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HomeMy WebLinkAbout#02 - Community Thread PresentationSTAFF REPORT DATE: March 14, 2023 DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM: Presentation from Community Thread TO: Mayor and Council and Planning Commission SUBMITTED BY: Kristina Handt, City Administrator BACKGROUND: Community Thread in Stillwater has asked to attend a council meeting to make a short presentation about their organization. Sally Anderson, their executive director will be at the meeting. More information about the organization is available at https://communitythreadmn.org/ ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL/COMMISSION: No action required of Council. Just listen to presentation and ask questions, if applicable. PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: NA FISCAL IMPACT: NA ATTACHMENT: • Annual Report • March/April Connector enriching lives since 1967 “I am grateful for Community Thread. The assistance they provide really does make the difference of whether I can keep up with things and remain in my home. Their staff and volunteers make it happen!” Sharon King President, Board of Directors Sally Anderson Executive Director Dear Friends of Community Thread, As we reflect on 2021, we are overjoyed that Community Thread was able to continue its mission of serving our community and humbled by the generous support of our volunteers, donors, and supporters. We have two key messages from last year that we would like to share with you. Our first message is how pleased we were to see everyone working together toward forming another “new normal”. This is evident in the favorable increases in direct services offered to our participants, as well as in visits from older adults who attended social or educational programs. Community Thread served more people in 2021 than 2020; however, this is still only half of the number we served, prior to the pandemic. We look forward to continuing to offer the direct services and experiences that keep people engaged. The second message is how exciting it was to celebrate setting a new “record”. Our community prides itself on volunteer involvement and Community Thread coordinated the efforts of over 2,500 volunteers in 2021! This equated to nearly $309,000 in labor. These volunteers were engaged with our organization in many different opportunities, ranging from the Stuff the Bus school supply drive to serving as special “Covid relief” volunteers, and assisting the most vulnerable in our community. A demand that continues to increase, and has become especially relevant, is the need to help older adults age in place in their homes and in their communities. As adults age, some may experience countless barriers to creating and maintaining their independence. Many face challenges in finding safe and affordable transportation, while others have trouble finding reliable and cost-effective help for routine home repairs and chore assistance. These needs have been especially relevant over the last two years. At Community Thread, we are well-positioned to help adults age in place and can fulfill this need with our new model for programming: Thrive at Community Thread. In 2021, we introduced Thrive through a “soft launch” and began to offer expanded services to the participants enrolled in our Older Adult and Chore Services and Transportation Programs. Thrive at Community Thread will help us deepen our connection with the community and increase our ability to better serve our neighbors for decades to come. Finally, throughout the year, the Community Thread Board of Directors worked to advance the financial sustainability of the organization. In 2020 and 2021, Community Thread applied for and was awarded two loans through the Paycheck Protection Program; both loans were forgiven in 2021. We also received a record number of generous gifts from foundations, municipalities, and individual donors who recognized the value of our work. We are in a solid position to continue to advance our mission. Thanks for your support in keeping our community a caring place. Sharon King Sally Anderson 2021 ASSETS 2021 2020 Cash $534,839 $258,216 Accounts Receivable $21,007 $79,201 Prepaid Expenses $1,220 $1,219 Net Property and Equipment $411,865 $438,040 Other Assets $27,692 $24,629 Total Assets $996,623 $801,305 LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Accounts Payable $1,500 $6,540 Accrued Expenses $55,444 $53,088 PPP Loan (0)79,600 Total Liabilities $56,944 $139,228 NET ASSETS Total Unrestricted $835,499 $618,897 Temporarily Restricted $101,180 $43,180 Total Net Assets $936,679 $662,077 TOTAL NET ASSETS & LIABILITIES $996,623 $801,305 Fundraising & Investment Incomes 4% In Kind Support 17% Statement of Financial Position December 31, 2021 & 2020 Direct Program Services 78% Management & General 14% Fundraising 8%Total Functional Expenses $952,371 Grants & Contributions 64% Program & Rental Fees 1% 2021 BUSINESS PARTNERS AFTON BAYPORT LAKELAND LIONS ALERUS ANDERSEN CORPORATION ANDERSEN WINDOWS AND DOORS ARTIS SENIOR LIVING BAYPORT MARINA BAYTOWN TOWNSHIP BLUE PENCIL COLLECTIVE BLUESTONE PHYSICIAN SERVICES CARNELIAN-MARINE-ST. CROIX WATERSHED DISTRICT CCF BANK CITY OF BAYPORT CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS CITY OF STILLWATER COMFORT KEEPERS CORTRUST BANK COSTCO DIASORIN, INC. EDINA REALTY FIRST STATE BANK AND TRUST GALOWITZ OLSON HEALING RIVER CHIROPRACTIC KING OF KINGS LUTHERAN CHURCH LAKE ELMO BANK PARAGON POOLS PLATINUM BANK PONY PREESCHOOL CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER ROYAL CREDIT UNION SRI TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH XCEL ENERGY Support & Revenue $1,226,973 Audited financial statements can be found at www.CommunityThreadMN.org. Financials do not include $308,924 as valued by the Independent Sector for 9,972 volunteer hours at $30.98 per hour. PPP Loan Forgiveness 14% 2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Fred Anderson Board Treasurer Community Volunteer Lisa Bevens Home to Sweet Home Chris Dressel First State Bank & Trust Josiah Hill Stillwater Area Schools Ruth Hjelmgren Artis Senior Living Kate Kasten Andersen Corporation Sharon King Andersen Corporation Richard McDonough RM Realty Terry Mistalski Healthcare Solutions Pro Renae Pominville Board Secretary Lake Elmo Bank Eric Salman Midwest Spine and Brain Institute Samantha Schindler Board Vice President DiaSorin, Inc. Sarah Stivland Community Volunteer Julie Swedback Swedback Law PLLC STAFF Sally Anderson Executive Director Kathryn Bolinder Associate Director Cathleen Hess Development & Communications Director Hannah Erickson Development & Communications Coordinator Rachel Presslein Thrive Program Director Kim McRunnel Older Adult Program Director Lynn DeCorsey Older Adult Program Assistant Jennifer Kmecik Volunteer Center Director Leanna Miller Volunteer Center Coordinator Jenny Hutchins Farrell Administrative Coordinator Our Locations Stillwater 2300 Orleans Street West Stillwater, MN 55082 Bayport 243 Fifth Avenue, Suite 108 Bayport, MN 55082 Phone: 651-439-7434 Fax: 651-789-4193 www.CommunityThreadMN.org For decades, the Chore & Transportation Program has played a critical role in our community by helping older adults live independently. By providing rides to medical appointments and support for basic household tasks, we are ensuring daily needs are being met for our local neighbors. In 2021, we began to offer new services to a small group of participants in preparation for the launch of our new membership model - Thrive at Community Thread – designed to expand the social activities and direct services we provide. As a sampling of the new services offered, some participants claimed rides for errands, to go grocery shopping, or take their pet to the groomer while other participants requested assistance at home for folding laundry or for special projects like sorting photographs. Thanks to volunteers, we are able to support older adults desiring to age in place, in their homes and in their communities. Chore Services & Transportation Program 351 trips 792 volunteer hours 76 requests 174 volunteer hours I am beyond grateful for the circulator bus! Having personal transportation to and from my errands has been a blessing. We are all so lucky to have an organization like this! Thank you Community Thread Connector Loop Sponsors! City of Oak Park Heights Older Adult Program As a year of transition, we brought back programs starting with those that could be done safely with participants staying masked and six feet apart. We adapted other programming by offering technology, space, and assistance; for example, for those wanting to take an online driver refresher course. We offered technology assistance classes with instructions focused on supporting our participants with practical knowledge: ordering groceries online; how to use Zoom and Facebook. These challenges demonstrated the ability of our participants and staff to adapt to changes and learn how to use technology, with the goal of keeping our older adults supported and connected during the pandemic. Volunteer Center In 2021, Community Thread engaged volunteers in a variety of innovative ways to meet the increased need for connection and support during the pandemic. Throughout the year, volunteers wrote friendly letters to people in assisted living facilities, picked up and delivered food and medication, and called to check in on older adults in the community. We also deepended our collective impact as we responded to new and emerging needs. For example, Stuff the Bus served 50% more students with school supplies to help them succeed in their hybrid and distanced learning environments. Holiday Hope celebrated its 50th year by expanding to serve three new communities, doubling the number of people served. This past year was devastating for me. I lost everything and found myself in unfamiliar territory. This program gave me hope that I will get through this difficult time. - Holiday Hope Recipient 286 hours of service 145 hours of service 2,710 individuals served 45 different activities offered 6,440 visits 693 participants We are so very fortunate to have you in our midst. Something for everyone. The doors are open to everyone. 45 yards raked Thank you for your support in 2021! connecting people. enriching lives. OUR MISSION To maximize resources and engage volunteers to improve the quality of life for adults and their families in our local community. 2300 Orleans Street West Stillwater, MN 55082 OUR VISION A community where all people are engaged, enriched, and connected. Back by popular demand, Community Thread will host its 6th annual Black Tie Bingo fundraiser on Saturday, April 22, from 6-10pm. The event will be held at Grand Banquet Hall in Stillwater.   The fundraiser will feature local celebrities calling bingo games. Lucky winners will receive fabulous prizes (valued up to $500 each) such as weekend getaways, golf packages, luxury boating excursions, and more! In addition, a mystery prize wall and a free photo booth will delight guests. An online auction will coincide with the event for those in attendance as well as those who cannot attend in person. Guests will enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and a cash bar.   Funds raised will support Community Thread and its mission to maximize resources and engage volunteers to improve the quality of life for adults and their families in our local community. As a mainstay in the St. Croix Valley for over 55 years, Community Thread continues to lift spirits and shape futures through volunteer opportunities for all ages, signature initiatives (including Holiday Hope and Stuff the Bus), and Thrive at Community Thread. BLACK TIE BINGO 2023: LIFTING SPIRITS, SHAPING FUTURES Community Thread News 2-3 Thrive News 4-5 Thrive Special Events/Classes 6-7 Activities & Clubs 8-10 Event Calendar 11-12 Hosted Activities & Outings 13 Staying Well 14  Wellness Classes from Juniper 15  Volunteer Center News 16-18 Volunteer Opportunities 19 Service Initiative Volunteer Opportunities 20 Get to Know Us 21 Community Resources 22-23 WHAT’S INSIDE MARCH/APRIL 2023 THE CONNECTOR Break out your cocktail attire and get ready for a night of fun, community, and celebration! Buy your ticket before they sell out!   Tickets can be purchased online.  Scan the QR code for more information about Black Tie Bingo 2023 or visit CommunityThreadMN.org/ Black-Tie-Bingo COMMUNITY THREAD NEWS COMMUNITY THREAD Stillwater 2300 Orleans St. W. Stillwater, MN. 55082  Phone: 651-439-7434 Hours: M-F, 9am-4pm    COMMUNITY THREAD Bayport 342 Fifth Avenue Suite 180  Bayport, MN. 55003 Phone: 651-275-8907   STAFF   SALLY ANDERSON Executive Director   KATHRYN BOLINDER Associate Director   CATHLEEN HESS Development & Communications Director   ELISE HENDRICKSON Communications & Website Coordinator   RACHEL PRESSLEIN Thrive Program Director   KIM MCRUNNEL Thrive Associate Director    GRACE SOBIECH Program Coordinator   LEANNA MILLER Volunteer Manager   JENNIFER HUTCHINS FARRELL Operations Specialist    OUR LOCATIONS 2 MARCH/APRIL 2023 | The Connector Since 1975, Community Thread and the Washington County Board of Commissioners have recognized outstanding volunteer service through the Community Involvement Awards. These awards shine a spotlight on volunteerism and honor the great work volunteers do throughout Washington County.   Volunteers are recognized in six categories: youth, group/family, exemplary employer, outstanding, lifetime, and legacy.   Community Thread is now accepting nominations through March 9. Nominees must be residents or volunteer for organizations in Washington County and meet the criteria for each award.  For more information, visit our website: CommunityThreadMN.org/CIA If you need a ride to the grocery store, health care appointment or Community Thread on Mondays, the Connector Loop has you covered!   The Connector Loop bus runs every Monday from 10am-3pm and runs FREE "loops" on an hourly schedule. The bus is free to use (donations accepted) and stops at a variety of Stillwater area businesses. Visit our website for more information and the bus schedule. CATCH A RIDE ON THE CONNECTOR LOOP LAST MINUTE CIA NOMINATIONS COMMUNITY THREAD NEWS For ad info. call 1-800-950-9952 • www.lpicommunities.com Community Thread, Stillwater, MN A 4C 02-1032 Croixdale 750 Highway 95 N Bayport 651.275.4800 www.croixdale.org Senior Apartments Assisted Living Memory Care www.preshomes.org Equal housing opportunity. All faiths welcome. ••• THE COMMUNITY YOU NEED FOR THE LIFE YOU WANT. Arbor Glen Senior Living offers personalized care and services to help you live your best life. Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care 11020 39th St. N., Lake Elmo, MN 55042 ©2022 Fairview Health Services 901609. 651-704-1444 ArborSenior.com 4 MARCH/APRIL 2023 | The Connector THRIVE NEWS For ad info. call 1-800-950-9952 • www.lpicommunities.com Community Thread, Stillwater, MN B 4C 02-1032 6 MARCH/APRIL 2023 | The Connector THRIVE SPECIAL EVENTS AND CLASSES THRIVE INVOLVEMENT For ad info. call 1-800-950-9952 • www.lpicommunities.com Community Thread, Stillwater, MN C 4C 02-1032 Are you turning 65 or new to Medicare? Call your local licensed sales agent. Diane Kass 651-360-2605(TTY: 711) Monday – Friday, 8 am - 5 pm facebook.com/DKassAgent LET’S GROW YOUR BUSINESS Advertise in our Newsletter! CONTACT ME Ben Allrich ballrich@lpicommunities.com (800) 950-9952 x2757 Equal Housing Lender 2270 Frontage Rd.W •Stillwater,MN •651.439.3050 •Consumer Banking •Online /Mobile Banking •Cash Management Services •Business Banking •ConstructionLoans •Personal Loans •Business Loans •HomeLoans MidWestOne.com Equal Housing Lender 2270 Frontage Rd.W •Stillwater,MN •651.439.3050 •Consumer Banking •Online /Mobile Banking •Cash Management Services •Business Banking •ConstructionLoans •Personal Loans •Business Loans •HomeLoans MidWestOne.com Equal Housing Lender 2270 Frontage Rd.W •Stillwater,MN •651.439.3050 •Consumer Banking •Online /Mobile Banking •Cash Management Services •Business Banking •ConstructionLoans •Personal Loans •Business Loans •HomeLoans MidWestOne.com • Consumer Banking • Construction Loans • Online/Mobile Banking • Personal Loans • Cash Management Services • Business Loans • Business Banking • Home Loans 2270 Frontage Rd. W • Stillwater, MN 651.439.3050 8 MARCH/APRIL 2023 | The Connector ACTIVITIES AND CLUBS FEATURED EVENT Independent Living Solutions Certified Age-In-Place Specialist If your aging plan does not include the nursing home, call us for a free home assessment. Safe, Secure, Affordable home modifications. Grab bars, walk in tubs, stair lifts, bath and kitchen renovations. Financing available and all major credit cards accepted Brent Megahan www.mnils.com P:612-743-7373 E: Brent@mnils.com MN LIC# BC630902 Make your house a home for a lifetime. Mention this Ad for a 10% discount. For ad info. call 1-800-950-9952 • www.lpicommunities.com Community Thread, Stillwater, MN D 4C 02-1032 30+ years in the group tour business! Join us for escorted day trips and overnight tours Call for newsletter & more details (651) 439-6110 www.valleytours.com 10 MARCH/APRIL 2023 | The Connector  ACTIVITIES AND CLUBS 13MARCH/APRIL 2023 | The Connector BREAKFAST CLUB (FORMERLY MEN'S BREAKFAST) HOSTED ACTIVITIES & OUTINGS POTTERY MAKING AT KARI'S CREATE & PAINT Representatives from First State Bank & Trust will discuss trust and estate planning. Fraud prevention and information on the latest fraud scams will also be shared.   When? Monday, January 16, 2023 at 10am Where? Community Thread, Stillwater Cost: FREE and OPEN to all. Call to register: 651-439-7434  Join in our monthly breakfast at The Oasis Cafe in Stillwater! Enjoy breakfast, coffee, and community as all are welcome!   When? Wednesday, January 25 & Wednesday, February 22 at 8am Where? The Oasis Cafe, Stillwater Cost: Open to all, however, drinks and food are on your own. Pre-registration required. Call 651-439-7434. Choose from home goods, figurines, banks, mugs, plates, platters, bowls, and more! You'll select a high-quality cereamic item and pick from a tremendous paint color selection. Add just the right touch using the paints, glazes, silkscreens, and lots of interesting techniques we share.   When? Monday, January 23, 2023 at 10am Where? Kari's Create & Paint Studio, 221 Chestnut St. E., Stillwater, MN 55082  Cost: $35 to paint one project. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required by January 18th. Call 651-439-7434 to register. *Please note, Community Thread follows the Stillwater Area School District #834 policy for closing due to severe weather and winter conditions.   Please call ahead of scheduled activities for more details: 651-439-7434. We want all of our staff and participants to be safe!  TRUST & ESTATE PLANNING 14 MARCH/APRIL 2023 | The Connector STAYING WELL  Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL) is a strength, balance, and fitness class from Juniper. Classes are taught by certified instructor Sara Thompson. SAIL AEROBICS WELLNESS CLASSES FROM JUNIPER Tuesdays & Thursdays | 9:30-10:30am | Bayport   FREE for Thrive members; $2 per session for non-members   Register online at YourJuniper.org. or call 1-855-215-2174.  For ad info. call 1-800-950-9952 • www.lpicommunities.com Community Thread, Stillwater, MN E 4C 02-1032 • 55+ Independent Living Community • 1-2 Bedroom units with 1-2 bath(s) • Controlled entrance • In-unit laundry • Heated underground parking • Programs and events to promote socialization 1807 Gervais Court East, Maplewood 651.777.5020 • www.norgardcourtapartments.com • 55+ Independent & Assisted living Options: EW & CADI accepted • Spacious 1-2 bedroom units • Onsite restaurant experience • Heated underground parking • Programs & special events to promote socialization • Housekeeping and Laundry services • Onsite Nursing & more! 6060 Oxboro Ave North, Stillwater 651.439.8034 • www.oakridgeplace.net • 55+ Affordable Independent Living Housing • 1-3 Bedroom units • Controlled Entrance • Common laundry facilities • Heated underground parking • Programs and events to promote socialization 115 East Ave., Mahtomedi 651.426.7960 • www.briarcliffapartmentsmn.com LET’S GROW YOUR BUSINESS Advertise in our Newsletter! CONTACT ME Ben Allrich ballrich@lpicommunities.com (800) 950-9952 x2757 16 MARCH/APRIL 2023 | The Connector VOLUNTEER CENTER NEWS  TO LEARN MOER AND TO VIEW THE LIST OF OPPORTUNITIES, SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT THE WEBSITE. VOLUNTEER CENTER NEWS For ad info. call 1-800-950-9952 • www.lpicommunities.com Community Thread, Stillwater, MN F 4C 02-1032 RIVERBEND SENIOR LIVING A ssisted L iving A nd M e M ory C A re studio And one BedrooM ApArtMents AvAiLABLe 715-268-9949 • riverbend-seniorliving.com 475 GOLFVIEW LANE, AMERY, WI 54001 CALL TODAY 18 MARCH/APRIL 2023 | The Connector VOLUNTEER CENTER NEWS VOLUNTEERS PLAY A KEY ROLE IN ALL OF COMMUNITY THREAD'S PROGRAMS! NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK: APRIL 16-22, 2023 Visit www.communitythreadconnect.org for even more volunteer opportunities! VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Do you have a passion for fitness? Courage Kenny needs you! Volunteers assist an energetic group of teens and young adults with disabilities who work on their wellness goals during the class. ADAPTIVE TEAM FITNESS ASSISTANT NIGHT OUT FUN CREW FamilyMeans is looking for volunteers ready to have some fun and like to help people. If that’s you, please consider joining our Night Out Fun Crew. The Night Out Fun Crew will help care receivers participate in fun activities while providing a safe environment.  Scan the QR code to learn more about becoming an Adaptive Team Fitness Assistant!  Scan the QR code to learn more about joining the Night Out Fun Crew! For ad info. call 1-800-950-9952 • www.lpicommunities.com Community Thread, Stillwater, MN G 4C 02-1032 LET’S GROW YOUR BUSINESS Advertise in our Newsletter! CONTACT ME Ben Allrich ballrich@lpicommunities.com (800) 950-9952 x2757 20 MARCH/APRIL 2023 | The Connector THRIVE AT COMMUNITY THREAD: VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES CALL COMPANIONS    Do you want to socialize from the comfort of your home? Help a neighbor stay connected to their community by being a call companion! Make a difference in someone's life with just two calls per month. Flexible and rewarding! HOME HELPERS   Helping in someone's home with simple repairs and chores can make or break an individual's ability to live independently. Become a Home Helper with Thrive and make a difference in your neighbor's life. This is a flexible opportunity and can be done as a team or individually! TRANSPORT TEAM   The Transport Team needs you! Thrive offers its members rides to appointments, errands, social activities, and pick- up/delivery of essential items. Drive on your time, and meet new people while making a difference! LAWN CARE CREW Can't wait to be outside this Spring? We are shifting gears to Spring chores. Adopt a yard and help a neighbor with routine lawn-mowing this year. Get fresh air, and give peace of mind! Individuals and groups welcome.  Visit our website (CommunityThreadMN.org) or call us at 651-439-7434 if you're interested in any of these opportunities! GET TO KNOW US 21MARCH/APRIL 2023 | The Connector MEET DALE TENNISON - VOLUNTEER As a trusted non-profit in the St. Croix Valley for over 55 years, Community Thread serves the area as a volunteer center for all ages, as well as a community center for older adults and adults with disabilities. Community Thread's deep roots in the area, coupled with generous support from the community, creates thousands of donor records that need continuous and accurate maintenance.   Since last fall, Dale Tennison has helped Community Thread with plans to upgrade the software used to thank donors and track donations. "I enjoy the structure of information and software applications to solve problems and identify opportunities," he shared. "My interests were always focused on the effective use of technology and information to benefit my employers." MEET SARA WAGNER - BOARD MEMBER Community Thread is fortunate to have Sara Wagner as one of our leaders, serving as our incoming President on our Board of Directors. Sara is a strong library supporter, and is proud to have served on the Bayport Library Board from 2014-2022. One of her recent leadership roles while serving on that board was fundraising chair of the library’s 2021-2022 capital campaign. Sara is also a volunteer at Valley Outreach and is active at Trinity Lutheran Church.   Sara and her husband, Peter Clements, live in Bayport, and they have two adult children. Thank you, Sara, for the great energy you bring to Community Thread! Having worked in and around banking for 50 years, Dale retired in 2019. Just a few years prior to retirement, he and his wife, Sandi, built a house in Stillwater, and noted, "We very much enjoy the city, trails, and river." Dale enjoys hiking, biking, and kayaking both in Minnesota and around the world, including the El Camino Santiago in Spain. In addition to supporting Community Thread with his data skills, he has supported the Multiple Sclerosis Society for 22 years.   Dale first learned about Community Thread when he and Sandi stuffed backpacks during Stuff the Bus. "Community Thread is very dynamic and has a great deal of community support," Dale said. As a result of the nature of what Community Thread does, Dale knew that his volunteer experience will serve Community Thread well. Sara graduated from St. Catherine University with a degree in Education. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Minnesota. After moving to Bayport in 1989, she taught in District 834 for several years. Currently, Sara designs and gives tours as a volunteer guide at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.  Thank you for volunteering your time and talents, Dale! Transit Link - Offers a dial-a-ride small bus service where regular route transit service is not available. Call 651-602-5465 to learn more. 22 MARCH/APRIL 2023 | The Connector COMMUNITY RESOURCES Open Cupboard - Provides nutritious food for those in need. Call 651-233- 1296 or visit www.opencupboard.org to learn more.   Today's Harvest is a free market open Monday-Friday 12-6pm, or Saturday 10am-1pm. Two locations in Oakdale. Visit www.opencupboard.org to learn more. FOOD ASSISTANCE RESOURCES This monthly program offers an assortment of high quality meat and fresh produce at a savings up to 40% off grocery store prices.   Upcoming Fare For All Dates for 2023 March 14, April 18, May 16, June 13, July 18, August 1, September 19   4-6pm | Community Thread, 2300 Orleans St. W. Stillwater, MN 55082 FARE FOR ALL: STRETCH YOUR FOOD DOLLARS Alzheimer’s Action Team Dementia Resource Navigators accompany families through complex issues when faced with dementia. Call 651-439-4840 or contact bwiggins@familymeans.org to learn more. CAREGIVER/FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES Optage (Meals on Wheels) Offers meal delivery to your home. Call 651-746-8280 to learn more about meal availability near you.   Valley Outreach Offers food, clothing, and emergency assistance. Call 651-430-2739 or visit www.valleyoutreachmn.org to learn more.   Alzheimer's Association Support Group - Offers support groups for caregivers, individuals living with Alzheimer's, and others dealing with the disease. Call the 24/7 information helpline at 800-272-3900. Senior LinkeAge Line Offers referrals for legal or financial assistance, transportation, health insurance counseling, and meals. Call 1-800-333-2433 or visit www.MinnesotaHelp.info to learn more. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES Community Thread Connector Loop: Offers a handicap accessible bus every Monday from 10am-3pm with stops throughout Stillwater and Oak Park Heights. Cost: FREE. This service is open to all. Call 651-789-6221 or visit www.newtrax.org to learn more. Metro Mobility - Provides demand responsive service for certified riders with disabilities that prevent them from using the regular route system. Call 651-602-1111 to learn more. United Way's First Call for Help   Offers referrals for food, clothing, support groups, health care, crime and abuse services, and more.    Call 2-1-1 from any landline.  Learn more about transportation resources in Washington County by visiting www.gowashingtonmn.com. HOUSING AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Housing Resources of Washington County Offers homeless services and housing resources such as workforce, housing, and senior housing. Call 651-430-6488 to learn more. 23MARCH/APRIL 2023 | The Connector HEALTH AND WELLNESS RESOURCES COMMUNITY RESOURCES Canvas Health Provides healing and recovery to adults and families struggling with mental health, chemical health, and abuse. Call 651-777-5222 or visit canvashealth.org to learn more.   Family Means Helps families with counseling and therapy, caregiver support, debt and financial management, youth programs, and grief support. Call 651-439-4840 or visit www.familymeans.org to learn more. Silver Sobriety Provides age specific, non-residential recovery services and support for alcohol and drug addiction. Call 651-342-1402 or visit www.silversobriety.org to learn more.   Vision Loss Resources Helps people with vision loss find new ways to adapt, connect, and thrive. Call 651-224-7662 or visit www.visionlossresources.org to learn more. Weathering Life's Losses Adult Grief Group Helps people struggling to learn about grief and have the opportunity to share their story. Call 651-430-4578 to learn more.   Make It OK Ambassadors Reduces stigma around mental illness and makes space for caring conversations. Email makeitok@healthpartners.com to learn more. Health Insurance Counseling Trellis provides health insurance counseling to people who receive Medicare benefits or are eligible for them. Gain a better understanding of what services are covered and the insurance options available to supplement Medicare coverage.   Appointments required. Call 1-800-333-2433. The Connect Center Connects people to sustainable housing, financial stability, and healthy community connections. Call 651-231-7807 or visit theconnectcenter.org to learn more. 55+ Driver DISCOUNT PROGRAM   This Driver Discount Program provides the  latest driver, traffic, and vehicle safety information, including changes to laws and technology. Pre-registration and payment are required. Register and pay at driverdiscountprogram.com. Call 1-888-234-1294 for more information. Cost: $24   Wednesday, March 8 at 9 am | Community Thread Bayport  9-8-8 Suicide Prevention  9-8-8 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). 2300 Orleans Street West Stillwater, MN 55082  NON-PROFIT Organization U.S. Postage PAID PERMIT 259 STILLWATER,MN