On Monday, November 1 from 10:30AM to 1PM Midwest Staffing team members, Chris Kratochvil, Justin Smith, Dan Webinger and Mary Verdeja along with Firstat's Brian Thoemke, attended “Celebrate Opportunity” an Opportunity Partners event. The event was an executive networking and business recognition luncheon to celebrate and learn how people with disabilities enhance our workplace. Midwest Staffing and Firstat donated $1,250 to help people with disabilities add value to the Twin Cities area.

The “Celebrate Opportunity” networking luncheon was hosted by Frank Vascellaro from WCCO-TV with keynote speaker Randy Lewis, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Management for Walgreens. Walgreens the largest pharmacy chain in the United States is one of the strongest supporters of Opportunity Partners by integrating people with disabilities into their workforce, marketplace and supplier chain. Randy discussed the success Walgreens has had by integrating Opportunity Partners workers into their distribution channels. They plan to increase the employment percentage of employees with disabilities by 20 percent. This is Walgreens secret to success; with this in mind your business should consider contacting Opportunity Partners.

Other than having the privilege of listening to Guest speaker Randy Lewis, the luncheon also included a speed networking session. Speed networking is similar to speed dating, a timed round robin where professionals meet to exchange contact information and their companies goals and history. Afterwards professionals decide on whom they will connect with or where they can utilize their product or service. A few businesses that Chris Kratochvil of Midwest Staffing connected with were Graybow HD, Minnesota Life College and Anchor Insurance Agency.

Besides a great networking event Midwest Staffing and Firstat fully intend to participate in this event again November 1, 2012. Not only to connect with other business professionals but to support the added value and the impact Opportunity Partners has on our community.

On Thursday September 22, 2011 Midwest Staffing held their Second Annual Golf Classic. This year's Golf Classic was located at the Oak Marsh Golf Course in Oakdale, MN. To enhance our fundraising efforts for SafeJourney this year, Midwest Staffing has partnered with their sister company Firstat Nursing and raised $1170 for this great cause. SafeJourney is a nonprofit organization at North Memorial Medical Center focusing on assisting domestic abuse victims and has helped 1,295 victims in 2010.

Chris Kratochvil, Director of Sales for Midwest Staffing Group, is a volunteer for SafeJourney and a benefit board member for SafeJourney. Chris is on call once per month to assist and support victims of domestic violence. Chris provides guidance and counseling to help the victims, and free their life from violent situations and most importantly he listens to them.

The Golf Classic consisted of teams of 4 at different hole starting with shotgun start simultaneously and was a best ball scramble. The men's team had a course breaking record score of 53 and won the grand prize of 4 lower level tickets to the Minnesota Vikings vs. the Denver Broncos donated by Michael Thoemke and Midwest Staffing. Other prizes were awarded for longest drive by a woman and a man, the longest putt and ball closest to the pin on a drive.

Participating donors:
Minnesota Timberwolves and Jim Buffo - 4 Lower Level Timberwolves tickets and a team signed basketball.
Oak Marsh and Midwest Staffing - 4 gift cards to the Oak Marsh Pro Shop.
Health Partners - Notebooks, toothbrushes, cell phone disinfectant and pens.

If you missed this opportunity to help SafeJourney another opportunity is coming up at their annual fundraiser "A Celebration for Courage". On Thursday, November 17th, 2011 at The Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis the event entails an elegant dinner, social hour, silent and live auction and a SafeJourney presentation. If you would like to attend, donate or contribute to the auction, please contact Jenny Kratochvil at 763-520-4151 or by emailing safejourney@northmemorial.com for more information.

To see photos from the event visit our facebook page. Also if you want to be notified about future events sign up to our monthly newsletter. Finally a special thank you, to all participants, sponsors and Oak Marsh Golf Course that made this event successful.

Home Care is a service provided in an individual’s place of residence which may also include an assisted living facility, or a boarding home. The major goal of the Home Health Agency is to assist an individual with their everyday needs and challenges to live fully and comfortably in their own familiar surroundings.

Surveys demonstrate that people approaching their senior years desire to live in their own homes and maintain independence. Several factors have maximize the prospect of aging in the home such as advanced treatments for diseases, new and improved medications and various products to assist Seniors to live longer.

Selecting a Home Health Agency to assist not only the senior population, but those that are disabled, frail or sick is somewhat confusing as there are many to choice from. Selection should be based on many important factors such as the reputation of the agency, how long has the agency been in business of “Caring”, supervision of personnel, is the agency a Certified Home Health Agency and if the agency handles the payroll and taxes of its own employees. The Family and the Client will want to know if the agency accepts Medicare, Medicaid, Private Pay and other Insurances.

Services vary according to the needs of the individual. If the patient requires clinical intervention such as assistance with medications, wound care, infusion therapy, management of a disease process, or improved ambulation and activities of daily living, the skill services of a Nurse or a Therapist would be the appropriate clinical intervention. Non-medical assistance would be provided by Home Health Aides or Companions. This group may assist with activities of daily living to include not only bathing but meal preparation, shopping, light housekeeping; just to name a few of the services that are available.

At Firstat, our professional and compassionate team ensures a “Holistic Approach” to Care by working together with the client and their family in developing A Plan of Care with a focus on not only the physical conditions of the individual but also the mental and social conditions that may affect a “Love One” from reaching their optimal state of health.

If you or someone needs help with personal care, rehabilitation, medications, meal preparation, just to name a few, contact Firstat to discuss your requests or options. Please contact a member of our Professional Team at 651-288-0222 for our Minnesota Office or 602-279-000 for our Phoenix Office. We will contact your Physician to assess if you have any special medical needs.

The sun was shining and the weather was just right (no, actually it was hot)! Nevertheless, a wonderful day for good cause golfing at the MDA: 2nd Annual St. Paul Fire Golf Classic held at the beautiful Highland National Golf Course. Midwest Staffing and Firstat Nursing Services teamed up and helped raise $180 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The entire event raised $4027. Everyone at the event had a fun time, while helping to bring awareness in finding a cure for those living with Muscular Dystrophy in Minnesota.

Brittany Noonan of Midwest Staffing attempts
to chip a golf ball into the bucket.

This was not a normal day at the golf course this event consisted of a 16 teams of 4 , totaling 64 people scrambling at a shot gun start with hole in one contest for $10,000 and a chance to win a FREE foursome at Highland Golf Course. At each hole the team was allowed to select the best shot from the group and continue from within one club length of that spot. Each hole brought on a new surprise as different companies sponsored a hole and created their own side competition. At the Midwest Staffing and Firstat Nursing Hole; golfers could purchase 5 balls for $5 to chip into the bucket for the chance to win a pair of Twins Tickets! One golfer commented, “I am not sure if chipping is a skill or just luck…but it is all for a good cause.” Other companies like Supermom’s, SuperAmerica, Wirtz Beverage, Degidio’s, IAFF and Local 21 also sponsored a hole with fun prizes to win. If your luck wasn't on the course that day you still walked away with one complimentary raffle ticket towards a number of items, one complimentary beverage ticket, Dinner at DeGidio’s Restaurant and Bar, a Commemorative gift which was a thank you picture from our campers with the team.

A Golfing Tip:
Bring a Hat, Sunglasses and Sun block!

A special thanks to MDA and everyone who participated from Midwest Staffing and Firstat Nursing Services! To see photos from this event please visit: Midwest Staffing or Firstat Nursing Services on their Face book page or you can follow both sister companies on Twitter!

For more info on sponsoring an event or participating with MDA, call: Betsey Palmgren, St Paul Executive Director at 952-832-5716.

On June 4, 2010 Midwest Staffing and Firstat raised $832.90 for Opportunity Partners at the first annual "Rock & Raise" event. The event was located at the Medina Entertainment Center in Medina, Minnesota. The event consisted of local bands, Ekoflo, Earth to Tolley, Wylee, and a special guest appearance of KISS (impersonators).

Jon Thompson, President of Opportunity
Partners rocks with special guest KISS at the
"Rock & Raise" fundraiser.

The event opened with Ekoflo and was followed by Earth to Tolley who performed until 9 pm. During the short intersession, Opportunity Partners President Jon Thompson gave special thanks to all the attendees supporting Opportunity Partners’ mission of taking "dis" out of disability. Then after months of great anticipation, Jon Thompson introduced the mysterious guest, KISS. KISS performed one song, "Rock and Roll All Nite," and fans and supporters went hysterical. Immediately after the performance, KISS indulged the paparazzi while enjoying a few cocktails with fans.

Just when fans enthusiasm began to deteriorate, Wylee stepped up and jolted the crowd until the end of the night. Also, fans of Brett Michaels flowed in after their show, thirsty for more entertainment. Wylee tunes were satisfying Brett Michaels’ fans, the KISS dance moves drew curiosity, and in a short period of time the vacant dance floor was flooded. Wylee showed no interest of exiting the stage, but at 12:30 a.m. Medina Entertainment Center needed to close the doors which they already graciously left open 30 extra minutes.

Midwest Staffing and Firstat would like to give a special thanks to the bands, attendees, and supporters who help make this event possible. To see photos from the event or upcoming events visit Midwest Staffing or Firstat on their Facebook page and you can follow them both on Twitter.

Visit our facebook page for more details.

On June 4th from 6pm to 12am Midwest Staffing will be rocking to raise money for Opportunity Partners. Opportunity Partners is a dedicated non-profit organization that provides people with disabilities with the skills to gain independence for greater self-sufficiency. These skills allow them to be successful in the workforce and involved in their communities.

The rocking bands will consist of local legends like “Wylee”, “Earth to Tolly” and more along with a surprise special guest appearing at 9pm. This rocking event will be located at the Medina Entertainment center in Medina MN, food and beverages will be available at Roberts Bar & Restaurant located inside the center.

Purchase your tickets begining April 12, 2010 through June 3rd at http://www.medinaentertainment.com/shop/rock-and-raise/ for only $20, or at the door on the day of the event for $30 . If there are any further questions or concerns please contact Jen Granner at Midwest Staffing by phone 612-269-5686 or e-mail jgranner@midweststaffing.com. We hope to see you there !