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Family Support Services
There are many services available to district families through the Family Support Services office. They include:
Free and Reduced Price School 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 using the links below. Free and Reduced Price meal applications are confidential. Your information will only be used to determine your child’s eligibility. We cannot share your information without your permission.If you are receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or participating in the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), your child will qualify for free school meals. If you are eligible for unemployment compensation, you might also be eligible for free or reduced price school meals. Please complete an application in these instances or if your household’s income falls within the guidelines below.
An application for Free and Reduced Price Meals, or more information about these programs, can be found at the district's Nutrition Services website.
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 are not charged full price to participate in activities. If your child receives free lunch you still need to register on FeePay. At the point of check-out the fee will be half cost or free depending on your family's level of need.- Online Free and Reduced Application (English and Spanish)
- Hmong Free and Reduced Application (Paper)
- For applications in languages other than English, Spanish or Hmong, go to: https://www.fns.usda.gov/
school-meals/translated- applications
Rangers Supporting Rangers Weekly Food Program
The 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.
School Supplies Program
Rangers Supporting Rangers School Supply Information for the 2021-22 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 2021-22 school year. Online registration closes July 31, 2021.
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 2021-22 school year.
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 55025
If 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.
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.
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.
Resources for Families
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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 and browse and take home items they need.
All clothing items in the community closet are free. If you could benefit from this resource, please feel free to contact us and schedule a convenient time to visit.
Community Closet Contacts:
- Nicole Flaherty: nflaherty@flaschools.org or 651-982-8655
- Molly Nemec: mnemec@flaschools.org or 651-982-8667
The Community Closet is located at the STEP Program Center (in the former CLC building). Enter through door 7, which is on the back side of the building near 3rd Ave. and 5th St. SW in Forest Lake.
FINDING HELP
- 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
- 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!
FOOD RESOURCES
P-EBT: Food Support Available for Qualifying Families
Lus Hmoob | Af Soomaali | Español
P-EBT (Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer) is a food benefit available to Minnesota families with children who would have received free or reduced price meals if schools were open. To receive benefits, your child must be enrolled in free or reduced price school meals, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP). Benefit amounts will be based on the time periods in which your child attended school through a distance or hybrid learning model during the 2021-22 school year.
If your child does not receive MFIP or SNAP and is not enrolled in free or reduced price school meals, but you think they may qualify for free or reduced price meals, submit an Online Application for Educational Benefits as soon as possible. If you have questions about your child’s free or reduced price meal status or to receive a paper copy of this application, please contact Judy Liebsch at jliebsch@flaschools.org or 651-982-8396. If you have questions about the P-EBT program, please visit the DHS frequently asked questions website.
- Fare for All Food Support Call: 763-450-3880; www.fareforall.org or go to: facebook.com/fareforall
- 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 hungersolutions.org (https://www.hungersolutions.org/find-help/)
- 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.SNAP information and application assistance available over the telephone at 844-764-5513 or 651-209-7963
- 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).
- Hunger Impact Partners: Free Meals for Kids Mobile App
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Free Meals for Kids can be downloaded at Apple or Google Play app stores. There are free meal sites across the state at schools, bus stops, libraries, community centers and parks. The app provides location, directions to the site and hours and days of distribution. More sites are added daily.
- Download the Free Meals for Kids App to your cell phone to find free school meals near you. How it works:
- Download the Free Meals for Kids app to your cell phone.
- Use the app to find the nearest site providing meals and meal packs by GPS.
- Click on the nearby site and use the Meals Updates tab for more details.
- Share the app with friends, neighbors and on social media.
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- Family Pathways Food Shelves: All nine Family Pathways food shelves have shifted to a pre-packed grocery model delivered curbside. If you or someone you know needs food assistance, please contact the Family Pathways food shelf near you.Donations of food and financial support are enthusiastically welcomed. List of most needed items.
- 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 use the food shelf. Hours of Operation are currently by appointment only. To schedule an appointment please fill out the form on their website or call them at 651-464-0061.
Resources for Families in Need
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Rent Payment Resources
Has COVID-19 made it hard to pay your rent?
If you have experienced hardship due to the pandemic and need assistance to pay your rent or utility bills, you may be eligible for COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance.
RentHelpMN, www.RentHelpMN.org, is now accepting applications from renters who owe back rent. Eligible Minnesota renters can receive help with rent and utility bills dated on or after March 13, 2020. If you qualify, you could receive up to 15 months total assistance.
Final day to submit an application for rental assistance is Friday, 1/28 at 9:00 pm.
Please visit RentHelpMN.org to download the renter checklist or the landlord checklist for all of the information you need to see if you are eligible and find out what documents you’ll need in order to apply. Click here for Frequently asked questions.
Who can I call with additional questions? Trained operators are available to answer your questions about your eligibility, bills, documents or to make a reasonable accommodation. Call 211 today.
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Housing Resources
HousingLink: https://www.housinglink.org/. Affordable housing search tool.
Home Line: https://homelinemn.org/. 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.
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)
In these challenging times, district families may find themselves having to choose between paying their energy bill and other necessities - food, medicine and healthcare. 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.
Applications must be received or postmarked by September 1, 2021.
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 mn.gov/commerce/eap.jsp 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
FCC Internet Program: The Federal Communications Commission has launched a temporary program to help families and households struggling to afford Internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Emergency Broadband Benefit provides a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband 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.
Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail in application.
You can learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit, or by calling 833-511-0311
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 Low Cost Health Directory - Bridge to Benefits
Low 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, 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.