In this issue: History of electric coop support . . . Meet volunteer . . . hiring bonus

Opportunity sometimes knocks through a family connection and a seasonal gig. That’s the story with Milo Sveum at Cabela’s in Woodbury.

It was Christmastime in 2020, and the store needed an elf, in costume, for its Winter Wonderland. Working at Santa’s side, Sveum entertained children at the sporting goods store. He was encouraged to apply by his sister, who worked there.

“When the holiday was over, I was offered a permanent job in maintenance,” he said. To take this on, he asked for long-term support from ProAct, and Case Coordinator Linda Koenig checks in Sveum and his supervisors every two weeks. -more-

In the last weeks of summer, ProAct participants enrolled in Eagan’s Day Support Services maintaining skills class finished their “Adopt a Yard” project where they volunteered to mow the lawn for an elderly couple in need.

But the crew isn’t finished volunteering just yet, they are moving right on to the next season with lots of raking and bagging to come this fall, said Jessica Gruber, Employment Coordination Manager.

Growing up, I had always taken an interest in assisting my classmates with disabilities when attending school, and after spending some time working in a group home in Duluth, I was excited at the opportunity to interview for a job at ProAct. I learned about it through my brother, who worked here at the time.

Starting as a vocational specialist in the summer of 2013, my job was primarily focused on working with a wide range of individuals with different backgrounds. I would assist in training them at various work sites in different fields such as retail, clerical, and even a doggy daycare. -more-

ProAct joins family and friends to mourn the loss of a number of program participants over the past 14 months, some having been with the nonprofit for decades. So many good memories and times spent together.

Eric Aalgard

Dalyn Bruemmer

Robert Davis

Delmar Eppen

Deb Ferenz

Judy Helget

Amy Lucky

David Severson

Randall Stack

Carmen Strom

For more than 20 years, the Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative (MVEC) has been more than generous with granting our program’s many “Round Up” submissions. These grants have supported many community class outings, cooking class supplies, sensory items, board games, art supplies, smart TV’s, garden tools, and most recently, our basketball hoops. -more-

"II am writing to express my appreciation and thanks for the work of you and your folks at ProAct. Sarah has benefited greatly from her participation and she always says nice things about her 'job.' ProAct and its people are in our prayers regularly, especially your DSPs. I am sure it can be a difficult occupation at times and am grateful for the folks who make themselves available for this important work."

-John R., Father of Sarah

ProAct is resuming the Walgreens REDI training program in October at a Walgreens in Savage. In store training is running three days per week, with and one day of classroom instruction at ProAct in Shakopee.

“This is a great opportunity for students and adults who want to build their skills and work experience in a retail setting,” said Employment Development Manager Anna Cahak. ProAct will offer a subsequent training in January 2023.

The Minnesota Capitol will look different this next year when the Legislature begins its session. Two legislators in ProAct’s southeastern service area, Representative Barb Haley (R-Red Wing), and Senator Mike Goggin (R-Red Wing) will no longer hold those offices.

“We thank both of them for their service and for being advocates for ProAct and the individuals we serve,” said ProAct Case Coordinator Gloria Solsaa. With new people running for both the House and Senate roles, ProAct staff and participants took the opportunity to inform the candidates about who they are and the history of Home and Community Based Services.

Red Wing staff briefly interviewed summer volunteer Dalton Wittenberg, son of ProAct Case Coordinator Angie Wittenberg.

Favorite foods? Steak and burgers

What do you do in your spare time? Go to dirt track races and play my Xbox

Favorite part of volunteering at ProAct? Spending time with the participants. It’s fun!

Favorite sports team? Cleveland Guardians baseball.

Supporting students with school supplies, checking out county fairs, and helping Ronald McDonald House, ProAct participants and staff have been busy.

A trip and tour of Target Field in Minneapolis and birds, buds and sun at a farm closer to home, sweet treats in Stockholm, Wis. and a luau at the Red Wing Elks Club were a good mix of top notch community offerings. -more-

A positive meet up with police, adaptive park recreation, Robin Hood live, picnics, reading for rewards, fishing and pontoon action kept Shakopee participants beyond engaged. -more-

Goodhue County 4-H members practiced their musical before a ProAct audience in Red Wing, where summer fun abounded with activities, food and games. -more-

National Ice Cream Sandwich Day in Shakopee satisfied some sweet teeth. Guided painting and "inner pirates" got creative with the brushes and costumes. Fun sized chocolates were donated and used for bingo prizes and a suggestion box received ideas of exciting places to go and see next. -more-

Are you and those you know aware of ProAct's $1,500 hiring bonus? Great careers with an added incentive. See our openings.