Shout Out: Marlana Balk and Sandy Hand

By Rebecca Fratzke

It was just another Tuesday at Goodwill Easter Seals-St. Paul, prepping for a busy night of working with recently released individuals from MCF-Stillwater, when the true measure of living the mission was humbly demonstrated.

A man came into Goodwill in state-issued grays, released just that morning from another MN Correctional Facility and looking for help. He remembered working with the Opportunity for Change (O4C) Program during a previous incarceration and needed to get connected with some resources and assistance with managing his mental health. I watched Marlana Balk and Sandy Hand jump into action assisting this man with getting a decent lunch, connection with MNSURE to ensure that his benefits were active, multiple community resources in the area of the shelter he would be residing in and a ride to the shelter to ensure he got there safely. They also assisted him with contacting his agent and connecting with his agent to ensure that he was aware of what options existed for the individual and to help bridge those resources between the individual and supervising agent.

The interaction with Marlana, Sandy and this individual was only about 45 minutes, but it truly depicted our values within the DOC of Safety • Dignity • Honesty • Service • Equity • Fairness • Respect. I am so grateful to work amongst people who live the mission every day, in a million small and impactful ways.