Fall 2019 - Issue 2
Meeting challenges, making progress, driving production
Stepping up to more responsibilities, Red Wing’s Matt Weisz has improved his reliability, works well with everyone and can ramp up production as needed, explains ProAct Production Supervisor Courtney Horne. Weisz, above right with supervisor Dave Runge, manages the garage floor mats cutting table. He and his crew are capable of producing more than 700 of the large mats each week. “They’re all really good at ProAct,” said Weisz. “And, they’re all here to help me if I need something.”
Support our Autism Center through 'Give to the Max'
November 14 is Give to the Max Day and we are inviting you to join in the fun with a gift to ProAct, a Meets Standards® nonprofit. Give to the Max Day is Minnesota’s 24-hour online give-a-thon, but your donations can be made earlier.

Funds raised this year will help supply our new Autism Center which will provide our participants a safe and calming environment to go to when the stressors of the day become too much. For more information and to donate, please visit our fundraising page.
New recognition events cover east, southwest metro locations
ProAct in Hudson recently held its First Annual Recognition Awards Banquet to recognize participants with disabilities, eat and share some good cheer with families. Participants and staff made seven different homemade desserts and shared memories on camera to mark the occasion. “We have 24 participants, and we have the most fun that anybody could have here,” said Program Coordinator Margaret Christensen. “We spend as much time out in the community as possible.”
 
In past years, the group and families attended ProAct’s Recognition Banquet in Red Wing, but some participants had difficulty making the out-of-town trip. “It’s great that we’re able to do this and provide this opportunity for these guys, to make them feel special,” she said. “And to know that we (the staff) are here because of them, and only because of them.” The coordinator also thanked her group of staff members who helped make the event possible and provide wisdom and expertise in their front-line support each day. ProAct’s Wisconsin service facility celebrates 10 years of service in 2019. -view photos-
The annual Fall Festival event at New Options- ProAct in Shakopee featured dozens of costumes, a photo booth, food, a DJ and a dance. New this year were service awards, and the highest honor went to 45-year participant Terry Olhow, who dressed up as a medical doctor. 

“What is so great about our program is the folks we serve, our participants,” said Rebel Rozeboom, a ProAct direct service professional. Staff are greeted like rock stars, and everyone takes an interest in birthdays and personal accomplishments, she explained. Every person matters, and is treated with dignity and respect, said Rozeboom.

The program serves 96 participants with disabilities and has many community outings and volunteers to help out each day. -view photos-
ProAct Business Partner Network meets, plans strategy
ProAct VP Kim Feller kicked off the first meeting of the ProAct Business Partner Network, a group of committed employers that seeks to increase opportunities for people with disabilities and grow connections between their businesses and ProAct.

“We want to diversify the workforce,” said Feller to a gathering of business reps. “That’s the key. The workforce needs these individuals.”

Over a continental breakfast in Eagan, representatives from Travelers Insurance, Hastings YMCA, Walgreens, Dick’s Sanitation and others learned more about ProAct’s core services from Feller and ProAct managers. -more-
50th Open House for Red Wing
More than 200 people attended the 50th Anniversary Open House celebration for ProAct in Red Wing on October 24. Chamber Ambassadors and The Red Wing Port Authority were joined by a past executive director, former board members, former staff, families and many others.

Another exciting aspect was a Minnesota House Resolution of congratulations from Rep. Barb Haley which she signed, along with the Speaker of the House and the Chair of the Rules and Legislative Administration.

Sen. Mike Goggin of Red Wing was also on hand and shared some kind words in support of the organization. -more-
ProAct Playhouse covers sports, attitudes about winning
Two adapted sports triathlon teams went head to head- one led by a "win at all costs" coach and the other by an encouraging leader who believed in his players.

In the end, the audience learns the back story of the first coach, who was never good enough for his father's unreasonable expectations. The passionate ProAct Playhouse performance at Lakeville Area Arts Center on November 7 brought hard hitting lines and humorous quips to an audience of families and supporters.

Written and performed almost entirely by people with disabilities, "Brave in the Attempt" shared the joys of sportsmanship, the struggles for reputation and success and the deep-seated hurts that sometimes lie below the surface. Thanks to everyone who came and supported this excellent group.
Rewarding careers to consider
The human services field is one of the best as people see the difference they make in the lives of others. Do you know anyone we should talk to? ProAct is hiring.
Your support can improve people's lives

If you believe in the Mission and Vision of ProAct, would you consider making a contribution? This support helps us to offer more opportunities to the individuals we serve. You can also support us by designating ProAct, Inc. as your charity of choice for Amazon purchases using Amazon smile . Email us or call Patty at 651-289-3149.
ProAct, Inc. | 651-686-0405 | info@proactinc.org | proactinc.org