Minnesota STAR loans resume
The Minnesota STAR has resumed its device loan program in the St. Paul office with some restrictions due to COVID-19. No-contact loans are offered. All devices will be shipped directly to the borrower and we will ask that all returns are shipped to us via US Mail or another shipping provider. Ask about accommodations for device demonstrations. Check the Facebook page for more program updates, technology news and information. FFI: 651-201-2640, 1-888-234-1267, star.program@state.mn.us
Mental health peer groups offered
NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) sponsors a variety of free online peer support groups for adults and young adults living with a mental illness, their families, friends, spouses/partners, as well as parents of children and teens. Led by trained peer facilitators the support groups help individuals and families learn coping skills and find strength through sharing their experiences. When joining an online group, please add only your first name. Also, the groups are specifically for those individuals suggested by the group’s title. For example, Family Support Group is only for family members and NAMI Connection is only for those who live with a mental illness and are more than 18 years old, etc. Find a complete listing of group meetings and how to join in by going to NAMI MN and clicking on “Support Groups” or go straight to the Support Groups page.
NAMI Minnesota staff are very concerned about the mental health of the people served and the greater community. Call the warm line at 651-288-0400 or text “Support” to 85511 or call 844-739-6369. Call the local crisis team at **CRISIS or check the NAMI website for the county numbers. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Use the Crisis Lifeline by texting MN to 741741. Call the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990
Self-advocacy work launched
The Arc Minnesota has launched a Self-Advocacy Page. Learn to advocate and connect while staying at home. Tips for communicating with support staff during COVID-19, how to use Zoom to talk to friends or participate in a meeting, videos with meditations and inspirational actives and much more are offered, with resources added weekly. FFI: 1-833-450-1494, info@ arcminnesota.org. Join Autism Friendly Austin, the Autism Society of Minnesota, and the Hormel Historic Home Wed, July 29 for an informative, full-day workshop lead by Judy Endow, LCSW, author and international speaker on a variety of autism-related topics. During Autistically Thriving: Living a Self-Determined Life, Endow will enlighten participants about the shift in how autistic support is thought about and implemented. Understand who autistic people are and how they comfortably function, as well as key elements of taking in, processing, storing, and retrieving information along with autistic thinking style. FFI: www.ausm.org
Almost all of the groups that have listings in the Opportunities page have suspended activities, have gone to online services only or are offering limited services. Many offices are operating remotely, or with limited staff and hours. Please check with disability service provider websites to see what is offered, as offerings are continuing to change
