Director of Operations Ann Dahl has been with Udac for over three decades supporting civic life and community inclusion for differently-abled individuals. Recently, the hard work from the organization was recognized with the 2023 Organizational Best Practices Award by the National Association of People Supporting Employment First.
"It's been an organization that has always looked for innovation, that has always tried to create an atmosphere of growth," says Dahl of Udac which started in the 1960s with a focus on childcare for students that were not able to attend school. Years later, the organization would grow to focus on adults.
Refining operations has been a large focus especially since the pandemic. Recent changes have allowed for people to find, not just jobs, but jobs that are of interest. "How do we help this person become more autonomous, how do we help them reach as much independence as possible," says Dahl. "It's all about are you happy with where you're living... are you feeling like you're helping in some way to be able to make your community better."
You can hear Community Connection every Tuesday and Thursday at 8am on Northland Morning.
