Careers
Positions Available
Purpose
At PHASE-Industries, we believe every person has unique gifts and potential waiting to be discovered and celebrated. As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you will provide person-centered, community-inclusive support that helps individuals develop essential life skills, pursue personally enriching experiences, and connect with their communities.
This role combines compassion, creativity, and professionalism to make a lasting impact in the lives of people with disabilities.
Key Responsibilities
Direct Support & Advocacy
- Provide individualized, person-centered support to help participants reach their goals.
- Facilitate daily living, recreational, and community activities.
- Support with personal care needs, including transfers, hygiene, and feeding, as needed.
- Deliver therapeutic programming in partnership with OT, PT, and speech services.
- Provide transportation services safely and in compliance with all regulations.
Person-Centered Practices
- Promote informed choice, independence, and dignity.
- Encourage community connections, vocational skills, and recreational engagement.
- Support customized employment and community life engagement opportunities.
Safety & Crisis Support
- Ensure a safe, healthy environment by following all safety protocols.
- Provide de-escalation, behavioral intervention, and crisis prevention when necessary.
- Use first aid and emergency procedures as required.
Teamwork & Communication
- Collaborate with fellow DSPs, specialists, and supervisors.
- Document progress, observations, and incidents accurately and timely.
- Build relationships with coworkers, community employers, and families.
Additional Duties
- Dispense medications once trained and certified.
- Assist with program operations, including light cleaning and organizational tasks.
- Participate in trainings, workshops, and ongoing professional development.
Key Competencies
- Service-Focused: Prioritize the needs of individuals served.
- Compassionate: Show genuine empathy and care.
- Adaptable: Handle multiple responsibilities and respond calmly under pressure.
- Detail-Oriented: Ensure accurate documentation and follow-through.
- Collaborative Leader: Model person-centered practices and encourage others.
Qualifications
Required
- Belief that every human being has gifts & potential waiting to be unlocked & discovered – that the world, and humanity, flourishes only when each person’s gifts are revealed, cultivated & celebrated.
- Belief that everything P-I does should be designed to help individuals unlock, discover and develop their potential to fully participate in the world around them, including freely & equitably accessing competitive integrated employment.
- Valid MN driver’s license with a clean driving record.
- Ability to pass background checks, health card requirements, and complete First Aid/CPR certification.
- Basic computer skills or willingness to learn.
- Belief in the potential and dignity of every person.
Preferred
- Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Knowledge of community resources, vocational supports, and person-centered practices.
What We Offer
- Competitive pay and benefits.
- Training and certification opportunities.
- A supportive, mission-driven culture.
- Opportunities to grow and lead within the organization.
Join Our Team
If you’re passionate about making a difference, we invite you to apply and help us empower individuals to live, work, and thrive in their communities.
Purpose
At PHASE-Industries, we believe every person has unique gifts and potential waiting to be discovered and celebrated. As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you will provide person-centered, community-inclusive support that helps individuals develop essential life skills, pursue personally enriching experiences, and connect with their communities.
This role combines compassion, creativity, and professionalism to make a lasting impact in the lives of people with disabilities.
Key Responsibilities
Direct Support & Advocacy
- Provide individualized, person-centered support to help participants reach their goals.
- Facilitate daily living, recreational, and community activities.
- Support with personal care needs, including transfers, hygiene, and feeding, as needed.
- Deliver therapeutic programming in partnership with OT, PT, and speech services.
- Provide transportation services safely and in compliance with all regulations.
Person-Centered Practices
- Promote informed choice, independence, and dignity.
- Encourage community connections, vocational skills, and recreational engagement.
- Support customized employment and community life engagement opportunities.
Safety & Crisis Support
- Ensure a safe, healthy environment by following all safety protocols.
- Provide de-escalation, behavioral intervention, and crisis prevention when necessary.
- Use first aid and emergency procedures as required.
Teamwork & Communication
- Collaborate with fellow DSPs, specialists, and supervisors.
- Document progress, observations, and incidents accurately and timely.
- Build relationships with coworkers, community employers, and families.
Additional Duties
- Dispense medications once trained and certified.
- Assist with program operations, including light cleaning and organizational tasks.
- Participate in trainings, workshops, and ongoing professional development.
Key Competencies
- Service-Focused: Prioritize the needs of individuals served.
- Compassionate: Show genuine empathy and care.
- Adaptable: Handle multiple responsibilities and respond calmly under pressure.
- Detail-Oriented: Ensure accurate documentation and follow-through.
- Collaborative Leader: Model person-centered practices and encourage others.
Qualifications
Required
- Belief that every human being has gifts & potential waiting to be unlocked & discovered – that the world, and humanity, flourishes only when each person’s gifts are revealed, cultivated & celebrated.
- Belief that everything P-I does should be designed to help individuals unlock, discover and develop their potential to fully participate in the world around them, including freely & equitably accessing competitive integrated employment.
- Valid MN driver’s license with a clean driving record.
- Ability to pass background checks, health card requirements, and complete First Aid/CPR certification.
- Basic computer skills or willingness to learn.
- Belief in the potential and dignity of every person.
Preferred
- Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Knowledge of community resources, vocational supports, and person-centered practices.
What We Offer
- Competitive pay and benefits.
- Training and certification opportunities.
- A supportive, mission-driven culture.
- Opportunities to grow and lead within the organization.
Join Our Team
If you’re passionate about making a difference, we invite you to apply and help us empower individuals to live, work, and thrive in their communities.
Purpose
At PHASE-Industries, we believe every person has unique gifts and potential waiting to be discovered and celebrated. As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you will provide person-centered, community-inclusive support that helps individuals develop essential life skills, pursue personally enriching experiences, and connect with their communities.
This role combines compassion, creativity, and professionalism to make a lasting impact in the lives of people with disabilities.
Key Responsibilities
Direct Support & Advocacy
- Provide individualized, person-centered support to help participants reach their goals.
- Facilitate daily living, recreational, and community activities.
- Support with personal care needs, including transfers, hygiene, and feeding, as needed.
- Deliver therapeutic programming in partnership with OT, PT, and speech services.
- Provide transportation services safely and in compliance with all regulations.
Person-Centered Practices
- Promote informed choice, independence, and dignity.
- Encourage community connections, vocational skills, and recreational engagement.
- Support customized employment and community life engagement opportunities.
Safety & Crisis Support
- Ensure a safe, healthy environment by following all safety protocols.
- Provide de-escalation, behavioral intervention, and crisis prevention when necessary.
- Use first aid and emergency procedures as required.
Teamwork & Communication
- Collaborate with fellow DSPs, specialists, and supervisors.
- Document progress, observations, and incidents accurately and timely.
- Build relationships with coworkers, community employers, and families.
Additional Duties
- Dispense medications once trained and certified.
- Assist with program operations, including light cleaning and organizational tasks.
- Participate in trainings, workshops, and ongoing professional development.
Key Competencies
- Service-Focused: Prioritize the needs of individuals served.
- Compassionate: Show genuine empathy and care.
- Adaptable: Handle multiple responsibilities and respond calmly under pressure.
- Detail-Oriented: Ensure accurate documentation and follow-through.
- Collaborative Leader: Model person-centered practices and encourage others.
Qualifications
Required
- Belief that every human being has gifts & potential waiting to be unlocked & discovered – that the world, and humanity, flourishes only when each person’s gifts are revealed, cultivated & celebrated.
- Belief that everything P-I does should be designed to help individuals unlock, discover and develop their potential to fully participate in the world around them, including freely & equitably accessing competitive integrated employment.
- Valid MN driver’s license with a clean driving record.
- Ability to pass background checks, health card requirements, and complete First Aid/CPR certification.
- Basic computer skills or willingness to learn.
- Belief in the potential and dignity of every person.
Preferred
- Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Knowledge of community resources, vocational supports, and person-centered practices.
What We Offer
- Competitive pay and benefits.
- Training and certification opportunities.
- A supportive, mission-driven culture.
- Opportunities to grow and lead within the organization.
Join Our Team
If you’re passionate about making a difference, we invite you to apply and help us empower individuals to live, work, and thrive in their communities.
Purpose
At PHASE-Industries, we believe every person has unique gifts and potential waiting to be discovered and celebrated. As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you will provide person-centered, community-inclusive support that helps individuals develop essential life skills, pursue personally enriching experiences, and connect with their communities.
This role combines compassion, creativity, and professionalism to make a lasting impact in the lives of people with disabilities.
Key Responsibilities
Direct Support & Advocacy
- Provide individualized, person-centered support to help participants reach their goals.
- Facilitate daily living, recreational, and community activities.
- Support with personal care needs, including transfers, hygiene, and feeding, as needed.
- Deliver therapeutic programming in partnership with OT, PT, and speech services.
- Provide transportation services safely and in compliance with all regulations.
Person-Centered Practices
- Promote informed choice, independence, and dignity.
- Encourage community connections, vocational skills, and recreational engagement.
- Support customized employment and community life engagement opportunities.
Safety & Crisis Support
- Ensure a safe, healthy environment by following all safety protocols.
- Provide de-escalation, behavioral intervention, and crisis prevention when necessary.
- Use first aid and emergency procedures as required.
Teamwork & Communication
- Collaborate with fellow DSPs, specialists, and supervisors.
- Document progress, observations, and incidents accurately and timely.
- Build relationships with coworkers, community employers, and families.
Additional Duties
- Dispense medications once trained and certified.
- Assist with program operations, including light cleaning and organizational tasks.
- Participate in trainings, workshops, and ongoing professional development.
Key Competencies
- Service-Focused: Prioritize the needs of individuals served.
- Compassionate: Show genuine empathy and care.
- Adaptable: Handle multiple responsibilities and respond calmly under pressure.
- Detail-Oriented: Ensure accurate documentation and follow-through.
- Collaborative Leader: Model person-centered practices and encourage others.
Qualifications
Required
- Belief that every human being has gifts & potential waiting to be unlocked & discovered – that the world, and humanity, flourishes only when each person’s gifts are revealed, cultivated & celebrated.
- Belief that everything P-I does should be designed to help individuals unlock, discover and develop their potential to fully participate in the world around them, including freely & equitably accessing competitive integrated employment.
- Valid MN driver’s license with a clean driving record.
- Ability to pass background checks, health card requirements, and complete First Aid/CPR certification.
- Basic computer skills or willingness to learn.
- Belief in the potential and dignity of every person.
Preferred
- Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Knowledge of community resources, vocational supports, and person-centered practices.
What We Offer
- Competitive pay and benefits.
- Training and certification opportunities.
- A supportive, mission-driven culture.
- Opportunities to grow and lead within the organization.
Join Our Team
If you’re passionate about making a difference, we invite you to apply and help us empower individuals to live, work, and thrive in their communities.
Purpose
At PHASE-Industries, we believe every person has unique gifts and potential waiting to be discovered and celebrated. As an Employment Support Specialist, you will provide person-centered, community-inclusive services with a strong focus on employment exploration, development, and customized employment. You will also provide occasional life enrichment and community engagement supports, positive skill-building, systematic instruction, behavioral intervention, self-care assistance, and transportation services as needed.
Key Expectations
- Standards of Conduct: Follow PHASE-Industries’ Code of Ethics, Employee Handbook, and Participant Rights.
- Person-Centered Practices: Promote informed choice, person-centered thinking, and meaningful opportunities. Challenge and support peers to do the same.
- Safety: Ensure a safe and healthy workplace by modeling safe practices, reporting hazards, and complying with all policies and motor vehicle laws.
Essential Functions
Direct Support & Care
- Serve as the primary practitioner of direct support for individuals on your caseload, ensuring services align with their communication style, culture, and preferences.
- Provide personal care support (lifting, transfers, hygiene, eating, etc.) when needed.
- Deliver therapeutic engagement and de-escalation strategies, as well as programming recommended by OT, PT, or speech services.
- Support enrichment, skill-building, and community life engagement activities based on individual service plans.
Employment Support
- Spend at least 75% of time providing employment supports within the E1MN Framework (Engage, Plan, Find, Keep).
- Help participants explore skills, strengths, and conditions for success to guide job planning.
- Build relationships with businesses and customize employment opportunities.
- Support individuals in maintaining competitive, integrated employment.
- Assist 2–3 individuals monthly in customized employment and successfully place at least one individual into competitive work.
Additional Duties
- Dispense medications (with certification).
- Support program operations, including light cleaning and site maintenance.
- Provide safe transportation services as needed.
- Maintain timely and accurate documentation.
- Complete required training and certifications on schedule.
- Represent PHASE-Industries positively within the community.
Key Competencies
- Strong understanding of the E1MN Framework.
- Completion of DEED Customized Employment training (or willingness to complete within 6 months).
- Business engagement skills to create job opportunities.
- Creative problem-solving and service-focused mindset.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and self-management skills.
- Compassion, perseverance, and attention to detail.
- Ability to motivate others and foster confidence.
- Knowledge of state statutes, DHS/DOL/DEED regulations, and funding processes.
- Leadership: every PHASE-Industries employee is expected to lead by example.
Job Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
- Belief that every human being has gifts & potential waiting to be unlocked & discovered – that the world, and humanity, flourishes only when each person’s gifts are revealed, cultivated & celebrated.
- Belief that everything PHASE-Industries does should be designed to help individuals unlock, discover & develop their potential to fully participate in the world around them, including freely & equitable accessing competitive integrated employment.
- Completion of ACRE-certified Customized Employment training (or willingness to complete within 6 months).
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office; willingness to learn adaptive and assistive technologies.
- Valid driver’s license with safe driving record.
- Ability to pass background checks and medical exam requirements.
Preferred
- One year of experience supporting adults with developmental disabilities, mental illness, brain injury, or related conditions.
- Experience applying person-centered practices.
Why Join PHASE-Industries?
- Competitive pay and benefits.
- Ongoing training and professional certification opportunities.
- Supportive, mission-driven culture.
- Opportunity to make a real impact by helping people access meaningful employment and community life.
Join Our Team
If you’re passionate about making a difference, we invite you to apply and help us empower individuals to live, work, and thrive in their communities.
Position Summary
The Human Resources Assistant & Marketing Outreach Specialist is a dual-role position supporting both HR operations and marketing initiatives. This role assists with recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, coaching, and performance management while also leading outreach, branding, and promotional efforts. The goal is to attract top talent, strengthen community relationships, and enhance PHASE-Industries’ public presence, all while ensuring compliance with agency policies and applicable laws (e.g., MS245D, MN Rule 9544, DOL, FLSA, ADA).
Major Areas of Responsibility
Talent Management & Onboarding
- Coordinate recruiting logistics: job postings, interviews, and candidate communications.
- Develop and maintain HR recruitment, screening, retention, and training plans.
- Build recruitment pipelines through schools, colleges, and community partnerships.
- Facilitate new-hire orientation and onboarding to ensure regulatory compliance and readiness for success.
- Manage applicant paperwork, background checks, and employee training compliance.
- Support development and delivery of training programs that promote effective communication and agency culture.
Performance Management
- Assist supervisors in delivering effective performance evaluations and feedback.
- Monitor employee performance systems to ensure timely reviews.
- Coordinate communications between HR, supervisors, and leadership on corrective actions.
- Support personnel policies, performance management, and agency plans (e.g., AAP, Cultural Competency).
- Assist with HR functions including audits, benefits, legal postings, investigations, and licensing requirements.
- Prepare reports, outcome measurements, and policy recommendations.
- Promote positive employee relations, resolve conflicts, and support best practices in employee safety and wellness.
Marketing & Outreach
- Create and distribute recruitment marketing materials and job postings.
- Manage organizational branding across social media, website, and online platforms.
- Represent PHASE-Industries at job fairs, career days, and community networking events.
- Partner with schools and community organizations to build candidate pipelines.
- Produce content for internal/external communications, including newsletters and press releases.
- Track outreach and campaign performance metrics to measure effectiveness.
- Support special projects such as open houses, appreciation events, and public relations campaigns.
Essential Leadership Functions
As part of this role, the HR Assistant & Marketing Outreach Specialist is expected to:
- Embody Adaptive Leadership Principles: Take ownership, self-reflect, communicate effectively, and model respect and therapeutic engagement.
- Lead in Participant Care: Ensure staff are equipped to provide caring, ability-focused support.
- Inspire Mission-Driven Work: Translate vision into actionable goals and build commitment to agency objectives.
- Foster Culture: Actively support a professional, healthy, and caring workplace where employees and participants thrive.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
- Belief that every human being has gifts & potential waiting to be unlocked & discovered – that the world, and humanity, flourishes only when each person’s gifts are revealed, cultivated & celebrated.
- Belief that everything PHASE-Industries does should be designed to help individuals unlock, discover & develop their potential to fully participate in their communities and the broader world around them, including freely & equitable accessing competitive integrated employment.
- Excellent skills in Microsoft Office 365, SharePoint, database management, and related applications.
- Knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
- 1–2 years of human resources experience with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Associate’s degree in HR or related field (preferred).
- Positive, solutions-focused attitude and genuine interest in people-oriented work.
- Ability to pass criminal background, motor vehicle, and medical examination requirements.
Preferred
- Experience with HRIS systems, branding/marketing content creation, or outreach initiatives.
- Prior experience in a nonprofit or human services setting.
Why Join PHASE-Industries?
- Competitive pay and benefits.
- Opportunities for professional growth in both HR and Marketing.
- A supportive, mission-driven environment.
- The chance to make an impact by strengthening employee success and community partnerships.
Join Our Team
If you’re passionate about making a difference, we invite you to apply and help us empower individuals to live, work, and thrive in their communities.
Position Summary
The Office Manager/Executive Assistant (OM/EA) provides essential administrative support while supporting the agency’s overall administrative functions. This role ensures smooth daily operations, delivers executive-level support, and serves as the ambassador for PHASE-Industries through professional, friendly, and efficient communication with all stakeholders.
The OM/EA has eight key deliverables:
- Ensure efficient day-to-day administrative operations.
- Provide consistent executive-level administrative support.
- Act as an ambassador for Advance with internal and external stakeholders.
- Provide clear, professional, and efficient communication across the agency.
- Deliver local IT support and coordinate vendor services.
- Manage campus common areas, ensuring safety and aesthetics.
- Engage program participants therapeutically and respectfully.
- Model a “Large-minded” mindset to foster a positive and healthy culture.
Major Functions & Tasks
Administrative & Office Management
- Oversee daily office and administrative operations for efficiency and effectiveness.
- Develop streamlined campus processes, systems, and procedures.
- Manage correspondence, mail, office supplies, and equipment.
- Support staff with administrative needs, reports, scheduling, and meeting coordination.
- Handle accounts receivable/payable, petty cash, deposits, and billing review.
- Provide contract management support and proofread/publish key reports.
- Maintain confidential information securely and ensure compliance with HIPAA and MS 245D licensing.
Technology Support
- Provide frontline IT support, coordinating with vendors for larger issues.
- Manage IT device procurement, setup, training, and inventory tracking.
- Maintain the agency’s electronic database, including permissions, archiving, and staff training.
Executive & Staff Support
- Deliver executive-level administrative assistance to senior leadership.
- Prepare reports, memos, and data sheets as directed.
- Support transportation coordination, event planning, and special projects.
- Greet and host visitors; answer and direct calls.
- Support program areas and participants as needed.
- Track expenses against budget and maintain cost-effective practices.
- Coordinate purchasing to ensure efficiency and compliance.
Essential Leadership Functions
As part of this role, the OM/EA is expected to:
- Embody Advance Adaptive Leadership Principles: Model large-mindedness, responsibility, resourcefulness, and effective communication.
- Lead in Participant Care: Engage participants therapeutically and promote a culture of dignity, care, and growth.
- Inspire Mission Alignment: Translate leadership vision into action, create enthusiasm, and ensure staff are supported to meet participant needs.
- Foster Positive Culture: Build trust, model professionalism, and actively contribute to a healthy, caring workplace.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
- Associate’s Degree or completion of applicable certificate program (or equivalent experience).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook).
- Experience with SETWorks or similar database systems.
- At least 2 years of office management and/or executive assistant experience in a complex organization.
- Ability to pass office skills test, background check, and maintain a valid MN driver’s license.
- Professional, detail-oriented, adaptable, and driven toward excellence.
- Willingness to learn and grow with the organization.
Preferred
- Demonstrated success managing administrative functions across multiple departments.
- Experience in nonprofit, healthcare, or human services environments.
Why Join PHASE-Industries?
- Competitive compensation and benefits.
- A mission-driven culture focused on participant success.
- Opportunities to contribute at both operational and leadership levels.
- A supportive environment that values innovation, growth, and excellence.
Join Our Team
If you’re passionate about making a difference, we invite you to apply and help us empower individuals to live, work, and thrive in their communities.
Position Summary
The Human Resources Generalist supports the agency’s people operations by leading recruitment, hiring, onboarding, coaching, training, and succession planning. This role ensures compliance with PHASE-Industries’ policies, as well as all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations (e.g., MS245D, MN Rule 9544, DOL, FLSA, ADA). The HR Generalist also plays a critical role in building and maintaining an effective performance management and employee feedback program to support engagement, retention, and organizational success.
Major Areas of Responsibility
Talent Management & Onboarding
- Support the development and execution of the Talent Acquisition & Onboarding Plan.
- Coordinate recruitment efforts with community organizations, schools, and colleges.
- Implement disposition-based recruitment strategies, track outcomes, and maintain accurate database systems.
- Manage applicant communications, offers, new hire paperwork, background checks, and training compliance.
- Deliver efficient and compliant new employee onboarding and orientation.
- Support training programs that promote effective communication and organizational culture.
Performance Management
- Assist supervisors in preparing and delivering timely employee evaluations.
- Monitor the performance management system to ensure consistent use.
- Coordinate communication between HR, supervisors, and leadership regarding corrective actions.
- Support personnel policies, organizational plans, and compliance programs (e.g., AAP, cultural competency).
- Prepare reports, memos, outcome measures, and policy recommendations.
- Resolve conflicts and employee relations issues in line with PHASE-Industries’ Code of Ethics.
- Promote effective communication internally and externally to strengthen employee engagement.
- Contribute to HR projects, audits, benefits enrollment, licensing, and investigations.
- Provide day-to-day support for HR operations, including site visits to meet with staff.
Essential Leadership Functions
As a member of the PHASE-Industries team, the HR Generalist is expected to:
- Embody Adaptive Leadership Principles: Take ownership, self-reflect, and adapt to best serve the mission.
- Lead in Care: Support a culture of therapeutic engagement, ensuring every employee is equipped to provide quality support.
- Inspire the Mission: Translate the organization’s vision into action and build staff commitment.
- Foster Culture: Contribute to a professional, caring environment where all employees and participants can thrive.
PHASE-Industries Adaptive Leadership Principles
- Every employee is a leader; every leader leads.
- Leaders take ownership, communicate effectively, and resolve issues immediately.
- Leaders model respect, large-mindedness, and therapeutic engagement.
- Leaders build trust, foster collaboration, and drive continuous improvement.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
- Belief that every human being has gifts & potential waiting to be unlocked & discovered – that the world, and humanity, flourishes only when each person’s gifts are revealed, cultivated & celebrated.
- Belief that everything PHASE-Industries does should be designed to help individuals unlock, discover & develop their potential to fully participate in their communities and the broader world around them, including freely & equitable accessing competitive integrated employment.
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office 365, SharePoint, Visio, Access, and related HR software.
- Knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices.
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage confidential information.
- Problem-solving ability with a positive, solutions-focused mindset.
- Ability to pass criminal background, motor vehicle, and medical checks.
Preferred
- Associate’s degree in Human Resources or related field (work experience may be considered as a substitute).
- PHR or other HR certification, preferred
- Experience in database management and recordkeeping.
- Prior HR experience in recruitment, onboarding, or performance management.
Why Join PHASE-Industries?
- Competitive pay and benefits.
- Opportunities for professional development and HR certification.
- A supportive, mission-driven workplace culture.
- The chance to help strengthen employee engagement and organizational success.
Join Our Team
If you’re passionate about making a difference, we invite you to apply and help us empower individuals to live, work, and thrive in their communities.