ProAct, 3195 Neil Armstrong Boulevard, Eagan, Minnesota 55121

PROACT Post

Enhancing Lives ... Exploring Opportunities ... News from ProAct, Inc.

September 2014

In This Issue

SAGES Oct. 10

Give to the Max Nov. 13

Family videos

Golf Classic winners

Lean training pilot project improves Red Wing work

Jean Meyer, Kaizen team leader

Kaizen Lean training for operational excellence, a system for continuous improvement, has helped many companies, and ProAct, using grant dollars from the state, is bringing it to the heart of its operations.

The Red Wing location's production area took a key customer with more than 100 stock keeping units (SKUs) and went through three days of intense staff planning and organization to improve processes.

"We are very energized," said Production Operations Coordinator Tim Hovey. This is the first time seeing the tools put into practice."

In time, the Lean system will involve program participants, a process called Adaptive Lean, Hovey explains. "That's the end result."

Project funds flow from a Job Skills Partnership grant through the Workforce Development Division, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

ProAct products new to Purple Tree store

ProAct participants and Program Coordinator Margaret Christensen in Hudson pose outside The Purple Tree store, which is offering bird seed wreaths they produce.

SAGES seminar Oct. 10 to cover 245D in Bloomington

The Minnesota Department of Human Services now requires a special license for certain home care providers. ProAct's Carolyn Dobis and Eric Jonsgaard with First Fiduciary Corp. will present an overview and options for 245D at the October 10 SAGES seminar from 1 to 3 p.m. in Bloomington

-learn more-

Help ProAct Nov. 13 with Give to the Max

Give to the Max Day is just around the corner, and you can support ProAct through this easy, online contribution system.

Learn more

Visit us online at proactin c.org

What is ProAct?

With facilities in Eagan, Red Wing, Zumbrota and Hudson, Wis., ProAct, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit corporation which has served the needs of people with disabilities and other challenges for more than 40 years.

Proving himself, he's in line for staff promotion

Josh Weiland cleans and helps with church maintenance.

With an early arrival and a pleasant smile, Josh Weiland is an important part of the Church of St. Joseph in Rosemount, where he cleans and assists Building Chief Scott Kaufman with projects.

"My boss is a reliable guy," said Weiland. "If I don't do something, he'll

Kaufman and Weiland

bring me into focus." Some 2,000 families rely on the maintenance staff to help make their visits pleasant.

Weiland's cleaning and maintenance history here spans four years, and ProAct Vocational Specialist Sherri Coons visits him twice a month. Kaufman said he could use more help, and is considering a change to make Weiland building manager.

"We love having him around," said Kaufman, whose 26 years at the church have brought many memories, including some of Weiland as a child in the school uniform.

Learn more about Weiland in ProAct's upcoming Annual Report.

Videos: Two families share ProAct's impact on sons

A Red Wing family found a great fit for their adult son, Christopher at ProAct in Zumbrota while a mother in Prescott, Wis. has seen tremendous progress with her adult son, Jacob, who is learning to read and making significant strides in his personal life.

Red Wing family shares its experience with ProAct - Zumbrota

Prescott, Wis. family - ProAct's impact on son - Red Wing

Watch on Vimeo (Prescott) / (Red Wing)

Family trio wins ProAct Golf Classic

ProAct Golf Classic winners, from left, Tyler, Jeff and Kyle Thames. Their score of 56 was 16 under par at Hastings Country Club.

This year's event scored a substantial increase in dollars raised, all for the benefit of people with disabilities.

Be sure to check out the photos from the golf classic event.

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Programs funded in part by the United Way