top of page
.png)
Welcome to the 2025 Project Community Connect Resource Expo Page!
The Community Services Coordination team invites you to explore the resources that our Steele County Service Providers have available.
Find our Project Community Connect Event on Facebook!
Healthcare
Comprehensive Dental Services at Let’s Smile, Inc. are dedicated to adhering to the established Minnesota Child and Teen Dental Checkup Standards, as well as the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) guidelines. Our unwavering commitment lies in advancing the cause of optimal oral health for economically disadvantaged children and teenagers. We employ a diverse array of preventive and restorative measures to ensure their dental well-being.
HealthFinders Collaborative is a community health center serving underserved and uninsured families in Rice and Steele Counties. Offering primary care, medication assistance, education, advocacy, and wellness programs, they collaborate to empower communities in their health journey, recognizing the inherent capacity for health and wellness within patients and communities.
.png)
The Center Clinic is a non-profit organization that specializes in reproductive health. They offer services like birth control options, STD/HIV testing and treatment, annual exams, and mental health counseling for low-income and uninsured teens and adults.
.png)
Family Health, Adult Health, Disease Prevention, Emergency Preparedness, Health Promotion. Focus at booth will be Family Health services and naloxone.
South Country Health Alliance is a county-based health plan serving eight Minnesota counties, including Brown, Dodge, Goodhue, Kanabec, Sibley, Steele, Wabasha, and Waseca. The plan collaborates with community services and local healthcare providers to ensure accessible, quality healthcare for enrollees in the Minnesota Health Care Program. Offering seven programs, South Country Health Alliance addresses the diverse healthcare needs of its members.
Empowering Restoration is a counseling service in Owatonna that provides individual, couples, and family therapy. They focus on emotional, behavioral, spiritual, and relational well-being, offering both in-person and telehealth sessions. Their approach is rooted in a Christian worldview while respecting diverse beliefs. Led by Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Brenda K. Oja, they specialize in anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and life adjustments.
.png)
Fernbrook Family Center offers mental health services in southern Minnesota through innovative approaches that focus on developing relationships and changing lives. Clients and their families are supported by Fernbrook in various settings such as their homes, schools, communities, or at the center's offices. Therapy and skill-building programs are provided to enhance emotional well-being, promote healthy relationships, and cultivate resilience.
We offer a range of mental health services, encompassing psychiatry, therapy, dual recovery, case management for adults and children, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for adults and adolescents, Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services (ARMHS), Children's Therapeutic Services and Supports (CTSS), Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), Intensive Residential Treatment Services (IRTS), permanent supportive housing, and various housing services. Additionally, SCHRC provides crisis services, and pharmacy services are also available.
The Crisis Resource Center offers 24/7 free and confidential services for individuals affected by domestic abuse, sexual assault, and abused children. Advocates provide support, safety options, and assistance with legal processes, including Order for Protection and Harassment Restraining Orders. The center also provides resources and referrals, emphasizing that anyone can be a victim of abuse, regardless of background.
.png)
The Rural AIDS Action Network leads the fight against HIV in rural Minnesota by providing diverse client services, risk reduction, advocacy, and awareness. With over 10,000 individuals served in 21 years, RAAN's skilled team offers a range of programs and services across 80 counties outside the Twin Cities metro area, including: Medical Case Management Food Voucher/Nutrition Program Transportation Assistance Support Groups Outreach and Education Syringe Exchanges HIV & Hepatitis C Testing MNsure Navigator Services Narcan Training & Distribution
Our mission at Beyond Brink is to aid individuals in enhancing their lives through the recovery process. We aim to empower those seeking long-term recovery by establishing avenues of support. Our vision is to provide tools for overall wellness. Our services include recovery housing, peer support, harm reduction, and the Y.E.S Program.
)%20(1).png)
Housing
In our Transitional Housing program, we extend a supportive hand to eligible families and individuals grappling with homelessness by offering a comprehensive package that covers the first month's rent, damage deposits, and continuous rental subsidies. Beyond just providing a physical space, we prioritize the holistic well-being of our participants through in-home case management services. Additionally, our commitment to preventing housing crises is evident in our provision of one-time eviction prevention assistance. At our agency, we believe in fostering stability and empowering individuals and families on their journey towards securing and maintaining a safe and stable living environment.
Two Rivers Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit housing organization driven by Christian principles, dedicated to improving housing conditions by building, rehabilitating, and preserving homes. They advocate for fair housing policies, offer training, and resources to enhance shelter conditions, believing in providing everyone with a simple, decent place to live in dignity and safety.
Hospitality House of Owatonna provides temporary accommodations for men transitioning through homelessness. The goal is to offer a safe, clean, and judgment-free environment, serving as a respite for men to organize and prepare for the next phase of their lives. The organization collaborates with guests to identify and access resources, facilitating their journey toward self-sufficiency and independent living.
SMRLS, a non-profit founded in 1909, offers free legal services to low-income and elderly individuals in southern Minnesota. With 55 attorneys and 45 staff, the organization prioritizes client empowerment and self-reliance, assisting about 10,000 eligible individuals each year.
Reitan Law Office, PLLC, with over 40 years of experience, advocates for those with injuries and disabilities. Specializing in Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income ("SSI") benefits, we assist with applications, appeals, and representation at hearings. Visit us at Project Community Connect for information on Social Security benefits and the application process.
Workforce Development, Inc. (WDI) is a non-profit agency dedicated to advancing Southeast Minnesota's workforce through free services, including career planning and job training. With ten offices in the region, WDI focuses on supporting diverse populations, from youth to adult and dislocated workers, as well as employers. Special attention is given to those facing multiple barriers to employment. WDI provides personalized assistance, connecting individuals with relevant resources and understanding the unique needs of each person and industry.
.png)
We collaborate with individuals receiving public support through MN Prairie County Alliance.
.png)
Express Employment Professionals collaborates with job seekers to assist them in finding suitable job opportunities that align with their skills and experience. We have an array of job openings that cater to full-time, part-time, and temporary positions. As one of the forefront staffing agencies in North America, Express offers employment services and workforce solutions to employers across our community. Get in touch with us today to begin your journey towards finding the perfect fit for you.
Owatonna Public Schools' dedicated School Social Workers in each building support students and families by removing education barriers. They assist with community resources, address family challenges, provide school supplies, and help meet basic needs. These professionals also offer support for students with social, emotional, and mental health concerns, with specialized resources for those facing housing instability and homelessness.
Help Me Grow offers specialized instruction for children aged 0-5 with developmental delays. Our programs provide resources and support for children, from birth to kindergarten, promoting independent functioning in various settings. The Home Visit Program (ages 0-3) supports families, while the School-Based Program (ages 3-5) focuses on kindergarten readiness.
.png)
Tri-Valley is a non-profit community action agency. The Head Start programs offer comprehensive child development programming for children birth through five and their families.
Owatonna Community Education presents a diverse array of programs tailored to reflect the community's diversity. Focused on intentional programming, we aspire to open new horizons for enrichment and education at every stage of life.
.png)
We offer reliable and efficient in-home mentoring to parents who require additional support to become successful caregivers. We recognize that parenting is one of the most challenging roles and believe that our comprehensive techniques can assist parents in providing a secure and nurturing environment for their children. Our services include Parent Mentoring, Supervised Visits, and Safe Exchanges.
Semcac, as a Community Action Agency, operates across seven Southeast Minnesota counties, including Steele County. Our programs cater to all age groups, offering essential services such as Head Start, Meals on Wheels, Senior Dining, Rental Assistance, Homeless Prevention, Energy Assistance, Weatherization, Car Repair, and Transportation directly to the Steele County community.
.png)
Since its inception in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters has embraced the belief that every child possesses incredible potential. As the largest mentoring network in the nation, supported by both donors and volunteers, Big Brothers Big Sisters facilitates meaningful and monitored connections between adult volunteers ("Bigs") and children ("Littles") from ages 5 through young adulthood in communities nationwide. Through the cultivation of positive relationships, we aim to have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people.
AAA and SLL work to link seniors and their caregivers with the agencies and resources essential for their needs, while also assisting in comprehending insurance requirements.
MACV (Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans) is dedicated to aiding Veterans and their families facing homelessness in Minnesota or at risk of becoming homeless. Their mission involves serving, informing, educating, and training others to spread a message of hope. With a goal to establish a national standard, MACV focuses on meeting housing and supportive service needs for Veterans while upholding the worth and dignity of all involved.
HomeTown Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative with a focus on education, member advocacy, integrity, and commitment. They offer free financial coaching to both members and nonmembers in their service area, tailoring sessions to address individual needs related to debt, credit scores, saving, and overall money management.
.png)
If you're facing financial difficulties, we're here to help with essentials like rent, utilities, auto repair, and gas. Join us every Tuesday at 5:30 pm at St. Joseph's Catholic Church for a free community meal. It's more than just a meal – it's a chance to connect, share experiences, and find support. Let's navigate challenges together and build a stronger community.
.png)
The United Way of Steele County stands as a dedicated advocate, committed to championing the fundamental pillars of health, education, and financial stability for each and every individual within Steele County. Our mission is deeply rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to essential resources and opportunities, ensuring a thriving and equitable community. Through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts, we strive to create lasting positive impact, fostering a community where individuals can achieve their full potential in health, education, and financial well-being. Join us in our collective pursuit of building a resilient and flourishing Steele County for all.
.png)
United Way 2-1-1 is a free and confidential health and human services information hotline available for people in Minnesota. Operating 24/7, it serves as a vital resource and information referral service, connecting individuals with the resources they need. The organization aims to raise awareness about its services, including the 211 and 988 hotlines, to better serve the community.
.png)
The Minnesota Prairie County Alliance is dedicated to delivering exceptional human services aimed at cultivating safety, health, and overall well-being within the communities of Dodge, Steele, and Waseca counties.
Our vision at the Minnesota Prairie County Alliance is a future where every individual is secure, in good health, educated, self-reliant, and actively involved in our communities. We specialize in collaborating with individuals enrolled in public support programs within the MN Prairie County Alliance, striving to empower and uplift them on their journey toward self-sufficiency and community engagement.
.png)
Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota is a comprehensive social service agency dedicated to supporting families in crisis, assisting vulnerable adults and seniors, and fostering the potential of children. Through a wide range of programs, they actively contribute to the well-being and resilience of communities, addressing diverse societal needs with a holistic approach.
Family Service Rochester (FARR) is a nonprofit organization established in 1965 with a focus on improving the lives of individuals and families in the community. With over 30 programs spanning 12 counties, their team of 150 staff members and 600 volunteers offer various services to promote mental health, child welfare, family stability, and senior independence.
"Table for All" is a weekly event hosted by Trinity at their Fellowship Hall, offering a hot, quality meal to anyone facing difficulty accessing food or companionship. It takes place every Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Trinity also provides transportation to and from the event via their shuttle service. Those interested in utilizing the shuttle service are encouraged to contact the church office by noon on Thursday of each week to arrange a ride. The event aims to provide a welcoming environment where all individuals are embraced and supported.
Introducing our 2025
Essential Community Partners
Premier Partners
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Steve Carroll Agency
Silver Sponsors
bottom of page