Additional Resources

As of October 2005, the Minnesota Department of Human Services uses federal Chafee funds to contract with the following non-profit agencies and directs them to serve youth up to age 21:

  • Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA) — Free At Last Program (Northeast Minnesota)
      • Located in the arrowhead region of northeastern Minnesota, AEOA serves youth in Grand Rapids, Two Harbors, rural Itasca County and Koochiching County. Youth become part of a group that meets weekly for 18 weeks to learn life skills. There is also an emphasis on hands on learning, field trips and retreats incorporating outdoor adventure activities. Youth are encouraged to develop leadership skills as well. A small number of youth are provided with transitional housing in Grand Rapids.

      Contact: Dave Anderson (218-834-2280) or DeAnna Winge (218-327-1138)

  • Lutheran Social Services in Duluth — ONE Program (Duluth and surrounding region)
      • LSS Duluth serves youth in Carlton County, rural St. Louis County, and Duluth. Youth become part of a group, much as described above. There are advanced groups for older youth, with an emphasis on community service projects. A small number of youth are provided with transitional housing in Duluth.

      Contact: Angie Skogstad (218-722-2075)

  • Catholic Charities in St. Cloud — SAIL Program (St. Cloud and surrounding region)
      • The SAIL Program serves youth in groups, described above. Groups are conducted in St. Cloud, Buffalo, Monticello, and sometimes in Little Falls. A small number of youth are provided with transitional housing in these communities.

      Contact: Stacy Pederson (320-240-8204)

  • Rochester Area Family Y — LINK Program (Rochester)
      • The LINK Program serves youth out of the Family Y in Rochester. Groups are conducted, as well as one-to-one services. A small number of youth are provided with transitional housing in Rochester.

      Contact: Jolene Nelson-Mahtab (507-287-2260 ext 350) or Courtney Blesdoe (507-287-2260 ext 336)

  • Lutheran Social Services of Willmar — SEARCH Program (Willmar and surrounding region)
      • The SEARCH Program serves youth in a six county area around the city of Willmar. Youth join groups that meet weekly to learn life skills in Litchfield, Willmar, Alexandria, and other locations as arranged. There is a separate group for teen parents with a stronger focus on parenting and budgeting. Program staff are very experienced and good at making learning fun. A small number of youth are provided transitional housing in the city of Willmar.

      Contact: Elizabeth Christenson (320-231-7075)

  • Genesis for Families — Teen Moms Program (Minneapolis)
      • Genesis provides after-school weekly life skills and parenting groups for two age groups, age 14 to 16, and 17 to 21. Child care and an evening meal are provided on-site during the time groups meet. The teen moms and their babies are provided with transportation home.

      Contact: Talieda Parker (612-617-0191)

  • Ain Dah Yung — Beverly Benjamin Lodge (St. Paul)
      • Ain Dah Yung owns a house in St. Paul that provides transitional housing for up to six Native American youth. There is 24-hour live-in staff. Youth must either work or attend school. Youth are responsible for cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Staff facilitate a weekly meeting to teach life skills, and also work with youth one-to-one on individualized plans. Youth also participate in drum and dance groups, pow-wows and sweat lodge ceremonies in the community.

      Contact: Yvonne Barrett (651-227-4184) or Beverly Benjamin Lodge (651-643-0631)

  • YouthLink (Minneapolis)
      • YouthLink is located at a drop-in center in downtown Minneapolis. They work with youth one-to-one and in groups to teach life skills and make referrals to find youth employment, housing, health care, and other resources.

      Contact: Connie Vandergon (612-252-1215)