KOOTASCA

Home Stretch Homebuyer Workshop - Grand Rapids
2019-09-17 08:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | KOOTASCA GR Offices-Early Childhood Hub, 822 NE 5th Ave, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
Are you thinking of buying a home but don’t know how to start?
Long-term successful homeownership starts with solid information. Home Stretch is an in-person – classroom style – workshop taught by experienced professionals. Get objective, practical information to make the best homeownership choices for you and your family.
Homebuyer Workshop Topics:

Qualifying for a mortgage/loan programs
Budgeting, credit issues, and saving for a home
Shopping for a home and realtor services
Professional inspections/appraisals
Closing/title insurance/homeowners insurance
Financial responsibilities as a homeowner
Pre-purchase counseling services
Down-payment and Closing Cost assistance for eligible buyers
Special loans for first-time homebuyers and other offers
And more!

You’ll leave our workshop with confidence, great resources, and a Home Stretch Certification! Down-payment and closing cost assistance, of up to $5,000, is available for income eligible buyers!
Please preregister, this is class is popular and space is limited.
The $40 registration fee covers your class materials.
If you are in need of accommodation (e.g. a sign language interpreter, materials in large print, etc.) please contact us two weeks prior to this event.

2nd Annual Community Block Party
2019-09-14 11:00 - 14:00 | KOOTASCA International Falls Offices, 900 5th Street, Suite 304, International Falls, MN, 56649, United States
Community Block Party
KOOTASCA Community Action and Koochiching Area Prevention in Education are co-hosting a fun, family-friendly Community Block Party. Please join us for a free Taco in a bag lunch, scavenger hunt, Grampa Magic, egg relay, giant yard games, face painting, craft projects for the kids, and more! There will be special clearance sale deals at Frostbite Finds, and the Head Start classrooms will be open for tours.
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Taco in a bag Lunch (No Cost)
Giant Yard Games
Face Painting
Fun Craft Projects for Kids
Kids Yoga
Free gifts & prizes
Specials at Frostbite Finds Thrift Store
11:00 am – 12:00 pm Scavenger Hunt
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm Magic Tricks and Balloon Animals from Grampa Magic
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm Egg relay
This event is free, open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend.
In case of rain, an announcement will be made on this page and the event will take place at the Backus Community Center.

AMERICA DIVIDED "Out of Reach"
2019-07-03 11:00 - 13:00 | MN
AMERICA DIVIDED “Out of Reach”
Film viewing at the Grand Rapids Public Library with audience input & discussion following the film. Pizza served.
RSVP appreciated: robertf@kootasca.org or call 218-999-5883
This meeting is free and open to the public.

“Out of Reach”: Highlighting the special difficulties for Central American refugees in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, where U.S. Border Patrol checkpoints inside the country, many miles from the border, keep undocumented people away from the American Dream.
AMERICA DIVIDED explores inequality in education, housing, healthcare, labor, criminal justice and the political system. The series exposes the damage inequality inflicts on the most vulnerable Americans by revealing systemic bias and celebrating heroes fighting for solutions.
AMERICA DIVIDED illustrates what inequality looks like in people’s everyday lives.
Learn More About Big View

AMERICA DIVIDED "The Class Divide"
2019-06-27 11:00 - 13:00 | Blandin Foundation, 100 N Pokegama Ave, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
AMERICA DIVIDED “The Class Divide”
Film viewing at the Blandin Foundation Stender Room with audience input & discussion following the film. Pizza served.
RSVP appreciated: robertf@kootasca.org or call 218-999-5883
This meeting is free and open to the public.

“The Class Divide”: Examining an undeserved generation of students in Pinellas County, Florida following a School Board vote ending district wide busing. This action recreated the division of the north and south sides of the district along race and class lines.
AMERICA DIVIDED explores inequality in education, housing, healthcare, labor, criminal justice and the political system. The series exposes the damage inequality inflicts on the most vulnerable Americans by revealing systemic bias and celebrating heroes fighting for solutions.
AMERICA DIVIDED illustrates what inequality looks like in people’s everyday lives.
Learn More About Big View

Home Stretch Homebuyer Workshop - International Falls
2019-06-20 08:30 - 16:30 | Rainy River Community College, 1501 US-71, International Falls, MN, 56649, United States
Are you thinking of buying a home but don’t know how to start?
Long-term successful homeownership starts with solid information. Home Stretch is an in-person – classroom style – workshop taught by experienced professionals. Get objective, practical information to make the best homeownership choices for you and your family.
Homebuyer Workshop Topics:

Qualifying for a mortgage/loan programs
Budgeting, credit issues, and saving for a home
Shopping for a home and realtor services
Professional inspections/appraisals
Closing/title insurance/homeowners insurance
Financial responsibilities as a homeowner
Pre-purchase counseling services
Down-payment and Closing Cost assistance for eligible buyers
Special loans for first-time homebuyers and other offers
And more!

You’ll leave our workshop with confidence, great resources, and a Home Stretch Certification! Down-payment and closing cost assistance, of up to $5,000, is available for income eligible buyers!
Please preregister, this is class is popular and space is limited.
Celebrate National Homeownership Month
FREE Registration
Call Sandy at 218-999-0828 to register.
If you are in need of accommodation (e.g. a sign language interpreter, materials in large print, etc.) please contact us two weeks prior to this event.

Home Stretch Homebuyer Workshop - Grand Rapids
2019-06-18 08:00 - 16:30 | KOOTASCA GR Offices-Early Childhood Hub, 822 NE 5th Ave, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States

AMERICA DIVIDED "Democracy for Sale"
2019-06-10 11:00 - 12:30 | Blandin Foundation, 100 N Pokegama Ave, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
AMERICA DIVIDED “Democracy for Sale”
Film viewing at the Blandin Foundation Stender Room with audience input & discussion following the film. Pizza served.
RSVP appreciated: robertf@kootasca.org or call 218-999-5883
This meeting is free and open to the public.

“Democracy for Sale”: Investigating North Carolina’s state government programming that implemented cuts to education, healthcare spending, and environmental protections while lowering taxes for the wealthy and passing laws to limit access to voting.
AMERICA DIVIDED explores inequality in education, housing, healthcare, labor, criminal justice and the political system. The series exposes the damage inequality inflicts on the most vulnerable Americans by revealing systemic bias and celebrating heroes fighting for solutions.
AMERICA DIVIDED illustrates what inequality looks like in people’s everyday lives.
Learn More About Big View

Circles of Support Meeting
2019-06-06 18:00 - 20:00, 2019-05-30 18:00 - 20:00 | KOOTASCA Circles of Support Office, 811 NE 4th St, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
Social asset programming activities provide an opportunity for people in poverty to build skills, social assets, and engage in community life. Social support through human connections helps to ward off the effects of stress, depression, anxiety and other health problems. Positive social interaction and encouragement builds hope for the future.
Weekly facilitated meetings provide a framework for developing relationships across socio economic class and race lines. Social asset building meetings provide a safe, healthy, and consistent atmosphere to grow social skills and self-confidence.
While building a social support network, people who engage in Circles of Support learn about resources and community opportunities that can help them achieve their goals.
In order to bridge the gap between those who struggle financially in our community and those who do not, non-poor community members are welcomed and encouraged to engage in weekly meeting activities.
In addition to individual development, Circles of Support is an opportunity to learn about poverty; about the systemic barriers that keep poverty alive; and about how communities respond to poverty.
Social Asset building:
Poverty is the common denominator that brings people to Circles of Support. In addition to poverty, meeting attendees come from a diverse collection of life experiences that drive them to seek support. Examples include but are not limited to:

isolation & loneliness
chemical dependency
divorce
custody issues
domestic violence
community reentry after incarceration
food insecurity
dysfunctional relationships
physical disabilities & obesity
mental health stability
homelessness
grief
rebuilding healthy social support

The Circles of Support community meets every Thursday evening. Meetings begin at 6:00 pm at the Circles of Support office. A meal is provided each week from 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm.
Meeting discussions are designed to promote social interaction and learning. Topics revolve around an understanding of one’s self and their community as well as systemic barriers that impact forward mobility.
Circles of Support meetings open and close with very specific cognitive restructuring activities that encourage focus on positive aspects of life despite any negativity that may be present.
Relationships created through this process value life experiences and allow learning to happen across differences without placing blame. Progress toward self-selected goals is recognized and celebrated.
Skill building activities are woven into meetings including financial literacy, self-empowerment, and leadership. Additional activities such as picnics, artistic opportunities, and recreational outings are scheduled throughout the year.
Eligibility
Circles of Support social asset building activities are open to people experiencing poverty related issues as well as community members who are not in poverty but have an interest in befriending people who struggle with poverty related issues.

Meeting attendees must be at least 18 years of age
Sobriety at meetings is expected. Meeting attendees are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Meetings attendees possess the ability to demonstrate appropriate group meeting behaviors and respectful social interaction

Learn More About Circles of Support

Dental Clinic
2019-05-29 08:00 - 16:30 | KOOTASCA GR Offices-Early Childhood Hub, 822 NE 5th Ave, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
Children’s Dental Services Dental Clinic
Wednesday, May 29th, 2019, by appointment. Call 612-746-1530 to schedule an appointment
Children’s Dental Services provides dental care for children ages 0-26 and pregnant women of any age. This dental care opportunity is made by possible by Itasca County Public Health.
KOOTASCA Community Action Conference Room
Central Square Mall
201 NW 4th Street, Suite 130
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Most routine dental treatments can be done including:

Cleanings
Fluoride Sealants
Oral health education
Exams
X-rays
Fillings
Crowns
Extractions

Children’s Dental Services accepts most forms of insurance, except IMCare, and has discounts for income eligible families.
Please call to schedule an appointment or to ask about the sliding fee scale program: 612-746-1530.
For other questions or help locating an IMCare dentist, call Itasca County Public Health: 218-327-5524.

Your Money or Your Life
2019-04-25 18:00 - 20:00 | KOOTASCA Circles of Support Office, 811 NE 4th St, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
Your Money or Your Life
Financial Literacy Training
Meal provided.
RSVP: robertf@kootasca.org or call 218-999-5883
This event is free and open to the public.
Learn More about Circles of Support!

Predatory Lending
2019-04-18 18:00 - 20:00 | KOOTASCA Circles of Support Office, 811 NE 4th St, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
Predatory Lending
Payday lenders, schemes, scams & traps
Presented in partnership with Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
Meal provided.
RSVP: robertf@kootasca.org or call 218-999-5883
This event is free and open to the public.
Learn More about Circles of Support!

Credit Reports & Scores
2019-04-11 18:00 - 20:00 | KOOTASCA Circles of Support Office, 811 NE 4th St, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
Credit Reports & Scores
Where do I get them & What do they mean?
Presented in partnership with Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
Meal provided.
RSVP: robertf@kootasca.org or call 218-999-5883
This event is free and open to the public.
Learn More about Circles of Support!

Using Credit Wisely
2019-04-04 18:00 - 20:00 | KOOTASCA Circles of Support Office, 811 NE 4th St, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
Using Credit Wisely
Financial Literacy Training presented in partnership with Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
Meal provided.
RSVP: robertf@kootasca.org or call 218-999-5883
This event is free and open to the public.
Learn More about Circles of Support!

Home Stretch Homebuyer Workshop - Grand Rapids
2019-03-14 08:00 - 16:30, 2018-11-13 08:30 - 16:30 | KOOTASCA GR Offices-Early Childhood Hub, 822 NE 5th Ave, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
Are you thinking of buying a home but don’t know how to start?
Long-term successful homeownership starts with solid information. Home Stretch is an in-person – classroom style – workshop taught by experienced professionals. Get objective, practical information to make the best homeownership choices for you and your family. You will learn how to:

Determine your financial situation
Manage credit to make homeownership more affordable
Choose your best mortgage options
Select the right home for your family
Understand the loan closing process
Find down payment help, special loans for first-time homebuyers, and other offers
And more!

You’ll leave our workshop with confidence, great resources, and a Home Stretch Certification! Down-payment and closing cost assistance, of up to $5,000, is available for income eligible buyers!
Please preregister, this is class is popular and space is limited.
The $40 registration fee covers your class materials.
If you are in need of accommodation (e.g. a sign language interpreter, materials in large print, etc.) please contact us two weeks prior to this event.

Home Stretch Homebuyer Workshop - International Falls
2019-02-14 08:00 - 16:30, 2018-08-23 08:30 - 16:30 | TBD
Are you thinking of buying a home but don’t know how to start?
Long-term successful homeownership starts with solid information. Home Stretch is an in-person – classroom style – workshop taught by experienced professionals. Get objective, practical information to make the best homeownership choices for you and your family. You will learn how to:

Determine your financial situation
Manage credit to make homeownership more affordable
Choose your best mortgage options
Select the right home for your family
Understand the loan closing process
Find down payment help and special loans for first-time homebuyers.
And more!

You’ll leave our workshop with confidence, tools and great resources. Down-payment and closing cost assistance, of up to $5,000, is available for income eligible buyers!
Please preregister, this class is popular and space is limited.
The $40 registration fee covers your class materials.
If you are in need of accommodation (e.g. a sign language interpreter, materials in large print, etc.) please contact us two weeks prior to this event.

Home Stretch Homebuyer Workshop - Deer River
2019-02-09 08:30 - 17:00 | KOOTASCA Circles of Support Office, 811 NE 4th St, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States

Point in Time Homelessness Count
2019-01-24 | KOOTASCA GR Offices-Early Childhood Hub, 822 NE 5th Ave, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States

Minnesota KIDS COUNT Coffee
2019-01-10 11:00 - 13:00 | Grand Rapids Area Library, 140 NE 2nd St, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
Minnesota KIDS COUNT Coffee
By Children’s Defense Fund-Minnesota
RSVP appreciated: robertf@kootasca.org or call 218-999-5883
This meeting is free and open to the public. Pizza served.

Every year, Children’s Defense Fund-Minnesota publishes a KIDS COUNT Data Book that includes state data on a variety of indicators that reflect the well -being of Minnesota’s children and families. The data serve as benchmarks of child well-being for policymakers and citizens and help to enrich local, state and national discussions that center on creating better futures for all children. CDF-MN organizes an annual KIDS COUNT Coffee Tour around the release of the book to provide policymakers and citizens from around the state with the opportunity to learn about the data and engage
on issues of child well-being.
Join us to learn about the trends in key indicators of child and family well-being. The book highlights public policy that has improved or could improve outcomes for our youngest citizens and the entire state of Minnesota.
In order for all of us to be successful, Minnesota needs to continue to put its values of ingenuity, caring for each other and supporting work into action by continuing to pass policies that improve the economic stability, health, education, and home and community environments for all children and families.
Please join us for a presentation of findings:
Jennifer Bertram
KIDS COUNT Coordinator
Children’s Defense Fund provides a strong, effective and independent voice for all the children of America who cannot vote, lobby or speak for themselves. We pay particular attention to the needs of poor children, children of color and those with disabilities. CDF educates the nation about the needs of children and encourages preventive investments before they get sick, drop out of school, get into trouble or suffer family breakdown.
Learn more about Big View!

Journey Out of Poverty Dinner
2018-12-05 17:30 - 19:30 | Grand Rapids Area Library, 140 NE 2nd St, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
Journey out of Poverty
Dinner and Awards Program
RSVP: robertf@kootasca.org or call 218-999-5883
This event is free and open to the public. Free will donations accepted.

It is our position at KOOTASCA to uphold the voice and dignity of the poor. This Big View event is Circles of Support’s annual celebration, member recognition, and community invitation to learn about programming opportunities.
Poverty is not a lack of character.
It is a lack of money
A lack of opportunity
A lack of investment
It is when society turns its back
and makes you invisible.
Menu
Turkey
Porketta
Potatoes
Green Beans
Bread
Dessert
Prize drawings throughout the evening

15th Annual One Night Without a Home - Homeless Awareness Walk
2018-11-14 15:30 - 17:30 | Grace House of Itasca County, 501 SW 1st Ave, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
Please join us to raise awareness of the issues of hunger and homelessness in our community and nationwide for the 15th Annual “One Night without a Home” walk on Wednesday, November 14th, 2018 in observation of National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week , Nov. 11 – 18.
Participants will gather at Grace House at 3:30 p.m. and walk to Old Central School and return to the Grace House shelter for a chili dinner at 5:00 p.m. provided by the Itasca County Salvation Army Disaster Team.
National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is a national endeavoy by the National Coalition for the Homeless to promote education, action and awareness about hunger and homelessness. Itasca County events are coordinated by the One Night Without a Home sub-committee of the Housing Issues Advisory Committee, a group of community partners in Itasca County who work with housing and support services for people who are homeless in Itasca County.
For more information, or if you have questions regarding the upcoming events, call Jessyca or Ron at Grace House, 218-326-2790, Heidi at AEOA, 218-322-6500 or Haley at Kootasca, 218-999-0800.

Minnesota Homeless Study
2018-10-25 08:00 - 2018-10-26 16:00 | KOOTASCA GR Offices-Early Childhood Hub, 822 NE 5th Ave, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
Help us better understand Homelessness

Do you lack a regular adequate nighttime residence? Doubled up with friends or family? Couch hopping? NOT staying in a shelter?
If you are currently without a nighttime residence in Itasca County, we would like to conduct an in-person interview with you about your experience being homeless Thursday October 25th, 2018.
$10 STIPEND FOR PARTICIPATION
All information collected is completely anonymous. All responses are combined with the responses of others in similar circumstances across the state. This information will be used to help create affordable housing and other homeless services. Interviews take approximately 30 minutes.

Community Block Party
2018-09-15 11:00 - 14:00 | KOOTASCA International Falls Offices, 900 5th Street, Suite 304, International Falls, MN, 56649, United States
Community Block Party
KOOTASCA Community Action and Koochiching Area Prevention in Education are co-hosting a fun, family-friendly Community Block Party. Please join us for a free Sloppy-Joe lunch, scavenger hunt, Grampa Magic, kids Bingo, giant yard games, face painting, craft projects for the kids, and more! There will be special deals at Frostbite Finds, and the Head Start classrooms will be open for tours.
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Sloppy Joe Lunch (No Cost)
Giant Yard Games
Face Painting
Fun Craft Projects for Kids
Story Time with Rotarians
Specials at Frostbite Finds Thrift Store
11:00 am – 12:00 pm Scavenger Hunt
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Magic Tricks and Balloon Animals from Grampa Magic
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Kids Bingo
This event is free, open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend.
In case of rain, an announcement will be made on this page and will take at the Backus Community Center.

Understanding the Opiod Epidemic - Film Viewing
2018-09-11 11:00 - 13:00 | Grand Rapids Area Library, 140 NE 2nd St, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
Understanding the Opioid Epidemic
Viewing at the Grand Rapids Area Library with audience input & discussion following the film. Pizza served.
RSVP appreciated: robertf@kootasca.org or call 218-999-5883
This meeting is free and open to the public.

Understanding the Opioid Epidemic is a 2018 PBS documentary that traces the causes behind the unprecedented growth in the use of prescription opioids and the devastating impact these drugs are having in every part of America. The program captures the story through personal stories and interviews with experts. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 91 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose. This shocking statistic transcends geographic and socioeconomic borders. The impact on young people, families, and communities is devastating.
Prescription opioids can be used to treat moderate-to-severe pain and are often prescribed following surgery or injury, or for health conditions such as cancer. In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the acceptance and use of prescription opioids for the treatment of chronic, non-cancer pain, despite serious risks and the lack of evidence about their long-term effectiveness. Anyone who takes prescription opioids can become addicted to them.
Learn more about Big View!

Home Stretch Homebuyer Workshop - Grand Rapids
2018-07-18 08:30 - 16:30 | TBD

Home Stretch Homebuyer Workshop - Grand Rapids
2018-07-18 08:00 - 16:30 | KOOTASCA GR Offices-Early Childhood Hub, 822 NE 5th Ave, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States

Frostbite Finds Grand Re-Opening
2018-06-30 08:00 - 16:00 | KOOTASCA International Falls Offices, 900 5th Street, Suite 304, International Falls, MN, 56649, United States
Frostbite Finds Thrift Store has moved to a new and bigger location! We have thousands of new items, clothing, furniture and more on sale to celebrate our new location.

Stop in to shop and register for a $50.00 gift card, no purchase necessary!

Home Stretch Homebuyer Workshop - International Falls
2018-06-21 08:30 - 16:30 | Falls High School, 1515 11th St, International Falls, MN, 56649, United States
Are you thinking of buying a home but don’t know how to start?
Long-term successful homeownership starts with solid information. Home Stretch is an in-person – classroom style – workshop taught by experienced professionals. Get objective, practical information to make the best homeownership choices for you and your family. You will learn how to:

Determine your financial situation
Manage credit to make homeownership more affordable
Choose your best mortgage options
Select the right home for your family
Understand the loan closing process
Find down payment help and special loans for first-time homebuyers.
And more!

You’ll leave our workshop with confidence, tools and great resources. Down-payment and closing cost assistance, of up to $5,000, is available for income eligible buyers!
Please preregister, this class is popular and space is limited.
Registration fees are waived for this class in honor of National Homeownership Month.
If you are in need of accommodation (e.g. a sign language interpreter, materials in large print, etc.) please contact us two weeks prior to this event.
