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ISSUE: July, August, September 2015 

Bob Benes Executive Director

Big Deal

OnOctober1stLakesandPinesheld its51stAnnualBoardmeetingcommemorating50yearsof

servicetoAitkin,Carlton,Chisago,Kanabec,Isanti,MilleLacsandPinecounties.Doingaquickbitof

mathinmyhead,thisisthe32ndIhaveattended.LestyouthinkIsubjectmyselftounduemisery,

thisannualmeetinghasbecomesomewhatofacommunityevent.Iknowthatmanyofyoureading

thisnewsletterwereinattendanceandcanattesttothefactthatalthoughitisforall intentsand

purposesarealBoardmeetingwheresomeveryimportanttasksareaccomplished,ithasbecome

somewhatmore.

It is an opportunity for the Agency to interact with the community, thank its members for the

outstandingsupportLakesandPinesreceivesduringtheyearandrecognizespecialstaff,partners

and communitymembers. It is a chance for Lakes and Pines to share its accomplishments and

challengesandbuildstrongerconnectionswithinthecommunity.

Whatmakes this a big deal is not the over two hundred peoplewho attend nor the amount of

planningandpreparation,which isconsiderable,oreven the fact thatBoardOf icersareelected,

theExecutiveCommittee appointed anddepositories selected.Whatmakes this a bigdeal is the

diversityoftheattendeesandtheopportunityforLakesandPinestoconnectwiththecommunity

itservesinawaynotprovidedonadailybasis.Thefacetofaceinteractionwithelectedof icials,

partners, staff and community members allows Lakes and Pines to connect in a way written

reports,surveys,censusdataandindividualmeetingscannotapproximate.

Thankyoutoallwhoattendedandtothosewhoputsomuchintoitsplanningandexecution.

 

Lakes & Pines CAC, Inc.

Mission Statement To build prosperous communities by serving local families and individuals

in their pursuit of self-reliance. Partnering to End Poverty 

 

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North Branch SiteNorth Branch Site  

HeadStartstartedoutthe2015‐2016ProgramYearinourNorthBranchof iceafteramovefromtheBraham Cluster site. The North Branch of ice will house Lakes and Pines’ Early Childhood andCommunity Services staff; this dual occupancyhasbeen created in an effort to offer amorediversearrayoflocalizedservicesforthecommunity.

Introducing the Senior Services Program Coordinator!Introducing the Senior Services Program Coordinator!  

Hello!Myname isValerieand I am thenewSeniorServicesProgramCoordinator.I am responsible for the recruitment, training, and overall supervision of programvolunteers and for conductingoutreachon the variousprogramsofferedbyLakesandPines,includingchoreservicesandhomemodi icationforseniors.Ihaveextensivenonpro itvolunteerrecruitmentandmanagementexperience.Themost relevantbeingmypositionasvolunteer coordinatorwithRetiredandSeniorVolunteer Program (RSVP) in which I created and coordinated inter‐generationalactivitiesforHabitatforHumanityevents,aswellasin‐serviceactivitiesatschools,seniordiningsitesandpubliclibraries.IamveryexcitedtolaunchthisnewprojectintheLakesandPinesservicearea.Ihaveseen irsthandwithmyownfamilythefrustrationandanxietyresultingfromseniorstryingtoenlistthehelpthattheyneedtoremainintheirownhomesforaslongasnecessaryandtheresignationthatresultswhentheresourcesjusthaven’tbeenavailable.IamproudtoplayapartinbringingthoseservicestotheseniorpopulationintheLakesandPinesservicearea.Pleasecontactmeat1‐800‐832‐6082,ext.171orviaemailatvalerieb@lakesandpines.orgifyouknowofsomeonethatcouldbene itfromchoreservices,wouldliketovolunteerorifyouhavequestions.

Picturedatrightfromlefttoright:

MelissaLarabee,JenniferVandeVord,JulieKeocher‐Weiner,BarbBrandt,JoAnneSteigerwald,PatriciaMurray,TiffanySullivan,CherylPeterson,JanellePayment,LisaLundgrenandJodiStrike‐Brehm

The2015‐2016EnergyAssistanceProgramof icially openedOctober1st and applications are beingacceptedthroughMay30th,2016. AsofOctober8th,2,716applicationshavebeenprocessed,2,154havebeenapproved,47havebeendenied,andmanyareawaitingmoreinformationbeforeeligibilitycanbedetermined.Although the Energy Assistance Program is open and accepting applications, funding isn’t typicallyreceivedfortheprogramuntilsometimeinNovember. Until funding isreceived,allapplicationsareprocessedandprogrameligibilityisdetermined.Householdsfacinganenergyemergencyarereferredtootherorganizationsthatmaybeabletohelpthem. Onceprogramfundingisreceived,householdsthatwereinanemergencywhentheyappliedwillbecontactedtoverifywhetherornotthey were able to resolve their emergency. The most common organizations thathouseholdsarereferredtoaretheSalvationArmyHeatShareProgram,CountyHumanServicesDepartmentsandlocalchurches.LakesandPinesisalsoexcitedtoannouncethatEnergyAssistancestaffhaveembracedand excelled at going “paperless” this season. Energy Assistance applications andpaperwork are being scanned into our electronic iling system and processed fromthere.Thischangehasresultedinlesstimeretrieving ilesandhasmadetheCertifyingprocesseasierandmoreef icient.

Energy Assistance Program (EAP) 2015Energy Assistance Program (EAP) 2015‐‐20162016  

 

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LakesandPines’HeadStartProgramhasbeenprivilegedtohaveseveralcommunitysupporterswhoshareourpassiontoreachfamiliesofchildreninpoverty.Theresources,time,andhardworkgivenbyvolunteersareapricelessadditiontotheworkthatwedoeveryday.Kohl’sCareshasbeenabigpartofourservicetochildrenandfamiliesoverthe last fewyears.Kohl’sDepartmentStoreinCambridgehasgenerouslydonatedstuffedanimalsandbeautifulbooksthatLakesandPineshasbeenabletodistributetochildrenthroughoutourservicearea,whichhasexpandedthepersonallibraryofeachfamily,andhasalsogiventheopportunitytohaveabrandnewbookorstuffedanimalthatwouldhavebeendif icultorimpossibleforthefamilytoattainwithoutKohl’sgenerosity.Research proves that children who have access to books in the home have higherliteracy levels.Thesebeautifully illustratedbooksprovideendlessopportunities forcaregiversandchildrentoreadtogether,bondoverthesharedstoriesandpictures,andhelp thechild toestablish likesanddislikes inreadingmaterialandstory lines.Also,stuffedanimalsprovideagreatopportunityfordramaticplay,socialemotionaldevelopmentthroughcuddlingand“caring”fortheanimal,aswellasthesecurityofhavingasnugglyobjectthatbelongstothatchild.The latestdonation fromKohl’sonSeptember15thnumbered335books,which, inaddition to the previous donations this summer, will ensure that every child whoenterstheprogramthisyearwillgetabookorstuffedanimalfromKohl’s.

Over the past year, Lakes and Pines has had the opportunity to work with agentleman who was homeless and needed to apply for Social Security DisabilitybecauseofSeverePersistentMentalIllness(SPMI).Theprocess for applying for disability can take time and thepaperworknecessary tocompleteanapplicationcanbetedious.Duringthattime,hewasnotcapableofworkingenoughhourstomaintainhishousingorsupporthimself. LakesandPineswasabletoprovidefundingforhousingwhileheworkedwithmentalhealthprofessionalstotreat

hisillness.Afterayearoftreatmentandtherapy,heisabletoworkandsupporthimself.HenolongerhasaneedforapplyingforSocialSecurityDisabilityandisabouttoexittheongoingrentalassistanceprogram. Without programs such as this (which is funded through the Department of Housing andUrbanDevelopment),hewouldhaveremainedhomelessandnotbeenabletotreathismental illness.Programslikethesework!Please contact Community Services at 1‐800‐832‐6082,Option4, if you knowof someone that couldalsobene itfromthistypeofservice.

Kohl’s Cares, and It Shows!Kohl’s Cares, and It Shows!  

OnOn‐‐going Rental Assistance WORKS!going Rental Assistance WORKS!  

The Reach Out For Warmth (ROFW) Program continues to be an importantresourceforhouseholdsexperiencinganenergyrelatedcrisis.Upto$400inReachOut For Warmth funds are available once per lifetime to qualifying householdswhenotherprogramsarenotavailable.ToqualifyforROFW,ahousehold’sincomemust fall below60%StateMedian Income. If ahouseholdhas alreadyusedall oftheir Energy Assistance Program (EAP) funds, they have to have some kind ofrecent,unexpected,life‐changingeventtoqualify.TheReachOutForWarmthProgram is fundedsolely throughdonations. During the2014‐2015EAPYear,HopeLutheranChurchofMooseLakedonated$2,450,EAPstaffraised$556throughaBalloon‐A‐Gram Fundraiser with the CambridgeMedical Center, $1000was donated by the Hinckley‐Pine CityFlames Snowmobile Club and several personal donations were received by community members.Recipientscannotsay“Thankyou!”enoughto theorganizationsandpeople thathavedonatedto thisprogram.AnyonewhoisinterestedinmakingadonationisencouragedtocontacttheEnergy/HousingDepartment formore details. During the 2014‐2015 EAP Year, $5,507.31 in ReachOut ForWarmthfundswereusedtohelphouseholdsinneed.TherearecurrentlyfundsavailableintheROFWFundtoaddressemergenciesforqualifyinghouseholdswhenotherfundsarenotavailable.

Reach Out For WarmthReach Out For Warmth  

 

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Fare For AllFare For All  

Accordingtothe2015CommunityNeedsAssessment, food isaprimaryneedintheLakesandPinesservice area. Lakes and Pines staff partnered with Seven County Senior Federation and TrioCommunity Center to bring Fare For All back to Mora. Fare For All is a state‐wide communitysupportedfoodpurchasingorganizationthat isopentoeveryone;regardlessof incomeorresidency.FareForAllpurchasesquality,nutritiousfruit,vegetablesandmeatinbulkandpassesthesavings,upto40%offgrocerystorepricestocustomers.FareForAll inMorastartedinMay,witha fewpeoplefrom each organization trying a test order. By July, over 200 households were participating eachmonth.Oneyoungfamilysharedtheirstory;bothparentswereworkingbutonehadtohaveminorsurgeryandwouldn’thaveapaycheckforacoupleweeks.Aninfectionset‐inandthatturnedintomissingfourpaychecks, insteadof two.Theyhadn’tplannedfor that.Their incomewastoohightobeeligible forSNAP(SupplementalNutritionAssistanceProgram)orrentassistance.TheypurchasedacouplepackagesoffoodfromFareForAll,whichgotthemthroughtheendofthemonth.TheycontinuetopurchaseFareForAll each month because it frees up money for other needs and theywant to do their part to make sure Fare For All continues to beavailableforeveryoneinthecommunity.Fare For All is also available in North Branch (Chisago County) andOnamia(MilleLacsCounty).Checkouthttp://fareforall.org/ formoreinformation or contact the Community Services Department at1‐800‐832‐6082, option 4, if you are interested in purchasing orstarting Fare For All in your community. It’s easy and encouragespeopletoeathealthyandsavemoney!

Greater Twin Ci es United WayGreater Twin Ci es United Way  

In 2012 Lakes and Pines’ Early Childhood and Family Development (ECFD)DepartmentreceivedagrantfromtheGreaterTwinCitiesUnitedWaytoservefamilies in a home‐based setting with children from ages birth to three inChisago and Isanti counties. The grantwas applied for because the zero‐to‐threeHeadStartProgram’swaiting list forthosecounties indicatedtheneedtoincreaseservices.InJuneof2012,homevisitsbeganforsixfamilies.CherylPetersonwasassignedtothecaseload.Asa20+yearemployeeofLakesandPines,Cherylquicklyandeffectivelygottheprogramgoing.Thehomevisitingmirroredzero‐to‐threeHeadStartserviceswithaoneandahalfhourweeklyhomevisit, bi‐weekly socializationopportunities, and special attention givento the parent/child relationship. Cherylworked on a variety of thingswithfamiliesincludingphysicalanddentalhealth,nutrition,childdevelopment,andfamilygoals.Thegrantwasoriginally for threeyears (Jan.2012‐Jan.2015).Due to frugalbudgeting,thegrantwasabletobeextendedthroughJuneof2015andagainto August of 2015. During the 39months of the program, 12 families wereserved. Nine of those families stayed in the program through their third

birthday and were able to transition to the Head Start three‐to‐ ive program or to a localpreschooloption. Manyof those familiesmightnothavereceivedanyservicesdue tobeingslightlyoverincomeforHeadStartorbeingonthewaitinglist.Therewereseveralsuccessstoriesthatcameoutoftheprogram;twoofwhichhavebeenmentionedinpreviousFYIs.LakesandPinesECFDDepartmentwould liketothanktheGreaterTwinCitiesUnitedWayfor theopportunitytoserveagreaternumberof families inChisagoandIsantiCounties for thepastthreeyears.WewouldalsoliketorecognizeCherylPetersonforherexcellentworkinmakingtheprogramasuccess!

 

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51st Annual Board of Directors Mee ng51st Annual Board of Directors Mee ng  

LakesandPines’51stAnnualBoardMeeting,heldonOctober1st,2015wasahugesuccessonceagain.Over200staff,BoardMembers,legislatorsandAgencysupportersgatheredattheBrahamCommunityCenter fordinner cateredbyAmerican Janesof Cambridge, entertainmentby the very talentedEastCentralMinnesotaChorale,anaward’sceremonyandsomeof icialbusiness.ThroughouttheeveningasilentauctionwasheldforthePowerActionLeadership(PAL)fund.Lakesand Pines is grateful to the area businesses and individuals that generously donated many items.Bidders shopped items such as autographed sportsmemorabilia, artwork, local gift certi icates andmuchmore.Over$1,900wasraisedtosupportPAL.During the formal businessmeeting, the Board recognized some community and staffmembers fortheiroutstandingcontributionstolow‐incomefamilies.Lakes and Pineswas proud to recognize Luann Gutzkow and Donna Kuhlmey for their 25‐years ofservice to the Agency. Luann works with the Energy Assistance Program, helping families andindividuals through everything from the application process to inding solutions for those facing acrisis. Donna has been a highly respected leader in the Early Childhood and Family DevelopmentDepartment, implementing programming and positively in luencing Head Start families during hertenurewiththeAgency.TheirdedicationandcontributionsareinvaluabletoLakesandPinesmeetingourMission.Lakes and Pines recognized Beth VanderPlaats for her dedication to low‐income families andindividualsthroughtheSpiritofCommunityAward.Beth’sdedicationtotheorganizationoftheMilleLacs County Operation Community Connect has been instrumental to the success of the event. TheeventisheldeachOctoberandhelpsconnectfamiliesinneedtoresourcesthathelpthembecomemoreself‐suf icientmovingforward.This year’sAllies inActionAwardwas presented to theMinnesotaHousing Partnership, a longtimepartnerofCommunityActionandLakesandPines.Theirwork this yearhelped toproduce the irsteverEastCentralMinnesotaRegionalHousingStudy,bringingattentiontotheneedforanincreaseandimprovementtohousingresourcesinthearea.Theirsupportofthisprojectwasvitaltoitssuccessandtheirdedicationhashelpedtoexpandthecapacityoftheregioninaddressinghousingissues.Roberta Folkestad, Board Member and volunteer, was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award.RobertaisdedicatedtotheMissionoftheAgency;shevolunteersdoingeverythingfromtaxclinicstoPoverty Simulations. Her cheerful, positive demeanor makes her one of those volunteers everyoneenjoysworkingwith.LakesandPines is fortunate tohavesuchacompassionateBoardMemberandvolunteerinRoberta.Thisyear’sRogerE.CorbinAwardwenttoKeithLusk.KeithhasbeentheEnergyAssistanceProgramOperationsCoordinatorforthelasttwoyears.Keith’sleadershipinspiresthosearoundhimtoperformattheirverybest.HisdedicationtotheMissionandthoseservedbytheProgramisevidentonadailybasis throughhispositiveattitudeandtherespectfulwayhe treatseveryonehe interactswith, fromstaffandclients tovendors.LakesandPines isproudofKeith’sachievementandhonored thathe ispartoftheLakesandPinesteam,committedtotheMissionandPromiseofCommunityAction.

 

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Energy Related Repair Program (ERR) 2015Energy Related Repair Program (ERR) 2015‐‐20162016  

The Energy Related Repair (ERR) bene it is a crisis bene it thataddresseshazardousandlifethreateningsituations,orcaseswherea home has no heat due to a malfunctioning or nonfunctioningheatingsystem. If ahouseholdhasquali ied forEnergyAssistanceandishavingfurnaceproblems,thisprogrammaybeabletohelp.EnergyAssistanceProgramstaffworkcloselywithWeatherizationstaffandlocalfurnacetechnicianstorepairorreplacefurnaces.AsofOctober8th,usingstartupfundsfromlastyear’sprogram,thereare33households in theprocessofbeinghelped toaddress theirfurnaceemergencies.

New Offices and Improved Services!New Offices and Improved Services!  

LakesandPinesisestablishingof icesinNorthBranchandMooseLake,plusaone‐dayaweeksatelliteof ice inAitkintobetterserveareacommunities.TheNorthBranchof iceat39555FlinkAvenueandMoose Lake of ice at 316 Elm Street will be open for business on October 19, 2015. Additionally,advocateswillbeavailableateachof thesesites,aswellas theMoraof ice tocoordinateservices forfamilies and individuals that are facing multiple obstacles on their path to self‐suf iciency. ProgramSupport Specialists at all Lakes and Pines of iceswill complete the intake process for any Lakes andPinesserviceandacceptEnergyAssistanceProgramapplications.LakesandPinesrecognizesthateachhousehold’ssituationisunique.Everyonehasdifferentstrengthsto build on and different challenges to be addressed. It can be discouraging for someonewho needsservicesfromdifferentagencies,providersandprograms,togofrombuildingtobuilding,of icetoof ice,persontopersonandexplaintheirsituationandchallengesmultipletimes.Someservicemodels focusononechallengeor issuerather thanprovidingacomprehensivebundled

package of services. Lakes and Pines’ goal is to helpminimize thestress this causes by having program participants work withadvocates to ef iciently coordinate all available services to addressalltheirneeds.This process will build on a combination of family input and staffexpertise, establishing an on‐going relationship between the familyand advocate. It may also involve coordination with serviceproviders outside of Lakes and Pines. The individuals and familieswill set achievable goals with the guidance of their advocate, whowilladvocateforallservicestheybelievethefamilytobeeligiblefor,navigatingtheservicesystemstoaccesstheservicestheyneed.By building on the individuals’ strengths and providing services tomeet multiple challenges and on‐going ever expanding goals,individuals and families will have a better opportunity to achieveself‐suf iciency.

Celebrate Success!Celebrate Success!  

Recentlyat theHeadStartPolicyCouncilmeeting,oneof theparentsmentionedasuccessstory fromheryearsofbeinginHeadStart.Thereisadentistinherareawhodoesnotaccepttheinsurancethatherfamilyison,butbecauseofourpartnershipthroughHeadStartwiththedentist,sheisabletobringherchildtothatclinic.Evennowthathehasagedoutoftheprogram,thedentistisstillwillingtoservehim.Withoutthisoptionforherchild,shewouldneedtotraveltwohoursormoreawayfromherhomejust to indsomeonewhowillaccepther insurance. Dentalaccess isabarrier formany families.Thepartnershipsthathavebeenformedwiththelocaldentistshavehadanimpactonfamiliesfornowandforyearstocome.

 

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ECE Caring MembersECE Caring Members  

CaringMembers is a program startedbyEast CentralEnergy (ECE) in1993 and administered by Lakes and Pines on their behalf. CaringMembersfundsareprovidedthroughdonationsbyECEcustomers.EastCentralEnergymatchesfundsdonated,doublingtheamountavailabletohelp families in need. The Caring Members Program provides help tohouseholds with up to $200 to resolve an energy crisis on their ECEaccount once every three years. Households do not have to meetminimum income requirements or qualify for EnergyAssistance to beeligibleforCaringMembersfundsbutareresponsibleforaco‐paymentamount.CaringMembersfundscannotbeuseduntiltheco‐paymenthas

beenmade. During the 2014‐2015 Energy Assistance ProgramYear, $11,243.86 of CaringMembersfundswere used to help sixty‐one households resolve an energy crisis on their ECE account. FundswereexpendedforCaringMembersinJuneofthisyear,butECEhasindicatednewfundingwillarrivesoon.

Is Housing An Issue Around Here?Is Housing An Issue Around Here?  

Whenyouaskpeopleinthisregionwhattheylovemostabouttheareatheymostlikelywilltellyouthewayof life.Theability toengage inoutdooractivitiessuchasboating, ishing,biking, snowmobiling,campingandhunting iswhytheylove ithere. Ifyougoonestepfurtherandaskthemhowtheyfeelaboutthehousingsituation,theywilllikelytellyouananecdotalstoryofsomeonetheyknowwhoisstrugglingwithhousing.LakesandPines,alongwithseveralcommunitypartnerssetouttodiscussthisissuethesepastfewmonths:topinpointwhatareaofhousingneedstobeaddressed irst.

Doweneedmoreseniorhousing?Doweneedmoreaffordablerentalunits?Doweneedrentalunitsthatcomewithadditionalservices,likesupportiveservicesandengagementactivities?Do we need a conglomerate of housing options – units that will houseseniors,workingfamiliesanddisabledpopulations?Howdoweattractprivatedevelopers to the region todevelopouremptylots?

ManyofthesequestionswereaskedinasurveydistributedelectronicallywiththehelpofMinnesotaHousingPartnershipandseveralcommunitypartners,andattheCommunityHousingForumheldonSeptember17thatLakesandPines’of ice inMora.Over130peoplerespondedtothesurveyand25peopleparticipatedintheForumthathelpedguidetheregion’slookathousing.OnOctober6th,theregionhostedaCommunityHousing Dialogue which brought in fundersfromtheprivatesectoraswellasthestateandfederal government to talk about the fundingopportunities available to address the region’sbiggest housing de icits. Over 85 peopleparticipated and developed a preliminary planfortheregiontobeginworkingonhousing.StaytunedforadditionalinformationbysubscribingtothisnewsletterandlikingLakesandPinesonFacebook!

 

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MNsure Open Enrollment ScheduleMNsure Open Enrollment Schedule   

November 2015

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri 2 | Cloquet Library 3 | Cloquet Library 4 | Cambridge-Isanti County

Family Services 5 6

9 | Aitkin Library 10 | McGregor Library

11 | Closed 12 13

16 17 | Isle Library 18 19 | Lakes and Pines Mora

20

23 24 | Lakes and Pines Moose Lake, North Branch

25 26 | Closed

27 | Closed

 

December 2015

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri

1 | Pine City Library

2 | Cambridge-Isanti County Family Services

3 4

7 | Princeton Library 8 | Princeton Library 9 10 | Lakes and Pines Mora

11

14 | North Branch Library

15 | North Branch Library

16 | Community and Veterans Services, Milaca

17 18

21 | Cambridge Library 22 | Cambridge Library 23 24 25 | Closed

28 29 | Lakes and Pines Mora

30 | Lakes and Pines Mora

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MNsureOpenEnrollmentstartsNovember1,2015andwillendonJanuary31,2016.IMPORTANTDATESTOREMEMBER: November1,2015:OpenEnrollmentstarts— irstdayyoucanenroll ina2016 insuranceplan

throughMNsure.CoveragecanstartassoonasJanuary1,2016. December15,2015:Last day to enroll in or change plans for new coverage to start January 1,

2016. January1,2016:2016coveragestartsforthosewhoenrollorchangeplansbyDecember15. January15,2016:LastdaytoenrollinorchangeplansfornewcoveragetostartFebruary1,2016. January31,2016:2016OpenEnrollmentends.EnrollmentsorchangesbetweenJanuary16and

January31takeeffectMarch1,2016.While there are some exceptions,most peoplewho don’t enroll in a 2016 health insurance plan byJanuary31,2016,can’tenrollthroughMNsureinahealthinsuranceplanfor2016unlesstheyqualifyfor a Special Enrollment Period. One exception to this is Minnesota residents eligible for MedicalAssistanceorMinnesotaCaremayenrollanytimethroughouttheyear.LakesandPineswillbepartneringwithSjoberg‐HolmstromLLC,thearea’sMNsureBrokerEnrollmentCenter,toprovideenrollmentsitesforresidentsofsurroundingcommunities.Face‐to‐faceassistancefromMNsure certi ied brokers and navigators will be available at the sites and dates listed below.Appointmentswillbeappreciated,butwalk‐inswillbewelcometoo.

Check theLakesandPineswebsitewww.lakesandpines.organdFacebookpage inmid‐December forJanuary2016enrollmentevents.LakesandPinesnavigatorswillalsobeavailableatleastonedaypermonthtoassistpeopletoenrollthroughMNsureinacommunitynearthemiftheyarenotabletomakeit to one of the open enrollment events noted on the calendar. Thank you toEast CentralRegionalLibraries,theCloquetLibraryandlocalcountyof icesforpartneringwithLakesandPinesbyprovidingfreespaceforMNsureenrollmentevents.Shopping for health insurance can be a complicated process, and in‐person help really makes adifference for people enrolling through MNsure. Please contact Lakes and Pines at 800‐832‐6082,option4ornavigator@lakesandpines.orgtomakeanappointmentorformoreinformation.

 

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Kindness Goes a Long Way!Kindness Goes a Long Way!  

Since the Fall of 2014, Lakes and Pines staff andvolunteers have worked closely with the MinnesotaAdopt A Highway Program to maintain sections ofhighway throughout each of the seven counties thatLakes and Pines serves. Volunteer staff aremaintaining sections for the fall cleanup throughouttheentiremonthofOctober. TheAgencyisproudofall of the staffmembers that have volunteered theirtime and their commitment to the communities thatthey serve. If you are interested in participating ontheAdoptAHighwaypicks,contactKeithatextension125formoreinformation.

Go  Green!  Lakes  and  Pines  CAC,  Inc.  aims  to  operate  and  administer  programs  in  the  most  cost‐effec ve manner. Please consider receiving the FYI Quarterly Newsle er via email and help us save on prin ng and postage costs.  Send us an email to sign up: lap@lakesandpines.org 

Sometimesall a personneeds is a little helpinghand to get through a tough time.Weall go throughdif icult timesnomatterwhat our economic status is, and getting through tough timeswith support,evenjustalisteningear,canreallymakeallthedifference.A Lakes and Pines staff member was at the Hinckley Senior Dining site doing outreach for theSupplementalNutritionAssistanceProgram(SNAP)andotherLakesandPinesprograms. AnelderlycoupleapproachedthestaffmemberandbeganaskingquestionsaboutSNAP.Speaking with the couple, an amazing storyemerged!Thecouplebegantotellthestaffmemberhowtheyworktogether(husbandandwife)tohelppeople in their apartment complex get things thattheymayneedsuchasextrafood,aknittedblanket,or hats andmittens, the latter of the three usuallymadeby thewife.Theyexplained thatmanyof thenew tenants thatmove into the complex have verylittle belongings and no food. Although it wasunclear as to how this couple learns of these newtenants moving in, or how new tenants know thiselderly couple will help get them established, theconnection that is made is truly a blessing. Thecouplebringsthenewpeopletothelocalfoodshelfto get food that theymay need, and also get themadditional resources that are accessible at the foodshelf.Thecoupleexplainedthatthisisjustwhattheyaresupposedtodoandtheyloveit!TheyaskedforSNAP brochures and other outreach material thatthey could give the people that they come incontact with, so that they can tell them about theSNAP program and give them Lakes and Pines’contactinformationtoapply.IfyouorsomeoneyouknowwantstoapplyforSNAP,pleasecallMeganB.at320‐679‐1800,ext.161,oremailatmeganb@lakesandpines.org.

Adopt A HighwayAdopt A Highway  

 

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NONPROFIT STD

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

MORA MN

PERMIT NO. 29

stands for “FOR YOUR INFORMATION.” It is a quarterly newsletter provided to the area's seven county officials and personnel of Lakes and Pines CAC, Inc.

We hope our Newsletter will present you with timely, interesting, and sometimes lighthearted information. In turn, we hope that you will present us with your thoughts and suggestions.

For further information, please contact:

LAKES AND PINES CAC INC

1700 MAPLE AVE E

MORA MN 55051

320-679-1800

Toll Free 1-800-832-6082

lap@lakesandpines.org

For the Agency to continue savings in postage, it is important to maintain current addresses on file.  

Please  take  a  moment  to  review  your  address  label  and  notify  Lakes  and  Pines  of  any  appropriate            corrections. 

If you are interested in receiving the FYI electronically in the future, please email: lap@lakesandpines.org. CORRECTION IN MAILING ADDRESS

PLEASE PRINT: NAME: ORGANIZATION: ADDRESS: CITY, STATE, ZIP+4 DIGITS

Mail to: Agency Administration, Lakes and Pines CAC Inc., 1700 Maple Ave E., Mora MN 55051

LAKES AND PINES CAC INC ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

1700 MAPLE AVE E

MORA MN 55051