Dale Miller has seen this evolution of services to disabled people in Minnesota. He began his career in 1977 at the Kimball D.A.C. (Disability Action Center), then located at St. Anne’s Church. Back then, they served about 80 physically and mentally challenged individuals from Kimball and South Haven, primarily from the Madden nursing homes in those towns. The services they provided were mostly “artsy-craftsy”, in Miller’s words. Now Miller directs ProWorks in Litchfield, and the services they provide are very different. “We try to put everybody to work,” explained Miller. “We try to keep it as adult as possible.” Work is a very important component at ProWorks. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., people are working in several work areas at Litchfield and Dassel sites, and at other businesses in Litchfield, Dassel and Hutchinson. It gives their clients a sense of purpose – and a bi-weekly paycheck. There is a wide range of function among ProWorks clients. At one end of the spectrum are “medically fragile” individuals who need constant attention and supervision. A full-time nurse is on staff to assist them. A number of ProWorks clients have had traumatic brain injury. ProWorks also has a senior program for its older clients; their oldest is 85. Much of their therapy involves sensory stimulation: aromatherapy, music, objects with various tactile sensations. They receive speech and occupational therapy. Those who are able receive job training and coaching with the goal of moving into one of the working groups. Life-skills and enrichment sessions are also available to them, and tailored to each individual’s needs. “I’ve got really good staff. They’re very creative,” said Miller. “They work to find that magic thing that that person responds to.” At the other end of the spectrum are those who are very productive workers. All workers are paid by the piece, and there is no time pressure on them. Some work slowly and methodically while others are quicker. Miller explained that some individuals get checks in the $200-300 range while others may only make 32 cents. But, he added, they’re all happy and proud to be working and doing something productive. “Perhaps those with the least abilities are happiest,” said Miller. “We could all learn from them. We need to learn to be comfortable where (and how) we’re at.” ProWorks clients live in group homes, foster homes, or at home with their own families. Most are picked up each morning and returned in the afternoon by ProWorks staff who also work with them throughout the day. ProWorks draws clients from a 30-mile radius. All of these services are provided at no charge to any of the clients. Each county in Minnesota is required to provide these services to its disabled residents, and several counties use (and pay) ProWorks to provide them. ProWorks funding comes from a combination of county, state and federal programs. ProWorks celebrated its 30th anniversary last week. About 400 people came to their Litchfield center Thursday evening, Aug. 18, to tour the facility and enjoy dinner and music. Their 30 staff members, most of whom are full-time, and many of their 80 clients were there, visibly very proud of what they do. Audrey Oster has been there the longest, 30 years. She is a work coordinator, finding jobs for ProWorks’ working clients. They have contracts with several businesses, and much of the work they do requires hand work for which there are no machines to do. Sorting, packaging, document shredding, assembly and other jobs are performed on-site in Litchfield and Dassel. They also make buttons for various organizations and activities. In the community, ProWorks clients work as dishwashers, assembly workers, cleaners and newspaper deliverers. If you need workers with any of these skills, either at your facility or theirs, call ProWorks at (320) 593-6257. You can also check them out on the Web at www.proworks-mn.com and see for yourself what they do. Quick Facts: o ProWorks serves about 80 clients today, and is licensed for 110 o Clients come from a 30-mile radius, including Kimball, Watkins, Cold Spring, Eden Valley, Paynesville, Hutchinson, Litchfield, Grove Creek, Wilmar, Dassel and Cokato o Age of clients: 18-85 o Two locations, in Litchfield and Dassel o Work programs are based at the ProWorks facilities and in the community o Address: 427 East 10th St., Litchfield MN 55355 and 135 3rd St. So., Dassel MN 55325 o Phone: (320) 593-6257 o Web: www.proworks-mn.com
