Store is open
Twice the Gift, a temporary specialty store in downtown Minneapolis, is open through Dec. 31. Operated by Rise, Inc. and offers cookbooks, original artwork calendars, note cards and other items. Proceeds help Rise serve its clients. In Suite 156, IDS Center Crystal Court, 80 S. 8th St., Mpls. Store hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon-Sat, noon-5 p.m. Sun. FFI: www.rise.org
Give them a call
Metro Center for Independent Living has set up a PCA “You Need to Hear Me” call-in line The purpose of this call-in line is to provide consumers, PCAs/DSPs, families, and interested others the chance to share anonymous comments, reactions and concerns with Department of Human Services and Minnesota Legislature regarding the impact of recent legislative changes which are affecting their lives. How it works: Call 651-603-2009 to connect to the “You need to hear me” message line. The caller will hear a short pre-recorded message. The phone will not be answered, ensuring caller anonymity. The callers may leave a short message describing the impact of these changes on their lives, or the lives of their family. The messages can be complaints, concerns, suggestions or general comments. Zip code will be asked for only so comments can be communicated to specific legislators.
PCA survey
Courage Center is conducting a research study examining the effects of recent changes to the PCA program in an effort to inform future policy decisions pertinent to Personal Care Assistance. The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the effects of loss or reductions in PCA hours or services. Adults are eligible to complete the survey about themselves or any person they know who has been receiving PCA services in Minnesota under Medicare or County Waiver. The study questionnaire will take approximately five minutes of your time. This survey may be completed online or printed and mailed. FFI: Leslie Nordgren 763-520-0440, leslie.nordgren@couragecenter.org
Gain control, flexibility
If you are disabled and want more control, flexibility and responsibility for your care, come to a free information session about the Consumer Support Grant. Learn how to receive funding, services available and what your responsibilities are.
Sponsored by Hennepin County’s Human Services and Public Health Depart., the session will be offered 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thu, Dec.16, Hennepin County Library–Ridgedale, room 229, 12601 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka. For directions to the library, call 952-847-8800. Registration required. FFI: 612-596-6631 or go to www.hennepin.us/adsinfo
Health Care Choices booklet available
The 2011 edition of the Minnesota Health Care Choices booklet is now available online and in printed form from Area. Agencies on Aging and the Senior LinkAge Line. The 172-page booklet is full of information for Medicare beneficiaries of all ages residing in any of Minnesota’s 87 counties, including Medicare supplements, health plans, Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, Medicare savings programs, Medicare Advantage plans and Special Need Plan as well as the, Minnesota Long-Term Care Partnership and other long-term care options, and fraud alerts. It is the only comprehensive, objective statewide publication available that provides information about all Medicare options for Minnesotans.
To access the booklet online, click on: www.mnaging.org to request a printed copy, call the Senior LinkAge Line at 1-800-333-2433
Be more accessible
More than $220,000 will be available to arts organizations in the seven-county metro area to make facilities or programs more accessible to people with disabilities. VSA Minnesota administers this grant opportunity, using funds from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Seventeen groups have received grants; are you next? Deadlines are Jan. 14 and April 29, 2011. For more info: 612-332-3888 v/tty or www.vsamn.org
Get the lead out
Worried about lead hazards in your home? Lead poisoning can cause developmental delays and cognitive disabilities in very young children. Hennepin County’s Lead Control Program can provide a free grant to replace windows and remove other sources of toxic lead. Lead home inspections are free. Applicants must meet income guidelines. FFI: 612-348-2020 or 612-348-2114, or www.hennepin.us/leadcontrol
Applicants sought
The Minnesota State Advisory Council on Mental Health and the Subcommittee on Child-ren’s Mental Health are seeking applicants for vacancies for terms from 2011 to 2014. Applications will be accepted through December for the Children’s Subcommittee and January and later for the State Advisory Council. The council advises the governor, Minnesota Legislature and state departments about policies, programs and services affecting adults with mental illnesses and children with emotional disturbances. Members of the council are appointed by the governor. The children’s subcommittee makes recommendations to the council on children’s mental health issues. Members are appointed by the chair of the council. The council and committee have openings for consumers, family members, providers and other representatives. FFI: Bruce Weinstock at 651-431-2249 or Bruce.Weinstock@state.mn.us or from the Minnesota secretary of state, Open Appointments at (651) 297-5845 or www.sos.state.mn.us, www.mentalhealth.dhs.state.mn.us
Give away that car
Autos for Arc™ can take old vehicles off your hands, give you a tax deduction and say “Thank you!” for helping change the lives of people with disabilities. Autos for Arc accepts cars and trucks of any model and condition and other vehicles including boats (with trailers), RVs, ATVs, golf carts, personal watercraft, motorcycles and snowmobiles. Revenue from the sale of donated items helps fund Arc Greater Twin Cities’ programs for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Within the seven-county metro area, Autos for Arc can arrange to have a vehicle towed free of charge. Call the toll-free Autos for Arc hotline, 1-877-778-7709, to arrange a pickup. Or drop off vehicles at a Value Village location. FFI: 1-877-778-7709, www.autosforarc.org
Tutor a Child, Change a Future
Volunteers are needed to tutor elementary students in the St. Paul Public schools in reading and math. Under the guidance of a classroom teacher, volunteers assist students one-on-one or in small groups determined by classroom need. By contributing as little as two hours per week, you can give a struggling student the extra attention needed to help them succeed. Volunteers age 55 and older are eligible to receive free supplemental insurance, mileage reimbursement and other benefits through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) sponsored by Volunteers of America of Minnesota. FFI: Connie at 612-617-7807 or e-mail cerickson@voamn.org
Volunteer with RSVP
Volunteers age 55 and older are eligible to receive free supplemental insurance, mileage reimbursement and other benefits through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) sponsored by Volunteers of America of Minnesota. RSVP/Volunteers of America of Minnesota and AARP Foundation need volunteers with good budgeting and organizational skills to help manage finances of older or disabled low-income individuals. Have a few hours a month to volunteer? Money Management Program staff will train and match you with someone in the community. FFI: Money Management Program Coordinator, 612-617-7821
Be a literacy volunteer
Enthusiastic individuals needed to make a lasting difference in the life of an adult learner. Help someone in your community learn English, prepare for the GED or increase their basic math, reading and computer skills. Ongoing training and support is provided through the Minnesota Literacy Council. FFI: Allison Runchey, 651-645-2277, ext 219, arunchey@theMLC.org, www.theMLC.org
