Grant helps advance innovative program, bringing meaningful change for those impacted by PCA workforce crisis
ST. PAUL, MINN – (January 21, 2026) – The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) is proud to announce that it has been awarded $24,000 as part of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) 2025 Direct Effect 1st Cycle Quality of Life grants. Sixty-one grants totaling $1,240,870 were awarded. The Quality of Life Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations that empower individuals living with paralysis. Since the Quality of Life Grants Program's inception, more than 4,100 grants totaling $50 million have been awarded. Funding for this program was made possible through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living (ACL grant #90PRRC0006 -04).
The Reeve Foundation's National Paralysis Resource Center offers several grants under the Quality of Life program, awarding grants in various categories with different amounts.
“Each award granted is a reflection of the Foundation’s commitment to advance accessibility, connectivity, and independence for individuals and families impacted by paralysis,” said Dan McNeal, Director of the Quality of Life Grants Program, Reeve Foundation. The remarkable strides and unwavering dedication these organizations make to further their mission are commendable. These grants illustrate a world of inclusion and accessibility, elevating quality of life for those living with paralysis.”
Funds from this generous grant will support the PCA College Service Corps. This pilot program, facilitated by the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL), is a first in the United States of America and is a pioneering approach to address our nation's critical need for Personal Care Assistants (PCAs), which has resulted in dire consequences for the disability community. Stretched impossibly thin, the gap between providers and those relying on care to live independently and safely is not an abstract statistic but a reality with daily, and potentially deadly, consequences. The PCA College Service Corps offers an approach that, at its core, alleviates personal suffering, enhances independence, affirms dignity and respect, advances moral and civic awareness, and stabilizes communities, while building the foundation for a critical workforce and a pathway offering personal and professional rewards.
How it works: The PCA College Service Corps offers college students flexible work hours, an elevated wage, valuable experience toward occupational goals, and the chance to make meaningful connections while serving their community. The program is open to students 18 years of age or older who are currently enrolled in a postsecondary education program in Minnesota. Students commit to 10-, 20-, or 30-week options, spending an average of 10 hours per week working as a PCA. Students are matched with Participants in the Minnesota PCA program who are assessed as needing 10 or more hours of PCA services per day, direct their own care, and are accepted into the PCA College Service Corps. When a match is made, the student meets with the Participant's PCA provider, and if approved, is hired directly by their agency. Training, guidance, and mentoring are provided. In addition to their competitive hourly wage, students can earn between $1,500 and $4,500 as a (taxable) incentive bonus award. The program is funded in part by the State of Minnesota and the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation Fund of the Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation. Although the program is based in Minnesota, it is designed to be replicated nationwide.
"We are honored to receive this recognition from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation," stated Jesse Bethke Gomez, MMA, MCIL Executive Director. "MCIL is committed to removing barriers and helping people with disabilities live their most independent lives. Our work is fully aligned with Minnesota's constitution, which states that 'Government is instituted for the security, benefit and protection of the people, in whom all political power is inherent, together with the right to alter, modify or reform government whenever required by the public good.' This view and the constitutional rights of people, advances independent living as both an individual right, and a community outcome, and are driven to empower people to be whole, housed, and heard. We believe that freedom, safety, and fairness are not optional in systems that affect people's daily lives." Bethke Gomez added, "The Quality of Life grant is a validation of the PCA College Service Corps' potential to advance vibrant communities which in turn is necessary to expand a sustainable economy. This program brings a mindful, human-centered approach to a national crisis, holding great promise in improving the lives of people living with disabilities while building a dedicated workforce of direct care providers. We are grateful to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation for their support of this endeavor."
Personal reflections:
Michelle Vrieze, PCA College Service Corps Administrator, shared: "The PCA College Service Corps has become a new avenue, even a go-to, for people who need PCA assistance. Those with disabilities have faced some dark times with staffing in the wake of the pandemic. I am both humbled and elated to see that this program has become the light that gets in for participants and college students alike. Their bond becomes this beautiful balance: students receive experience, mentoring, and funds for education, and participants receive a partner in care, an advocate, and an ally in achieving independent living. Success comes in building ongoing, meaningful connections that allow everyone to thrive."
PCA College Service Corps Participant Rachel offered: "As a lifelong wheelchair user, PCAs are integral to my life, and critical in supporting my daily living activities. I've traveled and worked across the U.S., earned a master's degree, purchased a home, and work full-time, all thanks to their ever-present support. For the past decade, I have directly overseen my care and personally hired my PCAs. Before the PCA CSC came along, finding support services was incredibly stressful. The PCA CSC has alleviated all that anxiety by providing a network of talented, dedicated PCAs. I'm incredibly grateful for all this program has brought to my life. It's been a bonus to get to know these students, hear about their academic pursuits, and even serve as a mentor in their journeys."
PCA College Service Corps Student James reflected: "I was uncertain about pursuing medical studies, and my school advisor suggested I check out the PCA CSC program. It was a life-changing decision. For the past two summers, I have worked with a PCA CSC Participant, "T." My confidence has grown, and I've gained a greater understanding of people and my ability to meet them where they are. "T" and I have formed a deep bond, sharing life advice and our experiences together. Working as a PCA has solidified my desire to work in the medical field and pursue a meaningful career where I can impact and improve people's lives."
About the Reeve Foundation: The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis. By uniting the brightest minds in the field, we are working tirelessly to accelerate scientific discoveries across the field of spinal cord research by investing in labs across the globe. Additionally, through a cooperati ve agreement with the Administration for Community Living, the Reeve Foundation's National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) promotes the health, well-being, and independence of people living with paralysis, providing comprehensive information, resources, and referral services, assisting over 139,000 individuals and families since its launch in 2002. The Reeve Foundation is committed to elevating our community's voices and needs to achieve greater representation and independence. We meet all 20 of the Better Business Bureau's standards for charity accountability and hold the BBB's Charity Seal. For more information, please visit our website at ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-225-0292.
About MCIL: Jesse Bethke Gomez, MMA, is an award-winning Chief Executive Officer with expertise in executive, strategic, and healthcare leadership. Jesse has served on over 42 Commissions, Boards and Leadership Teams throughout his career. He is among the "100 Most Influential Healthcare Leaders in Minnesota" (MN Physicians 2024, 2020). The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) is a Twin Cities-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1981 with the mission: "To Advance the Independent Living of People with Disabilities by Removing Barriers and Promoting Choices." The agency is dedicated to the full realization of the Independent Living (IL) philosophy by assisting individuals with disabilities in their pursuit of independent living. MCIL is one of eight Centers for Independent Living in Minnesota and a member of the Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent Living. Visit MCIL-MN.org
