Agency has served Otter Tail County area since 1959

By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

Productive Alternatives has served persons with disabilities in Otter Tail County since 1959. The name has changed over the years, but the mission has remained the same: providing services that make a huge impact in people’s lives.

“As a non-profit social services agency, we’re dedicated to building a better quality of life for the people we serve,” says Steve Skauge, president of Productive Alternatives.

Skauge, who has headed Productive Alternatives since 1999, says he enjoys working in a mission-based agency with dedicated and high-quality staff. Skauge sets guidelines in conjunction with a board of directors.

P.A. offices are located in Fergus Falls, Perham, Alexandria, Hoffman, Brainerd, Little Falls and Moorhead. Services are provided to many persons with disabilities who reside throughout Otter Tail County and other areas of west central Minnesota.

Following are four components of Productive Alternatives:

Employment training

Vocational rehabilitation is an individualized employment program for persons with disabilities. The mission, in coordination with Productive Alternatives vocational rehabilitation employees, is to help provide individuals with a place of employment. 

Vocational rehabilitation may include: 

• Referral services 

• Rehabilitation program 

• Counseling

• On-the-job training 

• Transportation

• Accommodations 

Job placement

This component of Productive Alternative helps individuals through the process of finding a job that will best suit them. 

“Our goal,” says Skauge, “is seeing individuals reach their full potential, earn supportive wages and live life to their full ability.”

A referral is needed from a county case manager or from Vocational Rehabilitation Services in order for Productive Alternatives to place an individual. 

Day services

The Productive Alternatives Day Services program is designed to allow every individual to be given the opportunity to do something that he or she loves. Staff members work with persons with disabilities to provide them with activities that they want to do. 

Through conversation, individuals in this program find their interests, hobbies and anything new they would want to try. “We have a person-centered approach and strive to find something that will put a smile on their face,” Skauge emphasizes.

“Everyone wants to be a valued and respected part of the community. Persons with disabilities are no different. As one client stated, ‘Productive Alternatives helps me live my good life.’ This what we’re all about.”

Adds Skauge, “At Productive Alternatives we believe in all people. We value each individual person in our program regardless of their path getting here.”

Perham 180 housing program

Perham 180 is the starting point for people in recovery to transition back into the community by providing safe and affordable housing, helping them find gainful employment and providing the support needed to overcome any additional barriers they face.

The Perham 180 housing program, in conjunction with Perham employers such as KLN Enterprises, provides adult participants the opportunity to establish employment and stability in an independent living setting within the community.

  Located on the northwest side of Perham, housing includes private rooms each containing a bed, sink, microwave, small refrigerator, TV and bathroom/shower. An additional two rooms were remodeled to house the office, community kitchen and a lounge.

Participants accepted into the program help staff in developing a month-by-month plan to meet goals, such as establishing local health providers, reinstating driver’s licenses and improving social and self-care skills.