ICAN celebrates 25 years of service

A large, cheerful crowd gathered at Northeast Park in Waseca the evening of Monday, June

30, to celebrate a major milestone—ICAN’s twenty-fifth anniversary. But more than marking 25 years, the evening was labeled as a celebration of the dedicated ICAN employees and the impact they have made. 

 

Founded in 2000, ICAN (Independent Counseling andAdvocacy Network) currently serves about 90 individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities, as well

as mental health diagnoses, across Steele and Waseca Counties. Their work requires the input of about 135 trained staff members.

 

“ICANs success story starts with our employees,” said Tiffany Lynch, the organization’s chief financial officer. “They show up every day with heart, patience, and a mission to make a difference in the lives of the people we support. We couldn’t do any of this without them.”

 

In order to make their event employee-oriented, the organization encouraged participants to bring both the individuals they support and their own families to enjoy an evening of appreciation and fun. 

 

Tracy Jevning, ICAN’s founder who died in 2017, left a legacy that continues under the leadership of her husband Mike Jevning, who now serves as CEO and maintenance operations director. Mike said, “This isn’t for me—it’s for our employees, their families, and all the individuals we support every day.”

 

Taryn Sack, ICAN’s business services director and daughter of the late Tracy Jevning, said she planned the celebration as she believes Tracy would have–with employees at the center. 

 

“Our staff are truly the heart of ICAN,” Jen Williamson, ICAN’s chief operating officer, said.

“They give so much of themselves each day, and tonight was just a small way for us to say thank you. They deserve to be celebrated.”

 

ICAN currently operates 14 community residential homes in Waseca County, each housing up to four individuals who receive personalized daily support. These homes, and the care provided within them, are staffed by employees whose assignment is “to ensure every person lives with dignity, safety, and joy. Whether it’s teaching life skills like budgeting and meal prep or simply being a trusted, consistent presence, ICAN employees embody the organization’s mission of providing person-centered, high-quality living.”