A Message from Diane Cross, Fraser President and CEO
Dear Friends of Fraser
For decades, Fraser has pioneered new services to meet the community’s increasing need for autism, mental health, and disability care. With your continued support, 2022 was another year of growth for Fraser. We opened new locations, built new partnerships, increased access, and made more community events accessible for more individuals and families.
In November, we opened a Fraser Autism Center of Excellence ® satellite location in St. Cloud – our fifth satellite and our first outside of the metro area. The location provides intensive autism services using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) concepts and principles for children 18 months to 7 years, and includes a combination of individual, group, and family training. Early intervention provides the best outcomes for children, so these intensive services are crucial to a child’s development.
Fraser also worked to make access easier for non-English-speaking families. We were approved for grant funding from the MN Department of Human Services to translate several key documents into Spanish, Somali, and Vietnamese. The grant allows Fraser staff to spend more time talking with families and engaging, instead of having interpreters spend crucial time translating paperwork for clients.
We continued to focus on inclusion for all in 2022. For the second year, the Fraser Sensory Building at the Minnesota State Fair provided support to individuals and families with sensory processing difficulties. For those with sensory difficulties, the fair’s smells, noise, bright lights, and crowds can be overwhelming. The Fraser Sensory Building is staffed by Fraser-trained sensory support volunteers and offers fairgoers a place to take a sensory break.
In 2022, Fraser forged new partnerships to make more community events accessible to our families. We worked with Minnesota United to offer free sensory kits for fans at Allianz Field. The sensory kits contain tools that help individuals self-regulate. We also continued to staff the U.S. Bank sensory room during Minnesota Vikings home games and provide support at Children’s Theatre and the Guthrie Theater during sensory-friendly performances.
We hosted our annual community events to raise awareness and revenues that support programs and services. In May, the Fraser Festival for Autism, presented by Central Roofing Company, celebrated the amazing accomplishments of Fraser clients, the generosity of our supporters, and the unique differences that enrich our community. More than 550 attendees joined the festival, which raised awareness and support for individuals and families impacted by autism. The sensory-friendly festival was held in the North Parking Lot at Mall of America and had something for everyone: therapy animals, food trucks, face painting, stilt walkers, music, art-making, and games.
In July, 143 golfers joined us at Brackett’s Crossing Country Club for Tee Off for Fraser, presented by Geritom Medical. Generous contributions from golfers raised more than $150,000 for Fraser Community Living, which provides supportive housing that allows teens and adults with disabilities to thrive.
In October, the Fraser Gala, presented by U.S. Bank, raised more than $575,000 to increase access to Fraser programs like mental health care for children, teens, adults, and families and in-school mental health services. Attendees enjoyed fabulous food, cocktails, music, entertainment, and stunning décor.
Your continued generosity and support has allowed Fraser to increase our impact in the community and reach more families like Ikran's. Her son Abdulahi had stopped speaking, but through the services he received at Fraser Autism Center of Excellence® Eden Prairie satellite location, he can now communicate with his mom and dad in English and Somali. You can read this story in this report.
Stories like these make me so proud to be a part of Fraser. YOU make stories like these possible. YOU give boys like Abdulahi access to therapy, so he can find the words to ask his mother for milk. YOU give families like the Amys the courage to attend the Minnesota State Fair because there is a safe space in the Fraser Sensory Building. Their story is also in this report. YOU have given the gift of countless football and soccer games to families who never thought they’d be able to take their children to these events.
Year after year, YOU create more access, inclusion, impact, and success for our community. Thank you for showing up again for us in 2022. It all starts with YOU.
Access
Abdulahi was born a healthy baby. As he grew, he hit all his developmental milestones, including talking. But when he was about 2 ½ years old, he stopped talking. He also preferred to spend time by himself, and he would do things like grinding his teeth and covering his ears.
His mother, Ikran, was very concerned and took him to his doctor. The doctor suggested they wait to see if he improved, but 3 months later, Abdulahi seemed only to be getting worse. Ikran took him back to the doctor and pushed for a referral. The doctor recommended Fraser.
Abdulahi was diagnosed with autism in February 2020. Shortly after, the pandemic began, and he couldn’t get into services right away. He started services at the Iska. Then on January 31, 2022, he began services at the Fraser Autism Center of Excellence® Eden Prairie location. Like the date he started at Fraser, Ikran also remembers the exact date he was diagnosed with autism.
“I was very concerned about my child, so I can’t forget a single time or date,” says Ikran.
Ikran speaks mostly in Somali, so when she joins Abdulahi’s occupational therapy sessions, an interpreter translates for her. Since starting therapy at Fraser, Abdulahi has made many improvements.
Abdulahi is 5 now. He can speak — both in English and Somali — and use important words like milk, water, food, Mom, and Dad.
His emotional regulation skills have improved. He interacts and talks more with other kids and can play safely with his sister. He also dresses himself and has started brushing his teeth.
“He greets people saying hi and waving,” says Ikran. “My son, the way he was and the way he is now. There is such a difference between then and now.”
Ikran says she has also learned a lot from Fraser, like how to calm Abdulahi down and figure out what is bothering him. She has recommended Fraser to other families in her community.
“I saw a family who had a child with a similar scenario to my son, and I recommended Fraser to them,” says Ikran. “My cousin also has an autistic child, and her child is now a part of the Fraser family.
“Fraser does such a good job, and their staff is so qualified and equipped with a lot of knowledge. I just want Fraser to continue what you’re doing, and offer more services, so more children can benefit.”
Providing Gifts to Fraser in Legacy of a Loved One
All 3 of Eric Weatherman’s children — Grant, Katie, and Sarah — attended Fraser School. Grant and Katie are twins. But when Katie was born, she had a buildup of fluid in the ventricles of her brain, known as hydrocephalus. The fluid put pressure on her brain and caused damage. She was soon diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
Katie was physically disabled and used a wheelchair. But Eric remembers going to Fraser provided a new experience for her.
“Fraser makes kids feel like kids, not just like someone with a disability. It was her first time hanging out with other kids and just being her. It was so important to her and to me,” remembers Eric.
Sadly, Katie passed away when she was 3 ½ years old.
[Pictured: Sarah and Grant Weatherman]
Eric says all of his kids loved their teachers and attending Fraser School. Eric also appreciates the unique services Fraser provides, particularly how comprehensive the care is.
“There just aren’t any places that deal with the needs of people with disabilities as well as Fraser does,” says Eric.
He also admires how Fraser CEO Diane Cross has expanded Fraser from a small service provider to the large nonprofit it is today.
“The need is incredible, and Fraser has done what it can to answer that need, and that’s why I’ve done what I can for Fraser,” says Eric.
“Doing what he can” included a $250,000 gift to Fraser in 2022. Eric says this was part of his planned giving to Fraser, but he wanted to move up the donation and could with the sale of his house.
“Fraser took very good care of Katie, and this is part of her legacy,” says Eric. “With the pandemic the past few years, I know the need is great at Fraser, so I’m more than happy to step it up. I would also encourage other people to do what they can to support Fraser. I want to make sure this kind of care is available for future generations.”
You Made All the Difference for Emily and Jameson
Jameson was hitting milestones like any other 1 year old. He was walking and babbling, saying things like “Mama” and “Dada.” Just before he turned 2, he stopped making eye contact and responding to his name. He also stopped speaking.
Jameson is almost 5 now, and he has a presumptive autism diagnosis. It’s been difficult to get a formal diagnosis with all the complications from the pandemic. He is doing speech therapy, and his communication with his family has improved.
His mom, Emily, says he will grab her hand if he wants something. His speech therapist taught Jameson some simple signs. He also started using a Picture Exchange System (PEC), which is a collection of pictures that he can use to communicate his wants and needs.
This past summer, Emily heard about the Fraser Sensory Building at the Minnesota State Fair on Facebook. She had never taken her kids to the fair before. It had always seemed like there were too many people and too much going on. Also, Emily and her family live just outside Grand Rapids, so visiting the Minnesota State Fair is a long trip. But with the Fraser Sensory Building there, Emily and her family decided to try the fair.
Jameson and his sister, Julia, both really liked the bubble tube in the Fraser Sensory Building. Jameson enjoys pressure on his body, so he used the beanbag chair in the sensory room. But Jameson’s favorite item was the therapy pod swing. He swung in it for quite some time.
“We actually bought a pod swing for our house. Jameson will swing in it for a long time, and it will keep him from doing things like climbing on the counter,” says Emily.
The space also provided Jameson a place to wander safely, as he tends to go off on his own.
“Having the Fraser Sensory Building made a difference for us, about attending the fair. We knew if he didn’t like the fair, there was a place we could take him to relax,” says Emily. “It gave him a safe space to decompress and have fun.”
The Fraser Autism Center of Excellence® Satellite St. Cloud Location Increases Access for Crucial Early Intervention Services
This year, Fraser expanded outside the Twin Cities Metro and opened a Fraser Autism Center of Excellence® satellite location in St. Cloud. The location provides crucial, early intervention services to more individuals and families throughout Minnesota.
“We understand that more families need access to support and how important early intervention is for children with autism. That’s why we’re expanding our services outside the Twin Cities Metro, so we can make sure more children get the help they need, when they need it,” says Rachel Gardner, Director of Fraser Autism Center of Excellence.
Minnesota has the largest Somali population in the U.S. Estimates suggest between 40,200 and 52,400 Somalis live in Minnesota, but some within the community put the number as high as 80,000. Along with the large Somali population Fraser serves in Minneapolis, St. Cloud has a large number of Somali residents. The satellite allows Fraser to support these families. The St. Cloud location is serving 21 children and their families, with plans to serve more children in 2023.
The St. Cloud satellite provides intensive autism services with a combination of individual, group, and family training using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) concepts and principles for children, ages 18 months to 7 years. ABA increases independence, decreases barriers to learning, and improves adaptability. Because many children with autism have co-occurring conditions, the satellites also link individuals and families to Fraser’s six full-service clinics.
In 2021 and 2022, Fraser opened Autism Center of Excellence® satellite locations in Burnsville, Brooklyn Center, Eden Prairie, and Maple Grove and plans to further increase access by opening at least one more satellite location in 2023.
Martin's Story
When Kate was pregnant with their second child, she and her husband Jeremy found out their son had Down syndrome. Martin was born in April 2019, and shortly after, he had open-heart surgery to repair a congenital heart defect. Congenital heart defects are common in kids with Down syndrome.
Kate and Jeremy had taken their older son, Grant, to a daycare in downtown Minneapolis, where they both worked at the time. They enrolled Martin in the same daycare, and he was happy there. But in 2021, the building sustained serious damage, and the daycare was forced to leave the building.
Kate and Jeremy had heard good things about Fraser School®. Other parents told stories about their typically developing kids attending Fraser School. Being around kids with disabilities had instilled a deep sense of empathy in their children, which they carried throughout their lives. Kate and Jeremy toured the school and knew they’d found the right place for Martin. They also appreciated Fraser’s commitment to COVID-19 precautions, since both Down syndrome and Martin’s heart make him more vulnerable to respiratory diseases. Following their tour, Martin started at Fraser School.
At age 2½, Kate and Jeremy’s understanding of what challenges Martin would face was still emerging. He was delayed with some gross motor skills, but as those steadily improved, they realized he needed help with his speech. While Martin understood most of what was said to him, his ability to express his needs wasn’t as developed. Fraser School offers onsite therapy services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, mental health therapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
“Had he remained at his old daycare, the process of getting him to and from speech therapy, including all of the time spent out of the office and away from work, would have been overwhelming. The convenience of having it on site is one of the many reasons we’ve come to adore Fraser,” says Jeremy.
Since starting speech therapy, Martin expresses himself much better, through sign language and words. Martin has learned to say things like, “I want milk” and “Help me.” Kate says he enjoys therapy because it feels like play to him.
“His therapist made laminated cards for ‘up’ and ‘down.’ Now, whenever we go up and down the stairs, he gets really excited to point to the right card. Before, he couldn’t differentiate between up and down. So it’s all fun and play, but he’s improving so much,” says Kate.
Jeremy tries to attend speech therapy with Martin once a month and has learned some sign language. He’s also learned how to help Martin express his thoughts and gained much more perspective of where Martin is and how to help him move forward.
“The hardest part has been Martin’s inability to communicate with me. I knew how to help my son Grant learn to talk, but not having that experience with Martin has been such a challenge. What we’ve learned in Fraser Speech Therapy has helped us create a stronger and safer space to help Martin. I know it’s going to enrich our relationship,” says Jeremy.
When he turned 3, Kate and Jeremy began putting together Martin’s first individualized education plan (IEP), which ensures he has access to needed supports for his education.
“The entire process is pretty daunting,” says Kate. “I appreciate how the school supported us because they understand how important these are for children with disabilities.”
Kate and Jeremy are grateful for the caring and safe atmosphere at Fraser School and the staff’s dedication and passion.
“Fraser has a deep history and connection to the disability community. There are a lot of people who love kids and do a great job caring for them. But few organizations make it their mission to take care of them for their entire life. Fraser has a community of well-educated professionals, passionate about their work. And the people who work in the classroom really want to connect with these kids — who are across a wide spectrum — and they make room in their hearts for all of them.” - Jeremy
Randy's Story
Randy was David and Kathy’s first child. Shortly after he was born, he contracted meningitis. He survived, but it caused severe brain damage and cerebral palsy.
“As a young and quite scared couple, we instantly became caregivers and advocates,” says David.
David and Kathy had three more children, Ann Marie, Philip, and Nathan. The family enjoyed vacations and family outings, like a typical family. They worked hard to provide the best for Randy, his brothers, and his sister. David says it was never easy, but it was always worth it.
Randy uses a wheelchair and is non-verbal, so David and Kathy adapted their home and van to fit his needs. As is common with cerebral palsy, Randy had many medical procedures to maintain his health and help with mobility.
“Randy led us through all the procedures with his incredible bravery, amazing tolerance, and remarkable resilience. Randy taught us all how to love and care for others.” - David
In 2001, Randy turned 18, and David and Kathy became his legal guardians. They were suddenly faced with a new series of hurdles and questions.
“We asked ourselves, could Randy have any kind of an independent life? Could anyone ever provide for his safety and care as we had? Could Randy have friends and maybe even roommates? Could we continue to have Randy live with us, long after his siblings moved on to college, marriages, and careers? Was that really in his best interest? Could we even physically manage this?” says David.
Then, around Randy’s 21st birthday, their social worker told them about the Fraser Community Living program. It just happened that Fraser was opening a new Supervised Living home for four mobility-challenged young men. Randy and three other men in their 20s moved around Christmas in 2004.
Randy enjoys living with his friends. He really likes sports, particularly attending Twins’ games. He also loves watching games with his roommates and listening to their banter back and forth.
“Randy is non-verbal, but if he could, he would tell you that the guys at Teakwood are his family and best friends,” says David.
Randy is also a huge music fan. Before the pandemic, a music therapist would regularly visit their home. She would bring her guitar and instruments for the men to play. Randy loved to join in and play an instrument. Randy also likes having music constantly playing while he’s in his room. David and Kathy regularly update a playlist for him on his iPod. David says he loves all kinds of music, from Toby Mac to Taylor Swift.
“Before we found Fraser, we could never imagine anybody being able to take care of all of his needs besides us,” says David. Kathy adds, “Fraser gives Randy a future. He has a place with friends his age and where he has independence, while receiving the care he needs. Fraser staff treat Randy with dignity and respect, which is very important to me.”
Marilyn Blanchard, Longtime Fraser Event Volunteer
Marilyn Blanchard’s wide smile is a fixture at the Fraser Gala. If you’ve attended the gala in the last 23 years, you’ve likely seen Marilyn or at least admired her fantastical décor.
Since 1999, Marilyn has lent her expert eye and work ethic to Fraser events. She has volunteered at golf events, ski events, the walk which became the Fraser Festival, and of course, the gala.
Marilyn was inspired to volunteer for Fraser because of her niece, Nina. The Fraser Festival benefits individuals and families with autism. Nina had autism and passed away when she was young. Volunteering and participating in the festival was a way for Marilyn to honor Nina and support families and children like Nina.
But the Fraser Gala is Marilyn’s favorite event. After a theme is selected, Marilyn works with her sister, Fraser Sr. Special Events and Volunteer Program Manager Rose Rosario, Mickey O’Kane, and other décor committee members to plan the look of the gala. Over the years, the themes have ranged from The Wizard of Oz to Dancing with the Stars to Alice in Wonderland. Marilyn has helped imagine all the gorgeous décor from Seussian-style arrangements to glowing jellyfish to vining greenery that transported attendees to a street in New Orleans.
Despite all the time and creativity Marilyn has given over the years, she says she’s the one who feels lucky.
“I always feel like it’s such a gift that Fraser allows me to help decorate and design. They give me permission to come up with these ideas and then work with wonderful volunteers to make the event happen.
“All the hard work is worth it when the doors open, the guests take their seats, and the music starts to play. Sitting at the dinner table and listening to families tell how their story of how Fraser has positively impacted their lives inspires me to come back year after year. If I can make the space more glamourous, I feel like I’ve added my little part to help raise funds for Fraser families,” says Marilyn.
Minnesota United FC Sensory Partnership
In 2022, Minnesota United FC started providing sensory kits at Allianz Field for individuals and families with sensory processing differences. The MN United FC sensory kits are free to fans in guest services at the soccer stadium. The kits include noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, sunglasses, and other sensory tools to help guests self-regulate.
“One of the pillars of Minnesota United FC is our commitment to inclusivity and diversity. We pursued this partnership with Fraser because soccer fans come in all different shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. We value our fans’ feedback, and we want our stadium to feel like home to all.
Fraser has proved it’s a true advocate and pioneer for people with autism and disabilities. The organization is always looking forward to how to be more inclusive. Because Minnesota United FC organization is so deeply committed to inclusivity, we want to align with community partners that are doing the same.”
- Cori Frankenberg, Director of Community Relations at Minnesota United FC
Keshauna Thomas - Employee Designated Giving
Keshauana Thomas is a behavioral technician at the Fraser Brooklyn Center satellite location. She works in the Applied Behavior Analysis program, which is a one-on-one intensive therapy for young children with autism. Keshanua is also part of the Fraser Guiding Stars Recurring Gift Program, which means a donation to support Fraser services is automatically deducted from each of her paychecks.
“I believe in what I do at Fraser. I also know we’re a nonprofit, so a lot of our financial support comes from people like me. I donate to support kids because I see the things they need, like sensory toys or communication devices. I know some parents don’t have the resources or funding to provide those things."
“I know having access to these supports is important. They help kids grow here and at home. I also have kids. If it were my kid who needed help, I would want people to donate to Fraser too."
“I sometimes forget that I’m even contributing, but I know every little bit helps. I would encourage other employees and people outside Fraser to donate this way. It provides needed tools at our facilities and helps advance research."
Fraser Events
The Fraser Festival for Autism, Presented by Central Roofing Company
Over 550 people joined us on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at The Fraser Festival for Autism, presented by Central Roofing Company, at the North Parking Lot at Mall of America.
North Star Therapy Animals delighted the crowd with alpacas, dogs, cats, and a guinea pig. Presenting sponsor Central Roofing Company brought two big cranes for kids and families to explore. Tricia & the Toonies, a family-friendly band with puppets and skits, had kids dancing and singing along to the music. There was also face painting, games, slime-making, and a garden activity where children planted a flower to take home. Fraser Sensory Volunteers provided on-site support and two sensory tents for families and individuals to take a break in.
At the festival, you helped raise over $155,000 to support autism programs and services for the community. The event also raised acceptance, provided a safe space for people with sensory processing difficulties, and brought our community together.
Tee Off for Fraser, presented by Geritom Medical
On July 11, 2022, 144 golfers attended Tee Off for Fraser, presented by Geritom Medical, at Brackett’s Crossing Country Club in Lakeville. It was a wonderful day of golf, games, camaraderie, and most importantly, raising money for the individuals in Fraser Community Living.
Attendees enjoyed new on-course entertainment with games like Yard Yahtzee, T-Off (hitting a baseball off a baseball tee with a baseball bat), May the Fores Be With You, and Fire in the Hole.
The funds contribute to:
- Home maintenance and repair
- Recreational supplies and activities
- Enhanced security and accessibility
- Support for Community Living staff
Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, golfers, and volunteers, we raised more than $120,000 for Fraser Community Living at the golf event. Another donor offered to match all donations leading up to the event, up to $30,000. Altogether, you raised an impressive $150,000 for Fraser Community Living!
Enticing Entertainment wowed with their live mermaid and poi dancers. Leo Dworsky captivated the crowd by reprising “Imagine” and singing a duet with his 11-year-old self. Composer, producer, and award-winning cellist, Philip Sheppard, added his soulful cello sound to a phenomenal version of “Kashmir” with the Paul Peterson Orchestra.
The gala raised more than $575,000 for Fraser services and programs that support the critical need for more mental health services in the community.
Bloomington Eagles 3208 Ride for Autism
In 2008, the Richfield Bloomington Eagles Club started an annual fundraiser for Fraser — the Eagles Bike Run for Autism. The event started after a suggestion from a board member and staff Gretchen Allison. Gretchen’s son, Connor, was diagnosed with autism at Fraser. He also received services at Fraser.
Before he started at Fraser, Connor lacked communication skills. Though he could talk, he mostly chose not to and preferred spending time alone. He also had sensory differences, so sensory input, like loud noises, made him anxious.
Through his therapy, Connor learned social skills and to communicate with others. He also practiced breathing exercises, which taught him how to calm himself down.
At Fraser, Gretchen saw firsthand the importance of children receiving early intervention services. She also learned that certain services, like music therapy, weren’t covered by insurance. She wanted to ensure families could access those types of services, regardless of their finances.
“I participate in the Fraser fundraiser each year because it’s my community, and these kids deserve to have a chance,” says Gretchen. “I believe you should pay it forward, and all kids and parents should have access to professional help.”
Connor is 21 now. He graduated from high school and drives a car. He plans to enroll in college in the spring. He wants to become a brewmaster and get into microbrewing.
“Without the services he received at Fraser, Connor wouldn’t have had a chance to achieve all these things and have a great life,” says Gretchen.
Though the Eagles Bike Run for Autism took a few years off during the pandemic, the event returned in 2022. Motorcyclists rode between 3 bars, and there was a party bus for people who don’t ride. After the ride, participants returned to the Eagles Club and enjoyed dinner and a band. They raised money through raffles, t-shirt sales, auction items, donations, and registration fees.
Gretchen says she also talked with a mom whose son had just received an autism diagnosis.
“She didn’t have a clue where to start. I was able to open up a whole new world for her,” says Gretchen. “That’s what it’s about for me: being able to repay the support and kindness I’ve experienced.”
Bill and Teri Popp
Teri and Bill Popp own POPP Communications, a telecommunications company that supports business clients. Since 2005, the couple has donated about $200,000 to Fraser.
Teri, a former attorney, leads the family philanthropy efforts and has served on nonprofit boards like the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, Courage Center, Girl Scouts, and Fraser.
“The team at POPP Communications is very proud of our community support to organizations like Fraser,” says Bill. “I believe in committing my whole heart and all our team’s talents to these organizations.”
Just a few months after the Popps’ first donation to Fraser, their grandson was diagnosed with autism and referred to Fraser. Their daughter was living in New Hope, but she would drive to Fraser Minneapolis for his therapy. This really highlighted the need for more Fraser locations.
When planning began for a new Fraser clinic in Woodbury, the Popps donated to support construction. Fraser Woodbury opened in 2018.
“We continue supporting Fraser because of how the organization views the children, individuals, and families they serve,” says Teri. “They understand being on the spectrum isn’t something you cure. Rather, it means you function differently and have a different way of looking at things..”
In 2020, the Popps gifted telephone equipment and office space for the Fraser Telehealth Hub in Golden Valley, which supports the Fraser Hope Line. The Fraser Hope Line is a free phone line that connects callers directly with a care advocate.
“Bill and I are deeply honored and humbled to receive this recognition and the award,” says Teri.
James A Levine Trust
In 2002, Annette Levine began supporting Fraser, donating toward the construction of the Fraser Minneapolis clinic. Annette attended the Fraser Gala every year with her son, James, until her passing in 2009. After her death, James decided to uphold her legacy and has donated over $430,000 to Fraser.
Before Annette passed, she asked her friends, Harvey and Leigh Cohen and their daughter Robyn, to become her son’s guardians. James has autism. After he lost his mother, James asked Harvey and Leigh to attend grief counseling with him. Fraser Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer Pat Pulice was a family friend, so she offered to counsel James, Harvey, and Leigh.
“Pat helped James process his grief, build our new family, and teach us how to support each other,” says Harvey.
James is nearly 70, still lives independently and works. He is a talented artist, who creates artwork with colored pencils and markers. James also loves music and enjoys ballroom and square dancing.
Because of his love of music, James became the Fraser Gala entertainment sponsor in 2013 and has continued his sponsorship. He attends the gala every year, where he enjoys the music and food. He also donates his artwork to be auctioned at the gala.
“Personal connections and support is what is important to him, and we value that highly also,” says Leigh. “It means so much to James to support an organization that does so much for so many people. We are so honored to accept this award with him.”
Letter from our Board Chair
One reason I’m on the Fraser Board of Directors is because of Fraser’s continued commitment to innovation. Every year, Fraser rolls out new programs, strives to reach new communities, and finds new ways to help people with autism, mental health issues, and disabilities find success.
In 2021, Fraser was selected as a Help Me Connect Hub, an initiative created with a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to improve how Minnesota supports pregnant families and families with children five and under. The Fraser hub includes a multidisciplinary team of community health workers, care advocates, and mental health professionals, including English and Spanish speakers. The team connects young families with resources and basic community supports, including childcare, food, health care, transportation, affordable housing, disability services, and job search supports. In 2022, the hub served 360 families.
Another 2022 Fraser innovation is the Let’s Go! Outdoor Pediatric Therapy Group, created for children 10-14, to increase enjoyment and participation in outdoor activities, while also providing occupational and physical therapy. In the group, a Fraser physical therapist and occupational therapist use the therapeutic opportunities in nature to work on things like gross and fine motor skills, coordination, social skills, and self-regulation.
This year, Fraser Career Planning & Employment (CPE) partnered with the MN Department of Vocational Rehabilitation Services to create a program that teaches essential life skills to transition-aged youth. Fraser staff met virtually with local students at Jennings Community Center, the Hmong College Prep Academy, and Sejong Academy Korean Immersion School. They explored students’ talents and strengths and taught self-advocacy, disability disclosure and accommodations, social expectations, interview skills, and personal accountability.
All of these incredible innovations are possible because of donors like YOU. You allow us to reach new populations, create new therapies, and connect families to resources throughout the community.
On behalf of the Fraser Board of Directors, I want to thank you for helping create more access, inclusion, impact, and success for our community. Every dollar, volunteer shift, and gift basket supports Fraser programs and services for individuals and families. It all starts with YOU. Please accept our sincere thanks.
- Keith Klein, Chair, Fraser Board of Directors
THANK YOU FOR VISITING!
Your gifts to Fraser helps create a world where all people have an equal opportunity and choice to realize their dreams to live, work, learn and play as members of our community. Thank you for strengthening our communities!
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Please visit our website at www.fraser.org to learn more about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and other ways to get involved.