Emma Norton stated in 2023 that they were a harm-reduction setting, but, alas this seems to be in name only without really understanding the premise of Harm Reduction which is that people recover at their own pace and so individual recovery cannot be forced, enforced, or be apart of the "Gotcha" tactics that Emma Norton employed with me when I was a resident there. They had stated that marijuana was to be treated just like cigarettes since it had been decriminalized in MN. In my case, however, they chose to put me out on the street for offering another resident part of marjuana cigarette that I had found on the train. They stated that I was selling drugs and pushing drugs on other residents, which simply was not the case. I told them the truth about my drug use outside of the program, in confidence, with their peer recovery coach, this "evidence" was then used against me in order to justify them following me around the building, accusing me of selling drugs, and simply making assumptions about what I was doing. In the end, I was cursed and yelled at by their "lead" peer recovery coach which caused me to need to file a Vulnerable Adult abuse report as she had no right to personalize the situation so much that she literally got out of hand and was threatening towards me. They put me out on the street with nowhere to go that day. It was a very sad situation, to be kicked out for lies, rumors, and a marijuana cigarette. Poorly played Emma Norton. By the way, when I tried to bring this to the CEOs attention, I got 2 emails back and then nothing, no apolgy, no action. Some organizations use "Harm Reduction" and "Evidenced-Based practices" as these buzz words get the new funding, but in practice it's the same old, same old. Then we wonder why these programs don't seem to be working.
I've worked with shelter organizations for more than 20 years, helping families who, for whatever reason, are in need of temporary housing. With nearly 100 years in the business, Emma Norton Services and Emma's Place continue to provide housing and supportive services -- so desperately needed in our community -- in an encouraging and caring atmosphere.
As Treasurer of the Board for four years, I always marvel at how the staff can stretch every penny to provide programming and other services that nurture the goals of wellness and self-sufficiency for each of its residents. Your donation to Emma Norton Services will support their efforts and will be greatly appreciated.
My mom has a severe and persistent mental illness and if my family did not have the resources it does my mom would need a place like Emma Norton Services. ENS is a place I would trust to care for my mom and as a result it's an organization I support for the great work they do to to help people who are homeless with mental illness and addiction - a need that is seriously underfunded in our country.
I have been volunteering with Emma Norton for several years and this year joined the Board to increase my involvement. I believe the programs and support for mental health, chemical dependency, and general life management are very important in helping residents on their journey. And I've been witnessing the results since I first learned about the organization.
I participated in the Mega Lounge Makeover (2nd floor) this year at the Emma Norton Residence. Our team of designers and volunteers banded together to creatively give residents a more modernized and cheerful space in which to relax. Throughout the project, residents offered help and suggestions while marveling at the changes. I could tell from each interaction how truly thankful everyone was. My time spent moving furniture, painting, and hanging pictures has made a far more bigger impact than I could have imagined. Residents started advocating for a 3rd floor lounge makeover before we were finished; seeing their enthusiasm and excitement was incredibly rewarding.
About 97 years of helping women. Emma Norton Services provides housing for women facing homelessness or experiencing homelessness. Emma's Place provides housing for single parent families with 3 or more children.
But it's not just housing. Both Emma programs provide top-notch related services to help women and children conquer poverty, mental illness and chemical dependency.
DONATE to this LOCAL hands-on non-profit that makes a difference in people's lives.