ProAct, Inc.

 

 

ProAct, 3195 Neil Armstrong Boulevard,  Eagan, Minnesota  55121

PROACT Post 
Enhancing Lives ... Exploring Opportunities  ... News from ProAct, Inc.   

February 2018

Farmington crew- pride in their work
Video: Pastor shares his experience
"We get a good service with the folks
Pastor shares his experience 
 
who come in to take care of our building," said Farmington Lutheran Senior Pastor Kevin Woestehoff. "They love coming here." He has enjoyed getting to know the ProAct crew. 
New Options steady as ProAct transitions 
Long time New Options participant Randy Barrington, left, and Designated Coordinator Rick Gregor pose with a parts assembly display on the work floor in Shakopee.
Stability, activity, service and staying power have helped define New Options in Shakopee, a Scott County Day Training and Habilitation provider that joined with ProAct in January.
 
"I am excited to help lead the transition," said Director Ali Brown. "I hope that the growth will enhance our program and make it even better."

Housed in a single level building with other social service agencies just across a field from Canterbury Park, New Options kept its name, and almost all of its staff as it came under ProAct management. Scott County worked for two years to consider options for the 50-year-old program, which had been the last county run operation of its kind in Minnesota. Read more
 
Catching on: ice fishing at New Options 
Families donated funds for an ice fishing day trip for New Options participants. Four guys, a staff member and a volunteer spent two and a half hours and caught some sunfish and a perch, explains Program Coordinator Jamie Mohlin with New Options. Much of the fun involved visiting in the heated trailer, as it took time to get a few bites.
ProAct Playhouse to adapt "A Midsummer Night's Dream in May

The ProAct Playhouse spring production delves into the realm of Shakespeare, with a unique adaptation of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in early June at Lakeville Area Arts Center.

Director Amanda Thomm said the cast is really looking forward to the dances, choreography and the romantic scenes. The production will feature some of the play's original language, with much of the old English translated into modern day language. Former Director Matt Briggs is on leave from ProAct until the end of May, but will provide some assistance.

Where: Lakeville Area Arts Center 
When:  Early June 
Suggested donation: $15 
ProAct 2017 Annual Report now available


The theme is "Focus on people, their work, their lives," and ProAct's 2017 Annual Report offers important information about the nonprofit, and a recap of the 2017 fiscal year. 

Legislators visited ProAct facilities, U.S. District Judge Donovan Frank met participants on site and hosted them in his courtroom, parents assembled to discuss system changes and individuals were placed in jobs that fit their skills.  The report also contains key financial data and detailed information about programs and the number of people served.
Aspiring ProAct model meets trailblazing disability beauty  
Miss Minnesota contestant Mikeala Holmgren, left, met aspiring model Julie Green.

ProAct's Julie Green has a dream to work as a model. Mikeala Holmgren is doing it.  Both women have disabilities.

Green met Holmgren,
the first woman with Down syndrome to compete in the Miss Minnesota USA Pageant.  The recent meet and greet event in Bloomington featured Miss USA, Miss Minnesota and beauties from other states. Green was flattered when some asked if she was Mikeala. Holmgren is believed to be the first person with Down syndrome to compete nationwide, according to a story in the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
 
ProAct Valentines 4 everyone


Top photos: New Options spreads the love on Valentine's Day with balloons in 12 different styles, and balloon bouquets made for sale at modest prices.  Anagram provided the balloons for the fundraiser, which netted nearly $1,400 for animal and music therapy, theater experiences, boat cruises and other activities. Bottom photo: Eagan staff were pleasantly surprised by a Valentine takeover in the form of balloons in pink and red shades.  Nadia Sanchez decorated.
"The Seventy2" survival pack on "Shark Tank" ramps up for 7,000 more units

Entreprenuer Eric Janowak, right, with ProAct participants in Eagan, spent hours to get a thorough feel for the operation.

After Mentioning ProAct on the popular "Shark Tank" television program, and calling for 3,000 of "The Seventy2 Survival System" packs in the days before Christmas, Edge Marketing and its customer, Uncharted Supply Co., are calling for 7,000 more kits to be assembled by ProAct in Eagan.

The backpack-base of items sells for $350 to $360, and features 35 top quality tools to help people to survive a hurricane, earthquake, or any emergency situation, according to Unchartered. Watch for a full story in ProAct's People Achieving print newsletter.
 
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