May 2025 Newsletter
A letter from Jenny Svihel of SAM Central
Hi, my name is Jenny Svihel!
I am hard of hearing and have a learning disability. I live in Sauk Rapids in Central Minnesota. I am a part of the SAM Central group. Recently I was elected to become the new Leadership Circle Representative. I was very honored to be elected because I enjoy doing fun things with SAM. I love taking the DETS classes of Self-Advocacy because it has helped me in so many ways - like showing me that I can vote, something that I was always told I couldn’t do.
Being a part of ACT and SAM has helped me open my heart within myself to become a better self-advocate for myself and to others. Now I help teach classes, it is really cool to be a part of something special and help others grow.
SAM Central helped me get a computer! I am grateful because as the new SAM Leadership Circle Rep, it will get me more involved. I will be more involved with my community and will be able to reach out to important people who can make changes for us with disabilities.
Things I am excited about doing: SAM central will be hosting its first Disability Pride event here in Saint Cloud. I enjoy attending Coffee Chats and Book Club that ACT offers. I love going to resource fairs promoting SAM, teaching self advocacy classes, and being connected in my community. I also enjoy attending the ACT state conference as well.
Being a part of ACT and SAM Central has changed my life, it has opened my heart to amazing new things and helping Minnesota build a future for all of us. There is an important message I want to leave with you and it has helped with my self advocacy as well: I AM STRONG, I AM POWERFUL, I AM WORTHY, I BELONG. Thank you for letting me be a part of this wonderful family of ACT and SAM.
- Jenny Svihel
What is happening in May?
- Coffee Chats will take place on the 5th, 12th, and 19th
-Disability Power Day is back on the 1st, 8th, 15th (In-Person), and 22nd, and 29th
-ACT Side-by- Side Chorus is meeting at Accord on the 19th!
-Book Club is meeting on the 7th and 21st
-Happy Hour is taking place on the 22nd at 4PM. We will be back at Dual Citizen Brewing Co. this month!
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AUSM Conference 2025
ACT was back at the Minnesota Autism Conference this year from April 16th-18th. It was a successful outing - we enjoyed seeing everyone and connecting with the community! Thanks for stopping by and saying hello!
The conference featured activities for self-advocates, educators, parents, and professionals. Activities included key-notes, breakout sessions, and panel discussions. If you want to catch up, the sessions were recorded and can be purchased here: AUSM Conference 2025
ACT Spotlight - Shane Soberg
Each month ACT interviews someone from our community to shine light on our team. This month, we checked in with Shane Soberg. Shane is the newest member of the ACT staff, working as an office administrator. He is in charge of putting together this newsletter each month in addition to working some 'behind the scenes' stuff at ACT. About Shane:
Coffee, tea, or something else?
- Coffee (usually decaf these days!) or a nice herbal teal
Favorite Animal?
-Cats. I have a cat named Mia.
Passions outside of work
-Soccer, Biking, Video games and Board games. I also really enjoy going to the park and drawing.
Supported Decision Making Classes
In July of 2024 ACT received grant funds from MN Department of Human Services (DHS) to develop curriculum for Supported Decision-Making (SDM) classes. The curriculum consists of 10-12 group sessions enabling people to plan and explore an alternative to guardianship.
SDM can give Self-Advocates power to plan their lives, with support from people who they trust. SDM promotes independence, self-determination and self-advocacy—all important concepts for people to live their best lives.
Since October ACT, has provided classes to over 45 Self-advocates. Classes consist of worksheets, discussions, roleplaying, games and videos—ways to encourage learning through fun and hands-on activities. All classes are taught by a self-advocate and ally. This curriculum is meant for educational purposes only.
For more information contact Betty Dewitt at dewitt@selfadvocacy.org.