Mission-Values: “Strengthening Families and Building a Strong Community”
Vision: “All families have what they need to reach their full potential and contribute to their community” Our work at the Family Center is guided by the following values; respect, integrity, compassion and honesty.
It’s our goal to provide local children and their families the support they need to function as strong, healthy family units. We offer a variety of services, programs and opportunities for families…please browse our site to see how we may be of service to you.
Pine River-Backus Family Center
P.O. Box 1
Pine River, MN 56474
(located downtown Pine River in the Community Resources Center)
Monday – Thursday 8:00am – 4:00pm
Friday 8:00am – 3:00pm
An interagency initiative of the State of Minnesota, Help Me Grow partners with organizations and agencies statewide. Help Me Grow has many resources about the development of young children for parents and professionals. These resources include information on developmental milestones, YouTube videos, caregiver strategies to support development, screening and evaluation, and how to talk about developmental concerns.
As hundreds of people gather in churches or other locations, they have one thing in common. They are gathering to get food at a Ruby’s Pop-Up Pantry.
Ruby’s Pantry is for ANYONE that eats! There is no income or residency requirement and Ruby’s Pantry is for anyone looking to extend their monthly grocery budget. Each guest donates a $25 donation and receives an abundance of grocery items. Ruby’s Pantry is not government funded and is a 501 C3. Each donation is used to cover operational costs like trucking, gas, and warehouse staff. All of the food is donated by corporate food donors making it possible to reach more families each month at locations across Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Free Food Pantry Available for BSU and NTC Students
Located in 1st Floor Sustainability Office in Hobson Memorial Union
LOCATED NEXT TO THE POST OFFICE
THE SHELF PROVIDES FOOD ITEMS TO ELIGIBLE
SINGLES, FAMILIES, AND SENIORS.
FINANCIAL DONATIONS-PAYABLE TO:
AKELEY/NEVIS COMMUNITY FOOD SHELF
P O BOX 25
AKELEY, MN 56433
FOOD DONATIONS MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE SHELF
DURING BUSINESS HOURS.
Education about democracy and making it work. Encourages informed voting. Non-partisan. Go to website to message the local chapter.
Northwest Technical College prepares students for fulfilling careers in highly skilled, sought-after fields. Our certificate, diploma and degree programs are carefully designed to serve graduates and employers in northern Minnesota.
Northwest Technical College offers 21 programs under six major areas of study. They are set up on semesters and typically begin fall semester in late August and in spring semester in early January. A summer semester is also offered which begins in late May.
Applications are accepted up until two weeks before the start of a semester on a space available basis.
Degree Programs On-Campus & On-Line:
Automotive:
- Automotive Service & Performance – Diploma
Building Systems:
- Commercial Refrigeration – Diploma
- Electrical Construction – Diploma/AAS
- Residential Plumbing/HVAC – Diploma
Business and Accounting:
- Accounting – Certificate/Diploma/AAS
- Administrative Support – Certificate/Diploma/AAS
- Computer Support – Certificate/AAS/AS
- Human Resources – Certificate
- Management & Entrepreneurship – Certificate
- Sales, Marketing & Management – Certificate/Diploma/AAS
Child Care:
- Child Care and Educaton – Certificate/AAS
- Young Child Education – AS
Manufacturing Technology:
- Production Technologies – Certificate – 360 eTech Program
- Engineering Technology – AAS
- Welding Technology – Certificate – 360 eTech Program
Health Care:
- Community Health Worker – Certificate
- Dental Assisting – Diploma/AAS
- Health Care Administrative Support
- Medical Coding: Certificate/Diploma/AAS
- Health Care Administration: Diploma/AAS
- Health Services Broad Field – AS
- Nursing
- Practical Nursing: Diploma
- LPN Step-In: AS
- Nursing Generic: AS
A church led ministry and emergency program organized to provide short term assistance for those who fall through the cracks and who need immediate help and have nowhere else to turn in the short run. In addition to providing financial aid for food, gas, rent, and utility payments, Churches United also assists individuals and families through counseling and referrals to other community agencies and resources.
Mission Statement
Churches United is a non-profit organization of Bemidji Area churches, led by the Spirit of Christ. Working together to meet the emergency needs of homeless and low-income people in a prayerful way.
Services May Include:
Basic emergency needs: Food, gas, bus tokens, clothing, laundry, and rent/utility assistance
Referrals are made as needed to area agency and businesses. A photo I.D. is required for all vouchers. A valid drivers license and photocopiable proof of valid insurance is required for all gas vouchers. Screenshots and/or cell phone “proof” is not accepted.
COVID Policy:
While our lobby is open it is best to call ahead to complete an application by phone prior to coming in. Only one individual or family is allowed in the lobby at once. Please call to make sure we are open. Masks are required in our office; one will be provided if needed. No loitering or waiting for the bus is allowed in our office.
The Blackduck Area History and Art Center (BAHAC) is located at the top of the Lady Slipper Scenic Byway in northern Minnesota. Although some artifacts are specific to this area, we provide a “stepping back in time” experience that can be enjoyed whether you are specifically interested in this area, or history in general. The displays excite children as well as adults, and indeed we feel a special mission to bring the past to life for children.
The co-located TIN PAN gALLErY focuses on giving local artists a place to showcase their works. Featured artists’ shows are generally on display for a month. In between shows there is always an interesting variety of art on exhibit. We have truly fulfilled our mission of providing art opportunities for all ages, as we have featured everything from pre-school and kindergarten art project displays to a special artist show for an artist in her eighth decade.
In the year 2000, the Blandin/Blackduck Visioning Committee began collecting historical memorabilia as part of its 2001 Centennial Celebration planning process. The items collected came from the geographic area covered by the Blackduck School District, a 435 square mile area that includes 13 townships and the cities of Blackduck, Tenstrike, Funkley and Squaw Lake. The need for a permanent storage area for all that had been collected spurred discussions about finding a location to store the items. This evolved to the possibility of an actual history center – a place to showcase and preserve our area’s heritage while educating our young people and operating a key attraction for residents and tourists alike. In January 2005, the Blackduck Arts Council decided to partner with the BAHAC to add an arts component to the proposed Center. Working together, the History and Art Center opened its doors to the public August 19, 2006.
We live in a resort area with unlimited opportunities for outdoor recreation amidst our scenic forests, lakes and bogs. Although we are a small town we draw people from a large area. We feel fortunate to have a library, movie theater, bowling alley, golf course, city park, restaurants and some pretty interesting shopping opportunities. People travel for miles to visit and shop at Anderson Fabrics Outlet Store. Nearby attractions include the Big Bog State Park, The Lost 40, Chippewa National Forest campgrounds, Camp Rabideau (the most well-preserved CCC Camp in the nation – a National Historic Landmark) and the Lady Slipper Scenic Byway, to name a few. We’re sure you’ll want to visit us soon!
Mission Statement
To preserve materials, objects and data related to our diverse population; to remember the past, live in the present, and educate our youth for the future.
To promote the arts in our community by putting a face on the artists of the area and providing art opportunities for our residents from ages 8 to 80.
All Club activities support youth development in at least one of three key program areas:
- Academic success to help youth achieve academic goals, stay in school, explore career interests, learn new skills and consider post-secondary education options.
…Project Learn engages Club members in tutoring, homework help, service projects and fun learning activities.
…Power Hour, ages 6-18, time set aside for working on homework, every day after school.
…Tutoring, ages 6-18, trained tutors work with Club members in specific subject areas.
….Bemidji Area Reading Canines, ages 6-12, read aloud to a specially trained dog to help youth build confidence in their reading skills.
….Technology Lab, ages 6-18, builds digital literacy by teaching kids how to use basic software and be safe online.
….Career Launch, ages 14-18, provides a range of services to guide Club members as they work toward high school graduation and prepare for post-secondary education and career success.
….Money Matters, ages 6-18, builds basic personal money management skills, including budgeting, saving and investing.
….National Fine Arts, ages 6-18, encourages artistic expression through drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, collage, mixed media and sculpture.
2. Healthy lifestyles to help youth engage in positive behaviors that nurture well-being, set personal goals and grow into self-sufficient adults, including daily physical activity, healthy food choices and an appreciation for the outdoors.
….Triple Play activities promote a healthy mind, body and soul.
….Healthy Habits, ages 6-18, incorporates healthy living and active learning in every part of the Club experience with an emphasis on good nutrition, regular physical activity and improving overall well-being.
….Club greenhouse, ages 6-18, on-site greenhouse engages youth in gardening, including cultivation and harvesting, planning healthful meals and snacks and selling fresh produce to area businesses and the Bemidji School District.
….Laketrails, ages 12-18, introduces up to 15 Club members to the wilderness with an eight-day canoeing adventure on Lake of the Woods.
….Goals for Growth, ages 6-12, builds skills needed to set and achieve goals and maintain motivation.
….SMART Moves, ages 6-18, helps youth resist the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, and avoid premature sexual activity.
….Leadership Club, ages 12-18, engages Club members in leadership within the Club. Participants assist Club staff in the gym, game room and kitchen and volunteer within the Club and the community.
3. Character and leadership to empower youth to become engaged in the Club and the community, sustain meaningful relationships, respect one another and participate in the democratic process.
….Torch Club, ages 11-13, a small-group leadership and service club that focuses on service to Club and community, education, health and fitness and social recreation. Clubs can compete nationally for service awards.
….Keystone Club, ages 13-18, provides teens an opportunity to gain leadership and service experience as they conduct activities in three areas: academic success, career exploration and community service.
….Youth of the Year, ages 14-18, to recognize a teen Club member who exemplifies excellence in service to the Club, commitment to community and family, academic success, strong moral character, life goals and public speaking.
….Youth for Unity, ages 6-18, promotes and celebrates diversity while combating prejudice, bigotry and discrimination. Youth of all ages learn to appreciate themselves as unique and special individuals, understand diversity in society, recognize bias and unfairness and take personal leadership confronting bias.
….Year of Service Initiative, ages 6-18, focuses on a variety of events that provide opportunities for youth to engage as volunteers in the community or at the Club.
BACKGROUND
United Way advances the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. Through your investment, United Way is able to address the critical needs that matter most to you and our community and create a meaningful difference in people’s lives by: investing in nonprofit health and human service programs and services that address the most critical needs and deliver the greatest impact possible; implementing community impact initiatives and support year round programs that address new and emerging needs; and, forming strategic partnerships and collaborations—sharing responsibility and accountability for delivering meaningful and long-lasting results.
Our focus is on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good quality of life.
PROGRAMS OF UNITED WAY OF BEMIDJI AREA
BACKPACK BUDDIES
In the Bemidji area, 1 in 5 children experience food insecurity and hunger. The Backpack Buddies program was developed to help ensure that children in the Bemidji school district have access to nutritious, non-perishable and easy-to-prepare food at times when other resources are not available, such as weekends and school vacations.
The program provides backpacks filled with food that is child friendly, non-perishable, and easily consumed free of charge. An average weekly menu consists of: 2 entrees, 1 snack, 2 breakfast items, 1 vegetable, 2 fruits, and 2 milks, and 1 high protein item. The food is purchased from the North Country Food Bank and community groups and volunteers package the food each month.
The food packs are discretely distributed to children, as best determined by the school, on the last day before weekends and all scheduled school breaks/holiday breaks.
Thanks to Sanford Health, the program has expanded to feed more than 450 children, who have been referred by school staff as experiencing food insecurity or hunger, each weekend and school break. The program currently serves all Bemidji school district schools.
COATS FOR THE COMMUNITY
Each year donations of gently used, clean winter coats and outerwear for men, women, children and infants are collected. More than 3,000 cold-weather items are collected and distributed to our Bemidji neighbors to keep them warm and dry during the winter.
HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR KIDS
Each year between 800 and 1000 children, ages 0-16, experience a joyful Christmas thanks to the generosity and kindness of others. Parents or legal guardians register for the Holiday Gifts for Kids program and have the opportunity to choose a gift for their child on distribution day. In addition, each family receives a board game to enjoy together.
SOMEONE SPECIAL VOLUNTEERS
United Way of Bemidji Area partners with Ken K. Thompson Jewelry, KB101 Radio, and The Bemidji Pioneer, to recognize the value of volunteerism.
The Someone Special Volunteer Program provides an opportunity for any individual, organization, business, or group, to recognize up to two volunteers who have made a difference within the community through volunteering.
BI-CAP Bemidji Location: 6601 Bemidji Avenue North Bemidji MN 56601
Telephone: 218-751-4631 or 1-800-332-7161
BI-CAP Walker Location: 8245 Industrial Park Road NW Walker MN 56484
Mailing address: PO Box 995 Walker MN 56484
Telephone: 218-547-3438 or 1-800-332-7135
PROGRAMS INCLUDE:
Supportive Housing Program: Rental Assistance, Family Homeless Prevention, Transitional Housing, Housing Locator Program, Emergency Solutions Housing, HUD Scattered Site Housing, Long Term Homeless Rental Assistance, Permanent Supportive Housing.
Weatherization: A variety of options that work to improve the energy efficiency and safety of existing housing.
Energy Assistance: Financial assistance to help pay a portion of home energy and heating bills; income eligibility guidelines apply.
Energy Crisis Program: Financial response to a heating emergency
Energy Related Repair: for homeowners experiencing a life threatening no-heat emergency.
Youth Build: An educational program for ages 16-24 who have left the traditional school system. Providing an opportunity for youth to spend 32 hours per week in academics, leadership development, and construction training.
YouthBuild is located at 3023 Mill Street NE Bemidji MN 56601.
Head Start and Early Head Start (EHS) : Prenatal, infant toddler, preschool and family development program providing may free services to eligible families.
BI-CAP Head Start Locations:
Bemidji: 1603 Bemidji Avenue NW Bemidji MN 56601
Blackduck: 372 Summit Ave W, Blackduck, MN 56630 / 218-835-7164
Kelliher: 345 4th St NW Kelliher, MN 56650 (co-located with Kelliher schools)
Walker: 301 4th Street Walker MN 56484 (co-located with Walker schools)
Pine River: 401 Murray Avenue Pine River, MN 56474 (co-located with Pine River schools) / 218-947-4813
Evergreen Youth & Family Services
Instagram: @evergreenyfs
Evergreen Shelter Program (Ages 9-17)………………………………………………………………………………………………..218-751-4332
Physical Address: 622 Mississippi Ave Bemidji, MN 56601
Open: 24/7, 365 days a year
SERVICES: Youth Crisis Shelter, Family Support & Parent Coaching
Evergreen Youth Services/Drop-In Center (Ages 14-24)………………………………………………………………………218-751-8223
Physical Address: 610 Patriot Dr. NW Bemidji, MN 56601
Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (11:00am-6:00pm); Wednesday (12:00pm-6:00pm)
SERVICES: Youth Drop-in Center, Street Outreach, Housing Assistance, Mental Health Support, Client Transportation
Evergreen Youth & Family Services is a community-based organization committed to strengthening youth, preserving families, and building relationships with an emphasis on those living in Northern Minnesota. Evergreen serves youth experiencing homelessness, runaways, and families in crisis by providing housing resources, youth crisis shelter, food & clothing, hot lunches 5 days/week, referrals, family support & parent coaching, mental health support, independent living skills, referrals to other community resources and more.
We offer help with basic reading and math, and we provide support for those seeking GED’s, the Standard Adult Diploma, citizenship, English language, computer skills and more!
Bagley: 218-694-3268
204 Park Ave NW Bagley, MN 56621
Bemidji:218-333-6670
Cass Lake:
208 Central Ave NW Cass Lake, MN 56633
P.O. Box 180 Cass Lake, MN 56633
Clearbrook-Gonvick: 218-776-2789
256 2nd Ave SW Clearbrook, MN 56634
Fertile:
210 Mill Street Fertile, MN 56540
P.O. Box 618 Fertile, MN 56540
Longville-Remer:
320 Eagle Ave (Northland Family Service Center) Remer, MN 56672
Northwest Indian OIC: 218-759-2022
520 4th St NW Bemidji, MN 56601
Oakley: 218-688-1558
201 Governor Street Oakley, MN 56742
Park Rapids: 218-237-6628
301 North Huntsinger Ave Park Rapids, MN 56470
Pine River- Backus: 218-587-2080
P.O. Box 610 Pine River, MN 56474
Redby (OSHKI/ED):
15525 Mendota Ave Redby, MN 56670
P.O. Box 416 Redby, MN 56670
Red Lake: 218-679-3353
23990 Hwy 1 East Red Lake, MN 56671
Roseau:
509 3rd Street NE Roseau, MN 56751
Warroad: 218-386-6094
201 Lake Street Suite D Warroad, MN 56763
Peoples Church is a multicultural mission congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, with a special emphasis on outreach to people living in poverty. Ten years ago Pastor Bob Kelly and Carol Kelly–moved by the spiritual and medical needs of the poor and homeless in the Bemidji, Minnesota area–started the ministry.
Peoples Church offers ministries in worship, referral, hospitality, food, clothing, and other basic needs as well as our unique bike ministry. The congregation is a full-fledged member church of the denomination and is noted for its ministries.
In order to stay at People’s Church individuals must be interviewed by Bob Kelly or Julia Plum.
Our Mission: The Bemidji Community Food Shelf is a faith-based, caring place that listens to those who are experiencing food insecurity. We work with our partners to be inclusive and to provide fresh, nourishing foods for those living in Beltrami County and the Bemidji School District.
Households may make one visit per calendar month which will provide about 10 meals, or 3-5 days of food per household. Services are based on income eligibility. We are also a distribution site for Nutrition Assistance Program for Sneiors (NAPS) boxes for income eligible seniors 60 and over. Applications are available at the food shelf.
Please bring a current ID if you have one. We will need the names and birthdates of household members and the gross income for the household.
Bemidji Community Food Shelf (BCFS) is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
P.O. Box 3118 Bemidji, MN 56619
Services offered at Oshkiimaajitahdah:
-GED/ABE Education
-Career Development Services which includes job readiness and Driver’s Education
-Financial Skills for Families
-Ganawenindiwag (Cultural Program) “Taking Care of Each Other”
-477 Program: Scholarship Assistance, Tribal GA, and Summer Youth Work Program
-TERO Program
-Certified Nursing Assistance Classes
-Welding Courses
-Childcare Program
-Childcare Assistance under both RLN TANF and Tribal Programs
-Emergency Assistance for Families
-Supportive Services for families to gain employment
-Incentives awarded upon completion of various activities
Oshkiimaajitahdah, which means “a new path” or “a new journey” in the Ojibwe language, is a tribal program of the Red Lake Nation that promotes the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals and community with funding, strategic partnerships, guidance, training and technical assistance.
Locations:
OSHKIIMAAJITAHDAH
P.O. Box 416 Redby, MN 56670
Phone: (218) 679-3350
Toll Free: (888) 404-0686
Fax: (218) 679-4317
OSHKIIMAAJITAHDAH BEMIJIGAMAAG
520 4th St. NW Bemidji, MN 56601
P.O. Box 1497 Bemidji, MN 56619
Phone: (218) 444-2883
Fax: (218) 444-7597
Purpose: To raise awareness about stroke and brain injury and enhance the quality of life for all Minnesotans coping with it’s sudden and long term effects. We do this through advocacy and public policy, resource facilitation services – which provide personal one-on-one connection to information and resources, case management, educational and volunteer opportunities, and outreach to underserved and communities of color throughout Minnesota.
To raise awareness about stroke and brain injury and enhance the quality of life for all Minnesotans coping with it’s sudden and long term effects. We do this through advocacy and public policy, resource facilitation services – which provide personal and one-on-one connection to information and resources, case management, educational and volunteer opportunities, and outreach to underserved and communities of color throughout Minnesota.
The Bemidji Community Soup Kitchen organizes four free meals a week at two area churches. Anyone that is hungry and would like to share a meal is welcome. There are no income guidelines or forms required. The meal is free to anyone who comes through our doors. Thus an open table!
Dine with us Mondays and Tuesdays from 5-6pm (doors open at 4:30pm) at:
Mount Zion 414 Lincoln Ave SE Bemidji
Dine with us Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5-6pm (doors open at 4:30pm) at:
United Methodist Church 924 Beltrami Ave NW Bemidji
St. Philip’s School is a Catholic school serving students from pre-k through eighth grade. We have been in existence for over eighty years providing a strong religious and academic education to those who enter our doors.
St. Philip’s School Mission statement
St. Philip’s School is one of the valued ministries of St. Philip’s Parish, Bemidji, Minnesota. Our mission is to provide a quality Christian and academic education to the students entrusted to our care, preparing them to succeed in our diverse and changing world.
St. Philip’s School Annual Fund Drive
Help St. Philip’s School fulfill its mission by donating to our Annual Fund Drive. https://www.givemn.org/project/2015-2016-st-philips-school-afd-annual-fund-drive5669e7f176798
Your help is greatly appreciated by students and staff.
St. Philip’s School Philosophy
St. Philip’s School is an integral part of a program developed to carry out the educational mission of the St. Philip’s Catholic Community. It serves the families of students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, academically and religiously.
St. Philip’s School is committed to a strong academic program recognizing the value and potential of each child and fostering growth (physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually) through relationships with each other and with God, their Creator.
St. Philip’s School promotes greater awareness of global peace and justice. This is accomplished by developing in each child a positive attitude toward self, life, and learning, and by providing meaningful experiences of prayer, service, and worship.
Guided by the Holy Spirit, St. Philip’s School strives to be a worshiping community of believers in which the Good News of Jesus Christ is proclaimed and witnessed.
St. Philip’s School Additional Services
Title 1 is offered through District 31. Title 1 is extra help in reading and math to supplement classroom work.
Cass Lake Indian Health Services
425 7th St NW, Cass Lake, MN 56633
218-335-3200
Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Medical Center
523 North 3rd St, Brainerd, MN
218-829-2861
Red Lake Indian Health Services Hospital
24760 Hospital Dr, Red Lake, MN 56671
218-679-3912
Sanford Hospitals
Bemidji: 1300 Anne St NW, Bemidji, MN 56601
218-751-5430
Bagley Medical Center: 203 4th St NW, Bagley, MN
218-694-6501
Shriners Children’s Hospital
215 Radio Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125
612-596-6100 or 1-800-237-5053
A one stop telephone hotline for Senior needs and concerns. The Senior LinkAge Line® is the Minnesota Board on Aging’s free statewide information and assistance service. The Senior LinkAge Line® service is provided by six Area Agencies on Aging that cover all 87 counties of Minnesota and helps connect you to local services.
“Providing Conflict Solutions for all Minnesotans”
Mediation is a conversation between two or more people who disagree, facilitated by one or more trained mediators. The conversation is informal and all participants are given time to talk about their concerns. Decision-making remains with the participants. Mediation is voluntary, confidential and it works.
Mediation is an alternative to going to court. Not all cases are appropriate for mediation. But most disputes can be settled using time tested mediation techniques that allow both parties to decide the outcome that works best for them collectively and individually.
We provide unbiased information, reviewed by medical experts, so our readers can make an informed decision on the next steps in their, or a loved one’s, drug rehabilitation journey. Our goal is to help individuals and loved ones by providing them with information and support on different addictions and recovery resources available to them. We are an informational website that connects addicts and their families with the help they need to put their lives together.
Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline
Free, confidential, 24/7. This call center is located in Minnesota. Calls are answered by trained staff and volunteers. If you or someone you know is struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts — call. Sometimes it’s easier to talk to somebody you don’t know.
Family Safety Network provides services for victims of domestic violence and their families in Hubbard, Cass and Clearwater Counties. Our services are person centered and client driven. We use trauma informed practices to provide services which include: one on one advocacy, violence and crisis intervention, safety planning, support groups, financial empowerment education, legal clinics and legal advocacy, court accompaniment, and assistance for housing stability. In addition, we offer one on one and group training by a certified Trauma Informed Practitioner. Family Safety Network can be reached through our crisis line 24 hours a day at 800-324-8151.
Family Safety Network Equity Commitment
We believe it is our duty to lead the fight against domestic violence in making the changes we want to see in society so that all members of our communities can feel safe, secure, and valued. In doing so, our charge is to:
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Lead, with compassion, for social justice
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Stand in the gap to support all those who are affected by inequity.
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Create space at the table for all victims/survivors to contribute.
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Support economic growth in diversity.
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Build a society that is committed to engaging the voices and respecting the humanity of all people.
We celebrate diversity and its power to improve any endeavor and the values that guide our work are:
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Compassion
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Inclusion
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Trust
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Love
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Engaging all voices
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Respect for human dignity
Our work to advance equity is guided by the following principles:
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Equity is a basic human right; everyone benefits from equity.
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Action is a proactive strategy and response to hate; we are willing to challenge injustice and untruths at play in society today.
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The system we operate in contributes to inequity; we strive to understand the role our system plays in perpetuating oppression and to address the dynamics that support it.
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We value and engage all voices in this conversation. We are especially committed to incorporating and elevating the voice of lived experience with domestic violence.
We will work in multiple ways to make progress towards our vision of an equitable system and society. Our core strategies include:
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Applying relevant theories of development to our work, pulling from all fields of practice within our network.
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Acting as a leader and a voice for courageous action, taking stance on issues and events of the day within the framework of our core values and vision for the future.
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Educating individuals and organizations that are working to expand and accelerate practices around diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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Actively investing in the success and sustainability of our commitment including working with funders and partner who share our values and vision for the future.
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Creating spaces for brave conversations by:
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Keeping equity as a central consideration in everything our network does.
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Working to ensure that all who engage with the network are also engaging in the core challenge of advancing equity for our communities.
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Working collectively as a network to multiply our impact and achieve more than a single individual or organization can achieve alone.
Family Safety Network (FSN) is a non-profit organization providing advocacy, support, and referral services to domestic violence victims and their families since 1993. Family Safety Network was founded by a group of concerned citizens who saw a need for this service in the community. We have been actively working with victim and survivors of domestic violence since then.
Family Safety Network provides services for victims of domestic violence and their families in Hubbard, Cass and Clearwater Counties. Our services are person centered and client driven. We use trauma informed practices to provide services which include: one on one advocacy, violence and crisis intervention, safety planning, support groups, financial empowerment education, legal clinics and legal advocacy, court accompaniment, and assistance for housing stability. In addition, we offer one on one and group training by a certified Trauma Informed Practitioner. Family Safety Network can be reached through our crisis line 24 hours a day at 800-324-8151.
What We Do
In the last four years our numbers have increased, and our program has responded by adding programs and education opportunities for those we serve. Currently Family Safety Network offers:
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Financial Empowerment Education
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Peer Support Group
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Legal Clinics and Legal Kiosks
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Mental Health Services through Wellness Matters
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Certified Trauma Informed Practitioners and Care
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Certified Trauma Informed Training
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Hotel/Motel Shelter Voucher System
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Rapid Re-housing through our partnership with BiCAP
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Person Centered Advocacy Plan with Case Management
On any given day in the state of Minnesota, 1,975 adults and children are victims of domestic violence and 47.7% of those happen in rural Minnesota. Over the past 12 months we have provided 13,133 services to clients throughout our area townships. We have assisted 703 families: including 60 homeless clients and 151 clients needing emergency shelter. We provided emergency financial assistance to 516 victims and their children.
Last year we shared that our most pressing emerging need would be shelter. Today, we are happy to share that we were able to create a program using the Hotel/Motel Voucher Shelter System. There are no Domestic Violence Shelters in our service area; this program allows us to provide emergency shelter at the time of crisis and our programs allow us to create a person-centered advocacy plan to move families to housing stability and break the cycle of abuse.
Safe at Home is a statewide address confidentiality program administered by the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State. It is governed by Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 5B and Minnesota Rules Chapter 8290.
Safe at Home is designed to help people who fear for their safety maintain a confidential address. Many times program participants are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
When someone enrolls in Safe at Home, they are assigned a PO Box address that they can use as their legal address. In Minnesota, all public and private entities must accept a participant’s assigned address and a participant cannot be required to disclose their real address. This allows a program participant to go about his or her daily life without leaving traces of where they can typically be located, such as their residential address, a school address, or an employment address. This safety measure is an attempt to keep their aggressor from locating them.
Because program participants use a PO Box address assigned to them, Safe at Home provides a mail forwarding service. First Class Mail is forwarded to a participant’s home address. The participant’s real address remains under security with the Safe at Home office. In addition to being the participant’s agent to receive mail, the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State is a participant’s agent to receive service of process (legal papers).
SAFE AT HOME PHONE NUMBERS:
Minnesota’s address confidentiality program Metro Area: 651-201-1399
Greater MN: 1-866-723-3035
MN Relay Service: 711
Phone Hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Email: Contact Us
SAFE AT HOME MAILING ADDRESS:
PO Box 17370
Saint Paul, MN 55117-0370
Mental Health USA is a charitable, non-profit organization that is supported by contributions of individuals and organizations who stand behind our mission of creating caring, supportive communities for individuals living with mental health difficulties and their families.
PACER Helps in Many Ways
Through more than 30 projects, PACER provides individual assistance, workshops, publications, and other resources to help families make decisions about education and other services for their child or young adult with disabilities.
PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center® provides resources designed to benefit all students, including those with disabilities.
PACER is for:
- Families and their children or young adults with disabilities or special health care needs from birth through adulthood.
- Educators and other professionals who work with students with or without disabilities.
- Parents of all children and schools working together to encourage family involvement in education .
An interagency initiative of the State of Minnesota, Help Me Grow partners with organizations and agencies statewide. Help Me Grow has many resources about the development of young children for parents and professionals. These resources include information on developmental milestones, YouTube videos, caregiver strategies to support development, screening and evaluation, and how to talk about developmental concerns.
The Office of Head Start (OHS) administers grant funding and oversight to the 1,600 agencies that provide Head Start services in communities across the country. OHS also provides federal policy direction and a training and technical assistance (TTA) system to help grantees in providing comprehensive services to eligible young children and their families.
Head Start programs prepare America’s most vulnerable young children to succeed in school and in life beyond school. To achieve this, Head Start programs deliver services to children age birth to 5 and their families in core areas of early learning, health, and family well-being.
The Head Start program serves about 1 million children and pregnant women in urban, suburban, and rural communities throughout America. Head Start services are provided in centers, family child care homes, or in the family’s own home.
Currently, OHS is prioritizing four key mission areas: advancing equity, supporting programs’ pandemic response and recovery, investing in the workforce, and reaching more children and families.
StrongHearts Native Helpline is a 24/7 confidential and anonymous culturally-appropriate domestic, dating and sexual violence helpline for Native Americans. StrongHearts advocates offer the following services at no cost:
- Peer support and advocacy
- Information and education about domestic violence and sexual violence
- Personalized safety planning
- Crisis intervention
- Referrals to Native-centered domestic violence and sexual violence service providers
- Basic information about health options
- Support finding a local health facility or crisis center that is trained to care for survivors of sexual assault and offers services like sexual assault forensic exams
- General information about jurisdiction and legal advocacy referrals
If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, the Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that connects you to a real person specially trained to support Veterans. Free, 24/7, confidential support is a call away. The Veterans Crisis Line can help even if you’re not enrolled in VA benefits or health care.
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.
For nearly 40 years we have been advocating for and serving the LGBTQ+ community, those living with HIV, and all folks facing barriers to equitable healthcare. Since our formation through the Minnesota AIDS Project and Rainbow Health Initiative merger—and later the acquisition of Training to Serve—we have continued to grow and identify new ways to commit to our mission.
These past few years have challenged and strengthened this unified team in ways we could have never expected. We decided another change was needed to continue moving forward: a name that grounded us in our legacy and proudly proclaimed our purpose.
Our Mission
While our name has changed, our purpose has not. We are as dedicated as ever to working for equitable health care access and outcomes for people who experience injustice at the intersection of health status and identity. We center individuals and communities at risk of and living with HIV or facing barriers to equitable health care access and outcomes because of their identity as gender, sexual, and/or racial minorities.
- We help people navigate healthcare systems by breaking down barriers, particularly LGBTQ+ people and those affected by HIV.
- We work to End HIV by building on our four-decade legacy of providing the most comprehensive array of Minnesota AIDS Project’s wrap-around services for people with HIV. As a disease of injustice, the only way to end HIV is to end health disparities.
- We offer unique and specialized mental and chemical health services by and for the communities we serve. Our care is trauma-informed, harm-reduction based, sex-positive, and meets people where they are. We turn no one away for inability to pay.
- We work to empower people on the margins with relevant information, support, and connection to resources that allow them to lead healthier lives. Our legacy of four decades fighting HIV and LGBTQ+ health disparities has given us insight and experience that we can bring to the broader movement for health equity.
- We educate and train providers about how to deliver better care for the diversity of LGBTQ+ and HIV communities through a lens of intersectionality.
We are Rainbow Health Minnesota, and we will do whatever it takes for each and every person to be cared for and respected.
Our Purpose
We bring our purpose to life in two primary ways:
- Directly serving and supporting the needs of people who need help with compassionate care that breaks down barriers to better health.
- Fighting for better health systems for those erased and excluded by educating care providers, policymakers, and one another.
The strategic actions we are taking to fulfill our purpose include:
- Work to End HIV.
- Expand our training and systems change enterprise.
- Respond to the growing needs of older LGBTQ+ and HIV communities.
- Increase community engagement and empowerment.
- Explore targeted LGBTQ+ direct care services.
- Strengthen operational and financial stability.
Primary Administrative Offices
2577 West Territorial Road
Saint Paul, MN 55114
Phone: 612–341–2060
Toll Free: 800–243–7321
Fax: 612–341–4057
Email: info@rainbowhealth.org
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Rainbow Behavioral Health Clinic
2577 West Territorial Road
Saint Paul, MN 5511
Phone: 612-373-9160
Fax: 612–341–4057
Email: clinic@rainbowhealth.org
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Duluth (Case Management Only)
400 East 3rd Street
Duluth, MN 55805
Phone: 218–786–8128
Toll Free: 800–731–2437
Fax: 218–786–6951
Hours:
Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
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.
Common Goods is a trendy thrift store for the community-minded shopper, owned by Bridges of Hope.
Baxter:
16227 Hwy 371 N Baxter, MN
218-824-0923
Crosby:
27 West Main Street Crosby, MN
218-772-2999
Thrift store for clothing and household items.
Faith in Action is a non-profit, volunteer driven, organization serving people in need throughout Cass County, Minnesota.
Faith in Action Volunteers provide non-medical, neighborly assistance to older adults, adults with disabilities, and others experiencing difficult circumstances. Volunteers provide rides, lend a hand, help make connections, and give peace of mind.
If you or your family member are having trouble sustaining independent living due to age, health, difficult circumstances, or lack of resources, give us a call today.
Everyone qualifies! There are no age or income restrictions.