APPOINTMENTS
Apply for state council
The Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council (MNSILC) is seeking applicants to fill vacancies on the council. Anyone with an interest in the independent living philosophy is welcome to apply. Council leaders encourage parents, services providers or businesspeople and individuals with disabilities to apply. The council is interested in expanding council representation beyond those living in the 11 county metro area. MNSILC meets 10 time per year. For the foreseeable future, meetings will be held virtually. Captioning or a call in option are available for meetings. Visit https://www.sos.state.mn.us/boards-commissions/help-how-tos, for information about how to apply. Application should include a cover letter with information outlining the applicant’s interest in serving on the council. FFI: 612-518-1497, www.mnsilc.org; mnsilc1215@ gmail.com.
INFO & ASSISTANCE
Mental Illness Awareness Week is Oct 4-10
This week is marked by community education efforts in all 50 states to raise awareness that mental illnesses are treatable medical conditions, and that there is help and hope for children and adults with mental illnesses and their families. To learn more about anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, or to find online support groups and family educational classes and other resources, contact NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) go to namimn.org or call 651-645-2948, or 1-888- 626-4435.
Helping employees live in a pandemic
NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) has developed an online mental health program for employers to offer their employees to help them manage their stress, coping skills and resiliency during this unprecedented time. The new program is called HELP – Helping Employees Live in a Pandemic. HELP classes include: Minding Your Mental Health During COVID-19, Keeping in Touch: Staying Connected During COVID-19, Coping with Kids, Self-Care and Mindfulness, Physical Activity, Nutrition, Positive Psychology, and Question, Persuade and Refer, which teaches the three steps anyone can take to help prevent a suicide. Classes are one hour long. Employers can choose one or all classes to be offered through Zoom or another online platform. NAMI Minnesota appreciates, but does not require, an honorarium for classes. Contact NAMI to schedule a class. FFI: namihelps@namimn.org
Minnesota STAR program
Program staff is working to provide services and keep clients safe. The equipment lending library has specific procedures and only no-contact loans are offered. All equipment is tested and sanitized prior to shipping. STAR staff wears proper PPE (personal protective equipment) during the process. Device loans continue to be for 30 days. After equipment is returned to STAR it is quarantined for five days. After the quarantine period equipment is once again sanitized, inspected and tested. Virtual demonstrations are done on as needed. Information and assistance services continue as usual. FFI: 651-201-2640, star.program@state.mn.us
Online mental health support
NAMI Minnesota offers free online peer support groups for adults and young adults living with a mental illness, their families, friends, spouses/partners, and parents of children and teens. Led by trained peer facilitators, support groups help individuals and families learn coping skills and find strength through sharing their experiences. 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 over 18 years old, etc. FFI: https://namimn.org/support/nami-minnesota-support-groups/
Minnesota STAR program
Staff is working to provide services and keep clients safe. The equipment lending library has specific procedures and only no-contact loans are offered. All equipment is tested and sanitized prior to shipping. STAR staff wears proper PPE (personal protective equipment) during the process. Device loans continue to be for 30 days. After equipment is returned to STAR it is quarantined for five days. After the quarantine period equipment is once again sanitized, inspected and tested. Virtual demonstrations are done on as needed. FFI: 651-201-2640, star.program@state.mn.us
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
PACER offers workshops
PACER Center offers many useful free or low-cost workshops and other resources for families of children with any disabilities. Workshops are online at this time. Advance registration is required for all workshops. At least 48 hours’ notice is needed for interpretation. Many workshops are live-streamed. Check website and link to the newsletter of statewide workshops allows participants to pick and choose sessions designed for their needs. FFI: PACER, 952- 838-9000, 800-537-2237, www.pacer.org
