Congratulations to Bri Otto! Bri Otto has been promoted to the position of ProAct’s Employment Development Services Manager. In her new role, she will manage a team of Employment Specialists providing services out of ProAct’s Eagan, Red Wing and Shakopee locations. Bri has worked for ProAct for over 10 years, starting as a Direct Service Professional in ProAct’s Red Wing office. She transitioned to the Employment Development team in 2018 and has helped countless youth and adults with disabilities in the job exploration and job search processes. Congratulations, Bri!

New Policy Manual Helps Guide Principles and Mission at ProAct Over the past year, ProAct placed a focus on expanding and enhancing its staff policy manual with a final product just unveiled in January of 2023. This project was complex as different policies were followed at different locations, procedures and forms were intertwined with policy, and there were policies that contained old, outdated information. Some new policies also needed further development to ensure maximized outcomes and service for participants. A team was formed to gather the existing information and break it down into policies, procedures and forms. While this sounds like a simple task, it was very involved and time consuming! We are thankful for the wonderful, dedicated group who helped us get this done! The overall policy is reinforcing our “ProAct as One” business model to move the organization forward.

In Home Support Services in Red Wing Expanding Skills and Self-Esteem Recently, Peter James BB started “in-home support services” with ProAct. He was interested in getting some help with doing his grocery shopping, learning to cook for himself, organizing his apartment and developing social activities to participate in.   Peter meets with Steve, IHS Case Coordinator from ProAct, at least once a week to get his groceries and do other activities. They immediately went out and purchased pots and pans and are focusing on recipes and learning to cook! Peter loves all the food they make and can freeze a number of portions for other meals during the week.  They have also been able to get out and do a few fun outings in the community!

My daughter with special needs was in need of employment assistance. ProAct was assigned to help. We found the services to be very valuable. They took the time to talk to and observe my daughter. They also went on many interviews. An internship was suggested. This led to a job for my daughter. She enjoys it and I can see the difference in her self esteem.  Thank you ProAct, nice job! - Jim T., Parent of a Participant Thank you for all you do with Cindy! She is so happy with the classes & spending time at ProAct…..it’s a great program!  - Sister of Participant

Maintaining Skills Class Gives Back to Senior in Apple Valley What a snowy winter it has been so far! Between shoveling the walkway, driveway and clearing off the snow and ice from her car, the Maintaining Skills participants have had a busy season of snow shoveling for a senior living in Apple Valley. ProAct is proud to volunteer our time to help seniors receiving services through DARTS in Dakota County!

Eagan, Shakopee and Hudson Sites Explore New Adventures, and Red Wing Site Returns to a Community Favorite January was filled with new community outing adventures for all Day Support locations and a return to a much beloved community activity for the participants in Red Wing.  Participants from Shakopee had the best time visiting SeaQuest in Roseville. Everyone loved the hands-on experience with all the animals. Some favorites were the snakes and the wallaby.  Hudson participants visited Snake Discovery in Maplewood. Participants were amazed at all the different reptiles and snakes and were very brave petting a snake. The coolest feature was being able to crawl into a glass enclosure to get up close and personal with the resident alligator, Rex.  Participants in Eagan headed to Mall of America for some mini golfing at Moose Mountain. Things got competitive in this 18-hole adventure course, and Charlie received a free ride at Nickelodeon Universe for a hole-in-one!   Red Wing participants were super excited to return to one of their all-time favorite outings: Great Day Farm. Great Day Farm provides participants the opportunity to engage in recreational activities in games in a big open space. Participants played indoor bowling and cracked out the giant parachute.  

Day Support Services January Highlights

Who wouldn't be smiling after a fun day at SeaQuest? Shakopee celebrating Rubber Ducky Day!

Red Wing had a blast at Great Day Farm!

Red Wing's community outreach project last month was to assemble kits for people facing homelessness.

Red Wing's new schedule of classes started on January 3, and classes include Yarn Club, Coffee Talk and Jewelry Making.

Eagan participants headed to the Mall of America for some mini golf last month! Reptiles and Amphibians class experienced and braved a new adventure to Snake Discovery. 

Hudson participants had an adventurous day at the Historic Courthouse in Stillwater.

Everyone enjoyed their day at SeaQuest!

January by the Numbers Total Hours: 37,833 Participants Served: 721 Independent Hires: 9 

Monthly, ProAct’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee focuses on educating staff, participants and stakeholders in areas of culture, diversity and disability. The committee chooses one diversity related area and a disability as its educational focuses for the month. Bulletin boards, e-mails, class projects and other tools are used to educate staff and participants at each of our four locations. The committee chose Martin Luther King and Louis Braille for the month of January!

Choose a Career with Impact Want to build a meaningful career and make a difference? Check out ProAct's amazing career opportunities and join our team! We are currently searching for a Case Coordinator in Eagan and Direct Service Professionals at all four of our locations. Learn more and apply today! 

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ProAct Inc | www.proactinc.org

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