A Chance To Grow - Brain-Centered Therapy Services

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  • Home
  • About
    • Mission
    • History
    • Board of Directors
    • Honorary Spaces
    • Impact Report
    • Contact
    • Bob's Legacy Fund
  • Programs & Services
    • Clinical Services >
      • Client Forms
      • Occupational Therapy
      • Speech Therapy
      • Neurofeedback
      • Audio-Visual Entrainment
      • Neuro Integrative Clinic >
        • Treatment Models
        • NI Clinic Pricing Model
      • Audiology Services >
        • Auditory Processing
        • Workshops
        • Auditory Interventions >
          • JIAS
          • CAPDOTS
          • Acoustic Pioneer
      • Vision Services
      • Vision Therapy
      • Insurance Payers
    • Home-Based / PCA's >
      • Get Started / Qualify
      • Waiver Services
      • Intake Form
      • Become a PCA
    • MLRC / S.M.A.R.T. >
      • S.M.A.R.T. Program >
        • How S.M.A.R.T. Works
        • S.M.A.R.T. at My School
        • S.M.A.R.T. Mentoring
        • S.M.A.R.T. Steps
        • Research & Resources
      • Workshops >
        • S.M.A.R.T. Elementary
        • S.M.A.R.T. Pre-K
        • Bridging The Gap
        • Auditory Processing Workshops
        • Hosting a Workshop
      • S.M.A.R.T. Supplies >
        • Downloads
    • School Services >
      • Third-Party Billing
      • Vision & Hearing Screenings
    • Turnquist Childcare >
      • Curriculum & Assessment
      • Teen Parent Program
      • Enrollment Forms
    • Summer Programs >
      • Advanced-Brain Summer Intensives
  • Parents
    • Helpful Resources
    • Share Your Story
  • Events
    • S.M.A.R.T. Workshops
    • Understanding The Distracted Mind
  • News & Media
    • Growing Times
    • S.M.A.R.T. Newsletter
    • Photo Release
  • Success Stories
  • Employment
  • Donate
    • Donate
    • Garden Of Hope
  • Store
    • Shipping & Returns

growing times newsletter

3/10/2025

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March 2025
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Meet Dr. Michelle Taylor, our Optometrist here at
​A Chance To Grow’s Vision Clinic! Dr. Taylor is passionate about improving access to care and providing detailed education to her patients. She believes it’s important that patients understand their condition as well as treatment options. Dr. Taylor received her optometry degree at The Ohio State University College of Optometry. Her work in nursing homes, prisons, a community clinic, and A Chance To Grow has given her experience with a wide variety of ages and conditions.

Our Vision Clinic offers basic eye exams as well as developmental eye exams, which explore how well the eyes work together, shift focus, and move smoothly. The Vision Clinic also supports Occupational Therapy at A Chance To Grow, helping to incorporate vision activities to strengthen the visual system.
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Dr. Taylor encourages families to choose A Chance To Grow for their vision services because “We believe vision is crucial to whole-body development and also dependent on the whole body, so we work closely with our Occupational Therapists for many of our pediatric patients.” Through collaboration, A Chance To Grow is able to provide coordinated care and meet the needs of those with complex, sometimes overlapping issues. This interdisciplinary approach is what makes A Chance To Grow unique from other clinics.
schedule your eye exam today
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revolutionizing vision care for children

3/9/2025

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Did you know that A Chance To Grow is one of few clinics in Minnesota that uses “RightEye” eye tracking technology? RightEye gives us a deeper understanding of how eye movements impact our pediatric Occupational Therapy clients. For children, vision isn’t just about seeing clearly—it’s an essential skill that affects everything from reading and eye-hand coordination to balance and body awareness.
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RightEye is an eye-tracking system that uncovers, tracks, and illustrates any eye movement impairments a client may have. RightEye’s vision reports give our Occupational Therapists critical insights that can shape each child’s therapy plan.
RighyEye Reading Report
RightEye Vision Report
When a child struggles with reading, it’s not always a matter of simply not understanding the words—they may have trouble smoothly moving their eyes from word to word. The RightEye system allows us to observe how the eyes move while reading to uncover any eye-related issues. With RightEye’s video playback feature, our Occupational Therapists are able to watch how a patient’s eyes move throughout a passage. It’s like having a map that shows exactly where a child’s vision is impaired, so we can target those areas directly!

For parents, this visual feedback is incredibly helpful because it provides a clear, concrete picture of what’s happening and shows the progress their child makes over time.
One of the most important skills for reading and vision is something called “saccades.” These are the quick movements the eyes make as they move from one stationary point to another,  like when reading from left to right across a page or moving to the next line. Saccades are crucial for smooth and efficient reading.
To help children strengthen their saccades, we use a variety of fun and engaging activities in Occupational Therapy. One of our favorites is the “heart chart” exercise, where letters and numbers are arranged in a reading pattern. Our goal is for the child to read from left to right or up and down without making errors and keeping their head still. 
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Heart chart exercises help children develop the skills necessary for fluid reading and improved eye-hand coordination. 
Vision is a fundamental skill that impacts everything from balance to learning. We are proud to help children develop the visual readiness they need to succeed. Through the combination of vision technology and individualized care, we give our pediatric Occupational Therapy clients the tools they need to overcome challenges.

Ask your child’s Occupational Therapist about RightEye to learn more!
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brenda's story with s.m.a.r.t. steps

3/9/2025

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“I would call my childcare a S.M.A.R.T. Program,” says Brenda Novack, Family Child Care Provider and owner of Little Wonders Child Care. Two years ago, Brenda took A Chance To Grow’s S.M.A.R.T. Steps course, designed to provide Family Child Care Providers with children aged 0-5 years with fun, play-like activities that promote natural, healthy brain development.

Brenda now incorporates the program’s developmental movement activities into the daily routine of the children in her care. The results are remarkable!
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S.M.A.R.T. Steps has helped the children at Little Wonders build foundational learning skills such as gross and fine motor skills, vision skills, auditory skills, and balance: all of which are essential for reading, writing, focus, retention, and more. By strengthening these skills, children prepare for preschool and kindergarten learning! In addition to learning-readiness benefits, S.M.A.R.T. Steps helps Brenda manage challenging behaviors.
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We join Brenda in thanking the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) for spreading awareness of continuing education opportunities like S.M.A.R.T. Steps. SMIF is a proud partner of A Chance To Grow, serving 20 counties, 175 communities, and one Native nation in the southeastern Minnesota region. Says Brenda, “Having SMIF offer these trainings to us, it shows that our profession is being valued, which is huge.” A Chance To Grow is honored to support Family Child Care Providers like Brenda, who are located in rural Minnesota communities.

Read the entire story here: smifoundation.org/blog/2024/12/feeling-valued/
Photos by Red Bird Hills with permission from Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
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understanding the distracted mind seminar

3/9/2025

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Join the "Understanding The Distracted Mind Seminar" at A Chance To Grow to learn how brainwave frequencies affect our ability to focus, calm, and control our impulses. Plus, discover ways to address concerns holistically and how neurofeedback can help you self-regulate more effectively.

Key learning points:​
  • Simple things to do to promote focus
  • Behaviors/frequencies associated with a distracted brain
  • Behaviors/frequencies associated with a regulated brain
  • How neurofeedback can holistically improve self-regulation

Receive one complimentary neurofeedback session for anyone in your family
​($99 value) when you sign up!
When?
Thursday, May 1st (6:00 - 7:30PM)
Thursday, June 12th (6:00 - 7:30PM)
Get started now
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Growing times newsletter

10/25/2024

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October 2024 Edition
​Click here to download the pdf version!

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A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR
Erica Dickerson
"Thank you for attending our annual Race For The Children fundraiser and making it a huge success! Your generous support and presence meant the world to us. Your contributions are helping us make a real difference, and we couldn’t achieve our goals without you. Together, we’re changing lives and creating hope!"
UPCOMING EVENTS >>> 
Calm Your Mind Workshop: November 19 (6:30-7:30PM) 
Give To The Max Day: November 21 
ACTG Offices Closed For Holiday: November 28 - 29
Calm Your Mind Workshop: December 11 (11:00AM - 12:30PM) 
CALM YOUR MIND WORKSHOP
Calming your mind is made easier with brain training. Our clients are often surprised by how they feel after just one session!

In this interactive workshop you will:
  • Feel calm and focused
  • Let go of stress and worry
  • Lessen tension in your body 

Click here to learn more and register! 

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CONGRATS PRE-K GRADS! 
This fall our Turnquist Child Enrichment Center celebrated six stellar graduates! These 5-year- olds are off to Kindergarten and we couldn’t be more proud of them. We even had one student graduate at 4 years old because she excelled developmentally, emotionally, and academically!
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To celebrate this important milestone, family, friends, and staff came together to congratulate our super-star graduates with a graduation ceremony! After each child’s name was announced, they received their Pre-K diploma along with a backpack filled with Kindergarten school supplies! This year we even had a decorate-your-backpack station, temporary tattoos, and food for everyone!

Liz Ruzek (Director of Turnquist) shares: ​
“Many of the children have gone to Turnquist since they were an infant or toddler. So our staff remember the kids from when they were small and form really tight bonds with the families and the children. ​It’s tough to see the kids go!”
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Graduating from Turnquist means transitioning to a much larger school, not only for the child but for their parents too. With this change comes some nerves, so Turnquist’s Parent Coordinator, Carla Yeager, works with each family to help them get enrolled at their new school and ensure they are registered for any services they need for a successful school year.
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We are excited for our graduates and know they will do wonderfully in Kindergarten and beyond! 
THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF LEARNING: S.M.A.R.T. IN ACTION! 
“Every district needs S.M.A.R.T.. Before they do anything else, schools need this program because S.M.A.R.T. is the foundation of learning,” shares Maxine Perko, retired First Grade Teacher, and now Rock Ridge Elementary’s S.M.A.R.T. Educator. According to Maxine, S.M.A.R.T. changed her entire outlook on education.

When Maxine first brought S.M.A.R.T. to Minnesota’s Eveleth-Gilbert school district, she began teaching in an empty room, creatively using her resources. When the district merged with Virginia schools and Rock Ridge Elementary was created, S.M.A.R.T. remained a priority. Now, after years of growing the program, Maxine teaches in a spacious room dedicated to S.M.A.R.T. learning! Students enjoy an array of fun and enriching activities.

A Chance To Grow’s “Stimulating Maturity Through Accelerated Readiness Training” (S.M.A.R.T.) program is designed to bring brain stimulating, developmentally rich movement activities to Pre-K through 3rd grade learners. As noted by the American Academy of Pediatrics, “physical activity is crucial to the development of a child’s brain. Movement helps to enhance neural connections, supports cognitive development, and improves overall learning outcomes.”

Laurie Hipple-Jam, First Grade Teacher, has the following to share about S.M.A.R.T.:
“What used to be a struggle, and would take ALL week for my kids, was now accomplished in ONE day! I was shocked and amazed at how such a simple exercise could so dramatically help my students."
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“I have had other trainings that claim to improve student performance, but none of them have been as effective as designing our curriculum with S.M.A.R.T. components in place.”
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“Kids, especially in today's 'screen' world, need more and more of this in school if we want them to be focused, well developed kids that are ready and able to learn.”
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Maxine describes S.M.A.R.T. as the building blocks of learning success. This can be seen in the “Cross Patterning” S.M.A.R.T. activity. Cross Patterning integrates both sides of the brain which is essential for a child to read, write, and perform motor movements! Since Cross Patterning can be done while walking, it is a great activity that students can practice during transitions to the classroom and playground, or with music which the children love!

Maxine often works with children as they progress from Pre-K to 2nd grade, which allows her the opportunity to watch their learning skills grow exponentially with the help of S.M.A.R.T.!
S.M.A.R.T. WORKSHOP CALENDAR: 
A Chance To Grow’s Minnesota Learning Resource Center is excited to be hosting the following S.M.A.R.T. Pre-K and Elementary Workshops! Do you know an educator or early-childcare professional? They won’t want to miss out on this interactive 3-day workshop! Help us spread the word! 
  • November 12-14, 2024
  • February 4-6, 2025
  • February 11-13, 2025 

Click Here To Learn More and Register! ​
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THANK YOU NEIGHBORS!

We are honored to be voted a 2024 Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave! This means so much to us because it helps us reach families in the community who need our services! 

Help Us Keep Growing! Click here to leave us a recommendation on Nextdoor! 
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Growing times - june 2024

6/24/2024

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Click here to download a pdf version of the newsletter 

S.M.A.R.T. in Bermuda: BSMART
Throughout her 16 years as a highly regarded elementary educator in Bermuda, Allison Figureido noticed that something was hindering the success of her students. Children who came into the school high functioning, left the school high functioning, and the children who came in low functioning, left low functioning. The pattern was disappointing and predictable. She realized that children were expected to pass tests, without receiving the individualized support needed to grow in the areas in which they struggled. Says Allison, “There is a lot of pressure to reach life milestones quickly. But if you force that, there are areas that get missed. The developmental piece is so important.” 
When Allison discovered S.M.A.R.T., things started to make sense. S.M.A.R.T. outlined the root issue of the problem she was noticing in the public education system. Children start school lacking important learning skills such as visual perception, listening and speech, hand-eye coordination, attention span, ability to follow directions, and more, for a variety of reasons. These skills are foundational, and when overlooked, children are denied the equal opportunity to learn at their best. ​

Allison says, “The future of too many young students is jeopardized because they are expected to learn prior to being physiologically and neurologically ready; not all young minds and bodies are prepared for the stress of school at age five.” ​
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Allison knew that S.M.A.R.T. is what students in Bermuda were missing. With S.M.A.R.T.’s multi-sensory approach, students would receive the tools they needed for academic success. 

The S.M.A.R.T. program is unique because it centers on the important relationship between the brain and the body. By using intentional, movement-based activities at the proper frequency, intensity, and duration of practice, children become better prepared to learn. S.M.A.R.T. activities focus on the growth and enhancement of balance, coordination, reflex integration, body awareness, and visual and auditory skills, because these are the foundations to learning. Whether a child is behind in specific developmental milestones for their age, or meeting each milestone, S.M.A.R.T. makes learning easier for all children.  ​
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Allison implemented Bermuda’s first and only S.M.A.R.T. program in 2009 with elementary students, and it proved to be of huge benefit. But school administration eventually proposed that S.M.A.R.T. transition to a gifted and talented program. This conflicted with what Allison knew to be true: S.M.A.R.T. is for all children, no matter their ability or learning level. So she bravely chose to go her own path – leaving the public education system so that she could bring the S.M.A.R.T. program to more children in Bermuda. Thus came “BSMART.” 
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Allison launched the BSMART Development Foundation in 2011, with support and guidance from A Chance To Grow founder, Bob DeBoer, and S.M.A.R.T. staff. BSMART is the only neurodevelopmental facility in Bermuda that utilizes brain-centered techniques to increase learning readiness. Infant and toddler development programs, S.M.A.R.T. programming, S.M.A.R.T. holiday camps, and workshops for parents and professionals who work with children are all offered by the Foundation. BSMART is wildly successful, supporting children from 14 different schools in Bermuda. The program continues to make a positive impact on the island’s children, especially among at-risk populations of economically disadvantaged and racial minorities.
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Visit the BSMART Website
Learn More About S.M.A.R.T.

2023 Annual Report: Available Now!
We're delighted to announce the release of our 2023 Annual Report! This was a big year at A Chance To Grow, with innovations and program expansions that helped us make an even greater difference! With your help, we improved the lives of more than 1000 children and families in schools, at home and in our office. 

Thank you for being a part of our ACTG community for another successful year!
Read ACTG's 2023 Annual Report
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Finding Relief After Long Covid
​Landy Anderson, a wife and mother of four children, was desperate for change. She had been struggling with Long Covid for four years and realized that her symptoms were getting worse each year instead of better.
 
Gone was the energetic Landy who worked out, coached softball and led an active and busy social life. She now spent her days sitting on the couch, too exhausted to move or do simple everyday tasks. The body pain was unbearable and the brain fog compromised simple pleasures such as reading and conversing with friends.
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During the last few years, Landy was active in seeking answers for health concerns. She joined a Long Covid group and sought out many services. In the process, another provider mentioned neurofeedback and Landy contacted A Chance To Grow. 
 
The neurofeedback sessions had a rocky start because Landy had a blood clot in her leg, one of the many complications of her diagnosis, and spent time in the hospital. But she was determined to keep seeking answers and started brain training twice a week as soon as she was released.
 
Cautious, Landy wondered out loud, “What if I am too scared to go back to feeling good?” It felt like a foreign concept, feeling well. But as Landy trained, she noticed changes. “I could tell I had a bit more energy after the first session.” A couple sessions later she found she could meditate easier and her anger was melting away. She was able to read for a few minutes, and by the 10th session, Landy announced, “I feel so good!”
 
After session 13, Landy experienced something she never had before, even pre-Covid. “For the first time in my life, I felt calm. I have never experienced this level of calm!” And, Landy went on to have three awesome and energetic days in a row. This was not normal.
 
By session 15, Landy started working with a personal trainer, had gone to the grocery store and completed several household tasks and projects. “Neurofeedback has made a huge change in my central nervous system and autonomic functions. I definitely feel improvement in both my physical and mental health.”
 
Over Memorial Day weekend, Landy was able to take a road trip to visit her newly born grandson. “It was the best road trip ever. I wasn’t upset about everything like I used to be. I can see how I have changed. And, I had energy and even swam with the kids in the pool!”
 
While Landy is still managing the many complications of Long Covid, neurofeedback has given her hope. “I feel totally different: stronger, healthier and not as stressed about things. I can’t believe how neurofeedback has changed my life for the better.”
Learn How Neurofeedback Can Help You!

What Is Auditory Processing Disorder? 
Auditory Processing is the natural process of our ears taking in information that then goes to the brain to be interpreted. When this process doesn’t work correctly, it’s called an Auditory Processing Disorder or delay (APD). This can happen even if a person has normal, healthy hearing. 
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For someone with APD, their ears can hear sounds and words, but their brain has trouble making sense of them. The sounds can get mixed up or confused, making them difficult to understand. 
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APD means that a person has a harder time recognizing, understanding, or telling apart sounds. This is especially difficult when the sounds are not clear, or if there is background noise. A noisy classroom is an example of an environment where a child with APD would struggle more to understand the teacher. 
Some potential signs of APD to look out for include: 
  • History of multiple ear infections
  • Difficulty understanding verbal information 
  • Difficulty following directions 
  • Difficulty with spelling and reading 
  • Difficulty in social interactions 
  • Difficulty with memory tasks given verbally 
  • ​Slow or delayed responses to verbal information 
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​A Chance To Grow’s Dr. Sara Cook specializes in identifying and treating Auditory Processing Disorder in children and adults. She assists clients in reaching their fullest potential in social communication, academics, and workplace settings. ​​​To l​earn more about Audiology services at A Chance To Grow, visit www.actg.org/audiologyservices.
Learn More about APD

A Starry Night at A Chance To Grow
This May, A Chance To Grow transformed into A Starry Night Prom, for family fun! The kids of our Turnquist Child Enrichment Center, their parents, and siblings all enjoyed the DJ, dancing, food, and lots of fun and games! Everyone looked fabulous in their Prom Night attire! ​
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ACTG's Biggest Fundraiser Of The Year! 
A Chance To Grow is thrilled to host its 33rd annual Race For The Children on August 11! For a $65 adult ticket, $20 children’s ticket, and free admission for children 3 and younger, participants enjoy: ​
  • A fantastic BBQ Buffet for lunch 
  • Fun activities for children
  • ​Live Horse Races
  • Beautiful open-air event space
  • Amazing Silent Auction
  • Raffle Prizes and Wine Pull 
  • Private Horse Betting and Drink Windows
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Best of all, attendees are supporting A Chance To Grow’s biggest fundraiser of the year!
​Proceeds go towards helping A Chance To Grow make the greatest impact possible.

Join the fun! Secure your seat today at www.actg.org/raceforthechildren. We look forward to seeing you there! ​
Event Information & Registration
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A S.M.A.R.T. Summer
Did you know that S.M.A.R.T. Workshops aren’t just for Elementary and Pre-K teachers? ​
S.M.A.R.T. welcomes all professionals who work directly with children: 
  • Paraprofessionals 
  • Early Intervention Specialists
  • Special Education Teachers​
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Physical Education Teachers
  • School staff
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Join The Fun! Take Our 3-Day S.M.A.R.T. Training to earn continuing education units and learn how movement-based teaching develops and enhances learning. Give students the skills they need to be life-long learners! ​
Upcoming S.M.A.R.T. Workshops: 

  • June 25-27 (Minneapolis, MN)
  • ​​July 9-11 (Minneapolis, MN)
Upcoming S.M.A.R.T. Pre-K Workshops 

  • July 16-18  (Minneapolis, MN)
  • ​August 6-8  (West Salem, WI)
  • August 6-8  (New Ulm, MN)  
  • August 13-15  (Owatonna, MN)
Learn More About S.M.A.R.T. Workshops
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growing times - winter 2024

2/27/2024

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Click here to download a PDF version of our Winter Newsletter

INCREDIBLE SUPPORT FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION
​IN MINNESOTA
Meet Barb Ewald, whose impressive expertise has helped charter schools across Minnesota generate over $3,700,000 in federal funding for Special Education. This funding is in addition to the general funding schools receive to support students with special needs.

Barb has been at the center of A Chance To Grow’s Third Party Billing initiative since it began in 2011. Barb says, “when I first began this work, A Chance To Grow served only a handful of charter schools. Now, I support more than 50,” which is nearly one-third of all charter schools in Minnesota. From Grand Portage to Duluth, Bemidji to Rochester, Barb has a tremendous impact on schools’ ability to provide Special Education throughout the entire state.


When Barb first joined A Chance To Grow in 2000, her finance work focused upon ACTG’s “New Visions Charter School.” New Visions was one of the very first Charter Schools in Minnesota. It operated from 1994 to 2014, to ensure that all students with special needs have quality educational services by applying our brain-based approach to the classroom. After acquiring extensive knowledge of special education funding for New Visions, Barb became uniquely equipped to help other Minnesota charter schools.
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The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) is a federal law which states that all students who receive special education services must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). An IEP outlines the unique needs of a student and the specific objectives that will bolster the educational progress of the student. Barb trains school staff members on IEP Third Party Billing and assists staff through every step of the Third Party Billing process. This includes helping schools collect and report documentation proving the eligibility of its students who require services, and ensuring that schools are properly enrolled in the various avenues necessary to receive this additional special education funding. Barb shares that she often works with up to 10 individuals per school, such as school directors, financial staff, special education staff, and all providers giving services to students with special needs in the school.

​Proper billing is essential because if done incorrectly, the school will not receive the funding for which they are eligible, leaving them unable to provide the programs and services their students with special needs require. 
These programs and services may include Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Hearing Services, Nursing Services, Mental Health Services, Transportation, Assistive Technology Devices, and additional aides (PCA’s) and accommodations. Ensuring access to these services in school is critical for students with diverse needs. It fosters an inclusive learning environment where each student can thrive academically, develop essential skills, and build confidence, ultimately laying the foundation for success in school and beyond.

Barb’s dedication to helping Minnesota students with special needs is truly remarkable. Her expertise has single-handedly ensured that charter schools receive millions of additional dollars to provide students in special education with the support they need and deserve. Says Barb, “this work is extremely rewarding. I enjoy witnessing the positive impact that this initiative has on students.” 

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We are extremely proud of Barb and her accomplishments!

HOLIDAY CHEER FOR OUR FAMILIES OF TURNQUIST

As the holiday season approached, our staff at A Chance To Grow, with the incredible support of donors, hosted Turnquist’s annual festivities for the Turnquist Child Care Center’s children and families.

The festivities were made possible by an extraordinary donation of $10,000 from Jerry and Jim Myers of Sheet Metal Connectors, longstanding and beloved supporters of A Chance To Grow. With this substantial gift, Turnquist stocked their food pantry with an impressive 2,773 pounds of fresh produce and non-perishable items. Second Harvest Heartland, Minnesota’s premier food bank, provides the food to us at a discounted rate and delivers the food to our building. Turnquist families were given the chance to select items they need, as well as receive supplies for holiday meals! In addition, families were welcomed to a wide array of essential care items and home goods, also funded by the Myers’ donation.

​The holiday meal packages were supplied by our Friends at the Northeast Lions Club who also provided a present for each child and parent. One special Lions Club member, Marty Zaworski, has a tradition of attending the festivities, as our Santa Claus! Smiles lit up the room as families took holiday photos with Santa, and kids received their presents. The kids’ toys were lovingly gift-wrapped by A Chance To Grow administrative staff and made possible by the generosity of Toys For Tots and individual donors
Liz Ruzek, Director and Educational Coordinator of Turnquist, expressed her gratitude, saying, “We were able to take a load off of our families’ hearts and minds, even if it was just for a moment. At this busy, sometimes chaotic, time of year it is so great to be able to provide a little bit of relief to our families.”

We extend our sincere thanks to all who contributed to making this event so successful. You not only brightened the holiday season for our families, you also reminded us of the importance of community in supporting our neighbors.

NEUROFEEDBACK INTENSIVES ARE AVAILABLE NOW!

Do you or a family member struggle with focus or calming your thoughts? Brain Training Intensives are a holistic and easy way to improve mental acuity. Sessions can be done in-clinic or at home with an individual or the entire family. Call 
612-706-5551 for a free consultation to see what works best for your needs.
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A SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH OF S.M.A.R.T. STEPS 4TH YEAR

We are excited to share that last month, A Chance To Grow’s S.M.A.R.T. (Stimulating Maturity through Accelerated Readiness Training) Steps program launched its fourth year! The program saw impressive growth from the prior year, proudly enrolling over 100 Family Child Care Providers. Partnerships with the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, the Northland Foundation, the Initiative Foundation, and the West Central Initiative were key in expanding the program's reach. Their support helped us to offer S.M.A.R.T. Steps training in 49 counties and tribal regions throughout Minnesota.
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S.M.A.R.T. Steps trains Family Child Care Providers to help improve the quality of child care available in rural communities. Family Child Care Providers supply the bulk of child care in greater Minnesota, making it critical to have the training necessary to recognize and deliver high-quality care to the children they serve. The overarching goal of S.M.A.R.T. Steps is twofold. First, the training gives Providers the tools and skills to understand how movement and learning share a critical connection. Second, the program provides children with fun, play-like activities that promote natural, healthy brain development, preparing them to succeed in school. Speaking to the program, one enthusiastic Family Child Care Provider shared, “Learning how the brain and body work hand in hand and how this can affect (a child’s) ability to perform in school has been eye opening!”
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​The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, the Northland Foundation, and the Initiative Foundation each generously contributed $20,000 for the continuation of the program and outreach efforts to Family Child Care Providers in their regions. The Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation and the Otto Bremer Trust have granted additional support for the project. We are incredibly grateful to these partners and foundations and look forward to expanding the program in years to come!

HALLWAYS, CLASSROOMS, RENOVATIONS, OH MY!
December was an exciting month at 1800 NE 2nd St, as some big renovations took form. Led by A Chance To Grow’s building manager, Ann Wilner, A Chance To Grow provided Banaadir Elementary with new, durable flooring in its hallways and classrooms. Banaadir Elementary is a charter school, designed by educators, parents, and leaders in the Minnesota Somali community. 
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A Chance To Grow has rented the building with Minnesota Transition Schools for more than a decade, hosting Banaadir since 2020. A Chance To Grow’s New Visions Charter School, founded in 1994, previously utilized this school space. This operation would not have been possible if not for our facilities team, Ann and Umbra Wilner, and Hauglie's Flooring. Take a look at the beautiful new flooring in the hallways and classrooms of Banaadir, pictured below!
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THE GARDEN OF HOPE'S FIRST BUSINESS SPONSOR!

A Chance To Grow is overjoyed to welcome its very first business sponsor, Turbo Tim’s Anything Automotive, to ACTG’s Garden Of Hope program, which provides essential support for our activities! Turbo Tim’s is a much loved automotive shop with stores in North East Minneapolis and St. Paul, known for their friendly team, top-notch service, and adorable crew of cats. They are also long-time, committed supporters of local business, giving awards, making donations, and other outreach. We are proud to be one of the agencies that Turbo Tim’s supports.

A special thank you to all of our Garden Of Hope Superstars!
  • Turbo Tim's, Hero
  • Erica Dickerson, Champion
  • Jana and Scott Moore, Champion
  • Katherine Norcross, Change-Maker
  • Vicky Stein, Change-Maker
  • Nancy Farnham, Advocate​

By joining the Garden of Hope, YOU can help foster resilience and change the lives of the children and adults we serve! We can’t do it without you!

Change a life today by joining our Garden Of Hope at ACTG.org/gardenofhope

ACTG HOSTS ARCHETYPE MOVEMENT COURSE
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From March 1-3, A Chance To Grow is hosting an MNRI Archetype Movement Integration course in our Northeast Office, taught by Instructor Summer Shepstone of the Svetlana Masgutova Educational Institute (SMEI). SMEI provides professionals in the areas of health, wellness, and education, as well as parents and caregivers, with non-invasive techniques to address maturational, developmental, and life challenges.

Archetype Movement Program techniques work to activate and engage archetype movements that, for various reasons, have remained dormant in the body. Archetype movements, less complex in nature than motor reflex patterns or schemes, are among the first reflexive movements to develop and emerge. This course welcomes Speech Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Rehabilitation Professionals, Medical Professionals, Mental Health Professionals, Educators, Parents, and other Health Care Providers to join and learn more about the fundamental role the MNRI Method plays in overall development!


​LeAnn Taylor, MA, CCC-SLP, and Adrienne Ero-Phillips MA, OTR/L of A Chance To Grow’s Clinical Services department are eager to participate in the class to increase their knowledge and practice of the MNRI Model and Archetype Movement Integration.


EMPLOYMENT OPENINGS

A Chance To Grow is hiring! We are seeking a Part Time Infant Assistant Teacher or Aide, and Personal Care Assistants (PCA).
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To learn more about each position, or to apply, please visit ACTG.org/employment!

Equal Employment Opportunity
1800 Second Street NE Minneapolis, MN 55418 (612)789-1236 | [email protected]

A Chance To Grow provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Employment is based upon capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, gender identity, genetic information, service in the military or any other protected characteristic as established by law. This Equal Employment Opportunity policy applies to all policies & procedures relating to recruitment & hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, training and all other conditions of employment.
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growing times - November '23

11/20/2023

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Click here to download a PDF version of our Fall Newsletter

SORRY FOR THE DELAY
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For the last 5 years, Ean Koerner has been the talent behind this newsletter, creating its look, authoring its content, finding stories and getting it out on time, in addition to a million other responsibilities.  

So long, Ean, we appreciate all the marketing accomplishments you achieved.  You are missed!  We wish you the very best in your new endeavors.

Ean left us in August, and it has taken a good bit of time to find his replacement. Hello to Maylee Moore, our new Marketing Specialist. She is a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota's Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication with experience in all of the aspects of marketing that we need.  Welcome Maylee!


IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR!
If you have been a regular reader of our newsletter in the last couple of years, you learned a lot about us...
 
Our Success Stories
You met Sam, who had lifelong problems with activities that the rest of us take for granted.  At 31, he was still living at home.  After visual therapy with our Dr. May, he’s able to live independently, works two jobs, and has a busy social life.
 
You met Hadley, a shy but sweet 13-year-old, who’s had difficulty in school since the 2nd grade. She had neurological evaluations, specialized instruction, math tutoring, dedicated help at school, medications, dietary changes and more.  Nothing changed. But functional eye and hearing screenings at A Chance To Grow uncovered eye misalignment and an auditory processing disorder.  With vision and auditory therapy, as well as neurofeedback and Neuro Integrative therapy, Hadley has been improving steadily.
 
And you met Meghan, an Iraq veteran, who after several tours of duty, was experiencing symptoms of PTSD, including nightmares, high stress levels and an inability to cope with change.  After a course of neurofeedback treatments, she is sleeping better, has fewer nightmares, and she is better able to cope with stressful situations.  She is able to be the mom she wants to be.
 
Our Services
You not only learned about our Clinical Services, you also learned about the important work that our educational services provides:
 
You learned about the Minnesota Learning Resource Center, which has trained thousands of Pre-K and K-3 teachers in hundreds of schools in Minnesota and beyond, in our S.M.A.R.T. (Stimulating Maturity through Accelerated Readiness Training) approach to integrating purposeful movement into their daily class schedules.  And you heard about our new innovative program, S.M.A.R.T. Steps, developed for Family Child Care Providers, to ensure that even the littlest learners are ready for kindergarten.
 
You also learned about the wonderful work our Turnquist Child Enrichment Center is doing with children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, who are at risk for developmental delays and poor academic achievement due to poverty and its attending ills – homelessness, food insecurity, even violence.  Every Turnquist child receives age-appropriate developmental curricula, social emotional education and the S.M.A.R.T. approach.  They also get vision and auditory screenings, and occupational or speech therapy as needed.
 
But did you know that:
  • Because our clinical services are cutting-edge, not all of them are covered by insurance?  And not all people who need our therapy can afford it?
  • MLRC is funded in part by workshops paid for by schools, but in the era of education budget cuts, many schools that want to implement S.M.A.R.T. can’t afford it.
  • Turnquist relies on county funding, which doesn’t cover all the costs associated with implementing new curricula, providing transportation for our Teen Parents, or programming for our parents to get them involved in their children’s education.
  • None of the program funding pays for administrative costs – HR services, keeping the building safe and secure for our clients, making sure our tech infrastructure is up to date and well-protected, and so on.
 
You can make a HUGE difference in the lives of so many by supporting our work! 
 
There’s two ways to donate:
Go to www.actg.org/donate , to make a one-time contribution.
 
Join our Garden of Hope, a monthly giver’s club designed to bring in a steady stream of revenue to support our vital activities. Even $5 a month will have an impact!  Go to www.actg.org/gardenofhope to join.

VISION CLINIC UPDATE
​We are happy to announce that Dr. Janyce Moroz will be providing vision services on our behalf at Brooklyn Center Community Schools while Dr. May is on sabbatical.  Dr. Moroz is well known to us at ACTG. She started here in 1989, working with Dr. Garth Christenson, then Director of the Vision Clinic. Over her time here, she provided developmental vision service to thousands of children in our school New Visions, serving Head Start children in our Mobile Clinic, and in our office in NE Minneapolis. 
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Perhaps her greatest contribution was bringing the research on reflex integration after a 2.5 year sabbatical in England.  She understood that integrating reflexes was crucial to helping clients maintain their therapeutic gains.  This became the basis of A Chance To Grow’s unique multidisciplinary approach, today known as our Neuro Integrative program.
 
Welcome back, Dr. Moroz!      ​​

EASY WAY TO LESSEN SCHOOL STRESS
Is your child struggling with anxious thoughts or lack of focus?

An effective and holistic way to address these symptoms is through brain training. Parents are amazed at how easy and effective neurofeedback and audio-visual entertainment can be. They witness their child's improvement in the areas of sleeping, focus, and emotional regulation. We have flexible programs that offer in-home or in-clinic training and can meet every budget.

​Call (612) 789-1236 for a free consultation to learn what the best option is for your family! 
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"After only 10 sessions, my son asked to go off his ADHD meds and started doing homework on his own." - Mom of an 11-year-old boy who struggled with focus and anxious thoughts

HAVE YOU JOINED YET?
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TURNQUIST IS ON A ROLL!
​We are thrilled to announce that The Sauer Family Foundation, a long-time supporter, has provided an $18,459 grant for continued implementation of the Conscious Discipline curriculum.  This addresses the children's social and emotional development.  Implementation began last year and staff are already seeing big changes in children's ability to handle big emotions!
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In addition, the Northeast Lions Club has provided a $2,500 grant to Turnquist for holiday meals and supplies to our families!  They've been supporting our families since 2015.
Finally, Turnquist has been awarded $3,446 for a new refrigerator for our Infant Room! The new fridge will ensure that our babies' formula and other items are stored at the right temperature. The Grant comes from First Children's Finance, which has 8 rounds of its Facilities Revitalization Grant Program. Turnquist had been awarded $15,404.06 in an earlier round, for repairing floors and walls. ​
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS FOR EVERYONE!
Turnquist is having its annual donation drive, collecting toys and home goods for their families.  Many of them are struggling just to keep a roof over their heads and food in the fridge.

MAKE THIS A GREAT HOLIDAY SEASON FOR OUR TURNQUIST FAMILIES!
Toy Drive
Do you have any new* toys you can donate?  This will make our children’s holiday season the best ever.  We’ll take age-appropriate toys for all children– infants, toddlers,  preschoolers and up!
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Home Goods Drive
Many of our families can’t afford life’s basic necessities – personal products, cleaning supplies, kitchen equipment and so on.*  Do you have any to donate? ​​
Bring your donations to Turnquist by Friday, December 15th!
Have questions? Ask Liz!  612-706-5545 or [email protected]
 
(* For safety and health reasons, we cannot accept used toys or any children’s clothing, used or new.)

OFF TO NEW ADVENTURES
Julie Neumann came to A Chance To Grow in 2006.  Over the next 17 years, she played many roles, from Boost UP instructor to S.M.A.R.T. trainer to Audiology Assistant to Occupational Therapist and finally Clinical Services Director.  As a leader and mentor, she championed new approaches that became integral to what the clinic has become. And she walked the walk, continually learning  new theory and skills discovered by her colleagues.  She continually pulled from all of her experience in workings in all the departments to find solutions for the complex challenges that children face.
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Says Michelle Koyama, who succeeds Julie as Clinical Services Director, "Julie has an incredible skill in being able to explain application of neurological techniques.  That greatly affects how new therapists and parents can understand and apply the skills.  New therapists become experienced therapists faster and parents are able to participate in the therapy in a more meaningful way.  This was instrumental in creating a clinic that doesn't just increase the function level of clients, but changes the trajectory of their growth."

Julie left A Chance To Grow in September to spend more time working with clients, and more time with her family. Thanks, Julie, your contributions to ACTG are immeasurable.  We miss you!
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Growing Times - July '23

7/17/2023

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Click here to download a PDF version of our Summer Newsletter

our extended family

A Chance To Grow is proud to be a part of Northeast Minneapolis, a vibrant community that nurtures the arts, its businesses and the vital work of nonprofit organizations that serve the neighborhood. The area’s community organizations have played a critical role in helping us meet our mission for decades. We’d like to introduce you to three of our most ardent Northeast supporters: Kiwanis Club, The Exchange Club, and the Lions Club.
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These are local chapters of national organizations. In Northeast Minneapolis, these all-volunteer organizations work hard to raise money to support organizations like ours, as a way to ensure that we can meet the needs of our neighbors. Their support over the decades have given us a chance to grow. > Click here to continue reading

introducing the garden of hope!

A Chance To Grow is excited to announce the launch of its monthly givers club, The Garden of Hope! Many clients come to us because we offer solutions that others don’t have, and because we treat the whole person, not a collection of symptoms. Now YOU can make sure that everyone who needs our services can get them!
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enroll today!
Your monthly gifts sustain our operations year-round so that we can continue to provide life-changing services to everyone who needs them. Not all our costs are covered by insurance or grants, and some families can’t afford our services. By joining The Garden of Hope, you ensure that we can be there for those who need us most. We invite you to visit our Garden of Hopewebpage and explore the benefits of being a member and see how your generous gifts impacts those we serve.

the race for the children

A Chance To Grow’s 32nd Running of The Race for the Children returns to Canterbury Park in Shakopee, MN on Sunday, August 20! ​​
We invite you and your family to join us for a fun day at the races as we share our message of hope and raise funds to support our programs and services! Event attendees will receive a complimentary racing form and buffet lunch in the Longshots Party Area. The event will also feature a silent auction, raffles, a Wall of Wine and more!
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Registration is NOW OPEN and sponsorship opportunities are available! To sign-up, or for more information, visit ACTG.org/RacefortheChildren.

​Thank you to our 2023 Event Sponsors!

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fall s.m.a.r.t. workshops

S.M.A.R.T. and S.M.A.R.T. Pre-K Workshops are right around the corner! Don’t miss your chance to experience this amazing 3-day workshop and discover how to boost your students’ learning readiness skills through fun and engaging movement activities! Space is still available, but filling up fast! Registration is NOW OPEN!
S.M.A.R.T. Workshops
  • October 24-26, 2023
  • February 27-29, 2024

​S.M.A.R.T. Pre-K Workshops
  • August 29-31, 2023 (Badger, MN)
  • November 7-9, 2023
  • March 5-7, 2024
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​*All workshops held at A Chance To Grow in Minneapolis unless otherwise noted. Register two weeks in advance and save $25 on your registration fee!

summer intensives

Take advantage of what's left of summer break and complete our 20-session Advanced-Brain Summer Intensive in 6-10 weeks! Combining in-clinic Neurofeedback with optional at-home Audio-Visual Entrainment, this intensive allows you to train up to 3 times per week with flexible scheduling to see positive results faster!
If you or a loved one struggle with a lack of focus, sleep issues, emotional instability, inability to calm, or brain fog, then this intensive may be a good fit. Call (612) 789-1236 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about the program!

Summer Neuro Integrative Intensives also available!
This intensive combines several interventions that collectively promote brain growth and development through purposeful movement. By establishing more efficient neurological connections between the brain and body, this intensive can improve higher-level functioning as well as physical and emotional independence. Click here to complete a program inquiry! 

jo gascoigne - a special educator

We are sad to share that our dear friend and colleague, Jo Gascoigne, passed away on June 1, 2023 at the age of 91. She was a pioneer in the education field and a dedicated volunteer at A Chance To Grow.
Jo began her illustrious academic career in 1958 as a physical education teacher in Mankato. She always believed that physical education was a key factor for children to reach their full potential. In 1974, Jo became involved with a landmark piece of legislation that guaranteed all children, including those with disabilities, receive a free and appropriate public education in every state. This propelled Jo into her next position as the Assistant Director of Special Education at the Minnesota Dept. of Education, where she focused on the implementation of these newly enacted federal laws. It was about this time that she began her involvement with A Chance To Grow. Over the next 20 years, Jo generously volunteered her time and talents to help improve ACTG’s financial stability, leadership structure, and outpatient procedures.
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A Chance To Grow’s late founder, Bob DeBoer, said this about Jo’s contributions: “She’s done remarkable work on behalf of special education across the country and we are so grateful she saw value in our mission and felt inclined to share her talents with us. She was a wonderful volunteer who helped build this organization in ways most people don’t know.”
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We honor her memory with every child we serve. Thank you, Jo!

vision clinic temporarily closed

A Chance To Grow’s Vision Clinic and OptomEYES Vision Therapy are temporarily closed and not accepting new clients. Our optometrist, Dr. Shelby May, has accepted a year-long residency at The Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, a leader in vision therapy and developmental optometry. Dr. May will return July 19, 2024. We wish her luck and look forward to her return! We are still able to provide optical services to patients with a current eyeglass prescription. We have a wide selection of frames (as low as $70) and are able to accommodate children and adults enrolled in PMAP or MHCP programs. For questions or to schedule an optical visit, please contact (612) 789-1236 or email [email protected].

actg awarded operations grant!

Exciting news! A Chance To Grow was recently awarded a $5,000 general operating grant from The Casey Albert T. O’Neil Foundation! Thank you so much to the Foundation, we are so grateful for your support!
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Growing Times - April '23

4/18/2023

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Click here to download a PDF version of the Spring Newsletter.

The Best Kept Secret

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Hadley is a shy but sweet teenager who loves her family, friends and especially her dog, Buddy. From the beginning, school hasn’t come easy to her. Her parents first noticed something was amiss in second grade when they’d try to do homework with her and she’d cry and beg not to do it. Her writing looked more like a toddler’s handwriting and she couldn’t seem to stay focused on the class material. Her parents were worried – they knew she was smart, yet she struggled in virtually every subject in school, especially reading and math. They were determined to get her the help she needed and began searching for answers. A full neurological evaluation yielded diagnoses of ADHD and Dyslexia.

> Continue reading about Hadley's journey  
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Thank you OTs!

We are so grateful for all the amazing, life-changing work that our OTs do. Each and every day they help their clients gain independence to reach their full potential. Thank you to all the OTs for your dedicated service!
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Summer 2023 S.M.A.R.T. Workshops!

We are excited to announce our upcoming schedule of S.M.A.R.T. and S.M.A.R.T. Pre-K Workshop dates for this summer (and beyond) at A Chance To Grow! If you are an educator working with Pre-K - 3rd graders, this is the program for YOU! Registration is now open for all workshops.
S.M.A.R.T. Workshops
  • June 27-29, 2023
  • July 18-20, 2023
  • October 24-26, 2023
  • February 27-29, 2024
S.M.A.R.T. Pre-K Workshops
  • June 20-22, 2023
  • July 11-13, 2023
  • November 7-9, 2023
  • March 5-7, 2024
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All workshops will be held at A Chance To Grow in Minneapolis, MN unless otherwise noted. Register two weeks in advance and save $25 on your registration fee. Register today and secure your spot!

Advanced-Brain Summer Intensives

Take advantage of summer break and complete our 20-session Advanced-Brain Summer Intensive in 6-10 weeks! 

Combining in-clinic Neurofeedback with optional at-home Audio-Visual Entrainment, this intensive allows you to train up to 3 times per week with flexible scheduling to see positive results faster!
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If you or a loved one struggles with a lack of focus, sleep issues, emotional instability, inability to calm, or brain fog, then this intensive may be a good fit. Call (612) 789-1236 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about the program!

Neuro Integrative Intensives available This summer!

The Neuro Integrative Intensive combines several interventions that collectively promote brain growth and development through purposeful movement. By establishing more efficient neurological connections between the brain and body, this intensive can improve higher-level functioning as well as physical and emotional independence. Space is filling up, visit our Summer Programs page and complete a Program Inquiry to get started!
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Vision Clinic Has a New Home!

A Chance To Grow's Vision Services have moved offices in our building, just down the hall to suite 220. The new space provides more room for vision therapy activities, optometric equipment, eyeglass frames and offices. Additionally, the new space will allow us to see even more clients! Call us to day at (612) 789-1236 to schedule an exam and come see it for yourself! Or, take a video tour with Dr. May!

MNRI Courses at ACTG Begin this Month!

A Chance To Grow is hosting two Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI) courses this spring. The first course, titled Dynamic and Postural Reflex Integration, runs from April 21-24, 2023 and is led by Trina Deiss. The course focuses on the importance of primary motor reflex pattern maturation. The cost for the course is $756.
The second course, titled Proprioceptive and Cognitive Integration, runs from May 19-21, 2023, and is led by Theresa Fischer. In this course, participants explore links between the proprioceptive and cognitive systems. The cost for the course is $576.

To learn more or register for either course, visit www.masgutovamethod.com/events. For all other questions, please call (612) 706-5553.
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Minnesota Autism Conference: April 26-28

A Chance To Grow is excited to be sponsoring & exhibiting at the 28th Annual Minnesota Autism Conference at the Marriot Minneapolis Airport Hotel in Bloomington. The event runs April 26-28 and will have keynote speakers and breakout sessions featuring experts, educators, caregivers, parents and support professionals highlighting ways to connect, collaborate, educate and advocate for the Autism community. Registration is still open. For more information or to sign up for the conference, please visit the Autism Society of Minnesota’s website.
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2023 Race for the Children is Back!

The 32nd Running of the Race for the Children event will be held on Sunday, August 20, 2023 at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, MN. Event details, sponsorship, auction donation and registration information can now be found on our Race for the Children page. Proceeds from the event support the essential programs and services of A Chance To Grow. Contact us at (612) 789-1236 to learn more!
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Turnquist Awarded Revitalization Grant

The Turnquist Child Enrichment Center has been awarded a Facilities Revitalization Grant from First Children’s Finance and the Minnesota Department of Human Services! The $15,000 grant will help us make our child care space safer and more welcoming for our littlest clients and their families. Thank you to First Children’s Finance and Minnesota DHS. We are very grateful for your support!
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Garden of Hope Launches July 1

ACTG is launching a new fundraising initiative, called The Garden of Hope, for those who want to provide ongoing support. You can ensure we have the resources to sustain operations and continue our legacy of innovation by making small monthly donations. Enrollment opens on July 1, 2023, and members receive special perks! Details can be found on our website at our Garden of Hope page!
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Employment Openings

A Chance To Grow is hiring!
  • Clinical Services is seeking a FT Speech-Language Pathologist
  • Turnquist Child Enrichment Center is seeking a FT Infant Assistant Teacher/Aide
  • Development team is seeking a Summer Intern to help with events
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To learn more about each position, or to apply, please visit our Employment page.
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Our Mission is to promote the maximum development of the whole child and adult through innovative, individualized and comprehensive brain-centered programs and services.
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(612) 789-1236 / [email protected]

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