October 2020
Vibrance in Shakopee, growing service, outings
"It's real. It's happening. We are starting to come back together."

This was the atmosphere at ProAct in Shakopee as some participants returned to classes and work at the site near Canterbury Park, explains direct service professional Liza Svhiel.

"I think the participants are so grateful, super excited to be back to see their peers and staff," she said. There are mask rules to follow, hand washing, distancing and other protocols, and people are adapting well.

At late-September, the location was serving most people for half days. Two full-day groups were in place by September 21 and a third was expected soon. Department of Human Services rules dictate that participants spend at least two hours in the community to qualify for full days. -more-
After search for programs, family finds match at ProAct

"My son is 40 years old. He has been in and out of several DT&H programs. ProAct has met his needs so much better than the other programs.They allow him a level of independence and choice that he has not had before. He has tried several different classes and tried working in house part of the day. He has decided he likes the classes much better." -more-
Michelle S., Eagan
Endeared Hudson leader will be missed by participants, families, staff
Program Coordinator Margaret Christensen was an impactful leader at ProAct in Hudson, where she grew and adapted the program to meet many needs for participants. She is leaving her position to care for family members and will be missed. ProAct appreciates her service.
It was family all along for retiring staff, decades of service
Paula Neisen, at center
Fun loving direct service staffers Connie Straub and Paula Neisen thrived in ProAct’s setting serving people with disabilities, where they enriched people’s lives each day

Family members introduced them to the world of disability services, where their work became a labor of love. Direct service professionals Paula Neisen and Connie Straub recently retired from ProAct in Shakopee. Their careers here go back to the late 1990s, and experiences that began earlier.
She started the nonprofit’s greenhouse garden program in the early 2000s. There were garage sales, Valentine’s Day, Halloween and Christmas parties. Straub was involved in all of it. And, the bonds she made with people are strong.

“We think we’re teaching them,” said Neisen, who is also a nurse. “They have taught me way more than I taught them. They accept you and love you unconditionally. I never had a job like that.” She came to ProAct, which was then run by Scott County, in 1998, but her connection came much earlier. -more-
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
In October, America celebrates the 75th observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. And, 2020 is the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

ProAct is thankful for the commitment of its employer partners to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities by providing jobs and a supportive environment. They are the champions who truly increase access and opportunity for the people ProAct serves.
ProAct, Inc. | 651-686-0405 | proactinc.org