An Ombudsman is an independent government official responsible for reviewing government and government regulated agencies in an effort to ensure that their practices are fair, reasonable and appropriate. To do this, the ombudsman: Receives complaints, reviews, investigates and if appropriate, makes recommendations to remedy the complaints.
A nonprofit that provides free services and resources to students of all ages to help them pursue postsecondary education.
Services we provide include:
• Individual assistance completing applications for admission, financial aid and scholarships
• College resource guides covering a range of topics related to preparing for and going to college
• Internet access for researching educational information and scholarship opportunities
• Access to career assessment tools
• Assistance developing educational plans
• Participation at college fairs, community events and other awareness activities
• One-on-one mentoring: in person, virtual, phone, text or email
• Small group workshops on topics of interest (FAFSA, college admissions, essays, scholarships, and more)
• Encouragement, support and accountability
Below I’ve provided a link to The College Place and a link to our Opportunities Guides. The guides are also free of charge, and I encourage you to order as many as you need.
If you are interested in any of the services listed above, feel free to contact me via email or phone, or you can set up an appointment with me using Calendly to learn more. Here is my link: https://calendly.com/mandyschram
Link to The College Place: https://www.ecmc.org/studentseducators/college-access-centers/the-college-place-northern-minnesota
Link to the Opportunities books: https://www.ecmc.org/studentseducators/student-resources/opportunities-guide-and-workbook
usiness hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CT
Local phone: 218-308-7933
minnesotatcp@ecmc.org
A 501(c)3 nonprofit agency. Our mission is to work with individuals and families to grow a healthy community.
Services include Mental Health Counseling/Therapy (specializing in working with survivors of childhood trauma and intimate partner violence; teen through adult) and Advocacy (support and referrals for individuals who are affected by bullying or abusive behavior and do not qualify for services with local intimate partner violence/sexual assault agencies).
To speak with an advocate call: 218-209-7000
Childbirth, Breastfeeding, and Newborn Care Courses & Consults
Eliza Michaelson, RN, BSN, PHN, CLC
Birthing and Breastfeeding Services
Doulas and Lactation Services
Stephanie Holthus, Certified Lactation Counselor
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission program that helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet service. This new benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers*.
Eligible households can enroll through Paul Bunyan Communications, a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail in application.
You can learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting http://www.fcc.gov/ACP, or by calling 877-384-2575.
*Paul Bunyan Communications is a participating broadband service provider but we do not sell laptop, desktop computers, or tablets and therefore are not a participating provider for that part of the program.
Disability Hub MN offers information about community resources related to people with disabilities, including housing, home and community-based services, and disability and cash benefits. This statewide service is a ‘no wrong door’ information and referral service for people with disabilities, their families, and support team. Disability Hub MN can be reached statewide by calling toll-free at 1-866-333-2466. The Hub is available Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., to provide one-to-one assistance to help people learn about their options and connect with the supports and services they choose.
At https://disabilityhubmn.org/ users can chat online with a Hub staff and/or view other Disability Hub MN resources and tools.
The Minnesota P.E.O. Home Fund was established in 1929 to provide charitable grants to individuals who lack financial means to provide housing, medical care, and other necessities of life for themselves. This fund primarily serves Minnesotans who may be facing unique challenges related to advanced aging, illness or disability. Charitable grants provide a bridge of support to positively impact the recipient’s life and well-being as they navigate their present struggle.
Patrick Lochwood
Stonewell Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency specializing in Medicare health plans and partnered with a long-term care specialist.
P.O. Box 604 Bemidji, MN 56619
Hours of availability: By appointment
Temporary and emergency shelter for homeless families and pregnant women.
Village of Hope promotes self worth and independence through the provision of temporary shelter and supportive services for families experiencing homelessness. We are unable to house individuals without families.
Residents are selected in accordance with the following eligibility criteria:
- The family unit must be homeless as defined by HUD guidelines.
- The primary applicant must be at least 18 years old and either pregnant or have primary guardianship/custody of one or more dependent children ages 17 or younger.
- All qualified households whose income at the time of initial occupancy does not exceed 50% or greater of the statewide or area median household income as determined by HUD and adjusted for families of five or more.
- Extended family members residing with the family prior to application for shelter at Village of Hope will be included in the definition of the “family unit”.
- The applicant must not be currently abusing alcohol or drugs.
- The applicant must be stable on psychiatric medications and prescribed medications for medical conditions and be willing to take them as prescribed.
- The applicant’s criminal history will be reviewed on an individual basis. Certain offenses may result in denial of admission. These may include sexual offenses requiring the tenant to register with local officials, violent crimes against persons or property, assault, arson or destruction of property.
- The applicant must not pose a risk of serious harm to self or others.
- The applicant must express a definite and informed desire to enter the emergency shelter program, including actively participating in a housing search and case management program.
- The applicant must be willing to accept group living including:
~A tolerance and respect for other shelter residents and staff,
~A willingness to adhere to shelter rules,
~A willingness to fully participate in maintaining the shelter and sharing cleaning and maintenance duties. - If applicant is eligible for Group Residential Housing (GRH), the applicant must be willing to assist VILLAGE OF HOPE in verifying the requirements including documentation of:
~Disability and/or chemical dependency,
~Income and/or asset verification confirming applicant fits the requirements of the program.
Intake Procedures
Clients or referents call the central intake number (218-751-0722). General questions are answered regarding eligibility, homelessness, and anticipated openings. Referents that are not able to be accommodated immediately are placed on an optional waiting list while every attempt is made to assist the referent in identifying an alternative shelter plan.
Upon vacancy of a family unit the waiting list is reviewed and families with the highest level of need are invited to participate in the application process. This process includes the opportunity to:
1. View the facility
2. Review the terms of the agreement to participate in a housing search and case management
3. Review the resident rules
4. Sign releases of information to verify homelessness
5. Sign releases of information to verify income
Homelessness is determined by utilizing a checklist for eligibility and receiving the verification by a third party in writing, on the Minnesota Housing ”Housing Status Verification/Referral Form” whenever possible. In cases where no written independent verification is possible from a shelter, a case manager or other 3rd party, clients must complete and sign the Minnesota Housing “Housing Status Self-Certification Form” .
Once homelessness is verified, in writing, on the forms provided by Village of Hope, and exclusionary criteria are determined not applicable, applicants are forwarded to the Executive Director for review.
If an applicant is approved, they are accepted and will be allowed to move into Village of Hope. Once a room is available, the homeless advocates will coordinate a move-in date and time with the applicant.
The greater Bemidji Area is a strong regional hub offering the best in education, health care and lifestyle. The Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce is proud of the region’s vitality and continues to strive, prosper and grow.
The Chamber’s core purpose is to advocate for the business community by providing leadership, communication and act as a referral resource.
Governed by a board of directors, the Chamber is comprised of a number of volunteer councils and committees that are guided by the program of work. There are many partnerships and collaborations that the Chamber has created over the years. Unity and working together has become a strategy the board feels strong about.
The colleges and universities of Minnesota State are here to support students through every step of their educational journey. Our students are people first, and their lives are complex. Students face challenges that make progress towards their academic goals difficult, including mental health, grief and loss, housing and food insecurity, as well as challenges related to child and family care, transportation, and access to technology. Our students overcome many challenges and obstacles to achieve personal and academic success, and Minnesota State is committed to help them navigate their lives and their commitments to learning.
Students who access basic needs support and resources are more likely to experience academic success and persist to graduation.
Minnesota State has partnered with United Way 211 to establish a statewide basic needs resource hub. The basic needs resource hub provides Minnesota State students access to basic needs resources and support available on their campus and in their community via phone, text, or chat 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
United Way 211 provides free and confidential health and human services information. They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to connect you with the resources and information you need. If you’re looking for information about services available in your community for you or a loved one, they can help.
Text MNHELP to 898-211(TXT211) or call 211 (toll free at 1-800-543-7709) to speak with one of their highly trained information and referral specialists. Your call is completely confidential, and they have call menus in English, Spanish, and Hmong. Interpreters are also available for any language.
Visit the 211 website to learn more or to explore resources and support that may be available.
Check out website for a list of services which include: Behavioral Health, Child Welfare Programs, Addiction and Dependencies Programs, Housing Programs, Residential Services, Foster Care, Child Abuse Prevention Programs, Family Preservation Program, Parent Support Services, Elder Services, and many others.
The Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care is a program of the Minnesota Board on Aging. Regional ombudsmen and volunteers work to enhance the quality of life and services for people receiving long-term services and supports. The program also advocates for reform in long-term care through changes in state law, federal law and administrative policy.
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An Ombudsman is an independent consumer advocate who:
- Investigates complaints about the health, safety, welfare and rights of Minnesotans receiving long-term services and supports
- Works to identify problems and resolve individual concerns
- Provides information and help with long-term care services, consumer rights and regulations
- Resolves disputes between consumers and providers about long-term care services
- Works with providers to promote a culture in which people have and can make choices.
Ombudsmen can help:
- Residents of nursing homes and board and care homes, including veterans’ homes
- Residents of adult care homes, such as housing with services, assisted living, customized living or foster care
- People receiving home care services
- Medicare beneficiaries who have concerns about getting into or being discharged from hospitals
- Anyone seeking help with long-term services and supports.
Ombudsmen work with residents, families and service providers to promote person-centered care and to identify issues in the long-term care system and advocate for change. They also handle complaints and problems from individuals related to:
- Quality of care and quality of life
- The Patient, Resident and Home Care Bill of Rights
- Discharge or eviction from nursing homes, board and care homes, veterans’ homes, assisted living and other long-term care or home and community-based service settings
- Termination of services, including home care, adult foster care, hospice, Elderly Waiver, Community Access for Disability Inclusion waiver and other long-term care community-based service programs
- Public benefit programs, such as Medicare, Medical Assistance, veterans’ services, long-term care insurance and other programs that directly affect an individual’s long-term care needs.
Pregnancy support: free and confidential pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, STI & UTI testing, pregnancy options counseling, moms support group, and material support (maternity and baby clothes, cribs, car seats, etc.)
Mailing Address:
PO Box 635, Bemidji, MN 56619
Our Mission: Providing education, mentoring and support services that build strong individuals and families in the Northland Community School District.
Core Values:
- Education is an important key to building self-sufficient individuals and strong families.
- Every person has value. We operate out of consideration for each individual’s dignity.
- Strong families build strong communities.
- Healthy families and community systems are essential to supporting sustainable change in individuals.
- We strive for communities in which people are interdependent.
- We collaborate with other organizations that support our mission.
The Northland Area Family Services Center was created as a unique way to give rural access to county and educational services, and to meet community needs through innovative programming. Incorporated in 1996 as a 501C3, we serve the Northland Community School District and parts of Leech Lake Reservation. This is a population of 4,474 people (5.26 persons per square mile). In our service area 20% of households make less than $20,000 and 11.9% or 536 people in our community live below the poverty line.
Bemidji’s Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) program and School Readiness (SR) are for all families in the Bemidji School District who have preschool age children. We recognize that parents are a child’s first and most important teachers — and that sometimes parents need support and encouragement for this responsibility! ECFE/SR offers a variety of classes for you and your child: infants to pre-kindergarten.
The Pillager Family Center currently serves as a “go-to” for community members. With two offices we serve as the liaison between Cass County and the Pillager School District. Our main office houses our Food Shelf and many County forms and references a community member might need. In addition we offer teleconference video services with County workers, WIC Clinics, Food Shelf, MAC and NAPS distribution, and serve as an information spot. Our satellite office is adjacent to the Pillager Elementary School. From here we coordinate the Little Huskies Daycare, Early Childhood Family Education programs, ECSE, Pre-school, and Head Start. Because we are so centrally located in two different locations, we are able to meet our communities needs in ways other entities may not.
Parking is available in front of the Family Center doors on the south side of Pillager City Hall.
Satellite Office:
Pillager School
323 E. 2nd Street
Pillager, MN 56473
Vocational Rehab:
2515 Workforce Road, PO Box 7, Naytahwaush, MN 56566
Phone: (218) 935 5554, ext 3204
Fax: (218) 936 3213
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8am – 4:30pm
Workforce:
Maadaadizi Workforce Center
3081 Workforce Rd, PO Box 69, Naytahwaush, MN 56566
Fax: 218-935-0480
Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Direct Employment Assistance Program:
Maadaadizi Workforce Center
3081 Workforce Rd, PO Box 69, Naytahwaush, MN 56566
Phone: 218-936-2444
Fax: 218-935-0480
Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
MFIP / DWP Employment Services:
Maadaadizi Workforce Center
3081 Workforce Rd, PO Box 69, Naytahwaush, MN 56566
Phone: 218-936-2444
Fax: 218-935-0480
Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
TERO – Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance:
Maadaadizi Workforce Center/TERO
3081 Workforce Rd, PO Box 69, Naytahwaush, MN 56566
Fax: 218-935-0480
Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
White Earth Financial Services:
P.O. Box 100, Naytahwaush, MN 56566
Phone number: (218) 935 2359
Toll free: (844) 282 6580
Locations: 36500 County HWY 21 N, White Earth, MN 56591 Fax: (218) 983 4294 2531 310th Avenue, Naytahwaush, MN 56566 Fax: (218) 936 3104 107 Central Street, Bagley, MN 56621 Fax: (218) 694 6507 801 Roosevelt Avenue, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 Fax: (218) 844 5811 Food Distribution: WE Food Distribution: 8 – 4:30, Monday-Friday WE Food Distribution/SNAP education: 8 – 4:30, Monday-Friday Home Deliveries scheduled every Friday to various locations on & near WE Reservation boundaries. Constituents Office Naytahwaush Sports Complex P.O. Box 70Naytahwaush, MN 56566
Office Hours Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm Cass Lake Liaison Office
217 2nd St NE, Cass Lake MN 56633
Contact: 218-335-0035
Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm White Earth Urban Office
1730 Clifton Place
Suite 100 Minneapolis, MN 55403
Contact: 612-813-1590 ext. 6650
Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm White Earth Homeless Program
2515 Workforce Road
Mahnomen, MN 56557
218-935-5554
Office Hours: 8:00am – 4:30pm Energy Assistance Program
3303 US Hwy. 59
Waubun, MN 56589
Contact: 218-473-2711
Office Hours: 8:00am – 4:30pm Weatherization
3303 US Hwy. 59
Wuabun, MN 56589
218-473-4663
Office Hours: 8:00am – 4:30pm Child Support: White Earth Nation Child Support Payment Center
Box 387
White Earth, MN 56591