ProAct Promotions: Doug Cowles Brings Passion for Participants’ Success to His New Role as Program Director

After years of unwavering dedication and heartfelt service, ProAct is celebrating the promotion of one of our remarkable employees, Doug Cowles! With more than 23 years of experience at ProAct, Doug was recently promoted to Program Director, where he will oversee activities and program managers across all our Minnesota and Wisconsin sites.

Doug’s journey at ProAct began in 2000 when he joined ProAct as a Program Manager for the Traumatic Brain Injury/Adult Day Services Program. Deeply moved by ProAct’s mission to empower and support individuals with disabilities, he dedicated his career to making a meaningful impact.

“I do my job for the folks that we serve here at ProAct. I want to make a difference in their lives,” Doug stated after learning of his new promotion. “My top priority is always their satisfaction with our programs, and the goal is for them to become more independent and learn about themselves."

Read the full article on Doug's new role here, and see more about his promotion in the Shakopee Valley News and Sun This Week.

ProAct Participant Jackson Stokesbary Earns Employee of the Month Recognition

Jackson Stokesbary works at a senior home in the café and was recently named employee of the month! His outgoing personality and cheerful demeanor make him a hit among the residents and other staff. Jackson knows everyone’s name and loves giving tours of the building.

When asked how his workday is going, he always responds, “Oh you know, just working hard.”

When he is not at work, Jackson enjoys traveling with family, going to the movies, spending time with friends, and playing with his dog.

Way to go, Jackson!

ProAct Participant Steven Breyer Finds Success in New Job

Working with employment specialist Rick Jirik, ProAct participant Steven Breyer enhanced his interview skills, created a resume, developed job goals, and more.

After strengthening his skills, he found a job as a Donations Sorter at the Hastings Salvation Army. Steven has been working there independently for the last month and a half after receiving some initial job coaching to help him learn his new position. He is enjoying his role and gets along great with his co-workers.

Steven’s manager stated, “We love having Steve here! He is doing great at his job, and all the staff love working with him!"

ProAct Testimonials - What They're Saying

July Was Out of This World for ProAct Participants!

July was full of new adventures and activities across our ProAct sites!

In Red Wing, July kicked off with a summer fun week that included a scavenger hunt, picnic lunch, and visits to Minnehaha Falls and Great Day Farm. The new class schedule includes a number of fun new offerings for participants including Spanish, History of WWII, History of Haunted Places, and History of Animation.

In Eagan, multiple groups visited the Minnesota Zoo, while Yearbook Class had fun taking pictures at Lake Phalen Park and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. For National Take a Photo of Your Pet Day, many participants brought in pictures of their pets to make a giant collage. Water Fun Day also let participants have a blast with water balloons, spray batons and more!

In Hudson, Amazing Animals learned about pandas, turtles and snails, while Culture Club learned about Nelson Mandela and created a symbolic collage encouraging his message of peace and inclusivity. Scavenger Hunt had a wonderful time searching and finding things in the pet shop, and participants even took some time to pet and interact with the cute residents in the shop!

Finally, in Shakopee the Painting Classes were busy creating July 4th pinwheels, happy faces, ladybugs and sharks for Shark Week. Other fun activities included playing BINGO, a monthly dance party, welcoming the bookmobile, World Emoji Day and a Tour De France celebration ProAct Style.

Check out more of ProAct participants' July adventures below!