Crisis Nursery-Free 24/7 temporary safe haven where parents experiencing a family or personal crisis can call for help. Children from infancy-age 12 can be given safe care on a short-term basis while their parent(s) work through their crisis.
· LSS provided shelter for 79 children last year; doubling the number from the previous fiscal year.
Financial Counseling Service– Provides guidance to clients in crisis who may otherwise make decisions without weighing all of the consequences or knowing all the facts. Financial counseling services include budgeting, debt management, and credit report reviews. Housing counseling includes reverse mortgage counseling, pre purchase, post purchase and foreclosure prevention.
· Mankato financial counselors spoke with over 558 callers in 2009
· 25.1% of individuals in the city of Mankato live at or below the federal poverty level
Behavioral Health– Provides access to mental health services for people who are uninsured or under-insured and have low incomes.
· Number of clients served has been increasing 20% each year
· The number of calls from individuals requesting financial assistance for food, housing/rent assistance, and energy assistance has been increasing
· With United Way support, Behavioral Counseling was able to provide 20 scholarships
Guardianship Services- Provides services to persons age 18 and older who are mentally incapable of being able to make the decisions necessary to care for themselves and/or their finances.
· In 2009, 31% of eligible clients were matched with volunteers who help to enhance the lives of vulnerable adults who may otherwise have no one in his/her life other than professionals that provide paid support
On My Own- A group program to assist youth in developing necessary skills needed to manage their mental health challenges and learn crucial independent living skills in preparation for successfully living on their own.
· 20 youth participated in the program in 2009, planning and preparing more than 45 meals
· 80% of youth who complete this program will have increased their overall mastery level
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