Long satisfied life, brain injury and all; Ed loved work

Ed Lane did not want to retire. His passion in life was work, and ProAct in Eagan was where he did it.

The 72-year-old was having health issues in January, and his sister and guardian, Peggy Lane, faced a mounting challenge. It was time for Ed to stop working. How would she convince him?

Before his brain injury in 1985, Ed painted commercial buildings and ran a business.

“He really did not want to be gone,” said Peggy. “In fact, I lied to him and said you guys (ProAct) were paying him a fabulous pension. The only way he accepted it was when I told him he would make more money on a retirement pension than he would there.” -more-

Before his brain injury in 1985, Ed painted commercial buildings and ran a business.

Prepared, supported, confident

A thriving, friendly associate at the Salvation Army Thrift Store in downtown Red Wing, Sarah Halpaus prices and tags clothing and helps to keep the sales floor looking sharp.

After mastering one skill, her manager urges her to learn more.

Such partnerships often don’t come about on their own. They need some nudging, someone in the background to connect, support and see things through. That’s where ProAct vocational specialist Melissa Carlson comes in.

A ProAct case manager approached her about Halpaus, who wanted a community job. After three to four years at ProAct, the time was right. -more-

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CEO introduces new president

It’s a time of transition at ProAct, and we are looking forward with anticipation to the resumption of many of the services people have come to know and love.

As you might be aware, we have carefully laid a stable foundation for the nonprofit organization. While we have expanded and grown, we have done so with planning and purpose, assessing the potential risks and rewards of the opportunities we’ve been given.

Yes, the COVID-19 situation is a hardship, but we’ve adjusted and we will continue to adjust our operations to meet changing state guidelines. -more-

President Judie Foster-Lupkin

New ProAct President Judie Foster-Lupkin is a native of Oregon. She's led organizations serving people with disabilities on both the day program and residential sides of the industry.

She had a five-year stint as executive director of Winona ORC, a southeastern Minnesota nonprofit that's similar to ProAct.

"I feel like ProAct is in a good position," said Foster-Lupkin. "It's very diverse. But, it will be challenging to bring people back following the strict guidelines being set forth to prevent the spread of COVID-19."

Fun in the sun, and more for participants

2020 ProAct Golf Classic canceled

It is with deep regret that we are announcing the cancellation of the 2020 ProAct Golf Classic event, which was scheduled for Monday, August 31, due to COVID-19 precautions.

Our one and only fundraising event has been an annual tradition of fun and celebration with golf, fine dining, refreshments, live and silent auctions, and much more. It has been a great tool to showcase our fabulous sponsors and supporters, all with the purpose of raising needed funds for the wonderful people we serve! ProAct had hoped that this pandemic would have been behind us by now. However, for the safety of everyone involved, we felt it was necessary to make the difficult decision to cancel this event. Please read the full announcement.