Minnesota Employment
Minnesota Affordable Rentals
Minnesota Homeless Shelters, Food Pantries and More
MINNESOTA EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER RESPONSE

Minnesota Happenings

DISCLAIMER

JUST A SHORT NOTE TO STATE THAT THE PURPOSE OF THIS PUBLICATION IS TO PASS PRECIOUS INFORMATION ON TO THOSE OF NEED. OCCASIONALLY, THERE WILL BE ARTICLES BY OTHER WRITERS. I MAY NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THEIR VIEWPOINTS, HOWEVER, I DO RESPECT THEM. THANK YOU

ALSO:

If you would like to add information to this page please feel free to contact me at:

OUR CONTACT INFORMATION AND HOURS HAVE CHANGED TO:

1-732-264-7500 MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 7:30AM EST TO 5PM EST
1-609-577-3555 24/7/365 FOR EMERGENCIES
OR ANN@HOMELESSTOINDEPENDENCE.ORG

Thank you!

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL DISASTER RELATED MATERIALS ARE NOW LOCATED ON OUR NEW “MINNESOTA EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER RESPONSE” PAGE!

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Dulcimer Day in Duluth Folk Music Festival
230 E. Skyline Parkway, Duluth
Phone: 218-525-5098
Date(s): 5/5/2012

Adult Bird Hikes
6710 Lake Shore Drive, Richfield
Phone: 612-861-9365
Date(s): 5/3/2012-5/3/2012

Kids Fishing Clinic
Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, Coon Rapids
Phone: 651-429-8007
Date(s): 5/5/2012

Festival of Nations
175 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul
Phone: 651-647-0191
Date(s): 5/3/2012-5/6/2012

First Thursday Fun Fest, Cannon Falls
Phone: 507-263-2289
Date(s): 5/3/2012, 6/7/2012, 7/5/2012, 8/2/2012, 9/6/2012

Springtime on the Farm at Farmamerica
7367 360th Avenue, Waseca
Phone: 507-835-2052
Date(s): 5/5/2012

100 Mile Garage Sale
Various cities along the Mississippi River, Winona
Phone: 800-657-4972
Date(s): 5/4/2012-5/6/2012

Caponi Art Park Spring Open House
1220 Diffley Rd, Eagan
Phone: 651-454-9412
Date(s): 5/5/2012

Duluth Homegrown Music Festival, Duluth
Phone: (715) 790-6335
Date(s): 4/29/2012-5/6/2012

Grandpa’s Barn Boutique
128 2nd Street West, Wabasha
Phone: 651-565-4158
Date(s): 5/3/2012-5/13/2012

Prometheus Bike Show (Motorcycles)
925 Western Avenue , Fergus Falls
Phone: 218-739-2211
Date(s): 5/4/2012-5/6/2012

Spring City-Wide Garage Sales, Redwood Falls
Phone: (507) 637-2828
Date(s): 5/5/2012

Marsh Explorers!
6710 Lake Shore Drive , Richfield
Phone: 612-861-9365
Date(s): 5/6/2012

Discover the Dakota
415 Cherry St., Mankato
Phone: (507) 345-5566
Date(s): 5/5/2012

A Chocolate Affair
208 4th Ave NW, Austin
Phone: (507) 433-4243
Date(s): 5/7/2012
Join us for this luncheon featuring four courses in chocolate – two sweet and two savory, plus unique shopping, door prizes and great girlfriend time.

100 Mile Garage Sale, Wabasha
Phone: 800-565-4158
Date(s): 5/4/2012-5/6/2012

May Day Festival
1500 E. Lake St., Minneapolis
Phone: (612) 721-2535
Date(s): 5/6/2012
Vibrant parade of puppets from The Heart of the Beast Puppet Theater form a festive train that travels from the southern reaches of the city center to the banks of Powderhorn Lake.

100-Mile Garage Sale, Red Wing
Phone: (800) 498-3444
Date(s): 5/4/2012-5/6/2012

Blacksmithing Basics
200 Tower Ave, St Paul
Phone: 612-726-1171
Date(s): 5/5/2012, 5/19/2012, 6/16/2012

Race for the Roses
22671 County Highway 10, Fergus Falls
Phone: 218-736-3000
Date(s): 5/4/2012-5/6/2012

Eveleth City Wide Rummage Sale, Eveleth
Phone: 218-741-2717
Date(s): 5/4/2012-5/5/2012

Museum Open House
1031 Bridge Ave N, Albert Lea
Phone: 507-373-8003
Date(s): 5/5/2012

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Minnesota Head Start
Managing Agency Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning http://www.state.mn.us
Program Description
The Head Start program (for children ages three to five) and Early Head Start program (for pregnant women, infants, and toddlers) promote school readiness for children in low-income families by providing comprehensive educational, health, nutritional, and social services. Parents play a large role in the programs, both as primary educators of their children and as participants in administering the programs locally. Both programs provide pre-literacy and literacy experiences in a multi-cultural environment. Parents are also provided social services, including assistance with childcare. Services are also available to migrant and seasonal farm worker families.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Minnesota, and a parent or primary caregiver responsible for a child who is too young for public school.

In order to qualify, you must also have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:
Household Size* Maximum Income Level (Per Year)
1 $14,521
2 $19,669
3 $24,817
4 $29,965
5 $35,113
6 $40,261
7 $45,409
8 $50,557
*For households with more than eight people, add $5,148 per additional person.

If you do not meet these criteria, you may still qualify if you are a U.S. national, citizen or permanent resident whose financial status is low income or very low income, who is under-employed, unemployed or about to become unemployed, facing pregnancy, less than 19 years of age yourself, or the parent or primary caregiver for children under the age of 19 years. Other qualifications may apply.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For enrollment information, contact the program nearest you:

http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/HeadStartOffices

Program Contact Information
You can visit the Minnesota Head Start Association at: http://www.mnheadstart.org/
For more information on the Minnesota Department of Children, Families, and Learning, please call: 651-582-8200

Posted 04-09-12

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Festivals and Fun Times:

Minnesota, St. Paul
Sahara Sands Spring Classic
Dates: May 4, 2012 – May 6, 2012
Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Warner Coliseum & Livestock Area
St. Paul, MN
Rams
Description: competitors from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North and South Dakota, and Canada to compete in various classes including English pleasure, reining, dressage, hunter, western & native costume.
Admission: Free

Minnesota, St. Paul
Living Green Expo
Dates: May 5, 2012 – May 6, 2012
Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Exhibit buildings along Cosgrove Ave.
St. Paul, MN
Ramsey County
Description: consumer show highlighting environmentally friendly products and services. With over 60 workshops and 200 exhibitors, you will learn how more environmentally sustainable choices can save money, improve health and simplify your life. Topic areas include cl
Event Hours: Sat. 9am to 6pm Sun. 9am to 4pm

Minnesota, St. Paul
Northland Antique Toy, Doll & Advertising Show
Dates: May 6, 2012 – May 6, 2012
Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Dairy Bldg.
St. Paul, MN
Ramsey County
Description: Toy, Doll & Advertising show features over 200 vendor tables. Hundreds of collectors from across the nation will be on hand offering unique items along with appraisals for your toy or doll
Event Hours: 9amm to 3:30pm
Admission: Adults $5, Children 12 & under Free

Minnesota, St.Paul
Spring Extravaganza Car Show & Swap Meet
Dates: May 6, 2012 – May 6, 2012
Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Machinery Hill (Streets north of Randall Ave.)
St.Paul, MN
Ramsey County
Phone Number: (651) 770-8096 .
Description: one of the largest one day car show and swap meets in the Twin Cites. The show features over 1,000 cars divided into 60 classes including a list of modified street rods. All makes and models of show vehicles 1990 & older plus any year show Buick are welco
Event Hours: 7am to 3pm
Admission: Adults $5, Children 12 & under with paid adult Free

Minnesota, St. Paul
FASH Spring Horse Show
Dates: May 10, 2012 – May 13, 2012
Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Warner Coliseum & Livestock Area
St. Paul, MN
Ramsey County
Grandstand Entertainment: English horse show where amateurs and professionals show American Saddlebreds, Morgans and Hackney Ponies.
Admission: Free

Minnesota, St. Paul
St. Paul Craftstravaganza
Dates: May 12, 2012 – May 12, 2012
Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Fine Arts Center & Progress Center
St. Paul, MN
Ramsey County
Description: feature over 75 vendors selling handmade crafts, plus free hands-on workshops to learn crafty skills of your own!
Event Hours: 9am to 5pm

Minnesota, St. Paul
Model Railroad & Hobby Sale
Dates: May 12, 2012 – May 12, 2012
Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Education Building
St. Paul, MN
Ramsey County
Description: Minnesota’s largest hobby sale! Over 200 tables of new & used trains, toys, models, tools and many other hobby or collectable items.
Event Hours: 9am to 3pm
Admission: Adults $6, Children 5 & under Free

Minnesota, St. Paul
YMCA Garage Sale
Dates: May 16, 2012 – May 19, 2012
Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Merchandise Mart
St. Paul, MN
Ramsey County
Phone Number: (651) 645-6605 .
Description: features clothing, furniture, appliances, athletic equipment, books and many other household items. Proceeds go towards funding YMCA Camp Widjiwagan and Camp du Nord.
Event Hours: Wednesday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to Noon
Admission: Free

Minnesota, Minneapolis
Eric Church
Eric Church Dates: May 17, 2012 – May 17, 2012
Location: Target Center
Minneapolis, MN
Hennepin County
Event Hours: 7:30pm

Minnesota, St. Paul
Rubber Stamp and Scrapbook Expo & Womens Expo
Dates: May 19, 2012 – May 20, 2012
Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Progress Center
St. Paul, MN
Ramsey County
Description: ideal show for paper crafting enthusiasts! Over 35 vendors from around the country under one roof specializing in the art of rubber-stamping and scrapbooking. Free demonstrations, make & take projects and more. This show will also feature the St. Paul Wom
Event Hours: Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: $7 (two day admission), Children 12 & under Free. there is Free admission to St. Paul Women Expo Shopping Event

Minnesota, Hinckley
Reba McEntire
Reba Dates: May 19, 2012 – May 19, 2012
Location: Grand Casino Hinckley Amphitheatre
Hinckley, MN
Pine County
Event Hours: 7pm

Minnesota, Farmington
Minnesota Scottish Fair & Highland Games
Dates: May 19, 2012 – May 19, 2012
Location: Dakota County Fairgrounds
4008 220th Street West
Farmington, MN
Dakota County
Event Hours: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm Ceilidh 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the McCracken Pub
Admission: tickets $15 Seniors 65(and over) $10 Children 6 through15 $5 Children 5 & under FREE

Minnesota, St. Paul
First Fifty Auto Parts Sale & Swap Meet
Dates: May 20, 2012 – May 20, 2012
Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Parking lots north of Hoyt Ave
St. Paul, MN
Ramsey County
Description: features all types of cars including, antique, collector, street rods, customs, muscle cars, imports, tuners, trucks and specialty interest vehicles.
Event Hours: 7am to 3pm
Admission: Adults $5, Children 10 & under FREE

Minnesota, Saint Paul
Roger Waters
Roger Waters Dates: June 3, 2012 – June 3, 2012
Location: Xcel Energy Center
Saint Paul, MN
Ramsey County
Event Hours: 8pm

Minnesota, Winsted
Winstock Country Music Festival w/ Willie Nelson
Dates: June 8, 2012 – June 8, 2012
Location: Winstock Music Festival Grounds
Winsted, MN
McLeod County
Event Hours: 2pm

Minnesota, Sauk Rapids
MN Youth Dairy Goat Show
Dates: June 9, 2012 – June 9, 2012
Location: Benton County Fairgrounds
Sauk Rapids, MN
Benton County

Minnesota, Oklee
Red Lake County Fair
Dates: June 13, 2012 – June 15, 2012
Location:
Oklee, MN
Red Lake County
Phone Number: 218-268-4747

Minnesota, Corcoran
Hennepin County Fair
Dates: June 14, 2012 – June 17, 2012
Location: Hennepin County Fairgrounds
7205 County Road 101
Corcoran, MN
Hennepin County
Event Hours: Thurs.4 p.m. till midnight (gates open at 3 p.m.) Fri. 12 Noon till 12 Midnight Sat. open 10 a.m.
Admission: Adults $8.00, Children ages 5-12 $6.00, under 5 free Saturday after 6 p.m., Adults $10.00, Children ages 5-12 $8.00
Parking: Free
Carnival Gopher State Expositions
Thurs., Jun. 14 4pm to Close, Fri. 1pm to Close Sat. 1pm to Close, Sun., Noon to Close

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New on the Minneapolis Arts Scene

A trio of new Twin Cities arts and culture projects provides more reasons to get out on the town.

American Swedish Institute

The American Swedish Institute’s (ASI’s) Turnblad mansion reopens in November with new amenities, just in time for ever-popular holiday exhibits and events. New renovations to the 1908 structure, which has housed the ASI for 80 years, are part of a campus expansion that includes the new Nelson Cultural Center to be completed in June 2012.

The ASI hosts a reopening celebration November 12, with the launch of its annual “Julmarknad” (Christmas Fair) and exhibit, “A Nordic Christmas.” Through January 8, see the Turnblad mansion decked out in the holiday décor of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, and Finland, and enjoy holiday events including music, crafts, and storytelling.

A new elevator and stair tower bring improved access to all floors of the Turnblad, and lower level renovations include new classrooms, archives and reading areas, and collections storage as well as historically preserved rooms. The American Swedish Institute is located in south Minneapolis.

The Cowles Center

The Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts, a flagship for dance in Minnesota, opened its doors in September. The inaugural season includes performances by local companies such as Ragamala Dance, James Sewell Ballet, Minnesota Dance Theatre, Zorongo Flamenco, Zenon Dance, and Black Label Movement, as well as national dance companies and productions by Illusion Theater and Cantus Vocal Ensemble.

For those who have always wanted to study ballet, belly dancing, breakdancing, or other global styles, the Cowles Center offers instruction. Remote students can also learn via videoconference.

This new downtown Minneapolis arts complex consists of three buildings: the 1910 Shubert Theater (now newly refurbished and renamed the Goodale Theater), the 1888 Hennepin Center for the Arts (home to dance and performance companies and schools), and a gleaming, new great hall and education center connecting the two.

Weisman Art Museum

After a year-long closure, the Weisman Art Museum (WAM) reopened in October with expanded galleries and a newly embellished north façade on this iconic Frank Gehry-designed building.

Perched on the shores of the Mississippi River in the center of the University of Minnesota campus, the WAM’s sculptural steel and minimalist brick form has been an attention-getter since it debuted in 1993. Gehry designed the museum at a quieter phase of his career and returned as a “starchitect” to oversee the expansion.

The WAM has added a creative collaboration studio, a new north façade and walkway, and three new galleries to display its signature collections of American modernist paintings, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and prints.

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Minnesota Food Support Program

Managing Agency Minnesota http://www.state.mn.us

Program Description
The Food Support (Food Stamps) program is a county-run Federal program that helps Minnesotans with low incomes get the food they need for sound nutrition and well-balanced meals. The program issues electronic food support benefits that can help stretch your household food budget.

General Program Requirements
Food Support eligibility depends on your household’s income. Households with an income at or below 165 percent of the Federal poverty level will not have an asset limit. County human services agencies accept client applications, determine eligibility and determine benefit levels in accordance with state and Federal regulations. The Food Support program is available in all 87 Minnesota counties.

Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process
To apply for Food Support, contact your county human services agency.

You can find your county government’s web site on the State’s NorthStar website.

You may also call the Food Support hotline at 651-431-4050 in the Twin Cities metro area or 1-800-657-3698 outside the metro area. For TTY service, call the Minnesota Relay at 711 or 1-800-627-3529.

Next, complete a Combined Application Form (CAF) and have an interview. The CAF is the application counties require you to complete to apply for food and cash assistance. When your benefits begin depends on the date the county receives the first page of the CAF. You can get a CAF from your local county office or from the DHS website. If you are not able to go to your county office for an interview due to hardship, you may request a phone interview.

Program Contact Information

To learn more information about Minnesota Food Support, please visit:http://go.usa.gov/gre

You can also call the Food Support information line toll-free at: 1-800-657-3898

Updated 11-04-11

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Minnesota Energy Assistance Program

Managing Agency Minnesota http://www.state.mn.us

Program Description
The Minnesota Energy Assistance program provides assistance to low-income households in meeting their home energy costs, particularly those with the lowest incomes that pay a high proportion of household income for home energy.

General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Minnesota, you must need financial assistance for home energy costs and your household’s annual income before taxes must not exceed $21,184 if one person lives in the household; $27,702 if two people live in the household; $34,220 if three people live in the household; $40,738 if four people live in the household; $47,256 if five people live in the household; $53,774 if six people live in the household; $54,996 if seven people live in the household; $56,219 if eight people live in the household; and $57,441 if more than eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $1,222 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process
Detailed application instructions, and the applications, can be found here under the “Helpful steps to completing your application” section:

http://mn.gov/commerce/energy/consumers/Heating-Assistance/index.jsp

Program Contact Information

For more information, please call: 1-800-657-3710

Updated 11-04-11

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Minnesota Update: Family Voices of Minnesota (FVM)

Family Voices of Minnesota (FVM)

Provides information and support to families of children with disabilities to help them navigate the health care system. FVM also promotes patient and family-centered care for children, youth and young adults with special health care needs and disabilities and their families.

To learn more visit https://www.disability.gov/state/minnesota/health.

Updated 10-19-11

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Fort Ridgely Historic Site

The Fort Ridgely historic site, south of Fairfax, features a museum and preserved building foundations that tell the history of nineteenth century relations between the U.S. government, the Dakota Sioux, and new settlers to Minnesota. In 1851, due to pressure from the U.S. Government, the Eastern Dakota sold 35 million acres of land in southern and western Minnesota and relocated to a reservation along the Minnesota River. Fort Ridgely was constructed in 1853 to create a military presence where new settlers were moving into former Dakota lands.

The Fort was manned during the U.S. Civil War and was the site of two battles during the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. The old fort commissary building, which was reconstructed by the Veteran Conservation Corps in the 1930s, now houses a museum.

The Fort Ridgely site is located in Fort Ridgely State Park, which offers plentiful recreation including a nine-hole golf course, hiking and horseback riding trails, volleyball and softball fields, fishing, and camping.

Fort Ridgely historic site is open weekends through mid-October. Check the Nicollet County Historical Society website for admission hours and fees.

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Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)

Managing Agency Minnesota http://www.state.mn.us

Program Description
The Minnesota Family Investment Program, or MFIP, is the state’s welfare reform program for low-income families with children.
MFIP helps families move to work and focuses on helping families. It includes both cash and food assistance. When most families
first apply for cash assistance, they will participate in the Diversionary Work Program, or DWP. This is a four month program that
helps parents go immediately to work rather than receive welfare. Some families may be referred to MFIP when they first apply for
assistance or after they finish four months of DWP. MFIP helps families transition to economic stability. Parents are expected to
work and are supported in working. Most families can get cash assistance for only 60 months.

General Program Requirements
In order to be eligible for these benefit programs, you must be a resident of Minnesota, either pregnant or responsible for a child
under age 19, either a U.S. citizen or have a qualified non-citizen immigration status, have low or very low income, and be either
under-employed (working for very low wages), or unemployed, and meet program asset limits.

Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process
To apply, download and fill out an application:

https://edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/lfserver/Public/DHS-5223-ENG

You must then file the application with your local county human services agency, which you can find here:

https://edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/lfserver/Public/DHS-0005-ENG

Program Contact Information

To learn more about the Minnesota Family Investment Program, visit:http://go.usa.gov/grF

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Ramsey County
Samuel H Morgan Regional Trail
Enjoy a bike ride along the Samuel H. Morgan Regional Trail, which takes you into downtown Saint Paul, passing historic sights such as the Island Station Power Plant, built in the 1920s, and the 6-story St. Paul Municipal Grain Elevator, built in 1931. Crosby Farm Regional Park boasts a marina and plentiful trails. You can find an historic pavilion and paddleboat tours at Harriet Island Regional Park. Up on the bluff, hikers and bikers can visit Cherokee Regional Trail above the St. Paul High Bridge

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MinnesotaCare
Managing Agency Minnesota

http://www.state.mn.us

Program Description
MinnesotaCare is Minnesota’s S-CHIP program, but adults may enroll in the program as well as children if they meet the eligibility
criteria. To qualify, you must be a resident of Minnesota, not covered by health insurance (including Medicaid) for the past four
months (some exceptions for some children). In addition, you must not have health insurance available to you through an employer
who offers to pay at least half the monthly cost. You must be a U.S. citizen or “qualified” non-citizen. Income limits for
MinnesotaCare are higher than the limits for Medical Assistance (Minnesota’s Medicaid program). Because of different calculation
methods, the income limits listed here may be slightly different than the actual income figures used by Minnesota. Please contact us
for more information on the program. MinnesotaCare provides comprehensive health care coverage. Covered services include
doctor visits, immunizations, hospitalization, prescriptions, eye exams, eye glasses, dental care and more. Enrollees pay a monthly
premium based on income, household size, and the number of people covered. Some low-income children and families pay as little
as $4 per month.

General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Minnesota, under 21 years of age, not covered by health
insurance (including Medicaid), underinsured, a U.S. national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident, and you must have an
annual household income before taxes of less than $28,608 if one person lives in the household; $38,508 if two people live in the
household; $48,408 if three people live in the household; $58,308 if four people live in the household; $68,208 if five people live in the
household; $78,108 if six people live in the household; $88,008 if seven people live in the household; $97,908 if eight people live in the
household; and $107,808 if more than eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $9,900 for each additional
person in the home. Depending on your income level, you may have to pay a premium for coverage. Please see this state’s program
information for details.

Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process
For an application, instructions, and assistance with the application, visit:

http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/main/idcplg?IdcService=GET_DYNAMIC_CONVER…

Program Contact Information
More information is available on the Internet at:

http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/main/idcplg?

IdcService=GET_DYNAMIC_CONVERSION&RevisionSelectionMethod=LatestReleased&Redirected=true&dDocName=id_006255

Or call toll-free at:

1-800-657-3672

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NCRRC is one of six Regional Resource Centers funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs. The Centers help state education agencies improve education programs, practices and policies that impact infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities and their families. Find resources for parents and educators in your state.

For more information visit this link: http://www.disability.gov/state/minnesota/education

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Join in the Fun at Exploreminnesota.com

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Program Description
Unemployment insurance benefits provide temporary financial assistance to workers unemployed through no fault of their own that
meet Minnesota’s eligibility requirements.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must have worked in Minnesota during the past 12 to 18 months, and have earned at
least a minimum amount of wages as determined by our guidelines. You must also be able to work and available for work each week
that you are collecting benefits.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for Minnesota unemployment benefits, file an application on the first day that you are unemployed or your work hours are
substantially reduced by either completing the application online at www.uimn.org (click on Apply for UI Benefits) or by calling 651-
296-3644 (Twin Cities calling area); 1-877-898-9090 (Outside of the Twin Cities calling area); 1-866-814-1252 (TTY for the hearing
impaired).

Program Contact Information
In order to establish your Minnesota unemployment benefits, you should file an application on the first day that you are unemployed
or your work hours are reduced by either completing the application on-line, by calling TELECLAIM, or by downloading and returning
the application.

For more information on how to apply for UI benefits, please visit the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance web site at:

http://www.uimn.org/ui/index.htm

Write to us at:
UI Customer Service
P.O.Box 75576
St. Paul, MN 55175-0576

Or email:
ui.mn@state.mn.us

Managing Agency
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

http://www.state.mn.us

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Program Description
The National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program help schools provide nutritious meals to students each school
day. These are U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs that are administered by the Minnesota Department of Education.
Participating schools receive federal and state funds for meals that meet established nutrition standards.
General Program Requirements
You may qualify for this benefit program if you have child(ren) who attend a Minnesota school (high school or under) that
participates in the National School Lunch Program / School Breakfast Program. Almost all public schools and many private schools
participate in these programs.

Students at a participating school qualify for free or reduced-price school meals if annual household income is within guidelines set
by USDA each year. View income guidelines on USDA website. To apply for free or reduced price meals, contact your school for an
Application for Educational Benefits form.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for free or reduced-price school meals, contact your child’s school:
View a list of school districts in Minnesota
View a list of charter schools in Minnesota
View a list of private schools in Minnesota

Program Contact Information
For additional information, visit the School Nutrition Programs page on the Minnesota Department of Education website:

http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/Learning_Support/FNS/SNP/index.html

If you have further questions contact the Minnesota Department of Education, Food and Nutrition Service at 651-582-8526, 1-800-
366-8922 (Minnesota toll free), or email to:
fns@state.mn.us

Managing Agency
Minnesota

http://www.state.mn.us

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Program Description
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) serves nutritious meals at no charge to children in the summer when National School
Lunch and School Breakfast Program meals are not available. SFSP sites are located in many low-income areas throughout
Minnesota and serve meals to children up to age 18. To find out if there is an SFSP site in your area, check with your school food
service or the Minnesota Department of Education, Food and Nutrition Service listed below.
General Program Requirements
Most SFSP meal sites are open to all children without households needing to provide income information.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
No application is needed. Most SFSP meal sites are open to all children.

Program Contact Information
For additional information, visit the SFSP page on the Minnesota Department of Education website:

http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/Learning_Support/FNS/Summer_Food_Service_P…

Or contact the Minnesota Department of Education, Food and Nutrition Service at 651-582-8526, 1-800-366-8922 (Minnesota toll
free), or email to:
fns@state.mn.us

Managing Agency
Minnesota

http://www.state.mn.us

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Program Description
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) uses energy conservation techniques to reduce the cost of home energy by an
estimated percent. Correcting health and safety hazards and potentially life-threatening conditions is the first consideration in WAP
activities.
Households who are at or below 50 percent of the state medium income are eligible. All homeowners and renters who are income
eligible for EAP are income eligible for WAP. Priority is given to households with at least one elderly or disabled member and to
customers with the highest heating costs. WAP is Federally funded through the U.S. Department of Energy.

General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Minnesota and your household’s annual income
before taxes must not exceed $21,184 if one person lives in the household; $27,702 if two people live in the household; $34,220 if
three people live in the household; $40,738 if four people live in the household; $47,256 if five people live in the household; $53,774 if
six people live in the household; $54,996 if seven people live in the household; and $56,219 if eight people live in the household. For
larger households, add $3,960 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply, contact the nearest Energy Assistance Provider:

http://www.state.mn.us/portal/mn/jsp/content.do?subchannel=null%26pro…

Program Contact Information
For more information on the program please visit:

http://www.state.mn.us/portal/mn/jsp/content.do?subchannel=-536894376&progr…

To ask about the Weatherization Assistance program, please call the Energy Information Center toll-free at:
1-800-657-3710

Managing Agency
Minnesota

http://www.state.mn.us

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Program Description
The Special Milk Program (SMP) provides milk to children in schools and non-profit childcare institutions that do not participate in
other Federal child nutrition meal service programs. Schools in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs may also
participate in the SMP to provide milk to children in half-day pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs where children do not
have access to the school meal programs. The program reimburses institutions for the milk they serve.
General Program Requirements
Any child in a school or institution that participates in the Special Milk Program can get milk. Schools may elect to offer free milk to
low-income children. In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Minnesota, your household’s
annual income before taxes must not exceed $20,036 if one person lives in the household; $26,955 if two people live in the
household; $33,874 if three people live in the household; $40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the
household; $54,631 if six people live in the household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household; and $68,469 if eight people live
in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for the Special Milk program, directly contact your child’s school, camp, or child care institution to find out if it participates
in the Special Milk Program.

The Federal agency Child Nutrition Programs manages this program and provides state contact information here:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Contacts/StateDirectory.htm

Additionally, your state education agency can also provide you with more information about the program:

http://www.education.state.mn.us/MDE/Learning_Support/FNS/Special_Mil…

Program Contact Information
For more information, please call the Department of Education-Food and Nutrition Service office toll-free at:
800-366-8922

For more information visit:

http://education.state.mn.us/mde/index.html

Managing Agency
Minnesota

http://www.state.mn.us

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Program Description
The WIC Program provides supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care, at no cost, to low-income pregnant,
breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are determined to be at nutritional risk. To be fully
eligible for the WIC Program, applicants must be determined by a health professional, at no cost, to be at nutritional risk (i.e., have
certain medical-based or diet-based risk conditions).
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Minnesota, pregnant, breastfeeding and
postpartum woman, infant or child up to 5 years of age and: (1) are individually determined by a health professional to be at nutrition
risk; and, (2) meet an income standard, or are determined automatically income eligible. A person who participates or has family
members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as the Food Stamp Program, Medicaid or Temporary Assistance
for Needy Families, automatically meets the income eligibility requirement.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply, visit http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/wic/index.html, and click under “Am I eligible for WIC?” on the home page to be
guided through the eligibility screening.

Program Contact Information
Please see the following Web Site for the income standard or maximum income limit for WIC eligibility:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/howtoapply/incomeguidelines.htm

For more information on Minnesota WIC, please visit the Minnesota Department of Health (DoH) at:

http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/wic/index.html

If you have questions about the WIC program you can also call the Minnesota DoH at:
800-942-4030

Managing Agency
Minnesota

http://www.state.mn.us

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Program Description
Minnesota’s General Assistance Medical Care program provides health care coverage to adults without dependent children who
have very low income. Covered services include doctor visits, hospitalization, prescriptions, eye exams, and more.
Because of different calculation methods, the income limits listed here may be slightly different than the actual income figures used
by Minnesota. Please contact us for more information on the program.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Minnesota, a US national, citizen, legal alien, or
permanent resident in need of health care/insurance assistance, and you must have an annual household income below $6,736 for
one person in the household or below $9,091 for two persons in the household. You must also be between the ages of 21 and 64 with
no dependent children, and you must not be eligible for any other state or federal medical program (including Medicaid).

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

Program Contact Information
More information is available on the Minnesota Department of Human Services web site:

http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/healthcare/

Applications are available online, or at any Minnesota county human services agency.

Questions may be directed to the local county agency or the state agency at:
651-296-8517

Or, use our toll free number:
800-657-3659

Managing Agency
Minnesota

http://www.state.mn.us

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