Department of Human Services Decision Impacts Some MRCI Staff
Interim programs still continue with long-term plans underway
Over the last several months, MRCI has experienced many unforeseeable business circumstances
due to the Coronavirus pandemic. During the stay-at-home order, time was spent exploring many
options including grants, loans and advocating with state/federal legislators as well as planning for
the safe return of clients and staff.
However, on Wednesday, May 20, 2020, MRCI and other providers of Day Services were surprised
with a message from the Department of Human Services Commissioner instructing Day Service
facilities to remain closed. For a copy of the letter, here is a link: visit
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNDHS/bulletins/28c9a21
Brian Benshoof, CEO of MRCI said, “After reviewing our options and the uncertainty of the on-going
situation, we have concluded that we cannot guarantee the future employment of the 300 individuals
who are currently laid-off.”
MRCI’s mission is to provide genuine opportunities for individuals with disabilities at home, at work
and in the community. “While our mission is partially on hold, we are still actively supporting more
than 2000 families with their desire to self-direct their care at home,” stated Benshoof. Overall,
MRCI has retained about 25% of its traditional workforce.
“These are difficult decisions impacting the lives of real people - people we call friends, not just coworkers. However, to ensure MRCI can be a provider of services for the more than 1300 individuals
with disabilities for day and employment services in the future we need to be fiscally responsible
now,” said Benshoof.
MRCI has been a nonprofit organization for more than 65 years, starting to serve individuals needing
assistance with rehabilitation after the Polio crisis. Benshoof shared, “I am confident that MRCI will
survive the pandemic as well. We will be different, in ways we don’t yet understand; however, we
are committed to being available all those who need us in the future.”
Ironically, just prior to the announcement, MRCI hosted a webinar on Wednesday afternoon about
interim programming options for all clients. “Our limited team has been working to offer virtual
programming for impacted clients and is also gearing up to support the personal goals of each client
in obtaining community employment,” said Benshoof.
“We appreciate all of the employers, families, individuals, staff and volunteers, who have shaped this
organization as it is today. We still need you” shared Benshoof. For those that would like to make a
difference, now is the time to advocate by contacting your state and federal legislators to help us
preserve programs such as MRCI into the future. Volunteers are also needed to share their talents
virtually with participants, employers are needed to re-hire our clients and donations will help to
sustain the interim programs as well as the on-going costs of infrastructure.