Family entrusts daughter to ProAct

Now in her early 60s, Kathy Thames was born into a different world for people with disabilities, a time of low expectations and limited resources devoted to care and development programs. The oldest of 10 children, Kathy grew up in a close and caring family and she was encouraged to become her own person. Although she had limited verbal skills, her puzzles were always out and she had a favorite seat at the table. Her mother, Jane Thames, recalls that she had nicknames for all of her siblings, and their friends, too. Kathy’s regular daily chore was emptying the dishwasher.

Life outside the home was not as comforting. One early social worker suggested Kathy spend a month at the state hospital in Cambridge, in case she would become a ward of the state. The experience was horrifying for the
family. Kathy was retrieved after just three days. Later, Cambridge was closed.

Over the years a number of possible programs were tried, and some proved more valuable than others. After several trials with day activity and work programs for Kathy, with many of them focused on job skills, her mother found that it is the people who make the difference. She is pleased with what ProAct has provided. The service compares favorably to the Merriam Park Day Activity Center that Kathy attended when she was 22.

Jane was concerned about the sheltered workshops of the 1980s. “Why teach her that money is the most important thing? She will never be able to support herself,” she said. More importantly, she wanted her daughter to have choices.“ We all get to chose where we work. Why shouldn’t she?” she queried.

“I want her to be happy and comfortable each day,” said Thames of the services for her daughter, a 7-year participant with ProAct. ProAct not only provides Kathy with many choices of classes, but variety. To fishing she says “No, thank you,” but volunteering at Feed My Starving Children, mall walking, cooking class and bagging cards on the work floor all get a “thumbs-up.”

Each day, Kathy carries a notebook between ProAct and home so her favorite people at ProAct can write about her activities of the day. Staff members write short messages about outings and work progress, often adding very complimentary notes. Each is cherished by Kathy, and the communications help her mother ask questions about the day’s events.

In contrast, a work program attended prior to ProAct placed Kathy in a fast food kitchen chopping tomatoes. “She hates tomatoes … and she doesn’t like messes,” said Jane, “Kathy was miserable.”

Today, it is all different. “Kathy comes home from ProAct happy and satisfied, virtually every day,” said Thames. “It is a great relief and peace of mind.”

ProAct

ProAct, Inc. has been assisting people with disabilities for 40 years, and offers numerous programs to maximize each person’s potential. From life skills classes to vocational and employment programs, the organization is experienced in identifying and working with a person’s needs, strengths and aspirations, helping individuals to lead productive lives.

Working from its headquarters in Eagan, from a substantial facility in Red Wing and through satellite programs in western Wisconsin and Zumbrota, ProAct serves people with disabilities in the Twin Cities metro, southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Transportation is provided to its facilities and to community work settings.

In helping people with brain injuries, ProAct’s Adult Day Services program is geared toward improving a person’s overall well being, through classes and therapeutic recreation. In preparing for employment, clients receive pre-vocational services, develop good work habits and learn effective interpersonal and problem solving skills. People with disabilities get support in their search for competitive employment to help ensure long term success. Through coaching, the use of adaptive technology and problem solving, ProAct is the catalyst for satisfaction and pride at work, and in successful daily living.