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Advocacy Services: - The center advocates in areas of civil and human rights, employment/disability benefits, housing, transportation, and on the state, local, and federal levels Equipment Loaner Closet: - Loans a range of home medical equipment including wheelchairs, walkers, power chairs, canes, transfer benches, raised toilet seats, and more. Equipment are available on a first come first served basis and will hold equipment for a 24-hour period. - Swap Shop: A self-directed equipment listing available for persons shopping/looking for used equipment. Information and Referral: - Up-to-date disability information and referrals to various agencies and individuals within the region - Other Services: Includes disability benefits application assistance, housing assistance, emergency disaster preparedness plan, and more Nursing Facility Transition: - Assist individuals living with a disability to identify in transition from nursing facilities and other institutions into community settings with the goal of preventing institutionalization Peer Support: - Assists individuals living with a disability to identify goals and work to create a unique plan to achieve those goals - Match interested consumers with a peer mentor who provides support, problem-solving, social skills, and more Personal Assistance: - Offer skills instruction curriculum for individuals living with a disability the fundamentals of managing their personal attendant care including how to hire, manage, and more Recreational Groups: - Holds various events for individuals with a disability or a health condition to meet and socialize with others through dances, parties, picnics, and outings Staying and Aging in Place/Accessibility Assistance: - Offers accessible modification assistance and accessibility assessments for homes and businesses for safe access and increased independence in people's homes and businesses Support Groups: - Various support groups are available to individuals who want learn more about their particular disability, wanting peer support, or first-hand information on how to manage their disability. Some support groups are directly coordinated by Options and others are independent. Youth Transition Services: - Assist youth ages 14 - 22 years who are transitioning from high school into the next phase of their life with learning the skills necessary and acquiring the resources needed to be successful

Child-friendly forensic center investigates child abuse and coordinates needed services, including: - Advocacy: Provides initial and ongoing advocacy to families as they move through the process of a child abuse allegation; builds connections with families to better understand their circumstances and self-identified needs; helps families to interpret the information they receive, ensure their rights and their ability to make informed decisions and gain skills in advocating for themselves and their children; provides emotional support - Forensic interviewing: Provides a neutral, information-gathering child-centered interview - Multidisciplinary team facilitation: Includes professionals from law enforcement, social services, prosecution, public defense, medical and mental health, victim support services, the child advocacy center (forensic interviews and advocacy), Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), and cultural representatives collaborate from the initial report through lasting supportive services for the youth and families - Medical exams: Collaborates with St. Luke's Hospital and Essentia Health to provide forensic medical evaluations in reported cases of child abuse; provides an overall assessment of a child and/or adolescent's health and safety, recommends appropriate follow-up and treatment, documents additional statements and/or physical evidence in circumstances of sexual or physical abuse, and provides reassurance to a child and/or adolescent and their caregiver about their body and health - Mental health: Connects children and families with trauma-informed care and avoid barriers to accessing mental health services; arrangementswith the Human Development Center and Paradigm Therapy Services to providespecialized trauma-focused mental health services unique to the needs ofchildren and their non-offending caregivers - Prevention: Provides prevention education to families ofchildren being served; outreaches to schools, families, and the community; presentations and trainings to organizations and groups across the northland

- Advocacy - Information on local contacts and support groups - Internet support groups and discussion boards - Information on counseling, treatment, prevention, education, and legislation relating to Clergy Sexual Abuse - National Conference

Provides an advocate/support person for the rape or sexual assault victim and their families; this includes victims of partner rape, acquaintance rape, date rape, stranger rape, gang rape, ritualistic rape, or any form of sexual assault. Also addresses sexual harassment and hostile work environment issues. Provides support through services: - Books and resources - Crisis counseling and intervention - Crisis line - Information and referral - Legal/court/law enforcement advocacy - Medical advocacy - Orders for Protection or Harassment Restraining Order assistance - Reparations (financial assistance for crime-related costs)

??Supports victims of domestic or sexual violence immediately after police response. Provides advocacy services throughout criminal court proceedings. Additional services provided:?? ?- Assists victims in writing of Orders of Protection and Harassment Orders - Transportation may be available

Assistive technology: Offers education about and access to assistive technology devices and resources Chromebook and iPad Loan Program: Provides individuals in need with the opportunity to borrow a device for up to 60 days. Those without internet access may also borrow a mobile internet device Classes, Workshops, and Events: Covers topics such as cooking, art and creative expression, and community outings Community Transition Support: Helps individuals living in nursing homes or other group settings transition back to their own homes or community. Staff assist with exploring options, accessing programs and services, and securing needed supports at home Independent Living Skills Training: Offers instruction in areas such as budgeting, transportation, time management, organization, housing searches, cooking and smart consumerism, healthy relationships, post-secondary navigation, and employment Individual Advocacy: Supports individuals in understanding their rights, identifying rights violations, and gaining tools to advocate for themselves. Advocacy topics include Individualized Education Plans (IEP), Social Security (SSI/SSDI) applications, and appeals for denied services Peer Support: Offers both one-on-one, goal-based peer support and peer support groups Support Planning: Assists individuals in navigating their options under a Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) plan Youth and Young Adult Transition Services: Prepares youth and young adults for the transition to adulthood through guidance, planning, and skill development.

Provides individual support and help with opportunities for personal growth including assistance with safety planning, housing options, transportation, assistance with criminal and civil court issues, assistance in writing Orders for ?Protection and Harassment Orders, and help in applying for government assistance.?? Satellite offices offered in Dodge and Fillmore counties.

- Advocacy to victims in hospital/medical situations - Psychoeducational group for women who have been involved in the sex industry (or who are at risk of becoming involved) - Referrals for medical, legal, counseling, and other professional services are available - Safety planning for people being abused, stalked, or made to feel unsafe - System advocacy services for sexual assault victims in the hospital, law enforcement, and in the criminal justice system - One-to-one counseling - Youth prevention education program for ages 12 - 18 year olds (all genders), to help build skills and navigate risky situations, and encourages support systems and local resources for youth

Helps eligible adults with disabilities seek suitable, affordable, accessible housing that gives them more control and independence. Housing Access Services can: - Accompany individuals when looking at housing - Assist finding affordable furnishings and household items - Assist with packing and moving - Help complete rental applications and lease agreements - Help develop household budgets - Help people move to a place of their own - Meet and negotiate with landlords/property staff

- Assistance in filing claims for restitution from the defendant - Assistance in filing claims with Crime Victim Reparations Board - Crisis counseling in person intervention after crime has occurred - Follow-up contact for empathetic listening up to 90 days after crime - Information and referrals to address specific concerns as well as to agencies for counseling, group support programs, and emergency financial assistance - Information on progress made at important phases of the court process from the time a person is charged until the final outcome is known - Legal advocacy for victims in the criminal justice system Grants funds (when available) are used to meet the emergency needs of crime victims. Emergency assistance includes, but is not limited to, the following expenses: - Cleanup of a crime scene - Purchase and installation of necessary home security devices - Reimbursement for reasonable travel and living expenses that the victim incurred to attend court proceedings that were held at a location other than the place where the crime occurred due to the change in venue - Reimbursement of towing and storage fees incurred due to impoundment of a recovered stolen vehicle - Replacement of necessary property that was lost, damaged, or stolen as a result of a crime - Transportation to locations related to the victim's needs as a victim, sch as medical facilities and facilities of the criminal justice system. Victims of crime may receive funding through the program for items such as repairing a broken door, installing new locks, replacing clothing, or bedding taken as evidence.

Direct, confidential services to victims of sexual assault: - 24 hour information, referral, crisis phone service, and medical outreach - Advocacy and outreach by staff and volunteers; legal advocacy provided when working with law enforcement and Ramsey County prosecutors - Emergency financial assistance, depending on availability of funds. Limited to once a year. Call for information. - Individual counseling - May provide emergency transportation and assistance with coordinating community resources

Provides adult mental health targeted case management to assist individual's needs, develop person goals, and access needed services. As part of case management, supportive services may include: - Addressing medical and physical health - Advocacy - Financial management - Housing issues - Maintaining social relationships - Mental health management education - Mental health services - Transportation access - Vocational habilitation

Works closely with County Veterans Service Officers, Veterans Affairs, individuals, and their families to ensure that veterans receive the benefits and services to which they are entitled Can also assist with the following: ???- Assistance with accessing Social Security benefits, insurance programs, etc. - Housing search - Independent living skills training - Individual Advocacy - Information and referral - Legislative and systems advocacy - Nursing home relocation services - Pre-employment services - Ramp projects and accessibility services

Provides an advocate/support person for the rape or sexual assault victim and their families; this includes victims of partner rape, acquaintance rape, date rape, stranger rape, gang rape, ritualistic rape, or any form of sexual assault. Also addresses sexual harassment and hostile work environment issues. Provides support through services: - Books and resources - Crisis counseling and intervention - Crisis line - Information and referral - Legal/court/law enforcement advocacy - Medical advocacy - Orders for Protection or Harassment Restraining Order assistance - Reparations (financial assistance for crime-related costs)

Provides free and confidential services to those affected by domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking/exploitation, and high-risk youth in Lincoln, Lyon, Redwood, and Yellow Medicine counties. Confidential services: - Accompaniment to court - Assistance with petitioning for an Order for Protection or Harassment Restraining Order - Community education - Crisis line - Emergency transportation, and/or assistance - Information, referrals, and resources - Temporary emergency safe housing - Systems coordination - Support group - Youth Programs: Provides youth the ability to teach and learn from their peers about confidence, communication, safety, and life skills. Emergency assistance includes, but is not limited to, the following expenses: - Crime Scene cleanup - Grant funds are used to meet crime victims' emergency needs when available - Purchase and installation of necessary home security devices - Reimbursement of towing and storage fees incurred due to impoundment of a recovered stolen vehicle - Replacement of necessary property that was lost, damaged or stolen as a result of a crime - Transportation to locations related to the victim's needs as a victim, such as medical and criminal justice facilities - Victim reimbursement for reasonable travel and living expenses incurred due to a change in venue Victims of crime have also received funding through the program for items such as repairing a broken door, installing new locks, and replacing clothing or bedding taken as evidence. Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program - FHPAP may be available through pre-screening.

Primary location for youth under age 25 who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to obtain safe and affordable housing; conducts assessments through Saint Louis County's Coordinated Entry system in order to place youth on the community-wide waiting list. Provides emergency financial assistance (emergency rental assistance) for eligible homeless youth and young families, and advocacy with landlords and utility companies as necessary. 30+ units of supportive housing for youth ages 18-24: - 2001 Apartments - Gateway Tower - Scattered site housing units NOTE: Homeless youth and young adults ages 18 - 24 years must get a pre-screen through United Way 211 to access this program. The pre-screen information is provided to Saint Louis County Housing Assessment Team - SLCHAT.

Provide individual advocacy, coaching, and system navigation through statewide Help Desk to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families. Services include one-to-one assistance in accessing and receiving appropriate services in the areas of early intervention, family support, special education, county case management, health care, housing, employment, recreation, Medical Assistance, Social Security, residential services, PCA (personal care assistance), etc. ?The Arc Minnesota also offers scholarship opportunities to support individuals living with disabilities. Call the Help Desk or visit the website for more information about eligibility, criteria, and scholarships available. NOTE: Staff do NOT provide legal advice

Provides specialized information and referral and advocacy serving the needs of the Laotian population, with a wide range of community resources including, but not limited to: ? - Economic assistance - ESL - Employment - Health - Housing - Immigration/citizenship - Income tax preparation - Interpreting - Legal - SNAP - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - Social services - Translating - Transportation

Assists with clients experiencing domestic violence by: - Assists in obtaining orders for protection (OFPs) - Assists victims in safety planning - Court advocacy ??- Crisis hotline for those who are victims of domestic or sexual violence - Informs victims of their rights and reparations - Providing information regarding domestic violence - Provides support if reporting to law enforcement - Provides referrals to other agencies - Supports clients as needed - Support group for victims

- Advocacy and outreach on elder services - Congregate meals for dine-in and home delivery of meals - Educational conferences - Elder activities - Elder/Disabled Energy Program (electric and gas service payment assistance) - Information and referrals - Social nutrition

Assistance and legal advocacy provided throughout the criminal court process, including: - Attendance and accompaniment to criminal court hearings - Information regarding victim rights, reparations and the criminal court process - Resource referrals - Safety planning and support - Victim follow up after a domestic or sexual assault has occurred Also provides legal advocacy and assistance with completing paperwork for Orders for Protection and Stalking/Harassment Orders as well as limited legal representation in proceedings.

Advocates provide support, information and referrals including: - Assisting in financial assistance to help with expenses resulting from crime (reparations, restitution) - Court advocacy - Crisis line - Explaining the steps of the criminal justice process - Filing restraining orders (Order for Protection, Harassment Restraining Order) - Providing referrals to community resources to help meet needs including counseling (and financial assistance for certain crime victims), etc. - Providing support and advocacy during sexual assault medical exams - Support through an interview with law enforcement - Support through the healing process - Understanding rights as a victim

- Accompany victims to court hearings - Assist, communicate, and network in securing services through other agencies - Assist with obtaining/preparing/filing orders for protection and harassment restraining orders - Assist with preparation of claims to the Minnesota Crime Victims Reparation Board and/or restitution claims - Inform victims of the status of any criminal case, and to serve as a link between victim and prosecuting attorney - Notify victims of their rights as a victim of crime, empower them to exercise their rights, acquaint victims with the criminal justice system - One-to-one communication with and advocacy for victims and witnesses of general crime, sexual assault, and domestic abuse - Provide support and advocacy at hospital to sexual assault victims if requested - Respond to victims' self-defined crisis needs - Serve as a link between victim and prosecuting attorney NOTE: There does not need to be a call to law enforcement or criminal charges filed for this program to assist victims.

- Alcohol and drug recovery treatment and support for American Indian women who are pregnant or with children 18 months of age or younger who are currently involved, previous involved, or at risk of involvement with the child protection system - Court monitoring of child protection cases involving Native American children to whom ICWA applies to ensure the enforcement of the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act - On-line case management system to coordinate child protection cases between tribal and urban service providers - Provides services that are essential and appropriate to meet the needs of Indian families experiencing difficulties with the social welfare system

Provides legal advocacy services including support with reporting to law enforcement, obtaining harassment restraining orders and orders for protection, and navigating the criminal justice system.