September 2022 Issue 1
In this issue: Advocating for accessibility . . . Goals, leadership. . . Enrichment
New board chair talks funding, improvement, future focus
As a key provider in the disability services field, one of ProAct’s main tasks as an organization will be to keep a good handle on the changing landscape of funding sources and the emphasis being placed on programming, says new ProAct Board Chair Dr. John Christiansen.

“It’s not just saying ‘This is what we do, and we always do it this way.’ We are looking at better ways of serving the needs of our clients,” he said.

The former Intermediate School District 917 superintendent who served in such roles for 50 years said ProAct will continue to find ways to assist people with disabilities who need services as the number of providers continues to diminish. -more-
$1,500 hiring bonus unveiled
By the numbers | July 2022
  • 701 participants served
  • 40,951 hours of service
Personal growth, successful Panera job bring independence
A tremendous growth in confidence and a new job at Panera Bread in Burnsville are the fruits of Michelle Bodurtha’s labor, explains ProAct employment specialist Chandra Wigfield.

“She should be very proud of herself,” said Wigfield, who helped her to break down job duties into weekly goals to reach her long-term desire to work independently.

Bodurtha’s vocational experiences began in 2015 via group employment (enclave) services at ProAct. Over a five-year span, she worked at a number of sites, building her skill-sets as she progressed. With this broad base of work skills, she was able to obtain employment washing dishes at Panera.

“Michelle really enjoys working at Panera as she has met some really nice people and likes the food,” said her father, Dave Bodurtha. “We really appreciate the work you put in helping her find a job.” -more-
Advocating for park accessibility, enjoyment
By Senior Program Manager
Ali Brown
Beginning January 10, I had the privilege of sitting on the Cedar Lake Farm Equitable Shore Fishing Project Committee in Shakopee, which received a grant to improve and preserve the regional parks’ shoreline.

ProAct in Shakopee visits the Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park several times throughout the year with a favorite activity being the “Let’s Go Fishing” excursions and picnic lunches. In my committee meetings I was able to share the experiences through the eyes of our participants, namely their excitement and the fun they have visiting the park.

The committee is headed by Scott County, in partnership with Three Rivers Park District. It held several virtual meetings and two on-site. At the virtual meetings a vast array of experiences were shared, but people mainly spoke of improvements that could make the park more accessible and preserve the shoreline. -more-
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee
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Leadership development meshes with goals for 2023
Life is much about priorities, and ProAct’s efforts to set achievable goals helps the nonprofit to build up its programs for people with disabilities and the managers who operate them.
“It’s always been my goal to develop new leaders,” said Vice President Kim Feller. “You set up priorities and it feeds down to your staff, as well.”
Managers are strengthened and programs become better as people focus on outcomes, she said. There’s an increasing focus at ProAct on a business-type model as this combines with a human service perspective with its mission services. -more-
Staff spotlight, 15-year veteran
Each month ProAct in Red Wing highlights a Day Support Services staff member. For August, staff interviewed longtime direct service professional Beverly Dols.
How many children do you have? Two – Adam and Kirsten

Do you have pets? Two dogs – Cooper and Bently

Do you have grandchildren? Not yet.

What is your favorite thing about ProAct? 
The variation day-to-day

How was your daughter’s wedding (Tayler and Kirsten)? Fun!

What are your hobbies? Reading and puzzles

What is your favorite food? Mexican

A dream vacation? West coast, road trips
Bucket list? Visit all 50 states

How long have you been with ProAct? 15 years
Enrichment program highlights
Love for reading, animal adventures, Stockholm pie, Robin Hood
A new "Little Free Library" is the work of Red Wing's Orland Haack and staff at his Lake City home. The project was featured in the newspaper.

From a farm to the Minnesota Zoo and National Eagle Center, a "furry" of activity around animals of many types netted engaging smiles and curiosity. Pie cookies
on Lake Pepin in Stockholm, Wis. and "Robin Hood" at the Sidekick Theatre in Bloomington made outings extra special. -more-
Sweet varieties, Native American traditions, joys of Polka
In-center activities in Shakopee took a sweet turn with cookies, chocolate and cold treats provided by the Auction Basket winning bidder in June. "God's Eye" magical crafts drew on Native American culture, "Dork Day" was an excuse to be silly and Polka players were begged to stay for the musical joys they shared. -more-
Splash pad, lake activities, volunteerism continue to enthrall
Is there a saying that says, “keep doing what you enjoy?” asks Senior Program Manager Ali Brown in Shakopee. “If not, there should be.”

Participants and staff played safely at the Shakopee Lions Park Splash pad, fished and went for pontoon rides at Cedar Lake Farm and "had a ball" applying labels at Feed My Starving Children. -more-
Veggies of their labor, water balloons, Action Team, diets
Vegetables abounded in ProAct's Red Wing garden, where people tasted and took home some fine examples. The site also assembled another Thrivent Action Team, this one to assist families with school supplies. Back on the food train, participants and staff delved into multiple diet forms, with mixed reviews. -more-
ProAct, Inc. | 651-686-0405 | proactinc.org