In the past couple of weeks my colleagues at Barrett have shown some incredible creativity when it comes to helping out in our communities. It’s a tough time for charitable organizations, and for the companies and individuals that support them. I’m proud that we’ve found ways to help two important organizations in our community.

PROP Food Relocates with Barrett Help
When Minneapolis Barrett Account Executive Terry Black heard that PROP (People Reaching Out to Other People) was moving from its long-time basement location at the Eden Prairie, MN City Hall to a new building a short distance away, he contacted Janet Palmer, Operations Manager for PROP, and offered to help.

Terry worked with Bill Johnson, Vice President & General Manger for Barrett’s Minneapolis-St. Paul agencies, and John Orme, Minneapolis-St. Paul Vice President of Sales, to get two trucks and drivers, and volunteer labor from his fellow salespeople. With skill, efficiency and a lot of good nature, Barrett helped PROP move into their new building on Martin Drive in Eden Prairie on Friday, June 5th. Janet Palmer said, “Barrett has just been fantastic.”

PROP’s mission is to compassionately provide our neighbors in need with food and financial assistance and to provide support toward self sufficiency. You can find more information about their organization at www.propfood.org. Barrett volunteers included John Orme, Brian Denning, Brigitt Berlin, Terry Black, Ed Fitzgerald, Bill Johnson, Chad Helgemo, and Mike Effler.

Walking Like MADD
Barrett formed a Walk Like MADD team this spring and raised over $1,000 for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (http://www.maddmn.org). Eleven Barrett employees and family members walked, raised money, and made our company team among the five top fund raisers for the event, which was held at Hyland Lake Park Reserve on Saturday, May 30th. April Rupert, our top virtual walker, raised money from friends and family and is among the top five virtual walkers! Barrett rounded out our contribution, helping us to get past the $1,000 mark with an additional contribution. Barrett walkers included John Orme, Cyndi and Carter Priest, Linda Olson, Laura Langer, Eliza Freiday, Larry Swanson, and Debra Ham.

I’m proud that individuals in our organization got together to raise money and awareness for these two Minnesota organizations. It shows what we can do when we are challenged beyond the usual, personally and on a corporate level.

by Eliza Freiday

Being a senior and moving is a stressful step in your life, but there are ways to make it a little less stressful for you! If you live in assisted living or a senior residence, it’s always a good idea to tell your building manager that you’re moving. If they are aware of your move date and involved in helping you make arrangements for parking, elevators, stairs, or other access, it will all go more easily.

Many times building management can be a key contact for you and for your movers. The movers may ask you if a tractor-trailer will be able to access your building. They may need to know what the hours are for the elevator. Maybe your building has set times for moving in or out. The building management will know all the answers.

Make it easier on you, your family and friends, and your neighbors by involving your building manager in your move. Your Barrett move coordinator can help you anticipate what you’ll need to know, so don’t hesitate to ask for help!