I have heard from many members of your community since the meeting July 24 regarding the opening of a state-operated group home for people with mental and physical disabilities in Nokay LakeTownship. DHS prides itself on being a good neighbor and has built strong partnerships in your area over several decades. In that spirit, we will explore alternative options that I hope will meet all of our needs.
I understand that the placement of the group home caught many of you off guard and we want to take more time to work with the community. Over the next two weeks we will engage in discussions to address your concerns while considering viable alternatives that will provide these important services.
We plan to conclude our evaluation by Aug. 8 and will then share our decision. In the meantime, if you have questions you may contact Patricia Carlson, CEO of State Operated Services, at 651-431-2369 or Patrica.L.Carlson@state.mn.us. Thank you for your patience as we work to find a solution that works for everyone.
Lucinda Jesson
Commissioner
Minnesota Department
of Human Services
Comments (4)
Add commentI cannot believe all the fuss
I cannot believe all the fuss over the new group home. I have been in around 15 group homes in this area. Many times as a Medi Van driver and as a sister to a mentally challanged person. I do not understand Kathy Stevens position that this is ruining her life, Really? I have never experienced a violent or even a slightly uncomfortable situiation in these homes. These homes are filled with love and understanding. These people are not criminals although they do make group homes for them, I don't believe this home is one of them. just how far away from her house is this going to be, 1/2 mile? 2 miles? in her back yard? and what are you really teaching those daycare kids, be scared of anyone who isn't just like you? I would not want that from my daycare provider. Maybe you should visit some group homes before you pass judgement that you cannot tollerate one in your neighborhood. Most of the residents in a group home just want to be happy and loved. What would this world be without the loving support these homes provide? Shame on you Kathy.
I live next door to a group home
The group home I live next to is not a state run group home, but I feel the same type of clients are similar to the one the state is trying to open. I live in a neighborhood with lots of children, probably a daycare too.
I see the clients come home after their day program or work place, being dropped off by a bus or van. They wave to me and I never had a problem with them. My dog will bark at them when there is a shift change or when the workers will take their break outside.They never complain! My dog is pretty darn loud.
My point is as a neighbor the group homes respects the rights of other neighbor's as we should to them.They are well staffed and I have never seen any police action.
How many neighbors can you say that about? You have no control over persons who move in that have domestic issues, a husband and a wife fighting, family members fighting etc.
The statement from the lady saying her life is ruined is so laughable, the group home is not even open! I live next door to a group home, not 5 or 10 arces like the one at Nokay Lake. Right next door, my lot is .18 and the same for my neighbors. My life isn't ruined, though at times I could have been turned in due to my dog's barking. Sometimes being a neighbor is mutual tolerance and respect. The daycare provider should give that a try.
Halloween
I used to take my kids Trick or Treating at the Group Homes and nursing homes.They came to the DAC when I worked there. They weren't scared because there was nothing to be scared of. Teaches kids that not everyone is the same and that doesn't make them bad. Kids that have been around special needs people don't turn out to be bullies.
The Nokay Lake group home clients aren't going to come knocking on your door asking for sugar. Because they KNOW they wouldn't find any there.
I talked to someone about group homes
IF there were dangerous people being put in this group home there would have been notification.
The fact that there was no notification means the residents will be harmless.
That makes sense.
Steel doors? Many homes have them. Plexiglass on windows? to keep vulnerable adults from hurting themselves.