Jami Lee (Nutrition Services Manager) speaks at a press conference for the farm to school bill on Wednesday, February 13, at the capitol.

WHAT IS “FARM TO HEAD START?” “Farm to Head Start” is a type of Farm to Early Care initiative. Farm to Early Care initiatives connect young children with healthy, locally grown foods and support farmers in their communities. Farm to Early Care’s three core components are serving locally grown foods in Early Care meals and snacks, offering food and farming-related educational activities for children and organizing food and farming-related family engagement activities.

Tri-Valley Opportunity Council operates a unique Head Start program, serving the children of migrant farm workers who travel to Minnesota during the growing season. The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy recognized the opportunity to create a meaningful connection for children between their families’ deep ties to farming and the foods in their meals through Farm to Head Start activities. Relatively new to her position as Tri-Valley’s Nutrition Services Manager, Jami was eager to find new ways to help children develop positive eating habits. She also recognized the potential for Farm to Head Start to help meet that goal, and was enthusiastic about the idea of supporting farmers while teaching children where their food comes from. Both IATP and Tri-Valley saw Farm to Head Start as a chance to highlight the crucial work migrant families do to feed the community.

The 2019 Farm to Head Start Case Study

Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. will hold three community forums in the month of February. Two of the forums will be held on Wednesday, February 20. The Polk County community forum will be held in Crookston at the Crookston Family Service Center (1407 Erskine St.) and will run from 9-10 am. The Marshall County community forum on February 20 will be held in Warren at the Marshall County Courthouse (meeting room 1) from 2-3 pm. On Thursday, February 21, the Norman County community forum will be held in Ada at the Norman County Courthouse Annex (conference room next to Sheriff’s office) from 2 – 3 pm. These forums are free and the public is encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be provided.
We Value Your Opinion!

Tri-Valley’s Community Forums focus on the needs of the service area,
community needs, community strengths, and existing and potential services
offered by Tri-Valley. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend!  

For more information on, or directions to Tri-Valley’s Community Forums,
please contact Mitch Bakken at 1-800-584-7020 or mitch.bakken@tvoc.org.

CONTACT: Marie Harmon
marie.harmon@state.mn.us
651.539.1961

MNsure reaches record-setting sign-up numbers in sixth open enrollment period

123,731 Minnesotans sign up for private health coverage

ST. PAUL, Minn.—MNsure reported strong numbers during its sixth open enrollment period, which ended Sunday. Nearly 400 more Minnesotans signed up for coverage than during the previous open enrollment period, which ended with 123,334 sign-ups.

“Despite uncertainty on the federal level and decreased sign-ups across the country, MNsure maintains strong footing and improved on its record-breaking sign-ups from last year,” said CEO Nate Clark. “It is evident that Minnesotans see the value of comprehensive coverage.”

Over 57 percent of households qualified for advanced premium tax credits (APTC) averaging nearly $5,520 a year.

“Lower premiums, an extended open enrollment period, and a robust outreach program all contributed to our success this year,” said Clark. “These advantages have helped ensure Minnesotans can get the health care coverage they need.”

Across the state, yearly APTC averages for households were:

• Southeast Minnesota—$9,228
• Northeast Minnesota—$5,448
• Southwest Minnesota—$8,532
• Twin Cities Metro—$4,176
• Northwest Minnesota—$6,156

MNsure saw strong engagement with its new plan comparison tool, which allowed Minnesotans to easily and efficiently preview plans and estimate financial assistance. Over the course of the next year, MNsure will roll out additional improvements to its individual shopping and enrollment platform.

BY THE NUMBERS:

Private health plan sign-ups—123,731
Public program applicants—104,707
Total accessing coverage—228,438
Percentage receiving tax credits—57 percent
Average yearly tax credit by household—$5,520
Call volume—120,429
MNsure.org sessions—1,801,970
Plan comparison tool sessions—234,272

MNsure’s sixth open enrollment period ran from November 1, 2018 to January 13, 2019. Minnesotans can still enroll if they experience a qualifying life event, such as having a baby, getting married, moving to a new area, or losing other health coverage. More information about special enrollment can be found here.

Pictured left to right: Rachel Fruhwirth, Sibley County Public Health Supervisor; Allie Elbert, Meeker-McLeod-Sibley Community Health Services Administrator; Nancy Mellesmoen, CLT Vice-Chair, Tri-Valley Opportunity Council; Commissioner Jan Malcolm, Minnesota Department of Health; Mary Bachman, Meeker-McLeod Sibley SHIP and CLT Coordinator; Mike Huberty, Meeker County Commissioner.

Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm praised the recipients for their service to their communities as well as their work to improve health and reduce health inequities. “We are fortunate in Minnesota to have so many talented and dedicated people working to protect, maintain and improve our health,” Commissioner Malcolm said. “These awards recognize our public health professionals, elected officials, and volunteers for the many ways they help make Minnesota’s residents and communities healthier.”

At this ceremony, the Meeker-McLeod-Sibley Healthy Communities Leadership received a Certificate of Recognition for their commitment and contributions to advance public health locally. In its 20 years of operation, the MMS Healthy Communities Leadership Team works to coordinate health promotion and maximize its resources. It serves as the community health board’s SHIP community leadership team, provides competitive mini-grants to community projects focused on priority health issues, and coordinates a joint community health needs assessment with local hospitals. Through collaboration, the group tackles priorities together, like creating portable breastfeeding stations and addressing barriers to preschool transportation.

Allie Elbert, Meeker-McLeod-Sibley Community Health Services, and Nancy Mellesmoen, Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, accepted this award on behalf of the MMS Healthy Communities Leadership Team.

For more information on the Meeker-McLeod-Sibley Healthy Communities Leadership Team, please visit www.mmshealthycommunities.org .

Art Wood, Kathryn Haider, Mary Steinbrenner, Doris Pontow, Linda Stelzer

The Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. Foster Grandparent Program held its annual recognition luncheon at the Crookston Eagles Club on Wednesday, October 10, 2018.

Jeanette Larson, Senior Programs Manager began the event by welcoming the Foster Grandparents and guests to the banquet. Jason Carlson, Tri-Valley’s CEO thanked all of the volunteers for the difference they are making in the lives of others in our communities.  Jason then introduced the newly hired Director of Senior Programs, Marley Melbye. Marley shared about herself and how excited she is to begin this position and how she is looking forward to working with the Foster Grandparent Program.  Kristal Abrahamson then introduced the Advisory Board members.

Sally Erickson was the speaker for the day.  Sally Erickson holds degrees in Business and English Writing from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn. She has spent most of her career as a technical writer in the software industry.  She has also written a book entitled Letters to HEAVEN.  This is Sally’s story about cancer, death, and hope.  The volunteers really enjoyed her presentation.

Following Sally’s message, the “World of Difference” awards were given to individuals who were nominated by professional staff at their volunteer site. “With the little things you do every day, your impact spreads far and wide. Your commitment to improving lives inspires and motivates us all… You make a world of difference.” is engraved on the award along with the recipients’ name.

Milo Trangsrud and Jean Halvorson (Foster Grandparent Coordinator)

Recipients of the World of Difference Award are Grandma Doris Pontow (Discovery Place Early Learning Center, Thief River Falls, 6 year volunteer), Grandpa Milo Trangsrud (Challenger Elementary School, Thief River Falls, 2 year volunteer), Grandma Kathryn Haider (St, Michaels School, Mahnomen, 6 year volunteer),  Grandma Mary Steinbrenner (Magelssen Elementary, Fosston, 4 year volunteer),  Grandma Linda Stelzer (St. Joseph’s Elementary, Moorhead 2 year volunteer) and Grandpa Art Wood (Dorothy Dodds Elementary School, Moorhead 1 year volunteer) .

For more information on how to become a Foster Grandparent, Caring Companion or how to receive Caring Companion services, please call Marley, Jeanette, Jean, or Kristal at 1-800-584-7020.

(Crookston, Minn.)- At a recent Crookston city council meeting, the topic of lack of child care and licensed child care options in in the city went from important to urgent and has become one of the community’s “most pressing issues”. But how do we change this?

Have you ever thought about opening your own child care business but have some questions? If so, you’re in luck. There will be an informational session on Monday, November 5 at 6:30 pm in the Tri-Valley boardroom located at 102 N. Broadway in Crookston.

Did you know? There are multiple options in the field of child care. You can provide child care in your home. You can open a family child care business in a space other than your home.  You can partner with someone or be on your own. To answer some of those questions, staff from Child Care Aware and the Polk County Child Care Licensor will provide information on family child care licensing. There will also be information on startup grants to help you get into the business and door prizes!

If you cannot attend the meeting but have an interest in child care and you would like to ask some questions, please contact Maureen Hams at 218-281-5832 or mhams@tvoc.org

(Crookston Times Report)

Grants, program impact discussed.

Grant funding and the impact of local and area programming were spotlighted at the biannual meeting of the Northwest Minnesota Council of Collaboratives held Wednesday in the U of M Crookston’s Bede Ballroom.

Highlights of the day included:

‒ Stephen-Argyle School District Superintendent Chris Mills speaking on the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant awarded to his district and three others in 2017 for programming outside the normal school day

‒ Tri-Valley Opportunity Council CEO Jason Carlson presenting on the Minnesota System of Care “Family Navigator” grant

‒ Joe Rand, University of Minnesota Extension educator, presenting on “Working with LGBTQ+ Youth and Families in Rural Communities.” Rand provided data regarding the percentage of school-age population that identifies as a member of the LGBTQ+ community in rural areas. Rand tried to increase understanding of “what children in this group think and feel, realize the lack of access to role models or safe spaces where youth can ask questions and develop relationships with other people who are like them, and gain insight into better policies and training.”

‒ Polk County Public Health Director Sarah Reese detailing the results of the Northwest Minnesota Community Health Assessment

‒ Catherine Johnson, executive director of the Inter-County Community Council, presenting on the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Grant. To help end youth homelessness, HUD awarded $43 million to 11 communities across the country, including nearly $1.41 million to the Inter-County Community Council, on behalf of the Northwest Minnesota Continuum of Care, through its Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP). This HUD program supports a wide range of housing interventions including rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, and host homes.

Randy Bruer is the current chair of the Northwest Minnesota Council of Collaboratives, and he provided greetings at Wednesday’s gathering.

The public is invited to an open house for Agassiz Townhomes on Thursday, October 18 at 11:00 am (weather permitting). The townhomes are located at the junction of North Broadway and Fisher Avenue (across the street from Casey’s General Store).

Agassiz Townhomes features 30 rental units consisting of two and three bedrooms. Property features include professional management, central air, washer and dryer in each unit, attached garage and a playground area. Income restrictions apply.

For more information on Agassiz Townhomes and to apply to see if you qualify, please visit www.dwjonesmanagment.com/crookston or call 218-547-3307.

A poverty simulation was held on Thursday, September 13 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston. The event was sponsored by Polk-Norman-Mahnomen Community Health Services, including Polk County Public Health and Norman-Mahnomen Public Health, and Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. The simulation was facilitated by Minnesota Community Action Partnership (MinnCAP).

The poverty simulation tool was utilized since decreasing persistent poverty is one of three Polk-Norman-Mahnomen Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) priorities. We know that poverty level is one of the most critical characteristics that contributes to the number of people experiencing preventable chronic diseases. The collaboration between agencies allows communities to solve problems that cannot be solved, or easily solved, by single organizations.

A poverty simulation is designed to help participants begin to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family. The object is to sensitize audiences to the realities faced by low-income people. In the simulation, participants assume roles of up to 20+ different families facing poverty. The task of the families is to provide for necessities and shelter during the course of four 15-minute “weeks”. Throughout the event it is stressed that it is a simulation, not a game and those involved should take it very seriously.

If you would like more information on the poverty simulation, please contact Leah Pauletti at leahpauletti@minncap.org.