ProAct, 3195 Neil Armstrong Boulevard, Eagan, Minnesota 55121

PROACT Post

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

June 2015

In This Issue

Rotary supports garden

Home plate art

Southview to host Golf Classic Aug. 17

View Southview Country Club online.

ProAct's only annual fundraiser moves to Southview Country Club in West St. Paul on August 17 for the always anticipated ProAct Golf Classic.
"First rate accompaniments, an exciting course and an elegant banquet facility will make this year's event extra special," said Steven Ditschler, president and CEO of ProAct.
Southview is known by some for its excellent rolling greens. The ProAct event opens at 10 a.m., with an early lunch, shotgun start at 11:45 and a gourmet dinner after the game. The foursome scramble format features skill contests, team prizes and group photos.

More information

Sponsorships / Sign up

Southview CC

Hudson Daybreak Rotary spurs garden project

Hudson Daybreak Rotary Club awarded a $2,000 grant to ProAct's Life Opportunities program in the city. The funds are designated for a large garden project to be planted and maintained by ProAct consumers.
Two 16-foot, wheelchair accessible planter beds will allow for full consumer participation.
The nonprofit also secured permission from the city to sell vegetables onsite. It's also exploring options for canning.
"This is something I wanted everyone to get really involved with and get their hands dirty," said Program Coordinator Margaret Christensen.
More in the Hudson Star Observer.

Programs funded in part by the United Way

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What is ProAct?

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

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Group worker goes independent at meat counter

Teddy Taft's work foundation came from job experience with ProAct groups at businesses, but he's thriving even more in an independent position at Cub Foods.

"I'm helping more people," said Taft, who takes orders at the meat

counter in Eagan's Town Centre store. Fielding questions about meat preparation and availability, Taft weighs out amounts, wraps and labels salmon, tilapia, beef, chicken and more.

Store Director Nick Weins said Taft will soon be trained in more areas to increase his versatility. Taft found the job, which pays much more than minimum wage, on his own.

He is visited regularly by ProAct Designated Coordinator Matt Briggs. "He has a real job, with real responsibilities and is doing fine," he said.

Coworkers here have a sense of humor, and are helpful, Taft explains.

'Enchanted Forest' for Hudson's first annual formal dance event

Capping months of planning, ProAct's first annual formal dance featured an "Enchanted Forest" theme and drew many parents and participants with disabilities to the nonprofit's Hudson location.

Individuals with disabilities planned much of the event and its extensive food, decorations and music by area artist Ken Wanovich. "It was so empowering for them to see a small idea turn into an actual event," said Program Coordinator Margaret Christensen, who said it was a major success. -more-

What is 'Informed Choice' and how does it help?

ProAct consumers gain more exposure to the community through "Informed Choice" options such as business tours, job shadowing and informational interviews.
"It can ease apprehensions about individuals working in the community," said Sally Ogren, director of programs and services at ProAct in Red Wing. "These exposures help people to understand how it can work."
Leaders evaluate the experiences with a followup survey of individual participants. A key question will be how many people changed their outlook about community work, explains Employment Manager Heather Deutschlaender.

St. Paul Art Collective features ProAct home plate art

The annual event connected with the new St. Paul Saints ballpark, and home plate art including this example from ProAct.

The St. Paul Art Collective teamed up with the St. Paul Saints for an "art meets baseball" effort and the St. Paul Art Crawl.
ProAct decorated one of 68 home plates, all of them judged at the new CHS field, which opened in late May. Production Manager Jennifer Cavalier coordinated ProAct's effort.

Play, sponsor the ProAct Golf Classic August 17

It's a great opportunity for company exposure and the cause supports programs for people with disabilities. Monday, August 17 is the day for the ProAct Golf Classic at Southview Country Club in West St. Paul. Learn more about sponsorship activities, how to sign up and the great amenities offered.

Visit us online at proactin c.org