The ProAct service boasts a 100 percent completion rate and has seen steady interest since its introduction in the spring of 2021. Production Skills Exploration Services are flexible in length, from between 40 and 60 hours, and focus on product handling and assembly, math and reading skills.

Multiple factors have made the service effective and solidified commitment from the people involved, explains ProAct Employment Development Manager Anna Cahak.

Early communication during the referral and intake process covering each person’s interests and needs has helped, as have the variety of tasks and trainings, she said. ProAct can also modify the training components and the support it offers while exploring production options. “It takes much of the stress out of the equation.”

Participants explore work in product receiving, form boxes to industry standards, use a box taper, weigh items and practice quality control, the manager said. Heat sealing and shrink-wrapping skills are also emphasized.

The length of the production skills exploration is flexible and can be extended if there’s a need. One individual took advantage and wanted more preparation in production to achieve his goals for independence. Production Manager Jennifer Cavalier was happy to accommodate.