Growing Times - October '21

Click here to download a PDF version of the ACTG Fall Newsletter

A Living, Breathing Miracle

We recently heard from an old friend, Sharon O’Shaughnessy, with an update on her daughter Rachel’s progress. Their story is not only inspiring, it shows the extraordinary lengths ACTG parents are willing to go to in order to give their children the best chance at a full life. And that’s exactly what Sharon did.

When Sharon was pregnant with Rachel, 26 years ago, they were in a very bad car accident. “Somebody crossed the center line and took us out,” remembers Sharon. “We were never really sure if that had anything to do with anything,” but it was clear from birth that there were problems.

> Continue reading Sharon and Rachel's story and hear her advice for parents

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Vision Care
​for the Whole Family 

ACTG’s Vision Clinic is now accepting clients of all ages! If you or a loved one are struggling to see clearly, or if you just need an annual check-up, please call us today at (612) 789-1236 to schedule an appointment. Our Vision Clinic offers:

• Quick appointments with minimal wait times
• Exams and assessments for the whole family
• Preventative eye care and developmental visual testing
• Referrals and recommendations for continued treatment
• Most insurance plans are accepted

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S.M.A.R.T. Workshops
Registration Now Open!

We are now accepting registrations for our 2021-22 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-3rd graders, this program is for YOU!

S.M.A.R.T. K-3 Workshops
​- October 26-28, 2021
​- February 22-24, 2022

S.M.A.R.T. Pre-K Workshops
- October 19-21, 2021
- March 1-3, 2022

​All workshops will be held at A Chance To Grow in Minneapolis. Register two weeks in advance and save $25!

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Join the S.M.A.R.T. Steps Team

S.M.A.R.T. Steps, a pilot project to bring S.M.A.R.T. activities to Family Child Care Providers, has entered its second year and is now beginning a new session to train providers.

This new program will provide children ages 0-5 years with fun, play-like activities that promote natural, healthy brain development, making them ready to succeed in school. The activities are designed to be low-cost and easy to implement in any setting.
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We are seeking providers in Blue Earth, Brown and Dodge counties in southern Minnesota. Participants will receive virtual training, mentoring and equipment free of charge. If you or someone you know who provides child care services is interested, we invite you to visit our S.M.A.R.T. Steps page and submit the form to see if you may qualify.

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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 Home-Based Services page to find the right program for your family!

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Turnquist is Hiring!

Turnquist is seeking a full-time Assistant Preschool Teacher and a full-time Infant Assistant Teacher. Each position starts at $15/hour, includes health and dental benefits, paid time off, paid training and a $500 sign-on bonus! For more details on the positions, and to apply, please visit our Employment page and submit an application.

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Give to the Max Day 2021
is Thursday, November 18

Minnesota’s annual Give to the Max Day is approaching! For 24 hours, donations made to MN nonprofits will provide opportunities for those organizations to win bonus funding! A $5 donation could turn into thousands! When you give to ACTG, you ensure that individuals whose brains have been affected by injury, illness or inadequate development get the innovative, individualized and comprehensive therapies they need. On Thursday, November 18, 2021 please visit www.givemn.org/organization/Achancetogrow/ to help our clients GROW TO THE MAX!

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2021 HOLIDAY GIFT AUCTION
OPENS: NOVEMBER 26, 2021 AT 12:15 AM  |  CLOSES: DECEMBER 5, 2021 AT 11:45 PM

Register for auction

The holidays are on their way and ACTG is here to help you find the perfect gift for that special someone! Our Holiday Gift Auction returns on Black Friday, November 26 and runs through Sunday, December 5. Registration for the online auction is now open at ACTG.org.

Amazing gifts for all ages! Electronics, outdoor gear, tickets and sports memorabilia, housewares, toys for kids, gift cards and more! Don't miss this 10-day event and your chance to get great deals on fantastic presents! 

​ACTG's Holiday Gift Auction​ has something for everyone! Skip the mall and bid on great items for work, home and play!  Free shipping and delivery by Tuesday, December 14. Proceeds support the programs and services of A Chance To Grow!

featured items:

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Thanks For supporting
ACTG at the Race for the Children!

Thank you to all the sponsors and attendees of our 30th Running of the Race for the Children at Canterbury Park this past August. We are so grateful for your continued support of our organization and mission. Your generosity helps us provide essential services to children and adults in need, lifting them up to reach their highest potential. Thanks to you, the event was a tremendous success and we can’t wait to do it again next year!

We would also like to congratulate Mr. Pat Fagerlee (right), the big winner for our 50/50 Raffle! Pat won $3,020, and ACTG raised the same amount for its programs and services. Pictured alongside Pat is our # 1 ticket seller, Al Morelli! Thanks to Al and Pat, and everyone that bought or sold tickets this summer.

If you would like to learn more information about ACTG’s events, including details on sponsorship and partner opportunities, we invite you to visit our events page.