A monthly news digest from the Department of Human Services



Minnesota Department of Human Services logo [ [link removed] ]



NEWS FROM DHS



*JUNE 2022*




*News from DHS archive [ [link removed] ]*





In this issue:

* Nominations for Commissioner's Awards due July 1 [ #link_8 ]
* More food benefits for young children on the way [ #link_9 ]
* New grants benefit community child care providers [ #link_10 ]
* Minnesota Frontline Worker Pay [ #link_3 ]
* In social media [ #link_5 ]
* Council that aims to reduce disparities seeks new members [ #link_1 ]
* LoopBack podcast: Engaging community in legislative process [ #link_2 ]
* In the news [ #link_6 ]
* DHS fact sheets updated [ #link_4 ]
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Nominations for Commissioner's Awards due July 1
Commissioner's Circle of Excellence Awards

Friday, July 1, is the last day to nominate an organization for this year's Commissioner's Circle of Excellence Awards. The awards recognize excellence and innovative work among human services providers, counties, tribes, advocacy groups and other organizations that partner with DHS to serve Minnesotans.

More details and the nomination form is online at mn.gov/dhs/commissioners-awards/ [ [link removed] ].

While individuals make marked differences in the lives of Minnesotans, these awards celebrate organizations.

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More food benefits for young children on the way

P-EBT sandwich graphic

While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause food insecurity, especially for children who aren?t getting meals at school or child care centers, families with children age 5 and younger will soon get a little more help putting healthy meals on their tables.

In late June, DHS began issuing Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) food benefits of $30 per month per child to about 90,000 children for every month they were eligible for P-EBT from September to December 2021. The department will issue a second P-EBT for 5 and Younger benefit payment ? with a dollar amount yet to be determined ? later this summer, for each month children were eligible January to May 2022.

To qualify, children must have been 5 and younger on Sept. 1, 2021, and enrolled in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), or Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in any month from September 2021 to May 2022.

?We all know the strong link between nutritious eating and overall well-being, and between nutrition and academic achievement,? said Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. ?Providing financial support to families facing food insecurities is an investment in our children, our economy and our future.?

More information is in a department news release [ [link removed] ].


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New grants benefit community child care providers

A new round of state grants recognizes the grandparents, relatives, friends and neighbors who care for children in diverse communities across Minnesota, often without the resources available to licensed child care providers.

A total of $2.9 million for community organizations will provide training and support for family, friends and neighbors who provide child care for the youngest Minnesotans. DHS will distribute grants to organizations serving unlicensed family, friend and neighbor child care providers.?

Family, friend and neighbor care is common in diverse cultural and ethnic communities and is often the only child care option for parents who work evenings, weekends, overnight shifts and other nonstandard hours. It may be full- or part-time, paid or unpaid, and provided in the child?s home or the caregiver?s home. Providers typically care for one or two children.

?These grants will support family, friends and neighbors who step up to provide child care, often without receiving the same benefits as licensed child care providers,? said Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. ?Providing more resources for this essential child care option will strengthen the workforce behind the workforce.?

More information and a list of grantees is in a department news release [ [link removed] ].

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Minnesota Frontline Worker Pay
Frontline worker pay info

Frontline workers in a variety of sectors can apply for Frontline Worker Pay. The application deadline is July 22. Applications can be submitted at frontlinepay.mn.gov [ [link removed] ].

Eligibility is based on both work requirements and job sector. See frontlinepay.mn.gov [ [link removed] ] for an explanation of the requirements, the most up-to-date information and helpful resources.?

After verification and processing of the applications are completed, payments are anticipated in early fall.

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In social media
Hope Street opening day with Commissioner Jodi Harpstead and others

*Posted this month on the DHS Facebook page [ [link removed] ]:?*

We are proud to partner in support of Hope Street Youth Shelter's new home, now located in the Hiawatha neighborhood of Minneapolis. Commissioner Jodi Harpstead joined others at the opening celebration this week. The shelter, operated by Catholic Charities, provides critical services and emergency shelter to those ages 18 to 24.

"For timely updates on DHS news and events, follow DHS on?Twitter [ [link removed] ]?and?Facebook [ [link removed] ]."

"Follow our DHS Careers Facebook page [ [link removed] ] for announcements of hiring events, new job postings, internships and more."

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Accessible formats

For accessible formats of this publication, write to [email protected], or call 651-431-2000 or use your preferred relay service.




Council that aims to reduce disparities seeks new members

The Cultural and Ethnic Communities Leadership Council (CECLC) is seeking applications for multiple open seats representing:?


* Diverse cultural and ethnic communities
* The American Indian community

The council welcomes applicants from all sectors and levels of experience from the community.

The CECLC's mission is ?working together to advance health and human services equity through the development of community-supported policy recommendations for cultural and ethnic communities and all those who call Minnesota home.?

*How to apply*

Apply by July 15 through the Minnesota Secretary of State?s Boards and Commissions Open Positions portal [ [link removed] ].

Upon receipt of the Secretary of State?s application, applicants must complete a supplemental DHS application by July 18.

Reach out to Nicole Juan at [email protected] with any questions.

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LoopBack podcast: Engaging community in legislative process
LoopBack podcast small version

In our latest LoopBack podcast episode, "Engaging Community in the DHS Legislative Process," guests share their thoughts and insights on creating an inclusive space for community input in the DHS legislative process.

This episode loops back with community members who attended a Community Empowerment Session in December. It's equally informative for anyone interested in how community input can inform our legislative proposals and priorities.

Listen and follow the LoopBack on Spotify, Stitcher, Anchor, Google and Apple podcasts. Podcast transcripts and other information are on our website at mn.gov/dhs/loopback [ [link removed] ].

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newspaper beside a coffee cup
In the news

**St. Peter Regional Treatment Center Forensic Services welcomes new leadership*:?*As executive director of Direct Care and Treatment?s Forensic Services,?Carol Olson?oversaw a historic renovation of the facilities in St. Peter among other important changes. An article in the St. Peter Herald [ [link removed] ] takes a look back her leadership tenure as she passes the helm to Dr. Soniya Hirachan, recently named to replace Olson.

*Minnesota extends Medicaid coverage to 12 months after giving birth:*?Minnesotans who qualify for Medicaid because of pregnancy can now maintain the coverage for 12 months after delivery ? a significant extension from the previous postpartum coverage that ended at 60 days. Learn more in a Star Tribune article [ [link removed] ].

**Minnesota to spend $93M on mental health*:*?Concerns about the well-being of children and students after two years of the pandemic helped push $92.7 million in new mental health funding through the finish line. Gov. Tim Walz signed the bill into law in early June. Learn more in a Star Tribune article [ [link removed] ].

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DHS fact sheets updated

Northstar Care for Children: Encouraging safe, permanent homes for children (PDF) [ [link removed] ]

Increasing access to federal disability benefits (PDF) [ [link removed] ]

Minnesota's refugee resettlement programs (PDF) [ [link removed] ]

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps people with low incomes buy food (PDF) [ [link removed] ]

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