ProAct Post

Employment Success Stories

Jim Finds Professional Fulfillment at Kwik Trip

ProAct’s Employment Support Services assist individuals with maintaining competitive employment in the community. The journey before getting to employment support takes time and commitment. Jim’s story reflects that.

Prior to independent employment, Jim worked at several ProAct Group Employment (enclave) sites. When the pandemic hit and ProAct’s Eagan enclaves closed, Jim was presented with a decision on what to do next. He decided he would like to continue working and began taking employment planning classes to prepare for independent employment. While preparing for work, Jim also enrolled in enrichment classes three days a week.

In June of 2022, Jim was hired at Kwik Trip as a retail helper working 15 hours each week. Jim is a naturally friendly guy, and he says the most enjoyable part of his job is engaging with his customers and co-workers. He recently had a review and was given a raise and high praise from his manager!

Andrew Grows His Career Skills at Culver's

Andrew began utilizing services with ProAct in December of 2021. Andrew and his family explored numerous opportunities to build skills. This included participating in ProAct’s Production Skills Exploration Services and ProAct's Paid Work Experience Program at the Eagan Hardware Hank.

After these two successful experiences, Andrew and his team decided it was time to look for independent employment and work with an employment specialist. After less than two weeks, Andrew was hired on at Culver's in West Saint Paul, and has now been there for over five months! He has received a raise and is doing very well. Andrew's father stated that this has been a positive step in his life and helped Andrew discover what he is capable of.

My teacher Robin - she makes me feel awesome because she understands me. I love how she does her classes because she gets everyone involved. She always has a smile on her face and makes everyone feel welcome. She always tells me about new things to try or see.

She's one of the best teachers in the world. We are all lucky to have her!

- Joey J., Participant in Virtual Programming

I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate and enjoy your BLASTs. Love the photos and hearing about the fun things you do at ProAct. What great programming you have!! And I so appreciate all the fun opportunities you give the clients.

- Sue G.

Maintaining Skills Class Gives Back with Meals on Wheels

ProAct and Meals on Wheels partnered up again to deliver much needed meals to people in the community!

Abby, Leo and Heather were happy to help this important cause, and were also able to add this volunteer experience to their growing resumes.

February - A Short Month Full of Fun Activities and Festivities!

February may be the shortest month of the year, but it was full of fun and adventure across our sites!

In Hudson, participants celebrated Mardi Gras, and also visited the library and had fun bowling. Celebrating Valentine's Day, everyone used their creativity to handcraft their very own gift boxes to exchange cards.

In Eagan, participants in the Around the World and Virtual Field Trip classes visited the Bell Museum for some hands-on experiences, while the Sea Life and Many Mammals classes visited the Science Museum to watch the Omni Theatre’s presentation of Sea Lions.

What's more, Eagan participants also returned to a favorite - Feed My Starving Children! They felt good getting back to this popular volunteer site, and can’t wait for more opportunities there.

Red Wing celebrated Valentine's Day with pizza and face painting! For Life Skills participants, they learned about how to help around the home. This included practicing changing bed sheets, as well as learning about washing hands, doing laundry, and how to dress for the weather.

In Shakopee, participants got up to move and shake with a POLKA group visit. They also had a blast bowling in New Prague, headed to the movies to see Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quanumania, and explored the Enchanted Rock Garden.

Check out more highlights from February below!

Day Support Services February Highlights

Jenny displaying her designer purse Valentine’s gift exchange box.

Hudson participants enjoyed shopping this month!

Eagan got in the spirit for Mardi Gras!

Hudson participants headed to lunch at Raising Cane's.

Red Wing participants learning essential life skills including how to change bed sheets. Practice makes perfect!

ProAct participants give back! Red Wing wrapped up their homeless kit project, packing kits for men and women to donate to the United Way.

Sharing the love in Shakopee!

Shakopee participants got into the spirit for Valentine's Day.

Monthly, ProAct’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee focuses on educating staff, participants and stakeholders in areas of culture, diversity and disability. The committee chooses one diversity related area and a disability as its educational focuses for the month. Bulletin boards, e-mails, class projects and other tools are used to educate staff and participants at each of our four locations.

The committee chose Black History Month and rheumatoid arthritis for the month of February!

Read a special article here on ProAct's Black History Month activities, including celebrating a new leader for each day in February!

Choose a Career with Impact

Want to build a meaningful career and make a difference? Check out ProAct's amazing career opportunities and join our team!

We currently have several open positions across our sites including Office Assistant in Eagan, Employment Specialist, Case Coordinator and Direct Service Professional. Learn more and apply today or share it with someone who is looking for a new career opportunity!

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