Board of Directors Opening

KOOTASCA Community Action, Inc. Board of Directors has an opening for a new board member to represent the low-income sector in Itasca County. This position can be filled by a low-income individual or an individual that represents low-income individuals or families.

Board meetings are the fourth Thursday of each month, usually 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., in Northome. Consistent attendance is a must. Lunch, transportation, and childcare are provided. To apply for this volunteer position, contact Gloria Kantola at 327-6702 or Gloria.Kantola@kootasca.org. For additional information about KOOTASCA, visit www.kootasca.org.

In service to its mission of “Building community to end poverty”, the Board oversees services and programs provided in Itasca and Koochiching Counties including Head Start, Circles of Support, Emergency and Transitional Housing, Home Ownership, Individual Development Accounts, Family Homeless Prevention, Energy Assistance, Housing Rehabilitation, Weatherization, Crisis Intervention, Senior Wheels, and Crisis Nursery. New board member training is provided.

Journey Out of Poverty Event: 5:30 pm on Oct. 28

Circles of Support Journey Out of Poverty Dinner will take place on Thursday, October 28th at St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

Tickets are available at the Circles of Support office, from any member of Circles of Support, and at the door.

$8 Adults
$5 Children

Dinner & Silent Auction begins at 5:30
A program will following honoring the 2010 Award recipients:

Journey Award
The Journey Award is designed to recognize a Circles of Support participant who has transformed their life through this process. Candidates have demonstrated a willingness to do whatever it takes to move from living paycheck to paycheck, month to month, to a place where they have enough money, meaning, and friends in their life to feel secure. They have consistently shared their strengths and gifts with others who are working toward that same goal. This participant "gently nudges" fellow participants away from negative patterns or attitudes that do not support "leaving poverty".

Ally of the Year
The Ally of the Year Award is designed to recognize a Circles of Support Ally who gives their time and talent to making a difference in someone's journey out of poverty. Candidates "gently nudge" participants away from old habits that do not support their goals. This Ally encourages progress, celebrates accomplishments, listens for understanding and does not judge or enable. They intentionally reach across class and race lines to learn about poverty in our community and develop friendships with strangers.

The Dignity Award honors a Human Services professional who treated a Circles of Support participant(s) with dignity and compassion during the process of obtaining poverty related services.

CRIME & SAFETY in Itasca County

CRIME & SAFETY in Itasca County
What are the current issues around crime and safety in our county?
Prescription drugs; meth; online social networking safety; texting/sexting; vandalism; identity theft, etc. Join Circles of Support and Law Enforcement representatives to hear what you can do to protect yourself and others.

Thursday, September 30th, 6:00-8:00 PM
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
Dinner at 6:00

Facilitated Discussion by Alice Moren
6:45 p.m. to 8:00 PM

Featured panelists:
Jim Denny: Grand Rapids Chief of Police
Pat Medure: Itasca County Sheriff

Please R.S.V.P. Briana Anderson at 999-5883 for child care.

Circles of Support Big View meetings are free and open to the public.

Hope to see you there!

President Obama says thank you to Weatherization staff in the nation

Here is a thank you from President Obama for a job well done to the Weatherization Program staff on the stimulus program funded earlier this year. This is well deserved for KOOTASCA staff-they have worked hard throughout the ramp up and delivery of this program. The program has been able to serve many more households-over 400 by the end of the program- in Koochiching and Itasca counties and has brought much needed revenue to our two-county area. Five new living wage jobs were created. The weatherization funds, $6,500 per home, go directly to many contractors and vendors. It is a win-win for all!

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/07/07/weatherizing-82000-homes-summer

GAMC Health Insurance - Balancing the state budget impacts local lives

General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) for single adults without children was eliminated in the 2009 Legislative session for up to 35,000 of the state's poorest adults. Effective July 1, 2010, systems and bureaucrats scramble to handle these changes in their work day. Working poor residents scramble to maintain an already meager standard of living that will now include no health care. Medications or rent? Join Circles of Support to hear how this impacts their daily life and future.

Monday, July 12,6-8:00 p.m.
St. Joseph's Catholic Church
Dinner at 6:00 p.m.
Call Briana at 999-5883 for child care

Sponsored by the Itasca County Guiding for Circles of Support

Auto Insurance - It's not in the budget

Auto insurance is a legal requirement, yet many people in our community work for very low wages. When funds are limited,families are choosing between paying rent, auto insurance, food, utilities, and more. Which one would you leave out? How do you choose between survival and the law? What are the short and long term risks for the non-insured? Join Circles of Support on Thursday, June 24 to learn more about this issue. The dinner and meeting will take place at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Both are free and open to the public. The meeting is sponsored by the Itasca County Guiding Coalition for Circles of Support. For more information please call Alice Moren at 999-5728. Child care is available.

Panelists:
Vicki Houg: American Family Insurance
Sandie Oslin: Greater Insurance Service
Kaija Johnson: First National Agency of Coleraine

Tennat Information & Training Event

You are invited! Tuesday, June 22, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Grand Rapids United Methodist Church, 1701 SE 5th Ave. NO CHARGE

-what should I look for in a lease?
-what do I do if my landlord won't make repairs?
-Tenanat Bill of Rights?
-Security deposits-details
-MN Tenance/landlord laws

Reserve Childcare - 327-8852 or 888-388-9956