December 2020
Watch service awards for Red Wing, Shakopee, Hudson participants
Red Wing
Shakopee
Participant awards for years of service were more individualized this year in response to the coronavirus.

Individuals received gifts and recognition at ProAct or in their homes. Key staff members share about this longstanding ProAct tradition and how things were different in 2020.

The Eagan location celebrated with drive-through awards this year. View photos from Eagan on Facebook and watch a video from the snowbound event. View on website.
Hudson, Wisconsin
Holiday blessings, continued service
"Count your blessings" is a phrase we often hear, and we are counting many at ProAct as the year end holidays approach. It is a privilege to serve people and enhance their quality of life.

The coronavirus presented difficulties in 2020, but ProAct continues. People’s needs don’t stop because of a virus, and we are grateful to bring employment, skills training and enrichment offerings to hundreds of individuals across our service areas.

Virtual classes offered remotely have been a bright spot as we adapted to reach -more-
Judie Foster-Lupkin and her spouse, Ed Lupkin.
'Houseman' shines for Red Wing guests

After gaining experience at ProAct and in another job with its support, Michael Halpaus found a satisfying job match at a Red Wing hotel through a friend and receives limited support from the nonprofit.

Halpaus plays a primary cleaning role for many common areas and restrooms. He covers the weight room, front entry and picks up in the parking lot.

As he mopped the floor in the pool area a second time on a busy Friday, the “houseman” talked about the positive environment at Country Inn & Suites on the city’s west side. “Everybody’s friendly here. I like that,” he said. The housekeepers say good morning and wish him a good day. -more-
Ditschler named for Dakota-Scott workforce award
Source: Dakota-Scott Workforce Development Board
The Mark McAfee Friend of Workforce Development Award is presented to an individual who has championed workforce issues at the local, state or federal level.

This year’s recipient is Steve Ditschler. Ditschler, the retiring CEO of ProAct, Inc., headquartered in Eagan, is a longtime member of the Dakota-Scott WDB. His leadership in workforce also extends to the state and national levels serving as a board member of the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) and Minnesota’s Governor’s Workforce Development Board (GWDB). -more-
Holiday fanfare moves online with dozens participating
Dozens of ProAct participants took part in holiday parties and caroling online this year via Zoom, as staff members took screens from office to office in Eagan to share participants' voices and cheer.

Direct service professional Mike Hurley dressed as Santa and read "The Night Before Christmas," said Program Manager Stephanie Osman. She and others have been instrumental in establishing a successful virtual class environment that continues to expand.
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