During the 19th and early 20th centuries, probate judges across Minnesota routinely committed children and young adults suffering from severe mental and physical impairments to the Minnesota Hospital for the Insane in St. Peter. The edict more than likely meant a lifetime sentence.
Institutions like this one sprang up across the state to house these “troublesome” members of society. There were places like St. Peter Asylum for the Dangerous and Insane, Faribault School for Imbeciles, and Cambridge State School. Children would live their entire lives within the austere walls of an institution. That is, until 1974, when a district court decision approved “de-institutionalization”—moving residents from state facilities to smaller, community-based housing care.
Fast-forward four decades and a completely new picture is emerging for people with developmental and intellectual challenges: One of hope, engagement and a meaningful life.
One catalyst for this movement is an organization right here in White Bear Lake.
Phoenix Alternatives Inc., or PAI, was established in 1990 and provides a wide range of services for people with disabilities, from young adults to seniors, including nursing support, music and pet therapy, art exploration, skills acquisition, community involvement and more. But it’s the employment opportunities they offer that have the most impact.
“Programs like this were designed to keep people out of institutions,” says Terry Higgs, president of PAI. “Through this program we’re able to keep people in their homes, while they’re purposefully engaged in life, even with significant disabilities.”
PAI works as a go-between, finding work for their clients and then ensuring they do a good job at the partner companies. Many of the jobs consist of repetitive work, such as shredding paper, labeling and packaging greeting cards, and stocking store shelves.
“These people are the most vulnerable in an economic downturn—last hired, first fired,” says Denise Ryan-McKee, vice president of operations at PAI. And that’s why it’s imperative that businesses like Target, Cub Foods, Park Tool, Design House Greetings and Dynamic Air continue to partner with PAI. Headquartered in St. Paul, Dynamic Air analyzes materials and pneumatic conveying systems to figure out their exact handling characteristics.
“We started working with PAI in the late 1990s. Within a month, we knew this was a partnership that would last,” says Mark Peloquin, foreign sales consultant for Dynamic Air. “Both companies benefit from this relationship. And we end up with a great product.”
PAI clients will often go directly to Dynamic Air to work, with transportation provided by a contracted transportation vendor. Or they can work at one of the four PAI sites, all of which are equipped with large bathrooms and spacious hallways to accommodate special equipment, including wheelchairs.
Now in its 24th year, PAI has helped more than 250 clients find work. They also employ 100 people within the organization who work as direct service staff.
“The client–peer interaction is invaluable for skills,” says Ryan-McKee. “Our clients can practice social skills in a safe environment, with both their peers and job coach by their side.”
Higgs adds, “As any person comes to a job, you work and develop friendships. Just because you’re working beside someone who has disabilities, it’s no different than someone who goes to work in a high-rise and works in a cube.”
Both Ryan-McKee and Higgs are excited to continue expanding and growing PAI’s presence into the community. Ryan-McKee looks back on the days of institutions in astonishment. “You talk about the human condition,” she says. “To survive what they went through, it’s incredible.” Thanks to organizations like PAI, they can now live full and productive lives.
Phoenix Alternative Inc.: 4505 White Bear Pkwy. Ste. 1500, White Bear Lake; 651.407.7174.
