Danielson–Nelson Award
The Danielson – Nelson Award is given to honor those who have improved ProWorks ability to provide services to people with disabilities.
Genevieve (Gen) Danielson (May 17, 1913 – April 9, 2003) lived her life serving others; she touched the lives of many through service to her Church and God. As a teacher, she helped to shape the lives of her young students, and as a wife, mother, and grandmother her love of family shown most brightly. Her good works could fill many pages, but here, this simple remembrance expresses our appreciation for Gen’s devotion to improving the lives of people who live with developmental disabilities. Her work in this area brought together a small group of parents of children with disabilities and other Meeker County residents who envisioned a day program for the developmentally disabled in Litchfield. In the early 1970’s, a few day programs did exist, but this was still relatively new ground. Their hard work and dedication was successful; on September 2, 1975 , the Meeker County Daytime Activity Center began serving 18 people in Litchfield , MN . Today, ProWorks serves 78 people with developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury and other mental health issues. This program serves people within a 30 mile radius of Litchfield and draws from Cedar Mills, Cokato, Cold Spring, Cosmos, Darwin, Dassel, Eden Valley, Hutchinson, Richmond, Watkins and Willmar.
The “vision” shared by that small group of people so many years ago; has improved the lives of those living with disabilities, and each year the Danielson-Nelson Award is given to an individual or a business that has helped the dream to grow. Gen was a voice for those who sometimes could not be heard, and that voice is not silenced by her absence, but rather may be heard in those who work within the program that was her dream.
Thank you Gen, from all of us who have learned from your wisdom.
Award Recipients
2018
ProWorks Board of Directors recognized Galen and Chris Larson for the kindness and generosity that they have bestowed upon everyone at ProWorks. At ProWorks Annual Dinner Meeting, on Tuesday, April 9th, Galen and Chris received our Danielson-Nelson Award for 2018. The Danielson-Nelson Award is given annually to an individual, organization or business who has consistently demonstrated a desire to improve the lives of people living with disabilities.
Galen and Chris own and operate Larson Catering Service out of Grove City. They have, for many years, generously given meals to ProWorks Halloween and Christmas parties. The relationship, that ProWorks enjoys with Galen and Chris, is one of friendship. When Galen and Chris enter our building they are immediately engaged by many, and they comfortably return the interaction – they have truly become friends of many at ProWorks. Congratulations Galen and Chris, and thank you for your great kindness. If you would like more information about Larson Catering Service, you may visit their website at: Larson Catering website.
2017
ProWorks Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Krystal Johnson is the recipient of the Danielson-Nelson Award for 2017. Krystal has worked at ProWorks for 14 years. She is very proud of her work. ProWorks is a part of her family. When Krystal was still a student at LFD High School, she volunteered to come across the street and work in the program. Krystal came through the Youth Services class at LFD High School. We were so impressed with Krystal’s work ethic and the kindness that she showed others, that she was hired to work summers. When Krystal graduated from high school she was hired full-time.
2016
ProWorks presents the 2016 Danielson-Nelson Award to Cheryl Bulau. Cheryl is recognized for her service to people living with developmental disabilities and mental illness. Cheryl began her work in 1985, when she accepted a position at a Lutheran Social Services residence. For more than fifteen years, Cheryl has served as a guardian/conservator for fifteen individuals; seven of those have been “emergency” guardianships. Cheryl worked at ProWorks from 2002 to 2005, and presently volunteers at ProWorks Again & Again Thrift Store in Dassel. Cheryl received the MN Social Services Award, in 2008, for her work as a direct services professional and work as a guardian.
Previous Award Recipients
2015: Meeker Public Transit
2014: Dianna Ertl & Barb Knudsen
2013: Deb Sandell & Dawn Markowitz
2012: Dorothy Danielson
2011: Dave Kotzenmacher
2010: Judy Gabrielson
2009: Steve Dille
2008: Joann Homann
2007: Watkins Lions Club
2006: Church of Our Lady in Manannah
2005: Catherine Krouth, John Levin & Jay Mischke
2004: Ken & Dollie Felling
2003: Martha Moreno
2002: Arlene Groskreutz
2001: Dale Miller
2000: Pat Kielty
1999: American Time & Signal
1998: Karen Schneider & Audrey Oster
1997: Ron Mattson and Robert Carlson
1996: Randy Reinke
1995: Genevieve Danielson and Janice Nelson
