Layoffs Are Affecting Metro Residents Living with Disabilities

Transcript

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HOST: You're listening to North Star Stories: Voices from Where We Live. Today in Minnesota…

ANCHOR: …a new report offers recommendations for Minnesota’s Health System. Then, industry layoffs are affecting people living with disabilities in the Twin Cities, and the state is getting a new professional sports league.

I'm Gracie J.

The Minnesota Department of Health, MDH, is asking lawmakers to study the state's health care system for current and future capacity needs. The recommendation comes as part of a legislative report based on public feedback, expert input, and MDH analysis. Key recommendations include analyzing existing facilities and workforce, collecting new data, evaluating the role of private investment, and expanding community engagement. MDH estimates the full study would take about two years.

Next, a Twin Cities disability service organization has announced its closure, leaving hundreds of disabled adults without personalized care and support. Katharine DeCelle talks to those affected by the layoffs.

Dennis Morgan: My age came into my mind right away. I thought where am I going to find a job now at 84?

Katharine DeCelle: That's Dennis Morgan, who recently found out he was losing his job with Dependable Home Health Care, an agency located in St Paul that finds clients living with disabilities who need help with daily activities like cooking, banking, shopping or transportation, and pairs them with a direct support professional. Dennis was employed with Dependable for around eight years as a direct support professional, a job where he helped care for Mike, a man with an intellectual disability.

Dennis Morgan: Mike got an email, and Mike told me, "I had no idea that they were closing." It was kind of a shock. I didn't know if I should believe it. I thought, why didn't they contact me? I thought I had a better rapport with the company.

Katharine DeCelle: Dependable was founded in 1991 and serves clients across the Twin Cities and surrounding area. Earlier this month, Dependable sent an email to all of their clients and over 400 employees, stating they'll be closing their doors in January. Mike was confused when he received the email.

Mike: I thought it was addressed to actually me. That just continuing my service. And then I read more, it's everyone. I was a little shocked, surprised.

Katharine DeCelle: Angela Jackson is another dependable employee who cares for Mike. She also received an email from Dependable saying,

Angela Jackson [reading]: "Dear Dependable employee, after careful consideration, we have made the difficult business decision to discontinue services and close Dependable. Our top priority is the smooth transition. Dependable will be offering contact information to our partner brands as a way for individuals to transition services.

Katharine DeCelle: Angela, Dennis and Mike say they've reached out to Dependable, but no response. They've also not received any follow up information about other companies and organizations that offers similar services. Mike did his own research, though, and found a new company where he is now on the waiting list.

Mike: First, I called my social worker, and we got an email right back from them. They are putting me on top of the list.

Katharine DeCelle: Katie Fleury, CEO of Dependable, gave this response as to why the company is closing: "The decision was made in response to several factors, including increasing operational costs, difficulty recruiting and retaining staff, and recent legislative changes in the regulatory environment, such as reductions in allowable service hours and lower rates of overnight care." The Minnesota Department of Human Services recently called the shortage of direct support professionals a crisis, stating that one out of every 50 Minnesotans relies on some type of support to meet their daily needs. Dependable will officially close its doors at the end of January in 2026. For North Star Stories, I'm Katharine DeCelle.

Anchor: You are listening to North Star Stories.

League One Volleyball, or LOVB, is bringing a professional team to Minnesota in 2027. LOVB leaders say the state is a perfect home for the sport, thanks to its strong fan base and deep talent pool. According to LOVB, Minnesota ranks fourth in the nation for girls' high school volleyball participation, saying championships often sell out. Two Local volleyball clubs train more than 680 athletes each year and regularly send players to top college and national programs. Launch preparations are underway as LOVB looks to build a direct path from youth clubs to the professional level.

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HOST: North Star Stories is produced by AMPERS, diverse radio for Minnesota's communities, with support from the McKnight Foundation and the State of Minnesota. Online at ampers dot org.