while his friend and classmate concentrated on sanitizing shopping carts. Both enjoy their daily volunteer work experience.
With guidance from five staff members, Moving Forward students build skills in community participation, jobs and training, home living, recreation and leisure, and post-secondary curriculum. A common thread in all of the training is improving self-confidence. Students practice speaking in front
Forward arrived at Cub Foods in Cambridge ready to work.
of groups, participate in mock job interviews and leave the program with a complete work portfolio.
Businesses and nonprofits in the Cambridge area contribute to the success of Moving Forward Transition by providing work experiences for the students.
“It’s been exciting to partner with so many different types of businesses,” said Gary Steffenson, work-based learning coordinator. “You could ask Vocational Rehabilitation Services, GracePointe, East Central Regional Library, Perkins, Family Pathways Food Shelf or Cub Foods about the positive influence we offer our students and the local community. Some of these businesses have hired our students after building relationships with them during their work experience training.”
ECE presents the Touchstone Energy Community Award annually to a local organization that is making a difference in its community. As the local winner, Moving Forward Transition will receive a $500 cash award, a plaque and will be entered in competition for the statewide Touchstone Energy Community Award.
As a Touchstone Energy cooperative, ECE is a partner in a national alliance of more than 750 local, consumer-owned electric cooperatives dedicated to the values of integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community.