East Suburban Resources (ESR) is a private, nonprofit organization that believes in a community where quality of life for all people is enhanced through inclusion in community life and access to employment.
The agency provides supported employment services to adults with developmental disabilities and other special needs. While our focus is on helping individuals with disabilities find and retain jobs, community integration is the recurring theme in our guiding principles and forms the foundation for all we do.
Why is community integration the core of what we do?
ESR believes community integration:
--Helps our communities overcome misconceptions about individuals with disabilities;
--Allows persons with disabilities opportunities to be productive, contributing members of their communities through naturally supported employment;
--Gives persons with disabilities more confidence, helps them achieve more independence, teaches them life and work skills and provides them the opportunity to earn an income.
--With ongoing staff encouragement and support, ESR provides consumers a variety of employment opportunities that match their skills and interests, while our community integration activities provide opportunities for growth and learning experiences in the community.
East Suburban Resources supports more than 120 adults with developmental disabilities in independent jobs in the community by partnering with more than 100 east metro-area businesses. The agency provides support to dozens of additional consumers who are employed on work crews, working side-by-side with job coaches at businesses throughout our community. At its three community program sites in Stillwater, Cottage Grove and Forest Lake, ESR supports more than 100 consumers who complete packaging, assembly, mailing projects and more for area businesses.
Consumers' stories
Shannon, left, works at Central Bank where he was recently honored for 15 years of service. His coworkers presented him with a banker's lamp.
Melody's artwork has been included in two area artshows, most recently at the Lake Elmo Regional Arts Center.
©2007-2010
East Suburban Resources, Inc.