Telephone Discount Programs

The MN Dept. of Commerce is spearheading an outreach program to let eligible low-income consumers know about available telephone discount programs.  These programs can pay half of the installation costs to hook up service and provide a substantial discount on monthly costs.

Additional programs offer discounts and free equipment for the elderly and disabled, yet these are severely underutilized with as few as 11 percent of those eligible participating.

Eligibility info and application forms for all of these programs are now available at www.mnphonehelp.com.

Car Wash for Vans

Crystal Carwash CenterClocated on 5120 West Broadway in Crystal, MNCis able to accommodate high-top conversion vans less than 8 feet tall.  Larger vehicles can be hand-washed in their detail shop next door.

For directions, prices, or more info on all the service options available, please call 763-533-7866.

Computer Grants

The Beaumont Foundation will be giving out almost $400 million in computer equipment starting in 2003.  The grant applications for schools and community organizations are available at  www.bmtfoundation.com/grants/.

Persons with disabilities and those who are homebound are especially encouraged to apply for individual grants using the number below.  Truly innovative programs for persons with disabilities that could use $20-200K of brand-new, state-of-the-art hardware are also encouraged to apply, as are disability organizations and schools that serve students with disabilities.

For more info, call 1-866-505-COMP (2667).

Rally Against Cuts to Disability Services

Because of the state=s deficit, many important services for people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities are in danger of severe cuts or even elimination.  To voice concerns to elected officials, Arc Hennepin-Carver has organized ASave Our SupportsCA Call to Action@ on Feb. 22 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Calvary Church, 5300 France Ave. So., Edina.

The meeting will provide participants with easy-to-follow, practical strategies for calling attention to their needs and telling their stories.  There is no cost to attend, but participants are encouraged to register by Feb. 18 by calling Arc at 952-920-0855.  Registrations at the door will also be accepted.

Community members who are concerned about the impact of budget cuts are also encouraged to attend Arc MN=s Day at the Capitol on March 6.  For more info, call Arc MN at 651-523-0829.

DHS Grant Awards

Four community projects to increase consumer direction of PCA services have begun in MN. These projects are funded through a Systems Change Grant from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
DHS recently awarded $100,000 for two years to the following organizations:

• Center for Independent Living of NE MN (Hibbing): CILNM promotes independent living for persons with disabilities in the Arrowhead Region.
• People Enhancing People (W. St. Paul): PEP was founded to stimulate the pool of quality PCAs and to empower self-directing consumers.
• Home Advantage Health Care Services, Inc.: HAHS provides a range of home care services to diverse groups, and will work in partnership with the Center for African Health and Development on healthcare needs of African immigrants.
• Vietnamese Minnesotans Association (St. Paul): VMA promotes the self-sufficiency of SE Asian refugees and Asian Minnesotans.

These networks will explore new ways consumers can work together to assist each other in finding and retaining PCA workers.
For more info, contact: Ann Roscoe, ann.roscoe@state.mn.us, 651-634-2282.

U of M Inauguration/Founders Event

Robert Bruininks will be inaugurated as the U of M=s 15th president on Fri., Feb. 28.  The inauguration coincides with Founders Week, Feb. 23-March 1, marking the founding of the University 152 years ago. On Tues., Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m. Archbishop Desmond Tutu will appear for AGreat Conversations:  Civil Rights and Human Dignity@ at Northrop Auditorium.  For more info, call 612-624-2345.

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Last updated on February 13, 2003
Created and maintained by Jehad Adwan, adwan001@netscape.net.