MSSA (Minnesota Social Service Association)

Attend MSSA Metro Region’s Fall Conference!

Begin with an empowering keynote by October Allen, whose personal story will deepen your understanding and empathy in the social services field. Explore vital topics in our breakout sessions, from housing law and domestic violence prevention to innovative transportation solutions and assistive technology. Don't miss this opportunity to connect and learn!

Thursday, October 24
8:00 am - 4:10 pm
Metropolitan State University
St. Paul, MN

https://bit.ly/MSSAmetro2024

Attend MSSA Region 7’s Fall Conference!

Start with an in-depth session on ethical considerations for unsheltered populations led by Carmichael Finn. After lunch, be inspired by Kate Simonet’s powerful journey through mental health challenges and her message of hope and resilience. Don't miss this opportunity to engage, learn, and be inspired!

Friday, October 4
8:00 am - 3:30 pm
The Buff
Big Lake, MN

https://bit.ly/MSSAr72024

Nominate an Exceptional Health and Human Services Supervisor for MSSA’s Outstanding Supervisor Award!

Do you know a supervisor in the health and human services field who truly excels in their role? MSSA's Outstanding Supervisor Award honors those who provide exceptional supervision, advocating for their staff and fostering a supportive work environment.

Nominations close August 1!

https://bit.ly/2024MSSAawards

Join us for a full day of learning and connecting—we know you’ll leave feeling inspired!

MSSA Metro Region Fall Conference
Thursday, October 24
8:00 a.m. - 4:10 p.m.
Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul, MN

Here's a sneak peek at what you can expect:

8:00-8:45 am: Check-in / Visit the Exhibits

8:45-9:00 am: Welcome

9:00-10:15 am: Keynote by October Allen

10:15-10:35 am: Break / Visit the Exhibits

10:35-11:35 am: Breakout Sessions

✴️ “Housing Law 101”
✴️ “Advocate!”
✴️ “Breaking the Silence: Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention”
✴️ “Transportation Innovation”

11:35 am - 12:45 pm: Lunch / Awards / Visit the Exhibits

12:45-1:45 pm: Afternoon Sessions

✴️ “Assistive Technology: What You Need to Know”
✴️ “Crisis Services: What You Need to Know”
✴️ “Supported Decision Making: How To Do It?”

1:45-2:00 pm: Break / Last chance to visit the exhibits!

2:00-4:00 pm: “Moral Injury, Social Service, and the Intersectionality with Race”

2:00-3:00 pm: “Minnesota’s Guardianship Legislation Changes: Rights of Persons Subject to Guardianship”

3:10-4:10 pm: “Ethical Non-Monogamy 101”

BONUS: VIRTUAL ON-DEMAND SESSION:

After the conference, all registrants will receive a link to view the following virtual on-demand session (1 CEU): “An Introduction to Parts Work: Exploring Frameworks, Dissociative Coping and Clinician Self Awareness.”

Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow with fellow professionals!

https://bit.ly/MSSAmetro2024

Attend MSSA Regions 6 & 8 Fall Conference!

Gain valuable strategies to foster teamwork across generations and engage in culturally responsive practices. Celebrate excellence at our awards ceremony, enjoy a delicious meal as you network with other health and human services professionals, gain valuable resources from our exhibitors, and stand a chance to win an exciting door prize.

Thursday, September 26
8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
Redwood Falls, MN

https://bit.ly/MSSAr6and82024

Join Us in Redwood Falls!

MSSA Regions 6 & 8 Fall Conference
Thursday, September 26
9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
Redwood Falls, MN

Attendees can earn up to 4 CEUs including 2 Ethics CEUs!

Topics and speakers include:
✴️The Gens, Michelle Nelson
✴️Cultural Responsive Practice: Where We Are and Where We Need to Go, Tiffany Breckenridge and Christine Black-Hughes

https://bit.ly/MSSAr6and82024

This morning, MSSA Region 9 had a legislative breakfast with MSSA staff, region 9 members, and legislators Representative Frederick and Senator Frentz.

Join Us in Big Lake!

MSSA Region 7 Fall Conference
Friday, October 4
8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The Buff
Big Lake, MN

Connect with your colleagues and earn CEUs!

Topics and speakers include:

✴️ Advanced Ethics: Navigating the Ethical Implications of Unsheltered Populations, Carmichael Finn
✴️ Breaking the Silence of Mental Health, Kate Simonet

Attendees can earn up to 5 CEUs!

https://bit.ly/MSSAr72024

Attend a Regional Conference!

✴️Region 9 Fall Conference
Thursday, September 19
South Central College
North Mankato, MN

✴️Regions 6 & 8 Fall Conference
Thursday, September 26
8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
Redwood Falls, MN

✴️Region 7 Fall Conference
Friday, October 4
8:00 am - 3:30 pm
The Buff
Big Lake, MN

✴️Region 4 Fall Conference
Wednesday, October 23
8:30 am - 4:10 pm
Bigwood Event Center
Fergus Falls, MN

✴️Metro Region Fall Conference
Thursday, October 24
8:00 a.m. - 4:10 p.m.
Metropolitan State University
St. Paul, MN

https://bit.ly/2024RegionalConferences

Join Us at MSSA Metro Region’s Fall Conference!

Thursday, October 24
8:00 a.m. - 4:10 p.m.
Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul, MN

Attendees can earn up to 6.25 CEUs!

Space is limited—register now to reserve your spot!

https://bit.ly/MSSAmetro2024

MSSA Staff Fun Day 2024!

Games, food, and the beautiful Lebanon Hills park!

Nominate an Exceptional Adult Foster Care Provider for MSSA’s Excellence in Adult Foster Care Award!

Do you know an adult foster care provider who goes above and beyond? MSSA's Excellence in Adult Foster Care Award honors those exceptional individuals who create stable and supportive environments where adults can truly thrive.

Nominations close August 1!

https://ow.ly/vJIS50Srism

Agency Member Spotlight!

Reach for Resources (Reach) is a nonprofit located in Minnetonka, Minnesota. They empower people of all abilities to reach their full potential by providing individualized services that maximize independence, boosts community engagement, and improves physical and emotional well-being.

As an organization, they believe the community is a better place when it is inclusive and every individual and family, regardless of ability, has the chance to be successful.

Their services include

• Adaptive Recreation & Inclusion
• Case Management
• In-Home Supports
• Housing Stabilization Services
• Employment Supports
• Mental Health Services
• TRAIL Transportation
• Counseling.

While they serve individuals throughout Minnesota, the majority live in the seven-county metro area surrounding Minneapolis.

In 2024, they relaunched their counseling services, offering in-person and virtual individual and group therapy to anyone in need of emotional support. They strive to help clients share their personal struggles, develop awareness of their emotional patterns, understand the function of emotions, and build effective emotional coping strategies. They currently have a variety of full-time and part-time positions available.

To learn more about Reach, their services, and job openings, please visit reachforresources.org.

Advertise with us!

MSSA offers a unique opportunity to reach a highly engaged audience of health and human services professionals. Our members work in all areas of health and human services, including mental health, chemical health, aging, children's services, disability, housing, and more, and come from for-profit, nonprofit, and state and local government sectors.

https://bit.ly/MSSA2024Advertising

Research Study Participants Needed

This research survey will gather information on how job characteristics and well-being influence innovation at work.

To be eligible to participate in this research, you must:

1. Be at least 18 years of age
2. Reside in the United States,
3. Currently work in healthcare and/or human services, and
4. Currently work in a role in which you are actively providing care or services to patients/clients.

The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete, and your participation is voluntary.
After completion of the survey, you will have a chance to enter an email address if you would like to be entered into the drawing for one of 25 $20 electronic gift cards.

There are no foreseeable risks associated with participation, as no identifying information will be collected. This research study has been reviewed and approved by the University of Minnesota's Institutional Review Board (IRB ID: STUDY00022467).

Survey open until August 25.

https://umn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_09aFCU7grz2be4e

Regions 6 & 8 Fall Conference

Gain valuable strategies to foster teamwork across generations and engage in culturally responsive practices. Celebrate excellence at our awards ceremony, enjoy a delicious meal as you network with other health and human services professionals, gain valuable resources from our exhibitors, and stand a chance to win an exciting door prize.

Thursday, September 26, 2024
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
Redwood Falls, MN

https://ow.ly/aZ6k50SriBb

AGENCY MEMBER SPOTLIGHT!

The Department of Social Work at St. Cloud State University offers both accredited BSW and MSW programs and a Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Fellowship for eligible BSW and MSW students.

The mission of the Department of Social Work at St. Cloud State University is to use an anti-oppression lens, with a focus on race, class, and gender, to inform both its educational environment and educational programs. Faculty, staff, and students commit to an experiential and transformative educational process that will challenge them to think critically and analyze systemic inequalities in the United States and the world. This process will prepare professional social workers to work as change agents in a diverse world.

Students can engage in service learning through the Social Work Student Association, participate in Project Homeless Connect, which is an annual event for homeless and housing insecure individuals and families in the Saint Cloud in which they receive free community resources, and eligible students have an opportunity to study in Mexico for a semester.

They invite you to explore their website to learn more about the ways in which MSSA members can engage with the Department of Social Work at St. Cloud State University. It's a great way to get a deeper understanding of their programs and initiatives.

Project Homeless Connect is another excellent way MSSA members can support and engage with the SCSU Department of Social Work. Please visit their website for further details.

https://www.stcloudstate.edu/socialwork/default.aspx

Nominate an Exceptional Child Foster Care Provider for MSSA’s Excellence in Child Foster Care Award!

Do you know a foster care provider who makes an extraordinary difference in the lives of children? MSSA's Excellence in Child Foster Care Award celebrates those who create stable and supportive environments where children can grow and flourish.

Nominations close August 1!

https://ow.ly/Ibi650SrinS

Upcoming Regional Conferences!

MSSA’s regional conferences are opportunities for you to connect with other MSSA members in your area and earn high-quality and low-cost CEUs!

Upcoming regional events include:

🟡 MSSA Region 9 Fall Conference: September 19
📍North Mankato

🟡 MSSA Regions 6 & 8 Fall Conference: September 26
📍Redwood Falls

🟡 MSSA Region 7 Fall Conference: October 4
📍Big Lake

🟡 MSSA Region 4 Fall Conference: October 23
📍Fergus Falls

🟡 MSSA Metro Region Fall Conference: October 24
📍St. Paul

More information, including session descriptions, detailed schedules, and registration, is coming soon to mnssa.org.

Throughout her 32-year career at McLeod County Health and Human Services, Karen served as a Rule 185 Developmental Disabilities Social Worker for 30 years and a Rule 185DD Lead Worker for 2 years. Her impact on both staff and the individuals she served was profound.

Karen was a strong advocate for the individuals under her care, consistently employing a person-centered approach. She encouraged active steps to increase independence, improve the quality of services, and enhance overall quality of life.
Karen's collaborative spirit with professionals and service providers led to improved outcomes for those she worked with.

Beyond her daily responsibilities, Karen's legacy lies in the mentorship and impact she generously shared with others. Her knowledge, support, and experience continue to resonate with her colleagues. Karen's work on MSSA Region 6’s board furthered her impact, contributing to positive legislative changes for the human services field.

Karen was known for going above and beyond in her case management role, particularly in assisting individuals through short-term hospital or nursing home stays. She advocated for their return to community living or alternative residences that met their needs in the least restrictive way. Karen's dedication extended to honoring individuals' wishes, especially in their end stages of life. She worked diligently to ensure that those with terminal illnesses could remain in their homes for as long as possible, coordinating with residential providers to meet their needs and minimize hospital or nursing facility stays.

The MSSA Outstanding Retiree Award is a testament to Karen Kohler-Nelsen's legacy and the mark she has left on McLeod County Health and Human Services and the greater community.

These funds will support much needed updates to our state's social service information system.

This modernization will help improve efficiency and bring our social service system into the 21st century!

Tashina's academic journey is marked by her dedication and support for her fellow students. A US Navy Veteran and mother of three, she previously earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work at Bemidji State University in 2018. Tashina's commitment to education extends beyond the classroom, as she has obtained a certificate for Alcohol and Drug Counseling from Bemidji State University on top of her BSW in Social Work.

Tashina is a Licensed Social Worker and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor for the state of Minnesota, a CADC II through the Upper Midwest Indian Council on Addictive Disorders, and an approved LADC Supervisor certified through the Minnesota Certification Board as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist Approved Supervisor. Despite her demanding professional roles, Tashina maintains an outstanding 4.0 GPA in her MSW program.

The MSSA Outstanding Student Award is well-deserved recognition of Tashina's exceptional accomplishments, dedication to the human services field, and commitment to making a positive impact in her community.

Stefanie has been a vital member of the Region 4 South ACT team for the past five years. With a background as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC), she served as the substance abuse specialist for three years. Recently achieving her LICSW, Stefanie transitioned into the role of ACT Team Therapist for the past two years.

Stefanie's broad clinical knowledge of both chemical dependency and mental health allows her to bring a unique perspective in supporting clients on their journey. Her compassionate and non-judgmental approach has allowed her to develop strong ongoing relationships with clients who may be resistant to services. Stefanie's style and personality enable her to connect with, respectfully challenge, and celebrate alongside the clients she serves.

Beyond her daily responsibilities, Stefanie is a passionate advocate for systemic changes in the health and human services system, including racial justice issues and supporting marginalized populations. She is a leader in the community around mental health, substance abuse, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial equality. Stefanie actively participates in community rallies, events at the capital, and legislative action steps.

Stefanie's commitment to ongoing education and growth is evident through her participation in extra trainings, community events, and knowledge-sharing, even when not reimbursed for her time.

The MSSA Outstanding Staff Achievement Award is a well-deserved recognition of Stefanie Iverson's continued dedication and impactful work to enhance the health and human services field.

Today, we honor Juneteenth, the day marking the end of slavery in the U.S.

Join us in celebrating unity, love, and liberation for all.

This legislation makes crucial corrections to our child welfare system, protecting children and families who are disproportionately represented.

Thanks to State Representative Esther Agbaje for her leadership on this landmark act!

The collaboration orchestrated by Changemakers focuses on enhanced involvement and engagement of parents and caregivers of children aged 0-5 and their siblings. This initiative aims to foster connections within the West Central Area School District, covering five communities in Region 4.

Changemakers hosts monthly events where families come together to share a meal and enjoy family-friendly programming at no cost. Recognizing the geographical spread of the West Central Area School District, this initiative provides a unique opportunity for families to connect, especially those who might not otherwise interact despite having children attending the same school.

Beyond building relationships among children and families, Changemakers' events introduce attendees to various local resources and organizations, including law enforcement, fire departments, libraries, and early childhood programming. The impact of these events extends beyond the immediate community, with organizers reporting that attendees have learned about and connected with valuable resources in their communities.

Changemakers' commitment to community involvement is further exemplified by their rotation of event locations across all five communities and their partnerships with local businesses and organizations. Last year alone, they had a total of 606 attendees at their events. The inclusive nature of Changemakers' events is evident as attendees come from all five communities within the West Central Area School District.

In addition to their in-person events, Changemakers also offers virtual programming to ensure the broadest possible community participation.

The MSSA Community Collaboration Award is well-deserved recognition of Changemakers’ efforts to bring positive change and foster well-being in the lives of children and families throughout the West Central Area School District.

Tracey, a social worker with over three decades of experience, has dedicated over 25 years of her illustrious career to Cottonwood County/DVHHS, where she specializes in working with the aging population. Before joining the county, she served as a Nursing Home Social Worker, further highlighting her extensive expertise in the field.

Colleagues and clients alike commend Tracey for her professionalism, dedication, and invaluable contributions to the well-being of those she serves. Recently, a client's daughter reached out to Tracey's supervisor, expressing gratitude for the extraordinary care Tracey provided to her family over the past 25 years. Tracey's efficiency, professionalism, and dedication to serving clients have left a lasting impact on many.

In addition to her outstanding work with clients, Tracey is a pillar of support and knowledge for her colleagues. With a wealth of experience, she willingly shares her insights and provides guidance to her coworkers. Recently promoted to Lead Social Worker in her unit, Tracey is highly respected by her peers and is sought after for her program and policy knowledge.

Colleagues frequently consult her regarding challenging client situations, showcasing the depth of her expertise.
The MSSA Outstanding Staff Achievement Award is a well-deserved recognition of Tracey Voehl's remarkable career and the positive impact she has made on the lives of those she serves and the health and human services field.

During MSSA events, Jess went above and beyond to educate participants on a range of social services topics. Her commitment to sharing knowledge and facilitating learning extended beyond the seminar room, as she took the time to connect with fellow participants and guide them on avenues for continuing education in the field.

Jess Hoeper's significant contributions were not limited to educational endeavors; she also served as a speaker on various topics at MSSA events. Her engaging and informative presentations further underscored her dedication to advancing the mission of MSSA and promoting the growth of health and human services.

Thanks to the MSSA agency member HealtheMed, Inc. for their advocacy around this issue!

This support will help bring equity to in-home care by expanding access to healthcare improving technology.

It’s not too late! You can register for the MSSA Region 9 Summer Webinar Series up until June 18 and access the recordings for sessions you missed!

Join us for a virtual series on culturally responsive practices in behavioral health and earn high-quality, low-cost CEUs (including Ethics)!

https://ow.ly/SBT050Sg0aT