tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19059068684780544042024-03-13T21:12:56.249-07:00lakesandprairiesLakes and Prairieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853668767545321285noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905906868478054404.post-43497243050307529382016-02-10T10:48:00.000-08:002016-02-10T10:48:04.388-08:00Preparing and Filing Your Tax Return Online Can Be Free for those with income of $62,000 or less<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7maUFJkHSws/VqUYlmFjLpI/AAAAAAAAAHM/qEsx0bpXDzc/s1600/MyFreeTaxesDotCom-RGB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="94" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7maUFJkHSws/VqUYlmFjLpI/AAAAAAAAAHM/qEsx0bpXDzc/s200/MyFreeTaxesDotCom-RGB.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Lakes and Prairies is proud to partner and promote the My Free Taxes. com website and online, free tax filing service.<br />
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Some people are best helped during the tax season by going to a free VITA or TCE tax site. Others feel quite comfortable using a computer and filing their taxes on their own. With some services, offers of free tax preparation mean only free for the federal return with fees charged for filing state returns. But, <a href="http://www.myfreetaxes.com/">my free taxes.com</a> includes the filing of up to three state tax returns at no cost.<br />
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If you are not sure whether you want to file electronically on your own or whether you might rather attend a free tax preparation location near where you live; you can visit this website and when you enter your zip code it will also tell you what locations for free tax preparation are within 5, 10, 25 or more miles from your location.<br />
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Our thanks to the Partner organization and sponsors across the country for adding this valuable service to our existing VITA and TCE free tax preparation assistance services.<br />
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<br />Lakes and Prairieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853668767545321285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905906868478054404.post-51118519173027905502016-01-28T10:24:00.000-08:002016-01-28T10:24:06.782-08:00Walk-in Tax Site Preparation in MoorheadThe Lakes & Prairies Tax Site is now open for walk-in appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 pm.to 7:00 pm in our Moorhead offices. We are located in the Clay County Family Service Center at 715 11th Street North, in Moorhead. Services will also be available on Wednesday evening in February (same times and location) due to higher demand for assistance during the first full month of the tax season.<br />
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Those using this service are encouraged to <a href="http://www.lakesandprairies.net/taxsite">visit our website</a> and particularly to note the I.D. requirements -- including social security cards for all children and adults listed on the tax return. Also, the website provides a "What-To-Bring" list and other valuable information. <br />
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The website also provides information on our other Tax Site locations in Hawley, Barnesville and Breckenridge. These locations require an appointment and may be on different dates and different times.<br />
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As we enter this tax season, we are most grateful for the contribution of time and talent by local volunteers and staff who go the extra mile to make sure that Minnesotans get the help they need to <b>get the tax credits and deductions they deserve!</b><br />
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Lakes and Prairieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853668767545321285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905906868478054404.post-56889819562450176252016-01-24T09:50:00.000-08:002016-01-24T09:57:29.853-08:00Free Tax Site Assistance begins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The end of January and early February once again signal the opening of Lakes & Prairies free tax site assistance services for MN residents. Only walk-in services will be available at the Moorhead location. <br />
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Tax preparation services in Breckenridge, Barnesville and Hawley locations will be available by appointment<br />
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For details of times, locations, what to bring, and other valuable information you can link <a href="http://www.lakesandprairies.net/taxsite">here</a>.<br />
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Eligibility for services include: (1) Must be a MN resident; (2) An income of $30,000 or less for individuals and $50,00 or less for families; and, not operate a small business or work as an independent contractor.<br />
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Lakes and Prairieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853668767545321285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905906868478054404.post-30167831278894514702015-10-29T21:34:00.000-07:002015-10-29T21:34:29.141-07:00Closed for Annual All Staff TrainingLakes & Prairies Community Action will be closed all day on Friday, October 30th for our Annual Fall All Staff Training.Lakes and Prairieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853668767545321285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905906868478054404.post-3917616414716602192015-10-28T21:25:00.000-07:002015-10-29T21:29:38.248-07:00Community Action Promotions<div class="_3dp _29k">
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Lakes and Prairies Community Action Partnership's Family and Community Services Division congratulates (from left to right) Emma Schmit, Robin Christianson, and Becki Johnson on their promotions to new positions! Becki has accepted the position of Family and Community Services Director, Emma has accepted the position of Housing Programs Coordinator, and Robin has accepted the position of Special Projects Coordinator. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication. Congratulations on your new positions!</h5>
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Lakes and Prairieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853668767545321285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905906868478054404.post-56221107071172086202015-10-05T21:40:00.000-07:002015-10-29T21:42:46.930-07:00Energy Assistance ProgramWest Central Minnesota Communities Action Energy Assistance is open in the Family Service Center in Moorhead Regular weekday office hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 - 4:30 pm.Lakes and Prairieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853668767545321285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905906868478054404.post-23175161504993635182013-07-17T05:27:00.000-07:002015-09-03T05:31:50.771-07:00Home Repair Mission Workcamp<br />
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MN. Youth arrived on Sunday, July 14 and will be leaving on Saturday,
July 20th. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campers heading out in the morning from <br />
Hawley High School to their <br />
work camp site.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Work camp youth are guided by local<br />
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</span></span><br />Lakes and Prairieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853668767545321285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905906868478054404.post-50636623993890630922013-04-02T05:36:00.000-07:002015-09-03T05:44:49.698-07:00
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tuesday, April 2, 2013<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="5852233658901912221"></a><b><a href="http://lakesandprairiesblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/connecting-to-end-poverty.html"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">CONNECTING
TO END POVERTY</span></a><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Join us on Tuesday, April 16th, 6:30 pm - 8:30
pm, for a Regional Convening of Connecting to End Poverty -- A
Minnesota Without Poverty gathering. The meeting will take place:<br />
St. Joseph's Gathering Place<br />
1013 3rd Ave S., Moorhead, MN. <br />
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Engage and discuss how the MN Legislative Commission to End Poverty (LCEP)
recommendations can be moved forward during the 2013 legislative session.
Gatherings have taken place across the State of MN with the goal of making sure
the LCEP and, its current efforts as being explored by the MN
legislature's "Ladders Out of Poverty" commission continue to
press forward to strengthen our State.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Lakes and Prairieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853668767545321285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905906868478054404.post-84122984749243796692013-03-21T13:00:00.000-07:002015-09-03T05:54:25.466-07:00Senator Heitcamp receives Plaque<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">National Community Action Foundation - Annual
Conference - </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">March,
2013<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DHXTwV3k7Gw/VehBoO87XtI/AAAAAAAAADY/P2nzRu8IpIw/s1600/Senator%2BHeitcamp%2Baward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DHXTwV3k7Gw/VehBoO87XtI/AAAAAAAAADY/P2nzRu8IpIw/s400/Senator%2BHeitcamp%2Baward.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Lakes and Prairieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853668767545321285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905906868478054404.post-64310920231708848552012-09-25T06:44:00.000-07:002015-09-03T06:48:24.183-07:00Save the Date! -- KIDS COUNT COFFEE
<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kids Count Coffee-Moorhead - Sept. 25, 1:00 P.M.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Save the date for the Children's Defense Fund
-Minnesota KIDS COUNT Coffee. Learn about regional trends in
children's health, education, and economic stability. Get a special look
at Kids Count data from a rural perspective. Find out about best
practices being used across the state to improve outcomes for children,
adults and families. Those attending will receive copies of all
presentation materials. </b><br />
<br />
This year’s </span><a href="http://www.cdf-mn.org/sites/2012_publications/kc/minnesota-kids-count-2012.pdf"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">2012
Minnesota KIDS COUNT Data Book</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> entitled <i>Children Across
Minnesota</i> explores the unique challenges of families living in Greater
Minnesota and addresses the often overlooked realities of living in rural
areas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>When:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tuesday, September 25th, 2012*<br />
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Where:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.wcif.org/events/event_details.asp?id=253108"><i><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">Map this
event »</span></i></a><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
Family Service Center<br />
715 11th Street North, Meeting Room 4<br />
Moorhead, MN 56560<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Contact: </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ken Fredette </span><a href="mailto:kenf@lakesandprairies.net"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">kenf@lakesandprairies.net</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> for
more information<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Registering to attend is helpful but not mandatory.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You can register by emailing </span><a href="mailto:kenf@lakesandprairies.net"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">kenf@lakesandprairies.net</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> just
put the words KIDS COUNT in the subject line or call 218-299-7315.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri;">* A Kids Count Coffee is also taking place on Wednesday,
September 26th at West Central Initiative in Fergus Falls at 10:00 A.M..
Go to </span></i><a href="http://www.wcif.org/"><i><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">www.wcif.org</span></i></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i> for
more information and click on their events calendar.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Lakes and Prairieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853668767545321285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905906868478054404.post-25476621181971609822012-09-11T06:03:00.000-07:002015-09-03T06:05:56.413-07:00Voter Registration at Family Service Center September 24th and 25th<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As
part of National Voter Registration Day activities, Lakes &Prairies
Community Action Partnership will participate in Voter Registration
activites and help voters find their polling locations.<br />
<br />
DAY/DATE: Monday, September 24th<br />
Tuesday, September 25th.<br />
<br />
LOCATION: Clay County Family Service Center
(front lobby)<br />
715 11th St. N. Moorhead, MN<br />
<br />
TIMES: 9:00 A.M. -
3:00 P.M.<br />
<br />
<br />
Registering now allows time to submit the form to the County and send you a
postcard notifying you that you are registed and where to vote. The last
day to register to vote is October 15 unless you register at your polling
location on the day of the election. Registering now could save you
much time as polling locations are especially busy when there is a
Presidential election. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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</span><br />
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No matter how you vote, Lakes & Prairies Community
Action Partnership wants you to know...<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b>YOUR VOTE MATTERS</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />Lakes and Prairieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853668767545321285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905906868478054404.post-73012771137320477202012-08-28T06:23:00.000-07:002015-09-03T06:28:09.243-07:00MDH Commissioner visits Moorhead<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dr. Ed Ehlinger MN Commissioner of Health, stopped in
Moorhead on Tuesday morning, August 28th as part of his "Pitch the
Commissioner" trip around Minnesota. In his visits Dr Erlinger has learned
that there are acute needs in most communities and that the public health
infrastructure is weakening. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lakes & Prairies Executive Director Joe Pederson who is
also chair of the Minnesota Community Action Partnership board of directors
"pitched Community Action" as a key partner with MDH and county
Public Health in keeping our communities healthy. He discussed with Dr.
Ehlinger how Community Action Agencies play a key role in engaging low income
and disadvantaged Minnesotans.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6qgizS3Edfw/VehJdAL8oeI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/odPpyeRX7BU/s1600/Pitch%2Bthe%2BCommissioner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6qgizS3Edfw/VehJdAL8oeI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/odPpyeRX7BU/s400/Pitch%2Bthe%2BCommissioner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-17B3IqRT77c/VehGfS5lQ1I/AAAAAAAAADw/4o_Rx_hQd50/s1600/Health%252C%2BAdvocacy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-17B3IqRT77c/VehGfS5lQ1I/AAAAAAAAADw/4o_Rx_hQd50/s1600/Health%252C%2BAdvocacy.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Joe
Pederson (left), Dr. Erlinger (center), and Moorhead<br />
Mayor Mark Voxland, (right)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What does your community need to be healthy? Lakes &
Prairies Board members and staff emphasized the need for safe affordable child
care, early childhood education, Head Start and Early Head Start and the
importance of dental access for low income families. In the pictures below,
Lakes & Prairies board members Lyle Hovland, and Stephanie Miranowski and
Joe continue to "pitch Community Action" with Dr. Ehlinger at Davies
Park in Moorhead. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zp2p0wNvoKc/VehINu-OF_I/AAAAAAAAAD8/PIpkJgze7HE/s1600/Lyle%2BHovland%2Band%2BCommissioner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zp2p0wNvoKc/VehINu-OF_I/AAAAAAAAAD8/PIpkJgze7HE/s1600/Lyle%2BHovland%2Band%2BCommissioner.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lyle
Hovland, Wilkin County Commissioner and Lakes<br />
& Prairies Board Member pitches Community Action with<br />
Commissioner Ehlinger</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DCHCJsbYF0k/VehJHQe5q8I/AAAAAAAAAEE/Jmt7EpO5w8o/s1600/Stephanie%2Band%2BCommissioner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DCHCJsbYF0k/VehJHQe5q8I/AAAAAAAAAEE/Jmt7EpO5w8o/s1600/Stephanie%2Band%2BCommissioner.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Stephanie
Minanowski, Wilkin County Commissioner and<br />
Lakes & Prairies Board Secretary/Treasurer pitches<br />
Community Action with Matthew Collie, Legislative<br />
Liaison, MDH.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Lakes and Prairieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853668767545321285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905906868478054404.post-23503961136456565032012-08-22T06:33:00.000-07:002015-09-03T06:41:04.089-07:00State Bank of Hawley donates $2,500
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bruce Tellefson (center), State Bank of Hawley
President and Emily<br />
Hagen (left), Personal Banking Officer present a check of $2,500 to Lori
Ward,<br />
Lakes & Prairies Director of Operations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-krimy9d51k4/VehNRyNfDHI/AAAAAAAAAEY/efCCv8f4Gpw/s1600/Gift%2BHawley%2BState%2BBank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-krimy9d51k4/VehNRyNfDHI/AAAAAAAAAEY/efCCv8f4Gpw/s320/Gift%2BHawley%2BState%2BBank.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bruce
Tellefson (center), State Bank of Hawley President</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> and Emily Hagen (left), Personal Banking Officer <br />
present a check of $2,500 to Lori
Ward, Lakes &<br />
Prairies Director of Operations. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A $2,500 gift from the State Bank of Hawley became worth
even more with a match grant of $1,000 from Dakota Medical Foundation.
The gift and match will be used to support current health & wellness
projects and to provide start-up funding for the 2013 Group Workcamp Home
Repair project. <br />
<br />
Applications are already being accepted for the home repair project. The
first review of applications will begin November 1, 2012. Additional
information can be found on the Lakes & Prairies </span><a href="http://www.lakesandprairies.net/gwc" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">website</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.
The host community for this project is Hawley, MN where some 400 volunteer
youth and adult leaders will come together from across the country to repair
homes for seniors, persons with disabilities and families experiencing economic
hardship.<br />
<br />
Health & wellness projects include ongoing efforts in the areas
of counseling and application assistance for Medicare Part D recipients,
health related programs for seniors, prescription assistance referral, File of
Life materials distribution, and food support outreach projects including the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Nutritional Assistance
Program for Seniors (NAPS).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The gift, the match it created and an earlier gift of $500
for Mobile Food Drops in Clay County adds up to $4,000 of helping people
and changing lives. Thank you State Bank of Hawley. . . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Lakes and Prairieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853668767545321285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905906868478054404.post-30721677431784839092012-08-10T05:57:00.000-07:002015-09-03T06:30:09.587-07:00Family & Community Services Staff Receive Awards<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bMtSpiToICc/VehDtciTx6I/AAAAAAAAADk/ljqNeWygPDI/s1600/Award%2Bto%2BFamily%2B%2526%2BCommunity%2BServices.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bMtSpiToICc/VehDtciTx6I/AAAAAAAAADk/ljqNeWygPDI/s400/Award%2Bto%2BFamily%2B%2526%2BCommunity%2BServices.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Congratulations to (top left to right Marie Oihus, Becki Johnson<br /> Rebekah Nelson, and Sarah Paterson. And,( lower left to right)<br /> Kala Anderson, Emma Schmidt, and<br /> Colleen Murray, Program Director</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Lakes & Prairies Family & Community
Services staff were chosen as the recipient of both
the 2011-2012 Transitional Housing Program and the Family
Homeless Prevention Assistance Program<b> STAR Awards</b>. The awards
recognize and value this agency's contributions to MN’s Homeless Management
Information System and efforts to end homelessness around the
state. Not only a job well done, but also a first time that both
awards were received by</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">one agency.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
</span><br />Lakes and Prairieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853668767545321285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905906868478054404.post-84789961760082085262012-07-20T06:53:00.000-07:002015-09-03T06:55:26.540-07:00Group Workcamp Home Repair - Applications now Accepted
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Helping agencies, community organizations, county social
service agencies, faith communities, service organizations,
businesses, and others are encouraged to make the below information
available to homeowners who might benefit from this home repair project. A
simple, one-page application is available on our </span></b><a href="http://www.lakesandprairies.net/html/group_workcamp.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">website</span></b></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b> that
can be printed, filled out, and returned to us.<br />
<br />
We will be happy to provide you with posters, flyers, handouts, applications,
or scripts for bulletins and newsletters. You can do this by calling the Lakes
& Prairies Family & Community Services office
at 218-299-7314 or toll free at 800-452-3546. Thank you.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>________________</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8PLeAKhYAoA/VehQ0Nnm0GI/AAAAAAAAAEk/GLYH8fo1gek/s1600/GWC%2BLogo%2B2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8PLeAKhYAoA/VehQ0Nnm0GI/AAAAAAAAAEk/GLYH8fo1gek/s1600/GWC%2BLogo%2B2013.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Are you or someone you know in need of</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Home Repair Assistance?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Lakes & Prairies Group Workcamp Home Repair project
is now accepting applications from seniors, persons with disabilities and
families experiencing economic hardship. Eligible individuals or families
must be homeowners and live in Clay County or northern Wilkin
County, MN. Projects that will be considered such as interior/exterior
painting and building or repairing a wheelchair ramp, are listed on the
application.<br />
<br />
<b>Site Selection begins November, 2012. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Lakes and Prairieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853668767545321285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905906868478054404.post-79876173277738207052012-06-28T07:00:00.000-07:002015-09-03T07:03:45.320-07:00Otto Bremer Foundation presents check for almost $200,000<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_hJLpL_Rr1E/VehR0o6JHJI/AAAAAAAAAEs/UrXG8D2TA-A/s1600/Bremer%2BGift%2B2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_hJLpL_Rr1E/VehR0o6JHJI/AAAAAAAAAEs/UrXG8D2TA-A/s320/Bremer%2BGift%2B2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Left
to Right are:<br />
Howard Barlow, Bremer Bank Community Service<br />
Representative;<br />
Kelli Rohrer, L&P Child Care Resource & Referral;<br />
Brian Hagen, President, at Bremer Bank;<br />
Joe Pederson, Executive Director Lakes & Prairies;<br />
Colleen Murray, Director, L&P Family & Community<br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.lakesandprairies.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Lakes
& Prairies</span></a>received a $188,000 grant to benefit low-income children and
families. The check was presented on behalf of the <a href="http://www.ottobremer.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Otto Bremer Foundation</span></a>by Brian
Hagen, president at Bremer Banks. The grant will be used
to: expand Child Care Resource & Referral services; initiate a
community-based “Circles of Support” program, and provide match
funding for special projects and initiatives including Group Workcamp Home
Repair, the Lakes & Prairies Tax Site, Food Support outreach, and Clay
County Seniors.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">At the presentation, <a href="http://www.wday.com/event/article/id/65631/publisher_ID/29" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Pederson spoke</span></a> of the</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">importance of this grant to maintain and expand needed services for children
and families.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
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</tbody></table>
<br />Lakes and Prairieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853668767545321285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905906868478054404.post-77911546037137758872012-06-07T07:08:00.000-07:002015-09-03T07:09:29.514-07:00Top Ten Head Start Outcomes
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i><strong>Top Ten Lakes and Prairies CAP</strong></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i><strong>Head Start Outcomes!</strong></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our program has been fully enrolled with a waiting list all year.<br />
<br />
Our average daily attendance is 88 percent.<br />
<br />
We are one of eight Head Start programs in the nation selected as members of a
Learning Community around Parent, Family, & Community Engagement.<br />
<br />
96.3% of enrolled Head Start children left last year’s program up-to-date on a
schedule of preventive well child care.<br />
<br />
98.7% of children left the program having had a dental exam. All of these
children left with a “dental home” also.<br />
<br />
99.6% children left the program with all of their immunizations up-to-date.<br />
<br />
There were 57,915 nutritious meals and snack served to Lakes and Prairies Head
Start children this year.<br />
<br />
Each child enrolled in one of our classrooms had 65 hours of large motor play
outside or in the gym this school year.<br />
<br />
School Readiness Goals are aligned with the Minnesota Early Learning Standards
and the Head start Outcomes Framework.<br />
<br />
All CLASS observations have met or exceeded the minimal criteria as determined
by the Office of Head Start<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Lakes and Prairieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853668767545321285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905906868478054404.post-88019672762719206372012-05-01T07:17:00.000-07:002015-09-03T07:19:34.438-07:00Tax Filing Season a Success Thanks to Volunteers
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x7l8WD2iLZg/VehWaKxaHPI/AAAAAAAAAE4/qziDR0sMCmI/s1600/Tax%2BFiling%2BThank%2BYou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x7l8WD2iLZg/VehWaKxaHPI/AAAAAAAAAE4/qziDR0sMCmI/s320/Tax%2BFiling%2BThank%2BYou.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thanks to the work of 27 volunteers who contributed 897
hours of their time to assist low and moderate income households with their
2011 tax filings, we can report:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Federal
and State refunds of $1,538,761 for 709 households<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">An estimated
$170,000 saved in filing fees<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Screenings
of 182 households for eligibility for other benefits<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Doing the math</u>: Whether tax site
volunteers were greeters, tax preparers, reviewers, or providing clerical
support, each hour any volunteer contributed had the outccome of refunding an
average of $2,170 to an individual or family. Volunteers do make a
difference! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Lakes and Prairieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853668767545321285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905906868478054404.post-7544061069599166782012-02-22T07:22:00.000-08:002015-09-03T07:24:47.098-07:00Holly Nett completes CCR&R Leadership Development Program<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J7fraVKbBbA/VehXh0B9vTI/AAAAAAAAAFA/jIXRn82C1j0/s1600/Holly%2BNett%2BAward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J7fraVKbBbA/VehXh0B9vTI/AAAAAAAAAFA/jIXRn82C1j0/s320/Holly%2BNett%2BAward.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Holly
Nett, Child Care Consultation Manager at Lakes & Prairies Child Care
Resource & Referral (CCR&R), completed a 3-year leadership development
program offered by the National Association of Child Care Resource &
Referral Agencies (NACCRRA). Nett was one of four individuals selected
nationally for the intensive mentoring, training, internship, and service
opportunities program in the Child Care Resource & Referral field.
During those three years, Nett completed two, 2-week internships. One
focused on child care consultation at the Indiana Association of Child Care
Resource & Referral in Indianapolis, IN, in 2010 and a national public
policy internship in Washington D.C. in 2011. Nett has been with Lakes
& Prairies Community Action Partnership, CCR&R for 17 years. The
CCR&R program provides services in northwest Minnesota and eastern North
Dakota. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--></span>Lakes and Prairieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853668767545321285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905906868478054404.post-58643398630373741662012-02-16T07:54:00.000-08:002015-09-03T07:56:19.211-07:00Lakes & Prairies VITA Tax Site Receives Generous Support from Bank of the West<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; 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mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; 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mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; 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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r7yzma9atBI/VeheGfnxRtI/AAAAAAAAAFc/q4VViJiL-4c/s1600/Bank%2Bof%2Bthe%2BWest%2BGift%2B2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r7yzma9atBI/VeheGfnxRtI/AAAAAAAAAFc/q4VViJiL-4c/s320/Bank%2Bof%2Bthe%2BWest%2BGift%2B2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bank of the West Branch Area Manager Scott Green (left) and<br /> Moorhead Branch Manager Kari Saurdiff (2nd from right) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">pres</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ent two checks totaling $5,000 for our Volunteer Income Tax<br /> Assistance Program. Receiving the checks are Joe Pederson,<br /> Lakes & Prairies Executive Director and Brenda Maaninga,<br /> Tax Site Coordinator and Director of Finance.</span></td></tr>
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The Lakes & Prairies Free Tax Site is now in its 7th
year. During these years the tax site has grown from serving 84 to now
more than 650 households annually. Last year households received
more than $1.65 million in refunds and saved an estimated $150,000 to
$200,000 in tax preparation fees. Eligible households also received
information about federal benefits and other opportunities that
could further leverage their income. The growth of the tax
site to what it is today could not have taken place without the
financial support of individuals and businesses in our communities. The
gifts presented by Bank of the West (BOTW) will help cover costs related to tax
site operations and outreach to help low and moderate income families in their
efforts to achieve family economic stability and success.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Lakes and Prairieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853668767545321285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905906868478054404.post-46935871433795374942012-02-07T08:21:00.000-08:002015-09-03T08:23:09.153-07:00Child Care Resource & Referral receives Star Award<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pictured at the award ceremony (from left to right)
are:<br />
Dr. Joel Haugen, Dakota Medical Foundation Board Chair,<br />
Sonya Fisher - CCR&R Professional Development Manager,<br />
Linda Lembke - CCR&R Director, and<br />
Pat Traynor, CEO, Dakota Medical Foundation</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Child Care Resource & Referral was awarded a Star Award
from Dakota Medical Foundation to recognize leadership in promoting healthy
eating and active living in regional child care programs. GoFar was also
featured in their annual report.<br />
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Congratulations, Sonya and Linda and the entire CCR&R team!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
Lakes and Prairieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853668767545321285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905906868478054404.post-68709241240899950612012-02-06T07:32:00.000-08:002015-09-03T07:47:57.995-07:00Going to Harvard!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CF_HcrbYJG8/VehZtz9hIZI/AAAAAAAAAFM/mU_1cTEJGpI/s1600/Harvard%2BFamily%2BResearch%2BProject%2BLogo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="97" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CF_HcrbYJG8/VehZtz9hIZI/AAAAAAAAAFM/mU_1cTEJGpI/s320/Harvard%2BFamily%2BResearch%2BProject%2BLogo.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, for a few days anyway. Lakes and Prairies
Head Start staff are excited to be part of a Professional Learning Community on
Parent, Family and Community Engagement. Pam Bernstein, Head Start
Program Director, Kristin Phillips, Early Childhood and Special Services
Manager, and Shanna Grefsrud, Transportation/Parent Involvement
Manager, will travel to Boston, MA in late March to work with other
Head Start Staff at the Harvard Family Research Center. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Lakes and Prairieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853668767545321285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905906868478054404.post-57941168273195993542012-02-03T08:24:00.000-08:002015-09-03T08:26:59.040-07:00Dakota Medical Foundation - $5,000 Match Grant
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership has
received a match grant in the amount of $5,000 from Dakota Medical Foundation
to support an initiative called "Putting Healthy Options Within Reach."<br />
The match grant will work to:<br />
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<b>PROVIDE HEALTH COVERAGE INFORMATION AND APPLICATION ASSISTANCE FOR LOW TO
MODERATE INCOME FAMILIES AND SENIORS, INCLUDING MINNESOTA CARE, MEDICARE, AND
MEDICARE PART D. </b><br />
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INCREASE AWARENESS OF ELIGIBILITY FOR HEALTH CARE AND FOOD-NUTRITION SUPPORT
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES AMONG LOW-INCOME FAMILIES AND SENIORS THROUGH THE USE OF
THE CHILDREN’S DEFENSE FUND BENEFITS CALCULATOR – "BRIDGE TO
BENEFITS."<br />
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INCREASE THE NUMBER OF INCOME ELIGIBLE SENIORS PARTICIPATING IN THE NUTRITIONAL
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR SENIORS.<br />
<br />
PROMOTE THE USE OF THE "FILE OF LIFE" INFORMATION SHEETS THAT PROVIDE
EMERGENCY CONTACT, MEDICAL DATA, MEDICATION, MEDICAL CONDITION, ALLERGIES AND
MEDICAL INSURANCE INFORMATION.<br />
<br />
OFFER HEALTH AND SAFETY PRESENTATIONS FOR SENIORS.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Dakota Medical Foundation, Fargo, ND, focuses its efforts on improving health
and access to medical and dental care in the region, with a special emphasis on
children. Since 1996, the Foundation has invested over $42 million to 387 nonprofit
organizations in the region. For more information, see www.dakmed.org. </span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lakes
& Prairies Community Action Partnership is a nonprofit organization. Its
programs include Family & Community Services, Clay County Seniors, Child
Care Resource & Referral, Rainbow Bridge, Clay-Wilkin Head Start, and the
Lakes & Prairies Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Lakes and Prairieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853668767545321285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905906868478054404.post-240183084301317902012-01-26T08:16:00.000-08:002015-09-03T08:18:03.922-07:00Lakes & Praires shares in Best Practice Award presented to West Central Initiative<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-upBmB6CU0j4/VehjPfiPA3I/AAAAAAAAAF4/ExZDY0-_Tcc/s1600/Nancy%2BStraw%2Bat%2BBest%2BPractices.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-upBmB6CU0j4/VehjPfiPA3I/AAAAAAAAAF4/ExZDY0-_Tcc/s320/Nancy%2BStraw%2Bat%2BBest%2BPractices.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong>Nancy
Straw, President, West Central </strong></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
<b>Initiative receives the Best Practice award</b><br />
<b>presented by Steve Nagle, Executive Director</b><br />
<b>of West Central MN Communities Action</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qdKU3x1FeBw/Vehjp7VazKI/AAAAAAAAAGA/bjNyjy53pgE/s1600/Best%2BPractice%2BCAP%2Bagencies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qdKU3x1FeBw/Vehjp7VazKI/AAAAAAAAAGA/bjNyjy53pgE/s1600/Best%2BPractice%2BCAP%2Bagencies.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong>Leadership
Academy participants and Community Action</strong></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
<b>staff from the 4 CAPs listen as award description</b><br />
<b>is presented by Catherine Solheim, Associate Professor </b><br />
<b>Family Social Science, </b><br />
<b>University of Minnesota College of Education & Human </b><br />
<b>Development</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lakes
& Prairies Community Action Partnership shared in the "Leadership
Academy -- Best Practice" award presented in St. Paul on February
15th. Nancy Straw, President, <a href="http://wcif.org/"><span style="color: #0563c1;">West
Central Initiative</span></a> received the award for WCI's leadership in facilitating
and providing support for the project. Lakes and Prairies had 4
participants last year and will be sending 7 new Leadership Academy
participants this spring. Other CAP agencies sharing in the award
were Mahube Community Council, Otter Tail-Wadena Community Action Council and West
Central Minnesota Communities Action.<br />
<br />
<b>The Practice</b>: Too often, the full potential of leaders goes
untapped. The Leadership Academy helps previously undiscovered, low
income leaders realize their power and take more active roles in building their
communities' future. The Academy provides a space and structure for
people to acquire and practice competencies that result in becoming more
effective leaders<b>. The Impact</b>: Preliminary results are
pomising, indicating that participants have become more involved in their
communities, are accepting formal or informal leadership positions and have
become more effective community advocates.<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span>Lakes and Prairieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853668767545321285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905906868478054404.post-78076901623664274992012-01-24T08:02:00.000-08:002015-09-03T08:08:33.251-07:00Lakes & Prairies Receives Promising Practice Award<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AjhfMSaAmvc/VehgspmUpOI/AAAAAAAAAFs/nsIc7TYqHqs/s1600/Promising%2BPractice%2BAward%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AjhfMSaAmvc/VehgspmUpOI/AAAAAAAAAFs/nsIc7TYqHqs/s400/Promising%2BPractice%2BAward%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Staff,
volunteers, board members and program participants<br />
came forward to receive the award.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vkjE4_zfka4/VehgFhw_V-I/AAAAAAAAAFk/39E45ExDrbE/s1600/Promising%2BPractice%2BAward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vkjE4_zfka4/VehgFhw_V-I/AAAAAAAAAFk/39E45ExDrbE/s400/Promising%2BPractice%2BAward.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Brenda
Maaninga, Lakes & Prairies Tax Site<br />
Coordinator accepts award on behalf of volunteers<br />
and staff who worked together for the success<br />
of this effort.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
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The <u> <b>"Banking the Unbanked"
through our VITA Tax Site</b></u>project received a Promising Practice award at
the Minnesota Community Action Partnership Best Practice ceremony held on
February 15th in St. Paul.<br />
<br />
<b>The Practice:</b> Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership
has incorporated pre-paid debit card services as a method to provide low cost
banking services to the previously unbanked. <br />
<br />
Households utilizing VITA Tax Site services were offered the opportunity to
sign up for a pre-paid debit card to deposit their refund. <b>The
Impact: </b>The pre-paid debit card provides the households the ability to
build savings, avoid predatory lending practices and work toward financial
security.The debit cards are FDIC insured, very low fees, and protect against
the possibility of overdraft.<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
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<br />Lakes and Prairieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853668767545321285noreply@blogger.com