OPP: Francy Hall to join Walz staff as deputy district director

Today's Owatonna People's Press reports that Francy Hall, the Executive Director of CONTACT, a group that  "provides a helpline and reassurance calls to elderly and infirm people in Steele, Dodge and Waseca Counties," will be joining Congressman Walz's staff as deputy district director.

Looks like she did great work at CONTACT. The paper reports:

Hall began her journey with CONTACT three years ago. At the time, Hall said the non-profit was in a "dark place," both literally and figuratively. In contrast to the agency's cheerful new office in SeniorPlace, CONTACT's home base was in a dank, windowless room. The equipment was old and antiquated and the agency's services suffered because the tiny staff had to do everything manually.

"It was pretty much in disarray, we had been without a director for several months and some of our programs had fallen apart," said Jana Effertz, the CONTACT board president. "Francy completely revitalized our organization."

Effertz said Hall jumped in with two feet and culled up financial support from local philanthropists. She also contacted the hospital to get new clients for the reassurance program.

Then Hall got to work recruiting volunteers. She set up training sessions at the high school and Riverland Community College.

"I think I've sent her an e-mail every day this week that says 'Don't leave,'" Effertz said. "Francy isn't just a great director, she's a friend. She'll be tough to replace, the Walz office is lucky to have her."

Much of the work of a congressional district office is constituent outreach. Hall looks ready to step up to that challenge:

In her new position, Hall will act as an intercessor for distressed constituents who have problems with government administrative offices. She will supervise five other advocates. Hall said her work for Walz will be very similar to her duties at CONTACT.

"It's an extension of what I do here," Hall said. "You're there to listen to people who have needs and have reached the end of their tether and are in a crisis. The congressman's office is the last stop."