Nonprofits
NYFS IS CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY IN 2026
-Leadership Luncheon, Wednesday, May 6, 2026, Vadnais Heights Commons
- Client celebration & community partner celebrations are planned in the summer
- 50th Anniversary party planned in November
“ The organization has evolved a lot in 50 years and we’ re really proud of where we are right now. We’ re stable and growing really intentionally and innovating really purposefully, and that has been super exciting and we want to share that with everyone.”
-Angela Lewis-Dmello, President and CEO, NYFS
hub of collaborative support in the region. We are also the only nonprofit community mental health agency in the areas that we serve,” said Lewis-Dmello.
Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake, White Bear Township and Hugo are among the 16 cities served. The majority of NYFS’ s clients are 26 years of age and younger. Some clients are served at no-cost. For others, insurance is accepted.
“ We also have a sliding fee scale which goes down to $ 5 per session because we are really committed to access to care. In our mental healthcare programs, about half of our clients receive services through Medicaid or through a sliding fee,” said Lewis- Dmello.
Care is provided by clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists and licensed professional clinical counselors. NYFS also has on staff a psychiatric nurse practitioner who can prescribe and monitor medication treatment. Plus, psychologists who provide testing and evaluation services.
The nonprofit receives referrals primarily from other nonprofits, health providers, local police departments and local school districts. More information can be found online at Nyfs. org
TSE is Enriching Lives Through Employment and Community Connections
As TSE enters 2026, the organization that supports people living with disabilities reflects on a year defined by growth, innovation and strengthened community partnerships across the northeast metro.
In 2025, TSE supported individuals in securing 24 new community employment positions, working closely with local and regional employers including Staples, Walgreens, Sodexo, Walmart, Mars Supply, Macalester College and New Perspective Senior Living. TSE’ s employment model emphasizes customized job matching, on-site support and long-term retention, an approach that continues to deliver sustainable outcomes for both individuals and employers.
2025 MOHR Disability Employer Award: Kids Abilities( award winner) and TSE Staff and Team.
TSE’ s impact in employment was recognized statewide in 2025. Kids Abilities received the MOHR Employment Award for its inclusive hiring practices, while Derek Orege, a TSE Direct Support Professional, was named MOHR Direct Support Professional of the Year, honoring more than 20 years of dedicated service.
Beyond employment, TSE expanded its role as a community partner. In July 2025, the organization received a“ Growing Together for Greater Impact” grant from the St. Paul Lions Club. The grant created a unique opportunity for deeper civic inclusion, welcoming Jim Freeman, TSE’ s Chief Business Development Officer, and Ron W., a person supported by TSE, as active members of the St. Paul Lions Club.
Both now participate in monthly meetings and service projects, including the club’ s Holiday Nut Sale, illustrating how inclusive communities benefit when everyone has a seat at the table.
Across its Community Resource Centers in Lakeridge, McCarron’ s, Roselawn and Work Ahead, TSE served hundreds of individuals daily through programs focused on employment readiness, life skills, enrichment and volunteerism. Participants contributed to local organizations, such as Every Meal, Merrick Community Services and Bridging Inc., reinforcing TSE’ s belief that people with disabilities are contributors to their communities, not
36 Northeast Metro Business