 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.”
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.
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.” 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.  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!  Finding Relief After Long Covid
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.” 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. 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. 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.
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 learn more about Audiology services at A Chance To Grow, visit www.actg.org/audiologyservices. 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!
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:
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!  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:
 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!
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 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. 
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.
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. 
HALLWAYS, CLASSROOMS, RENOVATIONS, OH MY!
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!
 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!
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  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). 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.  SORRY FOR THE DELAY  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:
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
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!  "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?  TURNQUIST IS ON A ROLL!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FOR EVERYONE!
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
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!  our extended familyA 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.  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!
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 childrenA Chance To Grow’s 32nd Running of The Race for the Children returns to Canterbury Park in Shakopee, MN on Sunday, August 20!
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!  fall s.m.a.r.t. workshopsS.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!
*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 intensivesTake 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 educatorWe 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.
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.” We honor her memory with every child we serve. Thank you, Jo! vision clinic temporarily closedA 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!
 The Best Kept Secret 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
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. 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
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!
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.
Minnesota Autism Conference: April 26-28
2023 Race for the Children is Back!
Turnquist Awarded Revitalization Grant
Garden of Hope Launches July 1
Employment OpeningsA Chance To Grow is hiring!
 What Makes Us So Special?A Chance To Grow is a special place for many reasons, not the least of which is our Turnquist Child Enrichment Center, that primarily serves young families that require county assistance to receive childcare services.
Vision Clinic Accepting New Clients!
'23 S.M.A.R.T. Workshops Begin Next Month
Registration is open for all Elementary & Pre-K workshops! Our experienced instructors will help you understand how to easily implement these brain-stimulating activities in your classroom. *All workshops will be held in Minneapolis, MN. Register two weeks in advance and save $25! S.M.A.R.T. Steps Program Expands!The S.M.A.R.T. Steps program - a pilot project designed to bring the S.M.A.R.T. program to Family Child Care providers - has begun its 4th cohort, with nearly 80 providers from around the state enrolled in 2023.
New Year, New Focus with Neurofeedback Brain Training
MNRI Courses Return to ACTG this Spring!
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. Cost is $576. To learn more or register for either course, please visit www.masgutovamethod.com/events. For all other questions, please call (612) 706-5553.
“She was an essential member of our team and we will miss her greatly. The dedication and loyalty to the agency, as well as the PCA’s she managed and the families she served, has been outstanding and admirable. We know that she will excel in her new adventure and wish her all the best! Thank you, Edith!” - Erica Dickerson, ACTG Executive Director Save the Date: 2023 Race for the Children!
28th Annual MN Autism Conference
Sheet Metal Connectors, Inc. Helps Turnquist Families!
We would also like to sincerely thank the Minnesota Department of Health, who awarded us $2,500 to purchase and install a new hydration station in our lobby, ensuring access to clean and safe water for our clients and staff.
 The CranioSacral ConnectionAt A Chance To Grow, we know from experience that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to helping individuals reach their highest potential. Every client we see is unique. We are proud to be able to offer many therapeutic modalities to help our clients achieve their goals. Our therapists -- experts in auditory, vision, occupational, speech/language therapies and neurotechnology -- routinely work collaboratively to best address client needs. We believe that everything related to our health and wellness is connected, and it’s through this holistic lens that our team is able to provide the most comprehensive and individualized care for the whole person.  For example, our Neuro Integrative Clinic combines elements of reflex integration, developmental movement, and sensory processing therapies that collectively promote brain growth and social, physical, and emotional development. To give our clients the most comprehensive care available, we continue to add therapeutic approaches. So we are delighted to announce that Jennifer Voorhees, an occupational therapist (OTR/L) who is trained in CranioSacral Therapy techniques, reflex integration and sensory processing therapies, has joined the Neuro Integrative Clinic. >> Click here to continue reading! Introducing Mindful-Calm Brain Spa Destress with ACTG’s newest neurofeedback program, Brain Spa! Designed specifically for adults who are looking for a relaxing atmosphere to cultivate a peaceful calm, not only within their mind, but body as well. Featuring enhanced lighting, scientifically orchestrated music with the gentle sounds of nature, aroma therapy, optional weighted blankets and more, this program promotes an all-encompassing relaxation experience! To learn more or to register, contact us at [email protected] or call (612) 789-1236. Space Available for Last S.M.A.R.T. Workshops of 2022!The final S.M.A.R.T. Workshops of 2022 are approaching! Learn about a developing brain and how S.M.A.R.T.’s movement-based activities will ENERGIZE your student’s learning readiness. Don’t miss your chance to experience this transformational workshop. Registration is open for all our upcoming Elementary & Pre-K workshops! Our experienced instructors will help you understand how to easily implement these brain-stimulating activities in your classroom. Register today!
New Audiology Equipment Dr. Sara Cook, next to the new Equinox 2.0 Audiometer The Audiology Clinic at A Chance To Grow recently installed new testing equipment to help us better care for our clients with hearing challenges. This includes the Equinox 2.0 Audiometer, capable of advanced clinical audiometry to measure hearing acuity, as well as the IMP440 Tympanometry machine, which evaluates the condition of the middle ear and measures acoustic reflexes and otoacoustic emissions. “This new equipment will allow us to better assess hearing impairments, especially allowing us to obtain more objective information for diagnosis purposes,” says Dr. Sara Cook, ACTG’s Audiologist. Schedule a hearing assessment today by calling us at (612) 789-1236. Neurofeedback Rental Units Available
Support ACTG on Give to the MAx Day!
When you give to A Chance To Grow, you ensure that individuals struggling with brain injuries, illness or inadequate development get the innovative, individualized and comprehensive therapies they need. On November 17, please visit www.givemn.org/organization/Achancetogrow/ to help our clients GROW TO THE MAX! Thank You For Supporting ACTG's Race for the Children!Thank you to all the attendees and sponsors of our 31st Running of the Race for the Children at Canterbury Park this past August. You helped make this one of the best events ever!
New Food Pantry for Turnquist FamiliesA Chance To Grow’s Turnquist Child Enrichment Center is excited to announce the opening of its new FREE Food Pantry! Open to all families, the pantry features fresh produce, non-perishables, household goods, toiletries and more. Special thanks to Second Harvest Heartland for helping to stock the pantry, and to our Turnquist staff for getting it ready for our families!
A Chance To Grow contracts its speech and occupational therapists, optometrist and audiologist to schools across Minnesota for students with IEPs. Our team supports sensory processing needs, fine motor development, language skills and much more. We provide student-centered, academic-focused, and evidence-based therapies on-site by fully licensed clinicians.
Home-Based Services: Custom Care Plans
 Seeing The Invisible ProblemFor as long as he can remember, Samson has had vision problems. When he was young, he was always tripping over things, misjudging distances. He was given glasses at an early age, but even with them, he had trouble seeing.
Join us for a Day at the Races!
The event will feature fun family activities and great live racing! Attendees will also receive a complimentary racing form and buffet lunch in the Longshots Party Area. Registration is now open and sponsorship opportunities are available. Proceeds support the programs and services of A Chance To Grow.  Space is Available for 2022 S.M.A.R.T. Summer Workshops!
Can’t make a 3-day workshop? We are holding a 1-day Bridging the Gap workshop on Wednesday, September 28, 2022. All workshops will be held at A Chance To Grow in Minneapolis, MN unless otherwise noted. Register two weeks in advance and save $25! Register today to secure your spot! MNRI NeuroTactile Integration Course: October 29-30A Chance To Grow will be hosting a Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration course led by Pamela Curlee on October 29-30, 2022 at its facility in NE Minneapolis.
Turnquist Child Enrichment Center Awarded Multiple GrantsThe Turnquist Child Enrichment Center (TCEC) is pleased to announce it has been awarded multiple grants to support the growth and stability of the children and families who receive our services!  The Sauer Family Foundation awarded a $11,190 grant to TCEC to implement the Conscious Discipline curriculum, which creates a compassionate culture in the classroom that increases self-regulation, sense of safety, connection, empathy and intrinsic motivation in children who have experienced or are at risk for experiencing trauma. Our TCEC children are at high risk for poverty, trauma, learning difficulties and behavioral issues. Most are low-income, special needs, are in foster care and/or are children of teen parents. The Conscious Discipline approach will provide support for positive social-emotional development for these children. Grant activities include acquiring materials, training staff, and integrating the curriculum into daily activities.  Second Harvest Heartland awarded a $5,000 grant to TCEC to create a food pantry. Until now, TCEC staff has only been able to create pop-up pantries in available space with only shelf-stable items. This grant will allow TCEC to create a permanent pantry space that has refrigeration and more room, thus allowing us to provide fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, and other perishables, as well as canned and packaged items on a daily basis. The new pantry will not only provide healthy and nutritious items to our families, many of whom experience food insecurity, it will also attract new families to our center, allowing us to expand services to the NE area more broadly. The grant money will be used to buy equipment for the pantry. “We are so grateful to the Sauer Family Foundation and Second Harvest for awarding us these grants,” says Elizabeth Ruzek, Director of Turnquist. “Theses funds will help us continue to nurture the minds and bodies of our students and their families so that all may reach their full potential.” Advanced-Brain Summer Intensives: Neurofeedback + AVE
Advanced-Brain Wellness Program: |
| Are you stressed or do you find it hard to focus? Do you lie awake at night with your thoughts spinning? Are you lacking energy? If you said yes to any of these, then this program may be a perfect fit for you! Support your brain’s health and take charge of your wellness with Audio-Visual Entrainment - a holistic brain-training program that uses lights and sounds to improve your focus, energy, and calm. Train once or twice weekly, for 3-6 weeks, in our private training rooms with a custom program that fits your schedule! You’ll be amazed at how you feel after a 30-minute session. Imagine how you’ll feel after regular training tailored to your goals. It’s one of the easiest and most relaxing ways to support a healthy brain and bring back some calm and focus into your life. Register today! |  |
Third-Party Billing Tops $3 Million in Revenue for Minnesota Charter Schools
Since 2011, charter schools throughout Minnesota have relied on ACTG’s Third-Party Billing service to receive extra funding for their special education needs. School funding is always less than what is needed and our service allows schools to receive funding through federal sources on top of the federal and state funding they already receive. To get this extra funding, schools have us bill for services like occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, audiology, mental health services, interpreters, special transportation, PCA services and more. With our extensive understanding of school finance, we are able to help schools navigate the complexities of third-party billing to make sure they are reporting expenditures properly with the Minnesota Department of Education and Minnesota Department of Health Services to ensure they receive full reimbursement.
To date, we have served 70 charter schools and generated over $3 million in revenue for these schools which they can use to help fund special education needs. This past year alone, we assisted 46 schools and more than 1,800 eligible students. Click here to learn more about Third-Party Billing or call us at (612) 789-1236.
To date, we have served 70 charter schools and generated over $3 million in revenue for these schools which they can use to help fund special education needs. This past year alone, we assisted 46 schools and more than 1,800 eligible students. Click here to learn more about Third-Party Billing or call us at (612) 789-1236.
S.M.A.R.T. Steps: Providing Readiness
How do we best prepare our children for future success?
For nearly 25 years, our Minnesota Learning Resource Center has addressed this question via S.M.A.R.T. (Stimulating Maturity through Accelerated Readiness Training), a movement-based program designed to enhance brain development in elementary-aged children.
With decades of proven results in academic settings, the S.M.A.R.T. team took the next logical step: In 2020, they launched S.M.A.R.T. Steps, a version of the program adapted for Family Child Care Providers working within their homes with newborns to five-year-olds.
For nearly 25 years, our Minnesota Learning Resource Center has addressed this question via S.M.A.R.T. (Stimulating Maturity through Accelerated Readiness Training), a movement-based program designed to enhance brain development in elementary-aged children.
With decades of proven results in academic settings, the S.M.A.R.T. team took the next logical step: In 2020, they launched S.M.A.R.T. Steps, a version of the program adapted for Family Child Care Providers working within their homes with newborns to five-year-olds.
| “This crucial stage in a child’s development sets the foundation for a wide range of skills and learning capacities,” says Katie Hansen, Assistant Director of the program. “S.M.A.R.T. activities strengthen these foundations, like balance and coordination, eye movements, and auditory discrimination. Once these skills become automatic, a child is more equipped to sit still in a chair, read smoothly across a page, and hear differences in sounds - all essential for school readiness and academic success.” |  |
With input from the providers, S.M.A.R.T. activities have been specifically tailored to their needs. And the first 18 providers we’ve trained love it! The plan is to take the program statewide in the near future...Continue reading
Calming Your Mind: De-Stress with Brain Training
Wednesday, April 20, 2022 | 6:00-700 pm
Learn how brain training can help you de-stress and break free from the noise inside of your head. Gain a better understanding of Neurofeedback and Audio-Visual Entrainment and how they can help you or a loved one who is struggling with anxious thoughts or difficulty focusing. Plus, attendees will have the opportunity to experience a free brain-training session of their choice!
Register Here
Wednesday, April 20, 2022 | 6:00-700 pm
Learn how brain training can help you de-stress and break free from the noise inside of your head. Gain a better understanding of Neurofeedback and Audio-Visual Entrainment and how they can help you or a loved one who is struggling with anxious thoughts or difficulty focusing. Plus, attendees will have the opportunity to experience a free brain-training session of their choice!
Register Here
Advanced-Brain Summer Program Preview
Wednesday, May 11, 6:00 - 7:00pm
If you or a family member struggle with focus, anxious thoughts, aggression, memory, sleep, low mood, or impulsivity, then one of these programs is for you! Learn about our newest brain training program, the Advanced-Brain Wellness program! It's designed specifically for those who don't need an intensive but want to add a little more calm and focus to their life.
You'll also learn about the Advanced-Brain Intensive which includes both brain-training modalities so that you have support for the kids in a clinic setting and home support for the parents. There'll be plenty of time for questions, so you can choose the right summer program that meets your needs. And, just for attending, you'll receive special brain training bonuses valued at up to $400! Register Here
Wednesday, May 11, 6:00 - 7:00pm
If you or a family member struggle with focus, anxious thoughts, aggression, memory, sleep, low mood, or impulsivity, then one of these programs is for you! Learn about our newest brain training program, the Advanced-Brain Wellness program! It's designed specifically for those who don't need an intensive but want to add a little more calm and focus to their life.
You'll also learn about the Advanced-Brain Intensive which includes both brain-training modalities so that you have support for the kids in a clinic setting and home support for the parents. There'll be plenty of time for questions, so you can choose the right summer program that meets your needs. And, just for attending, you'll receive special brain training bonuses valued at up to $400! Register Here
| Feeling stressed? Trouble focusing? Are you lacking energy? If you said yes to any of these, then this program may be a perfect fit for you! Support your brain’s health and take charge of your wellness with Audio-Visual Entrainment - a holistic brain-training program that uses lights and sounds to improve your focus, energy, and calm. Train once or twice weekly, for 3-6 weeks, in our private training rooms with a custom program that fits your schedule! You’ll be amazed at how you feel after a 30-minute session. Imagine how you’ll feel after regular training tailored to your goals. It’s one of the easiest and most relaxing ways to support a healthy brain and bring back some calm and focus into your life. Register here! |  |
Advanced-Brain Summer Intensive
| Skip the summer slide with our comprehensive summer brain-training program! Combining in-clinic Neurofeedback sessions with in-home support via Audio-Visual Entrainment, this flexible program allows you to train your brain on your schedule! If you or a loved one struggles with emotional instability, poor focus or anxious thoughts, we encourage you to visit our Summer Intensive page and submit a program inquiry form. |  |
Includes 20 in-clinic Neurofeedback sessions with assessments at each session, as well as your own AVE unit. For intensive pricing and questions, call (612) 789-1236 or email [email protected].
2022 S.M.A.R.T. workshop Dates are Here!
Boost your students’ learning readiness skills and prepare them to become life-long learners with our amazing S.M.A.R.T. program! Our experienced instructors will help you understand how to easily implement these brain-stimulating activities in your classroom. If you are an educator working with Pre-K - 3rd graders, this program is for YOU!
| S.M.A.R.T. Workshops June 21-23, 2022 July 12-14, 2022 October 25-27, 2022 February 21-23, 2023 S.M.A.R.T. Pre-K Workshops June 28-30, 2022 (Kasson, MN) July 19-21, 2022 August 2-4, 2022 (New Ulm, MN) November 1-3, 2022 |  |
Can’t make a 3-day workshop? We are holding a 1-day Bridging the Gap workshop on Wednesday, September 28, 2022. All workshops will be held at A Chance To Grow in Minneapolis, MN unless otherwise noted. Register two weeks in advance and save $25! Register today to secure your spot!
Save the Date! Race for the Children Returns!
| A Chance To Grow is excited to announce we will be holding our 31st Running of the Race for the Children event on Sunday, August 7, 2022 at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, MN. Attendees will receive a complimentary racing form and buffet lunch in the Longshots Party Area, and the event will feature fun activities for the whole family and great live racing! Proceeds support ACTG’s programs and services. Registration is now open and sponsorship opportunities are available. |  |
Get Your Eyes and Ears Checked!
| A Chance To Grow’s Vision and Audiology Clinics are here to support all of your vision and hearing needs. If you or a loved one is struggling to see or hear clearly, or you just need an annual check-up, contact us at (612) 789-1236 to schedule an exam. Our experienced clinicians provide comprehensive care plans to quickly identify and address any vision or auditory-related issue. Custom therapy programs are available as well! Visit Clinical Services to learn more or submit a scheduling request. |  |
Contract School-Based Services
Our Clinicians Will Come To Your School!
A Chance To Grow contracts its speech and occupational therapists, optometrist and audiologist to schools across Minnesota for students with IEPs. Our team supports sensory processing needs, fine motor development, language skills and much more. We provide student-centered, academic-focused, and evidence-based therapies on-site by fully licensed clinicians. We can also save your school money! Our Third-Party Billing services help schools receive maximum reimbursement of Special Education costs. If you are a parent or an educator interested in bringing our Contract School-Based Services to your school, call us at (612) 789-1236 or email [email protected].
Home-Based Services: Custom Care Plans
Need help caring for a loved one with special needs? We can help! ACTG’s Home-Based Services provide Personal Care Assistants, Homemaking Services, and Respite Care to families in need. Demand for our high-quality home care has never been greater. Our experienced team will guide you through the process and provide a custom care plan tailored to your situation. Call us today at (612) 789-1236 to get started!
Now Hiring at Turnquist - Join Our Team!
We are looking to add new members to our child care team! If you enjoy working with children in a fun environment, we encourage you to visit our Employment page and submit an application. Current openings include a Full-Time Lead Preschool Teacher and Full-Time Preschool Assistant Teacher. Both positions include a $500 sign-on bonus! Apply today!
Meet our partner in
the somali community
..A Chance To Grow is committed to providing services to those who need them the most. Sometimes, that means partnering with an agency that focuses on meeting the needs of a specific population. For example, we knew from the research and from our own experience that the Somali community has higher rates of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) than other groups, but that there were barriers – language, culture, or transportation – that prevented parents of these children from getting services. So in 2019, we began a partnership with ISKA, Inc., a Somali-owned community service organization. It was founded by Ifrah Hudle, a human service professional who recognized that Somalis not only have a very high prevalence of ASD, they also have to deal with barriers to getting help...Continue reading
| Join us for the final workshop in our Brain Training Workshop Series, AVE for Improved Relationships, and discover how brain training can support the most significant people in our lives, like our friends and families. When we move out of our stress response, we’re more equipped to express our true selves and strengthen those relationships. Learn more about Audio-Visual Entrainment and try a session for yourself at this interactive and engaging workshop! Registration is now open! |  |
Registration open for
2022 S.M.A.R.T. Workshops
We are now accepting registrations for our 2022 S.M.A.R.T. and S.M.A.R.T. Pre-K Workshops. Boost your students’ learning readiness skills with this amazing program! Our experienced instructors will help you understand how to easily implement brain-stimulating activities in your classroom. If you are an educator working with Pre-K or K-3rd graders, this program is for YOU! Register today!
| S.M.A.R.T. Elementary Workshop February 22-24, 2022 *Early-Bird Pricing Ends February 7 Standard: $585 | *Early-Bird: $560 | Principal: $300 S.M.A.R.T. Pre-K Workshop March 1-3, 2022 *Early-Bird Pricing Ends February 14 Standard: $450 | *Early-Bird: $425 | Director: $300 |  |
All workshops will be held at A Chance To Grow in Minneapolis. We are committed to the safety of our participants, presenters, and community during the COVID-19 pandemic. We follow all recommendations and guidelines of the state health department. Click here to review our workshop registration policy.
S.M.A.R.T. Steps Update
| The S.M.A.R.T. Steps pilot program is beginning its third cohort this month, training new family childcare providers on low-cost S.M.A.R.T. activities that promote healthy brain development in children ages 0-5. The program has been implemented in 18 childcare settings in southern Minnesota, with future plans to expand to central and northern Minnesota in the coming years. More details about future S.M.A.R.T. Steps cohorts and training opportunities will be shared soon! |  |
Need Help Caring for a
Loved One with Special Needs?
If so, ACTG’s Home-Based Services and Personal Care Assistant (PCA) program can help. Our experienced staff is here to help you navigate the various requirements from the MN Dept. of Health to get you and your loved one the support you need. We are dedicated to helping families achieve positive outcomes by providing custom plans tailored to each situation. Additionally, our services allow clients to hire a family member or a friend to serve as the PCA. To see if you qualify, please call us at (612) 789-1236, or visit our Get Started page to find the right program for your family!
Neurofeedback rentals available
| Are you interested in improving your focus and reducing your stress, but short on time? Neurofeedback brain training may be the perfect solution! With our rental program, you can now train your brain from the comfort of your own home, on your schedule! Works great for families with multiple members that want to try brain training too, and safe for all ages! Start the new year with a calm and focused mind! Learn more by visiting our Neurofeedback Rentals page or inquire about the program today by contacting Kelly Pittman, Director of Neurotechnology, at [email protected]. |  |
New to vision clinic - RightEYE
ACTG’s Vision Clinic is excited to announce a new, cutting-edge tool just added to our screening and therapy services, called RightEye. This revolutionary eye-tracking technology allows eye care professionals to quickly and objectively identify and address vision issues in children and adults. In just five minutes, the RightEye EyeQ test will provide meaningful information about your functional vision. With our experienced optometrist and vision therapist, we will provide a comprehensive plan to help you or your loved one see clearly! Here's our optometrist, Dr. May, to help introduce this wonderful new tool!
Call us at (612) 789-1236 or submit a scheduling request to schedule your RightEye vision screening today!
In Memory of Jon Gudding
In November of last year, A Chance To Grow lost our long-time custodian, Jon Gudding. For those of you who knew Jon, he was so much more to us here in our building. He made everyone who came to ACTG feel welcome. “Mr. Jon” provided endless entertainment for our child care students while he cleaned and made repairs in their classrooms. He was also known as our “building therapist,” helping anyone with any problem they were dealing with that day. He was acquainted with many of the families we work with and always stopped to say hello. Jon was a big part of the ACTG family and we will miss him terribly.
Now Hiring - Join our team!
A Chance To Grow is looking to add new members to our team! If you are interested in learning more or applying for any of the following positions, please visit our Employment page.
*Includes $500 Sign-on Bonus!
*Includes $500 Sign-on Bonus!
- FT Preschool Assistant Teacher* (Turnquist Child Enrichment Center)
- FT Toddler Teacher* (Turnquist Child Enrichment Center)
- FT Infant Assistant Teacher* (Turnquist Child Enrichment Center)
- PT Infant Assistant Teacher* (Turnquist Child Enrichment Center)
- PT Speech-Language Pathologist (School-Based)
- PT/FT Speech-Language Pathologist (Outpatient Clinic)
Thank you for supporting ACTG's holiday gift auction
Last month, ACTG held its 2nd Holiday Gift Auction fundraiser! Thank you to all the organizations and individuals for their generous donations, and to all of the bidders for their participation. Your support allows us to continue to provide life-changing programs and services to help individuals reach their highest potential. We are truly grateful. Check back later this year for more details about our next Holiday Gift Auction, and the 31st running of the Race for the Children!
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