Family Support Services
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There are many services available to district families through the Family Support Services office. They include:
Free and Reduced Price School Meals & Reduced Activity Fees
The USDA is no longer providing pandemic relief through free school meals for all students. Beginning this school year, regular school meal prices will apply. Families who qualify for free and reduced price lunch must fill out the application in order to receive free meals.
The Forest Lake Area School District sends school meal applications home at the beginning of each school year. However, you may apply for school meal benefits at any time throughout the school year by completing an Application for Educational Benefits online. In addition, other educational benefits are available for those who meet the income eligibility requirements. Factors considered in the application process are whether your family receives Minnesota Family Investment Income (MFIP) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or your household size and total household income.
- Online Educational Benefits Application (English and Spanish)
- For applications in languages other than English or Spanish go to:
https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/translated- applications
Free School Breakfast
If your child qualifies for Free and Reduced Price Lunch, they automatically qualify for free breakfast at school every day. All kindergarten students in the district qualify for free breakfast.
Reduced Activity Fees
Students who are on the free or reduced lunch program also receive a discount on school activities. If your child receives free lunch you still need to register on FeePay. At the point of check-out the fee will be discounted depending on your family's level of need.
Rangers Supporting Rangers Weekly Food ProgramThe RSR Food Program is intended to assist families in the district who have a financial need by supplementing meals on weekends and during extended school breaks. Each participating student receives a weekend meal pack containing 2 light breakfasts, lunches, and snacks every Friday during the school year.
If you would like your student to receive food through this program, please complete the online registration form.
For more information, please see our informational brochure or visit https://www.rangerssupportingrangersfl.org/
School Supplies Program
Rangers Supporting Rangers School Supply Information for the 2022-23 School Year:
The Rangers Supporting Rangers School Supply Program assists families in the district who have a financial need by providing backpacks and school supplies to their students. Rangers Supporting Rangers is currently accepting registrations from families with students attending Forest Lake Area Schools for the 2022-23 school year.
Backpacks and school supplies will be available before school starts in August at the school your student attends. Watch for an email from your school with more information later this summer.
To register for this program:
Please click on this LINK and register for the school your student will be attending during the 2022-23 school year.
For school supply assistance after the start of the school year, contact Rachel Peterson at rpeterson@flaschools.org or 651-982-3154.To help support this program:
Rangers Supporting Rangers is a 501(c)(3) organization. Financial donations are tax deductible and 100% of donations are used to support this project. Rangers Supporting Rangers is a volunteer organization. This program is entirely funded by grants and private donations.
To make a financial contribution:
Please make checks to “Rangers Supporting Rangers” and send to:
Rangers Supporting Rangers
8661 North Shore Trail N
Forest Lake, MN 55025If you have questions about making a contribution, please contact Stephanie Groff at 651-307-0969, sgroff22@gmail.com
To donate school supplies or for additional information:
Please contact Tracy Angelo at tangelo@flaschools.org or 651-982-8110.
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Community Closet
Our STEP program students have opened a community closet to provide free used clothing for families in need. We are ready to welcome families to come browse and take home items they need. All clothing items in the Community Closet are free. If you could benefit from this resource, contact communitycloset@flaschools.org to schedule a convenient time to visit.
The Community Closet is located at the STEP program center (in the former CLC building) at 200 4th St SW. Enter through door 7, which is on the back side of the building near 3rd Ave SW and 5th St SW in Forest Lake.
School Based Mental Health Program
In order to increase access to mental health services for students, the School Based Mental Health Program allows mental health agencies, with whom the district has an agreement, to provide mental health services to students within the school building during the school day.- Confidentiality maintained
- Removes barriers of access
- Lessens time loss for parents from work and students from school
- Parents can connect with agencies directly or ask for assistance from school
Click here for resources and a printable brochure on School Based Mental Health or reach out to your school counselor or dean for more information.
Supporting Students and Families Experiencing Homelessness
According to the McKinney-Vento Act, students and families experiencing homelessness are defined as lacking a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence, including students/families who are:- Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing or economic hardship
- Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds due to the lack of adequate accommodations
- Living in emergency or transitional shelters
- Unaccompanied youth who are not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act provides students experiencing homelessness and highly mobile students with certain rights so they have access to opportunities that will help them meet the same high academic standards expected of all students in our district, including:
- Immediate enrollment in school
- Transportation to the school they attended when they became homeless (school of origin)
- Access to academic services and family support resources
- Automatic qualification for free school meals
These opportunities for students and families are funded through state and federal programs. For more information, please contact: Brad Ward or Rachel Peterson at 651-982-3154.
Finding Help
- County Health and Human Services Assistance Programs:
Washington County Community Services
Anoka County Assistance
Chisago County Financial Assistance - Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington Counties: Find rent, utility, food, weatherization, health, and affordable housing resources for both Ramsey and Washington County residents.
- Bridge to Benefits provides an online tool for self-screening for public assistance benefits. By answering a few simple questions, you will be able to see if you or someone else may be eligible for public support programs. It does not ask you for information that identifies you. It’s easy, confidential and free!
- CALL 2-1-1 - United Way Assistance Toll-Free: 800-543-7709; Local: 651-291-0211 Or text your zip code to 898-211 https://www.211unitedway.org
Outside Resources for Families in Need
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Food Resources
- Minnesota Food Helpline: 1-888-711-1151 (Helpline open M-F, 9am-5pm).Enter your address to find a list of free food shelves, discount mobile markets and free meals near you. https://www.hungersolutions.org/find-help/
- Family Pathways Food Shelves: Families shop (free of charge) monthly for perishable and non-perishable food items, household products, and personal hygiene products. Additional weekly visits are encouraged to pick up fresh dairy, deli, produce, and bread. Call your local food shelf office to make an appointment. https://www.familypathways.org/
- Community Helping Hand Food Shelf is an emergency food shelf that may be used up to 6 times per year. Residents of the Forest Lake School District (ISD 831) are eligible. To schedule an appointment, please fill out the form on their website or call them at 651-464-0061. http://communityhelpinghand.org
- Fare for All Food Support: Fare For All buys fresh produce and frozen meat in bulk from wholesalers, manufacturers, and growers. Volunteers bundle it into $10 - $30 packages that are sold at sale locations across Minnesota. Find a Fare for All food sale near you: https://thefoodgroupmn.org/groceries/fare-for-all/schedule/ or go to: facebook.com/fareforall
- Ruby's Pantry: Ruby’s Pantry distributes food at Pop-Up Pantry locations across MN & WI. There is no income or residency requirement and for a $25 bundle donation you will receive an abundance of groceries. https://rubyspantry.org/
- Second Harvest Heartland: is offering assistance in applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps) is a monthly financial benefit that helps you to purchase healthy food at your local grocery and convenience stores, farmer’s markets and even online through Walmart and Amazon delivery. Benefits are received through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which you can use like a debit card.
- MN Department of Human Services is offering on-line EBT availability to current SNAP recipients: See information HERE on how to make Online EBT Purchases through Amazon and Walmart. Participants cannot use cash assistance dollars – only SNAP for online purchasing. Participants will need to pay for delivery fees and taxes, if applicable, with another payment source (credit card or debit card, PayPal).
- Minnesota Food Helpline: 1-888-711-1151 (Helpline open M-F, 9am-5pm).Enter your address to find a list of free food shelves, discount mobile markets and free meals near you. https://www.hungersolutions.org/find-help/
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Housing and Rent Resources
HousingLink: Affordable housing search tool.
Home Line: Free and low cost tenant advocacy services.
St. Andrew's Community Resource Center: Service hours (in person) Monday through Thursday, 8 am – 4 pm. Guests are also encouraged to call our intake line (651-762-9124 ) for assistance with resources. Emergency family shelter, emergency rental assistance, clothing, food & basic needs, employment resources.
Solid Ground, 3521 Century Avenue N, White Bear Lake, MN 55110, Phone: 651.773.8401, E-mail: info@solidgroundmn.org. Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and by appointment.
Bridge for Youth: Youth ages 10-17 years can text/ call to get help during a crisis including housing. 612-377-8800 or text 612-400-7233
The Connect Center: A drop-in center for youth experiencing unstable housing. Offering hot food, showers, computer labs, and assistance with resources and referrals. To call and make an appointment with a youth advocate: 612-475-4055
Washington County CDA: The Washington County CDA provides help with housing costs to over 650 families through a variety of state and federal programs.
Mortgage Forbearance info: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers information on mortgage forbearance due to the coronavirus pandemic. For more information, including how to request forbearance, visit cfpb.gov/housing. Looking for resources in Spanish? Check out this video: Aplazamientos de hipotecas en la Ley CARES: Lo que usted necesita saber.
MN Homeownership Center HOCMN If you are a homeowner who is struggling or unable to meet your mortgage loan obligations, work with one of our trusted housing experts to find a solution that can keep you in your home. Foreclosure can be prevented – don’t wait until you fall further behind to seek help.
Minnesota Housing has created this webpage to provide a centralized location for all Minnesota Housing updates and information related to COVID-19.
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Energy Assistance
Minnesota Energy Assistance Program (EAP)
Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program offers eligible renters and homeowners help to pay their energy bills so they do not have to choose between life’s necessities.
To apply:
Anoka County: Anoka County Community Action Program, 763-783-4712, Blaine, MN
Chisago County: Lakes and Pines Community Action Council, 320-679-1800 or 1-800-832-6082, Mora, MN
Washington County: Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington County, 651-645-6470, St. Paul, MN
Or: Visit https://mn.gov/commerce/consumers/consumer-assistance/energy-assistance/ to learn more or call 1-800-657-3710 to connect with your local service provider.
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Low Cost Internet and Phone
Affordable Connectivity Program: The Federal Communications Commission has launched the Affordable Connectivity Program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.
The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
Two Steps to Enroll
- Go to AffordableConnectivity.gov to submit an application or print out a mail-in application.
- Contact your preferred participating provider to select a plan and have the discount applied to your bill.
Some providers may have an alternative application that they will ask you to complete.
Eligible households must both apply for the program and contact a participating provider to select a service plan.
You can learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting www.fcc.gov/acp, or by calling 877-384-2575
Other Options
Washington County Library: Wi-Fi hotspots and Chromebooks are now available to check out, for free! You must have a library card registered with Washington County Library.
Xfinity Internet Essentials from Comcast offers low cost/free internet access.
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Mental Health Resources
If you have concerns about self-harming behavior for yourself or your child, or believe you or your child may be in danger please contact one of the resources below. If this is an emergency situation, please call 911 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. (24/7 365-day-a-year hotline for people experiencing suicidal crisis or emotional crisis.distress.)
- Canvas Health Mobile Crisis - Washington County (651-275-7400)
- Canvas Health Mobile Crisis - Anoka County (763-755-3801)
- Canvas Health Mobile Crisis - Chisago County (1-800-523-3333)
- To contact the Crisis Text Line, text MN to 741741
Minnesota Warmline: Are you an adult needing support? Talk to a specialist who has firsthand experience living with a mental health condition.
Call: 651-288-0400, Text: "Support" to 85511
Fast-Tracker: Find a mental health or chemical dependency treatment provider
Local Mental Health Counseling/Therapy Agencies:
- Lakes Center for Youth and Families; (651) 464-3685
- Canvas Health; (651) 251-5220
- Family Innovations; (651) 407-3631
- Therapeutic Services Agency; (651) 224-4114
- Bridges and Pathways; (651) 982-4792
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Health Resources
MN Department of Human Services: Central location to find information on Health Care, Food and Nutrition access, Covid 19 updates, and how to apply for Medical Assistance.
https://mn.gov/dhs/Bridge to Benefits:The MN Low-Cost Health Care Directory is a list of low-cost or free physical, mental and dental health care clinics compiled to help uninsured and underinsured Minnesotans find access to affordable health care.
http://mn.bridgetobenefits.org/MN_Low_Cost_Health_Care_DirectorySt. Mary's Health Clinic: Provides health care services at no cost to low income, uninsured individuals and families. 651-287-7777
www.stmaryshealthclinics.orgLow Cost Dental Clinics - Minnesota Dental Association
COVID-19 information in other languages:
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Domestic Violence Resources
Minnesota Day One Shelter & Crisis Hotline: 1-866-223-1111 assists you to get help, get safe, and get support. One call connects you with an advocate trained in supporting victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking who can help you find a shelter and the services you need in your area. Email: safety@dayoneservices.org
Women's Advocates: Safety Resource Hub is an online resource that is a helpful way to navigate the process of finding help and staying safe.
SAFE: case management and support for African American women and their children experiencing domestic violence. Led by an African American team, services are culturally-specific. Call or text (612) 289-2169. More info at www.180degrees.org/safe.html
Casa de Esperanza Crisis/Intake phone: 651-772-1611 (24-hours; bilingual English/Spanish).
Cornerstone 24-Hour Crisis Phone: 952-884-0330 or toll-free 1-866-223-1111.Available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to anyone in imminent danger of domestic violence, sexual violence and human trafficking. Spoken and ASL interpreters are available for all of our services.
Women of Nations—Women of Nations provides culturally-specific emergency services and support to all who have experienced trauma from domestic violence and sexual assault. We empower Native American communities to put an end to all forms of violence through education and prevention: 651-251-1609
OutFront Minnesota, Call 612-822-0127, option 3, or 800-800-0350 to talk with a trained LGBTQ Anti-Violence Program advocate who can connect you to resources or talk through options regarding your current situation.
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Work/Unemployment Resources
MN Economic and Employment Development - Information and Resources for Workers
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Legal Resources
Mid Minnesota Legal Aid: Free legal help for low income Minnesota residents with a full range of civil matters in 20 central Minnesota counties. Call the intake line at 612-334-5970.
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS) Offers free legal help to low-income and senior citizen (60+) clients in a full range of civil matters in 33 southern and east metro counties. To get help call 1-888-575-2954, apply online, or visit am I eligible.
Law Help Minnesota: Free legal help for Minnesota residents.
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Refugee/Immigrant Resources
New DHS Immigrant/Refugee Hotline
Minnesota recently launched a new hotline specifically for refugees and immigrants to ensure they have access to accurate, timely information about the COVID-19 pandemic.
Refugees and other immigrants can call 651-318-0989 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, for information on:
- COVID-19 testing locations
- Food support
- Health care and mental health resources
- Housing and rental assistance
- COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing.
The hotline has staff that can speak Amharic, Anuak, Arabic, French, Hindi, Karen, Lingala, Luganda, Mashi, Oromo, Somali, Spanish and Swahili. Language line help is available for any other language.
Those who call the hotline can also get information about the services offered through Minnesota’s Resettlement Network, which helps refugees and other humanitarian immigrants with schooling, employment and citizenship. Learn more about the Resettlement Network on the department’s refugee programs webpage.
Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota: Provides immigration legal assistance to low-income immigrants and refugees in Minnesota. Please call 651-641-1011 or 1-800-223-1368 for legal assistance. Website in Spanish and English. No fee for services for those who qualify; interpreter services are available as needed.
International Institute of Minnesota: Provides a broad range of refugee resettlement and immigration & citizenship services. Call 651-647-0191.
Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio (CLUES): CLUES COVID-19 Hotline - services available online, resources, and more. Call or text 651-768-0000. Servicios disponibles en línea, recursos y más. Llame o texto 651-768-0000,
African Immigrants Community Services, 1433 E. Franklin Ave, Suite 13B, Minneapolis, MN 55404, info@aicsmn.org, (612) 871-9481
Karen Organization of Minnesota: Provide support and services for Karen and all refugees from Burma in Minnesota. 2353 Rice Street #240, Roseville, MN 55113, 651-788-7593, info@mnkaren.org
Vietnamese Social Services of Minnesota: 277 University Avenue West Phone: 651-632-8927 Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4 pm. Provide services for Vietnamese, Karen, Burmese and other immigrant and refugee groups in the 7 county metro area.
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Other local resources
Northwoods Humane Society - near Forest Lake: 651.982.0240, www.northwoodshs.org
Low-cost spay/neuter, help feeding your pet, surrendering a pet.
Car Repair Grant: Financial help to households in need of car repairs or maintenance. Onetime grants are limited to $750 per household. Due to the limited number of grants, priority is given to households who rely on their car to continue working, attend school, or support their families. For more information call 651-603-5880. Must live in Washington or Ramsey County.