03-09-00 Planning Comm. Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

12/27/1999 14:57 6516530183 PAGE FJI RECEIVED ~;: 2 7 ~~~9 HISTORX AND OVERVIE~'V OF SERVICE Northeast Residence (]v'ER) is anon-profit eomoxation. The primary function is to serve families who have children and adults with developmental disabilities. Services axe provided in Maplewood, White Bear Lake, North St. Paul, Oakdale and Shoreview. Services are provided to families from [he 5 county metro area, Programs include long-term care, two extended-day programs for after school care, one respite-care home, and a crises program transition program. The respite-care home provides short-term care for families who have opted to keep their children born with developmental disabilities at home. Since opening in 1981, this program has provided overnight out•of-home care for six individuals at a time for nearly 400 Families. Clients in the respite-caze program range in age from 5-72 years. The need for respite varies. NER provides emergency placement when there is a death or illness in the family and it serves as a crisis intervention program. People come for 2.10 days per visit. Another major function of respite-care is to offer a transitional living experience for individuals with developmental disabilities. This experience helps prepare families to live apart from one another, while at the same time providing a break from one another. Often it is a client's first step toward independence Over 100 different families use the respite-care program annually. It was the respite-care families who voiced their concerns end needs for aftez school care. In response to their needs, NER has opened two programs -one in the Mounds View school district and the ocher in Maplewood. This program provides working parents with a sense of relief knowing that their child will be well cared for while they have to be away at work or busy with appointments or other obligations. All programs are set up to encourage social interaction between the residents, and between residents and staff and the community. Modeling and positive reinforcement aze used to encourage and teach these skills. The community is used as a resource. Activities include sporting events, bowling, shopping, going to the librazy, the movies, and out to dinner. Clients also panicipate in community groups such as attending church and social funetrons. Everyone is very active in helping with our annual fundraising events such as the bed races for Manitou Days in White Bear Lake or Lumberjack Days in Stillwater. An annual fundraising dinner also helps provide financial support. Civic organizations, corporate giving programs, and foundation support have been a vital part of our success. A volunteer board of directors oversees the mission and policies of the organization. Page 23