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Family Support Services

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, please 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, on the back side of the building near 3rd Ave SW and 5th St SW in Forest Lake.


Minnesota tax programs for families

The following information was provided by the Minnesota Department of Revenue. These programs are not part of the school district, but the information is provided as a service to families.

Minnesota offers several credits that ease the financial burden for families, renters, homeowners, and working individuals:

Child Tax Credit

  • Families may qualify for a Child Tax Credit of $1,750 per qualifying child with no limit on the number of children claimed. They can receive a refund even if they do not owe tax.
  • If a qualifying child is older than 17, filers may not claim them for the Child Tax Credit, but may be able to claim them for the Credit for Qualifying Older Children.

For more information, visit our Child Tax Credit webpage, or watch our video on the Child Tax Credit.

Credit for Qualifying Older Children

If taxpayer has a qualifying child who is older than 17, they may be eligible for the Credit for Qualifying Older Children. 

The credit is:

  • $925 for one qualifying older child
  • $2,100 for two qualifying older children
  • $2,500 for three or more qualifying older children

For more information, visit our Credit for Qualifying Older webpage. 

Working Family Credit

  • Provides a tax credit for working individuals and families, helping to reduce state income taxes and increase refunds.
  • Is for working individuals whose income is below a certain level. They may receive a refund even if they do not owe tax.

The credit is 4% of your earned income, up to a maximum of $350.  For more information, visit our Working Family Credit webpage.

K-12 Credit and Subtraction

  • K-12 Credit: Helps reduce taxpayers’ state income tax or provides a refund for qualifying education expenses.
  • K-12 Subtraction: Allows them to subtract educational expenses from your income up to:
    • $1,625 per child (grades K-6)
    • $2,500 per child (grades 7-12)

For more information, visit our Qualifying Expenses for the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction webpage, or watch our video on the K-12 Credit and Subtraction.  

Property Tax Refund

Minnesota has both the Homestead Credit Refund (for Homeowners) and the Renter's Property Tax Refund:

  • Homeowners may be eligible for a refund if their property taxes exceed a certain percentage of their income
  • Renters can receive a refund based on their income and the rent they pay

For more information, visit Property Tax Refund webpage. 

Questions?

If you have questions on these credits or need more information, contact our outreach coordinators:

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 others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason
  • Living in motels, hotels, or camp grounds due to the lack of alternative accommodations
  • Are living in emergency or transitional shelters
  • Living in a car, park, or public space
  • Living in substandard or unsafe housing (lack of water or electricity, etc) 
  • 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 reduced or waived programming fees

These opportunities for students and families are funded through state and federal programs. For more information, please contact: Brittany Hirsch at 651-982-8370.

Call, Text or Chat 988

Reduced Activity Fees
Students may qualify for reduced activity fees, community education classes, musical instrument rentals, etc. 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. Complete the application form online to see if you qualify. 

Weekend Meal Support

Rangers Supporting Rangers Logo - Growing Healthy Students

The Ranger's Supporting Rangers 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. 

Registration Form

For more information, please see our informational brochure or visit the RSR Website.

School Based Mental Health
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. 

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.

Outside Resources for Families in Need