Valley Outreach

Programs: Food shelf: we have been feeding families through our food shelf since 1983. We offer a choice model, allowing clients to shop for their specific needs and family preferences. We also embrace nutritious options, with an emphasis on increased amounts of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains. We distributed enough food for 649,348 meals in the last year. On a monthly basis, we serve on average 540 unique households with enough food for approximately 7-10 days, which is almost two times the state average. Aside from a monthly shopping experience,clients may also come weekly for bonus friday, a distribution of perishable dairy, deli, produce and meat choices. We also offer a snack pack program for elementary-aged kids. Snack packs contain breakfast, lunch, and snack items for the weekend, when children do not have access to free or reduced meals at school. Other food support programs include mobile choice, home delivery for clients with limited mobility and two, seasonal produce distributions at off-site locations in bayport and lake elmo.

clothing closet: the clothing closet provides clothing for the entire family from infants to adults. In 2016-17, we gave 56,335 items to clients through 1,574 visits. The selection of free clothing gives clients the opportunity to dress confidently for an interview or for the workplace,and to be warm and comfortable in the winter months, as well as have access to new socks and underwear.

resource advising, case management and emergency fund: previously separate programs, the emergency fund, resource advising and case management areas have become more blended in the last year as we work towards integrated client services and broader basic needs. Detailed numbers representing these services are as follows: emergency fund - 186 households representing 556 individuals were supported with financial assistance. This represents a 22% increase over the prior year and includes a 10% increase in the number of clients experiencing homelessness. We support those facing financial adversity by providing funds for rental and mortgage expenses, heat and utility costs and car repair that maintains reliable transportation to work. Support from the emergency fund creates stability for clients. Resource advising - supported 3,679 individuals (total number in household impacted) through 1,617 referrals to other social services or available resources such as health insurance, snap benefits, legal advice, dental care and tax preparation, among other things. Case management - licensed social workers supported a monthly average of 30 households with more intensive case management. Case management is not one-size-fits all and requires highly personalized approaches and plans, dependent upon client needs and goals.