Honoring Outlook Associates & the Power of Peer Support

In this episode, we sit down with Outlook Nebraska’s 2025 Associate of the Year, Morie Dinovo, First Shift Team Facilitator, and the Outlook Nebraska 2025 Peter J. Salmon Associate of the Year, Mortel Crawford, Second Shift Finisher. They share insights into their roles and time at Outlook, and what this recognition means to them.

We’re also joined by Ross Pollpeter, Program Facilitator at Outlook Enrichment, who offers a behind-the-scenes look at our peer support groups. He’s joined by Tim Green, an Outlook Enrichment client, who opens up about his personal journey with vision loss and how he got connected with Outlook. Together, Ross and Tim discuss the importance of keeping support groups peer-led and how these spaces foster meaningful community and connection.

Celebrating Two Decades of Dedication With Ben Micek

This year, we’re honored to celebrate a very special milestone, Ben Micek’s 20th anniversary at Outlook Nebraska. Ben has been an essential part of our team for two decades, and his journey exemplifies both personal and professional growth, as well as the importance of creating equal opportunity for individuals from all backgrounds. Having been with Outlook since nearly the beginning, Ben has a unique perspective on how far the organization has come from moving locations and expanding shifts to launching new products and programs. He’s been here through it all.

 

How Early Support Systems Empowered Ben’s Journey

Ben’s journey with vision loss began at birth. He was born blind in his right eye and with no peripheral vision in his left. While the exact cause is unknown, he believes it may be genetic. Later, at age 18, he was also diagnosed with glaucoma, an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve, leading to vision loss over time. His family believes his diagnosis may have been triggered by the stress of undergoing multiple surgeries during childhood. Fortunately, there are treatments today that help slow or prevent vision loss from the disease.

His Individualized Education Program (IEP) ensured he had the accommodations and tools needed to succeed academically. Support from the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (NCBVI) provided orientation and braille training in his early high school years, helping him build essential skills for independence. Throughout it all, his family offered constant encouragement, reinforcing his confidence and determination to thrive.

It was NCBVI who first connected Ben with Outlook Nebraska through its Work and Gain Experience in the Summer (WAGES) program in 2005. At the time, he was looking to gain real-world work experience and connect with others in the blind and visually impaired (BVI) community. The six-week program, designed for BVI youth ages 16–21, offers job training along with skill-building and social opportunities.

 

Creating a Long-Term Career at Outlook Nebraska

Ben joined Outlook Nebraska when the organization was just five years old, working out of its former I Street location before the move. He recalls a highly collaborative environment where everyone wore multiple hats, shared workspaces, and came together to support one another as the organization’s mission took shape.

Today, Ben serves as an Accounting Associate, a role he’s held throughout his time at Outlook. He plays a key role in Outlook’s financial operations, managing accounts payable and handling bill payments for Outlook Nebraska and its related entities. “I knew nothing about accounting or Excel when I started,” Ben says. “Everything I’ve learned, I’ve learned here.” This year, he led the rollout of a new electronic filing system, a significant initiative that replaced outdated processes and helped streamline operations across departments. To support his daily work, adaptive technologies such as ZoomText, CCTVs, and VoiceOver are his go-tos.

Among Ben’s favorite memories at Outlook is being named Associate of the Year and traveling to Washington, D.C. to attend a National Industries for the Blind (NIB) conference. Reflecting on what has meant the most to him during his career, Ben shares, “Just having Outlook see me as me. They don’t define me by my visual impairment; they see my potential.”

 

Ben’s Path to Self-Advocacy and Higher Education

Ben’s journey at Outlook has shaped him in many ways. “I’ve become more confident and outgoing,” he shares. “The people here definitely played a part in that, beyond just teaching me new skills.” Following the loss of his father, Ben experienced a major turning point in his life that led to even greater personal growth. “I had to reinvent myself,” he says. “I became my own advocate, something I wasn’t able to do when I was younger.”

In 2024, Ben earned his associate’s degree in Business and General Studies, fulfilling a goal he had been considering for some time. He credits a conversation with a fellow Outlook associate for giving him the push he needed to enroll at Metropolitan Community College. “If you have the drive and the right support system, whether that’s family or an organization, chase your dream if it’s what you want,” he says.

Having lived these experiences, Ben hopes more individuals in the BVI community are given the same opportunities. “Give people a second chance, or give more people who are BVI a first chance, by finding jobs or opportunities for them,” he says.

 

A female Outlook Nebraska associate is placing toilet paper into a box. Text: "Creating Opportunity. Transforming Lives. Together we're redefining vision. Let's connect."

 

Over the years, Ben has become a reliable figure for our associates, not only due to his dedication to his role but also because of his sense of humor, positivity, and perspective. Ben has consistently demonstrated what is achievable when individuals are empowered to grow, learn, and feel a sense of belonging. His voice and experiences are vital parts of our history, and we are grateful for the insights he has shared with us. Ben, thank you for 20 years of loyalty, impact, and heart. We’re lucky to have you on our team.

Want to help create more stories like Ben’s? Learn how you can support Outlook’s mission of positively impacting everyone who is blind or visually impaired through employment and community programs. Get involved today!

Teeing Up New Experiences & Smart Estate Planning

In this episode, we meet two Outlook associates who aren’t afraid to step outside their comfort zones. Marisa Ethofer, Outlook Nebraska’s HR Generalist, and Megan Mackie, Outlook Enrichment’s Community Events Coordinator, both took a swing at something new by participating in Outlook Enrichment’s Blind Golfers Clinic on our golf simulator and later hitting the greens at our annual Tee It Up Fore Sight tournament. They share their stories of practicing, playing, and embracing the unexpected.

We’re also joined by attorney Steve Schmidt, who breaks down the basics of estate planning, why it matters, especially if you or a loved one has a disability and receives government assistance, and how to protect your assets for the future.

Dennis Nelson Talks Life and Radio With Guest Jill Thomas


In this special episode, the mic is turned around! Jill Thomas, former co-host of Pat and JT in the Morning on Sweet 98.5 (KQKQ) and current host of the Pat & JT podcast, takes the lead to interview our usual host, Dennis Nelson.

In their conversation, Dennis opens up about his upbringing, including being adopted and living with congenital blindness caused by detached retinas. He reflects on his path through various jobs before discovering his true passion: radio. Dennis shares how that passion grew into a fulfilling career and marked a new chapter when he connected with Outlook.

The Power of Adaptation in Recreation & Life

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Michael Messerole and Glen Wragge from the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s School of Health and Kinesiology. Both have played a key role in shaping Outlook Enrichment’s Adaptive Recreation Program.

They share the creative challenges and rewarding moments they’ve encountered while working with youth who are blind or visually impaired, and how these experiences have reshaped the way they teach, plan, and think about inclusion in physical activity.

We’re also joined by Keli O’Dell, a machine operator at Outlook Nebraska who has been part of our team for seven years. Born with cataracts that led to lifelong low vision, Keli opens up about his journey and what working at Outlook has meant to him personally and professionally.

Meet Mo Crawford: Outlook Nebraska’s 2025 Peter J. Salmon Associate of the Year

Outlook recognizes several associates yearly for embodying our organization’s core values and culture. This year, it was a win for all of us to hear that Mortel “Mo” Crawford is our 2025 Peter J. Salmon Associate of the Year. Mo’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and finding joy in every chapter of life. From overcoming life-altering challenges to building a career and a life full of passion and purpose, Mo inspires everyone he meets. We’re proud to share his story, a powerful reminder of how your mindset can change your life.

 

Facing the Unthinkable & Finding a New Way Forward

In 2019, Mortel began working at Mama’s Kitchen after earning his degree in culinary arts. However, small businesses, particularly restaurants, faced significant challenges during that time, and Mo found himself seeking a new career opportunity. That’s when he joined Outlook Nebraska as a temporary associate on our manufacturing floor to help meet the rising demand for toilet paper due to the pandemic. Mo was an essential part of our team during that busy year, and we quickly recognized that he was someone we wanted to keep on board. Finding a hard worker is important, but discovering someone who can brighten a room and improve the atmosphere just by being himself is rare.

Mo’s journey with vision loss began when he was 24 years old. After a long day laying sod at work, he often enjoyed a typical evening hanging out with friends and playing dominoes. On one of those evenings, he decided to run to the liquor store. As he exited the store, gunshots rang out, believed to have come from a green car, but Mo couldn’t see where they originated. Tragically, what he witnessed in the parking lot that night would be the last thing he ever saw.

Mo woke up about a month later in a rehabilitation center, unable to walk, talk, or see. Although losing any of these abilities was devastating, the most excruciating part for him was the shock therapy treatment used to help him regain his voice. He endured several months of rehabilitation, undergoing a series of electric shocks, each session feeling like a trip to hell. Eventually, he could whisper, and with time, he regained his ability to talk. Unfortunately, regaining his eyesight wasn’t an option.

 

Mo’s Journey to Independence & Culinary Success

“I sat around the house for at least a year, angry at the world, wondering why this had to happen to me.”

Mo had gone from being fully sighted to completely blind without any preparation, forcing him to start fresh. While attending monthly counseling sessions with his counselor from the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired was a good start, going to their training center in Lincoln would be a more beneficial option. Although he was just becoming comfortable in his own home, the thought of being “dropped” at an unfamiliar location in Lincoln for cane travel training was daunting. The push to face uncomfortable situations made Mo realize he had the strength to make a comeback.

Before he knew it, he made trips to the local grocery store and hailed cabs back to the training center faster than any of his peers. With a mix of sounds, smells, and ingredients he gathered from the store, Mo began serving up crowd-pleasing meals. People lined up when he announced his special of the day over the intercom, and his food quickly disappeared.

After completing his training in Lincoln, Mo started taking culinary classes. He laughed as he recalled how Metropolitan Community College had likely never worked with a blind culinary student before his arrival. His vision loss made everyone nervous, as the college feared it might be dangerous. It took a combination of Mo learning the ropes and his instructors adapting their teaching methods to help him complete his degree. It was a new challenge for everyone involved.

During that semester, students were challenged to create an omelet while wearing sleep shades. Mo confidently claimed he was the top chef in that competition, producing a better omelet than the head chef. To this day, breakfast remains his favorite meal to cook. The combination of eggs, bacon, sausage, and hash browns is always mouth-watering.

 

Finding Joy in All Life Has to Offer

Before losing his eyesight, he hadn’t experienced the pride of creating something with his own two hands. He learned that careful preparation and precise measurements were essential for producing sturdy and stable objects. Mo hopes to one day have his garage filled with tools to handcraft furniture and other creations. There is no doubt that whatever he sets out to achieve, he will succeed.

We have observed him applying the same logic at Outlook during recreational and sporting events. If the initial technique is correct, it leads to success in adaptive sports such as axe throwing, bowling, beep baseball, paddleboarding, CrossFit, and even mechanical bull riding. These activities are Mo’s favorite part of working at Outlook. On weekends, you might find him tandem bike riding, taking a cemetery tour on Ollie the Trolley, or floating down the river on an innertube. Mo enjoys participating in Outlook’s Christmas parties, town hall meetings, and annual company retreats. It is truly a pleasure to have him at any event.

After facing and overcoming various challenges, Mo has much to be proud of. He has learned to be comfortable in public, navigate the city, earn a degree, and thrive in a new job, regardless of the position. Talking about his family brings him the greatest joy. Over the past year, he has reconnected with his son’s mother, gotten engaged, become the primary income earner, and provided a home and car for his fiancée and 15-year-old son. Three months before he was shot and lost his vision, Mo had the opportunity to see his newborn son, Mortel “MJ” Junior, for the first time. Mo’s fiancé and son have their own health challenges, but with him in their lives, they have a great example of how to keep their heads up and push forward. Congratulations Mo!

“Make sure you tell them MJ is taller than me now. He was just a premie when he was born. I could hold his whole body in my hand. Now he’s strong and bigger than me.”

 

Graphic with Outlook associate placing toilet paper into a box. Text: "Culture That Empowers, Work That Inspires. Join us in shaping brighter futures. Submit Interest Form."

 

Whether taking on a new hobby, building a life with his family, or simply brightening a coworker’s day with humor, Mo reminds us that life’s greatest moments are often found in how we respond to adversity. We are grateful to have Mo as part of the Outlook family. His impact reaches far beyond his daily work; it lives in the spirit of every associate, volunteer, and program participant he encounters. Congratulations again, Mo, on being named our 2025 Peter J. Salmon Associate of the Year.

To learn more about Outlook Nebraska and how you can be part of our mission, please fill out our contact form.