Metropolitan Center for Independent Living

01/21/2026

MCIL is proud to announce that it has been awarded $24,000 as part of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) 2025 Direct Effect 1st Cycle Quality of Life grants.

"The Quality of Life grant is a validation of the PCA College Service Corps' potential to advance vibrant communities which in turn is necessary to expand a sustainable economy. This program brings a mindful, human-centered approach to a national crisis, holding great promise in improving the lives of people living with disabilities while building a dedicated workforce of direct care providers. We are grateful to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation for their support of this endeavor." -Jesse Bethke Gomez, MCIL Executive Director

Click the link below to learn more:

https://mcil-mn.org/mcil-pca-college-service-corps-program-receives-24000-quality-of-life-grant-from-the-christopher-dana-reeve-foundation/

01/20/2026

The United Spinal Association Advocacy Network Care Support Working Group is hosting a panel that brings together caregivers from across the country to share their perspectives and answer questions about care support in the United States.

Register: https://unitedspinal.org/events/caregiver-panel-bridging-the-gap/

01/08/2026

“Solutions emerge from the courage, commitment, and compassion of people to act for the greater good and common good.” -Jesse Bethke Gomez

Thank you to Business Lens Media for their January 2026 cover story, "Jesse Bethke Gomez: Redefining Executive Leadership Through Purpose and Precision."

🌍 Business Lens Media Presents: Jesse Bethke Gomez – Redefining Executive Leadership Through Purpose and Precision

💡 Cover Story Spotlight on Jesse Bethke Gomez – 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

In a time when healthcare systems face workforce shortages, structural strain, and growing demands for dignity and access, Jesse Bethke Gomez stands out as a leader shaping lasting impact through clarity, accountability, and human-centered strategy. As Executive Director of the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living, his leadership bridges rigorous executive discipline with deep humanitarian purpose.

Working at the intersection of governance, healthcare innovation, and social systems, Jesse is advancing solutions that strengthen independent living, address critical workforce challenges, and elevate care through rights-based, scalable frameworks — proving that sustainable progress emerges when strategy is aligned with dignity and human potential.

🔗 Read his full story in our latest edition: https://shorturl.at/RWdkY

01/05/2026

Happy New Year! Start 2026 with one of MCIL's free self advocacy classes, available in person or online. Here is our January schedule:

January 7: Goal Setting & Realistic Planning Class
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

January 12: Housing Class
11:00 am - 12:00 pm

January 14: Driver's Ed Class
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

January 21: Breaking Down Self Advocacy Class
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

January 26: Housing Class
11:00 am - 12:00 pm

January 28: Driver's Ed Class
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Click here to check out the full winter schedule and register: https://bit.ly/458DBaj

Enhance your independent living skills, sign up today!

12/29/2025

"What gives me hope to carry on is my ability to work with young people, because in their life experience, they have noticed that people with disabilities are all around them. And so, they have an accepting posture and they are really the future of rights and of advocacy for us." -Michelle, MCIL Assistant Director of Administration

"There is still going to be a tomorrow." In this video, MCD Council Member Myrna and guests Michelle and Jaye discuss the importance of fighting for future g...

12/10/2025

Do you have questions about where to get vaccinated? Minnesota Department of Health has an online resource to help, click the link below to learn more.

Start with your medical home – a place you regularly receive health care. If your medical home is unable to vaccinate you, other options include Local Health Departments or Community Health Boards, pharmacies, or retail locations.

12/03/2025

Have you signed up for one of our free classes yet? Our winter calendar is live, join us in person or online! Here is our December schedule:

December 3: Driver's Ed Class
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

December 10: Budgeting Class
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

December 15: Housing Class
11:00 am - 12:00 pm

December 17: Driver's Ed Class
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Click here to check out the full winter schedule and register: https://bit.ly/458DBaj

Enhance your independent living skills, sign up today!

12/01/2025

40 Big Ideas Big Ideas That Shaped Inclusive CommunitiesAuthors Jerry Smith is the director of marketing and communications for the Institute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. smith495@umn.eduAmy Hewitt is the director of the Institute on Community Integration a...

11/25/2025

Six percent of the population are still feeling the effects of COVID-19 long after infection. Learn how physical medicine and rehabilitation can help manage long COVID symptoms and support recovery in this video from CU Medicine.

Six percent of the population are still feeling the effects of COVID-19 long after infection. Learn how physical medicine and rehabilitation can help manage ...

11/24/2025

The Advocacy Committee of The Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council (MNSILC) is currently conducting a Civil Rights Survey designed to gather information about the civil rights experiences of persons with disabilities. The study focuses on important areas such as education, employment, housing, healthcare, transportation, and public life.

The purpose of this survey is to collect meaningful data that will help inform future advocacy efforts, policy development, and accessibility improvements within our state.

All responses are strictly confidential and will be used only for research and advocacy purposes. No personally identifiable information will be shared.

We encourage you to participate and to share the survey with your consumers and any individuals who may wish to contribute. Your input can play an important role in advancing civil rights for people with disabilities.

Click the link below to take the survey:

Purpose: To gather information about the civil rights experiences of persons with disabilities in areas such as education, employment, housing, healthcare, transportation, and public life. This data will help inform advocacy, policy development, and accessibility improvements. Confidentiality Statem...

11/14/2025

Worried about vaccine costs?

Good news: COVID-19 vaccines should remain free through most insurance and federal programs until 2026.

11/01/2025

Did you know that MCIL offers numerous free classes for people with disabilities? People can join in person or online. These are free to the public and offered on an ongoing basis. Here is our November schedule:

November 5: Housing Class
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

November 13: Driver's Ed Class
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

November 19: Independent Living Top 10 Class
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Click here to check out the full fall schedule and register: https://bit.ly/458DBaj

Enhance your independent living skills, sign up today!