MN Transition Coalition News - November 24, 2025

Transition Coalitions 6 logos image

Our commitment is to engage with community partners to increase access to resources, programs and services that people impacted by incarceration may need in order to thrive in communities and reduce individual risk.    – Kelley Heifort, DOC Director of Reentry Services


Events & Education Header

Center

Rethinking Addiction A Faith Leader’s Guide 

Free Webinar featuring  Rachel Bowling Director of SAFE Communities at SAFE Project,

A national nonprofit working to end the addiction epidemic 

Wednesday, November 26, 2025, noon central

REGISTER

Fish

A flyer for a support group for families and friends of people who are incarcerated. It meets on the 3rd Saturday each month at Westwood Community Church in Edina. The flyer includes a brief description of the group and contact information for Fay and Greg.


Toys

A flyer for the 3rd Annual Toy Drive asking for new, unwrapped toys from Nov 23–Dec 22. It lists Minneapolis drop-off locations and a contact number: (612) 483-9719. The flyer has holiday images and photos of children.


Free TG

A flyer advertising free vegan Thanksgiving meals to go. It says meals are available on November 27 at J. Selby’s from 11 AM until they run out. It also mentions baked goods and limited drinks for sale. The design includes fall leaves and warm holiday colors.


Acts

A flyer for the “Coated in Love” event on December 8 from 9 AM to 3 PM at the Minneapolis Convention Center. It includes the 3000 Acts of Kindness logo and explains that the event gives out coats, personal care items, meals, and support to people in need.


MHP

Join us on Wednesday, December 4th, from 3:30–5:30 PM for MHP’s Winter Social! Gather with advocates, industry leaders, organizers, and housing champions from across the continuum for an afternoon of celebration.

We are excited announce the event will be soundtracked by Steve Roehm from The New Standards. We’d love for you to bring a guest and share in the celebration!

Click the image above to register


Find Help

During this virtual session, we’ll cover:

  • Policy Overview: Federal community engagement requirements and key implementation opportunities to reduce state burden and beneficiary confusion
  • Technology in Practice: Product solutions that support managed care organizations, hospitals, and state agencies
  • Partnership Readiness: How Findhelp connects the ecosystem to support members through these transitions
  • Click image above to register

Recovery Night

A flyer for the Minnesota Wild’s 8th Annual Recovery Night on Monday, January 12 at 7 p.m. Tickets include a pregame meeting with speaker Ken Daneyko. Prices start at $43. A QR code and contact info are included.


Barriers

A flyer for a free legal rights event on December 11, 2025, in Minneapolis. It explains that people can learn about their rights, expungements, and pardons. It gives the time, location, and a QR code to register.


NAMI

A flyer for an online support group for Black women living with a mental illness. It meets every Wednesday from 6:00 to 7:30 pm on HeyPeers. A smiling woman is shown on the right side. The group is facilitated by Tacha and brought to you by NAMI Minnesota


Village

A flyer for an online training session on legal basics for building a grant-ready organization. It is taught by attorney Anisha J. Murphy and held on Zoom on December 4, 2025, from 6–8 p.m. A QR code is included for registration.


How will changes at HUD impact Minnesota? Join MICH’s December 3 webinar to learn more

Join us for the next MICH webinar on Wednesday, December 3 from 1 - 2 p.m. If you have any questions about your webinar registration, please email dan.gregory@state.mn.us   

On the December 3 webinar, we will discuss what we know about HUD’s changes to Continuum of Care funding (see “Resources for understanding HUD’s Continuum of Care funding application” below for more), what MICH is hearing from community, and how we’re approaching this harmful and destabilizing directive.  

Though MICH webinars are not the ideal place to address individual circumstances, MICH is committed to following up if people do raise specific questions or concerns. 

The beginning 10 minutes of each monthly webinar will be held to hear from the Speakers Bureau. Anyone who has lived experience of homelessness is welcome to sign-up to share through the Speakers Bureau. This is open time each month for lived experience experts to share ideas and feedback with the webinar audience.    

The next webinar Speakers Bureau will be on Wednesday, December 3 at 1 p.m. There is a monthly prep session held the Tuesday before the webinar. The prep session will be Tuesday, December 2 from 11-11:30 a.m. Follow this link to join the prep session. This is an ongoing opportunity that happens each month. Sign up is required. Please email dan.gregory@state.mn.us or call/text Dan at 651-983-9985 to sign up to speak or with any questions.


Heading Home

2025 Heading Home Hennepin annual meeting

Join us for the Heading Home Hennepin Annual Meeting, a gathering of the full Continuum of Care (CoC) membership and all those committed to preventing and ending homelessness in Hennepin County. This year’s event is proudly planned and hosted by the Hennepin County Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG), in collaboration with Hennepin County's Office of Housing Stability. It’s a space to connect, learn, and grow together as we explore the theme of person-centered human services (celebrating success!). Expect an afternoon of meaningful conversations, networking, and workshops that highlight how we can center humanity in our collective work to end homelessness.

Event details

Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2025 Time: 1:00 – 4:00 PM Location: Minneapolis Central Library – Pohlad Hall Address: 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN

Registration: Click here for additional information and to register.


Project Turnabout

CORRECTIONS CONNECTIONS LUNCHEON

Join professionals from corrections, probation, treatment, and recovery services for the Corrections Connections Luncheon—a collaborative event designed to strengthen partnerships that change lives. Together, we’ll explore how systems can better work in sync to support recovery, reduce recidivism, and create pathways to lasting change. Enjoy lunch, conversation, and connection as we build bridges between justice and recovery for healthier communities.

Location: 660 18th Street | PO Box 116, Granite Falls, MN 56241

Date and time: Fri, Dec 12, 2025 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Organizer: Lisa Drafall, (320) 297-1724, ldrafall@projectturnabout.org


CPC

A flyer for CPC’s Holiday Health Hub on December 20th from 12–4 p.m. at Nellie Stone Johnson Elementary in Minneapolis. It mentions food, coats, toys, gift cards, resources, registration links, and social media info.


Glow Day

A flyer for the GLOW Holiday Festival in St. Paul. It says tickets are on sale for Nov. 20 to Jan. 4. The right side shows two children looking at bright holiday lights.

Guests may use the code KINDNESS25 at checkout to receive 20% off all ticket purchases. A portion of the proceeds from every ticket purchased with this code will directly benefit Summit students.


Toys1

A flyer for a Toys for Tots event with bright cartoon toys and teddy bears. It says the event is on Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 10 AM to 1 PM at the UROC Gallery in Minneapolis. It includes a link and QR code to register for toys. Logos of partner organizations are shown across the top.


Toys St. Paul

A Toys for Tots flyer with colorful toy illustrations at the top. It says the event is on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, from 6–9 PM at 1115 Greenbrier Street in St. Paul. It includes a registration link, a large QR code, and logos of partner organizations at the bottom.


MARRCH

April 16-17, 2026 | Breezy Point, MN

Submit your proposal online by January 5, 2026, to be considered for the 2026 Spring Conference! 

2026 MARRCH Spring Conference Call for Proposals Survey


NJIC

A flyer for the Serving Victims of Crime Conference, held August 18–20, 2026, in Appleton, Wisconsin. It invites professionals to learn strategies for supporting victims and has a “Register Now” button.

Important Info & Announcements header

Fair Chance

A flyer for the Fair Chance Career and Networking Event on December 9, 2025, at Metro State University. It invites justice-impacted students, jobseekers, employers, and community partners. A QR code and registration link are included.


RS Eden

A flyer from RS Eden announcing they are hiring Peer Recovery Specialists. It lists employee benefits and includes a QR code to view open positions, plus a link to apply.


Public Works

A Minneapolis Public Works hiring flyer with job openings, pay, basic requirements, a QR code, and the application dates.


Recovery Gym

A hiring flyer for a Licensed Mental Health Professional. It lists job duties, qualifications, and says to email a resume and proposal to info@tcwcrg.com.


Important Info & Announcements

Sober Homes

A flyer asking Minnesota sober home operators to take a survey, with a large QR code and a website and email for more information.


Telehealth

A flyer for a 12-week online telehealth program starting February 2, 2026, with support, education, and an enrollment phone number: 651-342-1857.


Mission 29

A flyer for Mission 29:11 Reentry offering support for men leaving incarceration. It shows photos of group gatherings and men smiling together. The flyer says they provide mentorship, reentry help, advocacy, and fellowship. It invites people to join a caring community. Contact information is at the bottom.


OCM

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Jim Walker (651) 387-2430 jim.walker@state.mn.us

 

Office of Cannabis Management accepting applications for next round of CanRenew grant funding for restoring communities negatively impacted by cannabis prohibition

OCM announces $10.9 million CanRenew program to fund projects addressing a range of community needs

St. Paul, Minn.The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) announced today that it is accepting applications for the next round of funding for the CanRenew community restoration grant program, designed to help communities affected by cannabis prohibition. The application window runs from today to January 12, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. CST. 

The $10.9 million CanRenew program, established in the 2023 cannabis bill, invests in communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition, fostering development, safety, and stability. The application window for this grant opens today and closes on January 12, 2026. By funding projects focused on economic development, social determinants of health, violence prevention, civil labor aid, and youth engagement,CanRenewsupports organizations making a meaningful impact in community renewal.CanRenewgrant funds are not intended to support cannabis business operations and cannot be used on revenue-generating projects. 

“During the first round of funding, 150 organizations applied for grants, requesting more than $22 million to fund important community programs,” said Jess Jackson, OCM’s director of social equity. “At a time of increasing need and tightening budgets, CanRenew funding has the opportunity to make a difference where it matters most. We are proud to provide financial support to communities to help mitigate the long-lasting effects of cannabis prohibition.”   

During the last opportunity to apply for CanRenew, the program awarded $1 million to eligible organizations throughout the state. Information about grantees selected in the last round are available on OCM’s CanRenew webpage. This round, CanRenew grant awards are expected to range from $2,500 to $2,000,000 depending on the tier level for which they are applied.  

Tier 1 awards for microgrants range from $2,500 to $10,000 and will be available for organizations newer to state funding. Tier 2 awards are available for organizations that have demonstrated the capacity to implement larger projects and range from $50,000 to $2,000,000. They also require higher levels of risk assessment and monitoring.   

Organizations interested in applying for a CanRenew grant must submit a written application that explains their proposed community investment, the community's needs, and the expected positive outcomes. Applications for the grants will be evaluated based on their potential community impact, the organization’s track record of success, and community support for the investment. Priority will be given to applications from organizations with a demonstrated history of successful community investments, community support for the project, and support for youth civic engagement, leadership, and/or youth-led health education opportunities. OCM will give weight to applications where the proposed grant projects will serve areas where residents are eligible to be social equity applicants.  

CanRenew grants are part of a larger collection of state grants that support and provide funding for technical assistance, financial capital, and workforce training for Minnesota’s legal cannabis industry.  OCM also promotes CanGrow to help farmers enter the legal cannabis market. Applications for the next cycle of CanGrow funding will be accepted early next year. Three additional grant programs supporting the state’s legal cannabis industry are overseen by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED): CanStartUp, CanNavigate, and CanTrain. For more information on those grant programs visit DEED’s Support for Cannabis Businesses website   

For more information on CanRenew and CanGrow grant opportunities and how to apply, please visit the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management website. 

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Pathways
LG1

A flyer from Pathways Counseling Center says they have immediate openings for Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services. It lists contact info for Jerrod Brown: 651-734-5517 and an email address.


KCO

A flyer advertising rooms for rent for men, costing $650–$750. It shows a group of people standing together and lists house features like four bedrooms, shared kitchen, two bathrooms, laundry, Wi-Fi, and an outdoor sitting area. Contact information for KCO Suites is included.


DHS partner offering free in-person training for peer specialists on tobacco and nicotine


American Lung Association’s Lung Mind Alliance is hosting a free educational event for peer specialists on the relationship between tobacco/nicotine use, mental health (MH) and other substance use disorders (SUD). Peer staff from CHOICES, a New Jersey-based peer organization focused on supporting clients around tobacco/nicotine and co-occurring MH/SUD, will present education applicable to peer specialists in Minnesota. 

Registration link:  Peers: Let's Talk About Tobacco & Nicotine!

When: Tuesday, Dec. 2 from 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Where: 1601 Utica Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN 55416. There is a free accessible parking ramp next to the building and public transit within two blocks.

Who Should Attend: Recovery Peer Specialists, Mental Health Peer Specialists, Mental Health Family Peer Specialists, Supervisors of Peer Specialists or other helping professions interested in learning how peers can support clients around tobacco and nicotine use. Free CEUs pending from the Minnesota Certification Board


Burkwood

A flyer for Burkwood Treatment Center’s Intensive Outpatient Program. It offers flexible addiction treatment for adults, evening sessions, group therapy, and support services. The flyer includes contact info: 715-201-2130 and the website burkwoodtreatmentcenter.com.


New Beginnings

A flyer for New Beginnings Bayath Solutions with photos of housing and a testimonial from Joe, plus contact information.


Victory Plus

A flyer for Victory Plus Housing in St. Cloud, MN. It describes their safe, sober housing and includes testimonials, contact information, and a picture of a tree by the ocean.


Meraki

A flyer for Meraki Recovery Housing. It explains their sober housing program, lists accommodations, locations, and contact information. A small house logo and QR code are included.


FoodFood2

DHS issues RFP for a Grantee to Provide Peer Services in Todd County


The Minnesota Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Behavioral Health Administration has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for a grantee to provide peer services in Todd County. The Minnesota Legislature passed a onetime appropriation during the 2024–2025 legislative session to expand access to peer support services in Todd County. The legislation specifies that funds are designated for a grant to an organization providing daily peer support and specialized sessions for individuals in recovery from substance use, those transitioning out of incarceration and those who have experienced trauma.

Total funding available is $300,000. All funds must be spent by June 30, 2028. Only one responder will be awarded.

The selected grantee must be located in Todd County and will need to deliver peer support services that align with Minnesota laws, including certified Mental Health and/or Recovery Peers. Additionally, the grantee will need to submit quarterly progress reports and submit a final evaluation report to demonstrate the overall impact of the responder’s program on individuals and communities.

Successful Responder Must:

Key Dates:

  • Deadline for Submitting Questions: Dec. 5, 2025
  • Deadline for Proposal Submission: Dec. 19, 2025
  • Contract Start Date (Anticipated): March 1, 2026

Full details, requirements and materials can be viewed on the Grants and RFPs webpage.


About this Behavioral Health Administration e-memo

You have received this email because you are subscribed to one or more of these lists:

For more information about behavioral health services in Minnesota, visit:

Children’s mental health / Adult mental health / Substance use disorder / Resources for partners and providers

For more information about this e-memo please feel free to contact us at youropinionmatters.dhs@state.mn.us.


Helpful Living

A flyer for Helpful Living, showing a yellow house and listing the address, phone number, and email. It highlights holistic care, 24/7 support, and a warm home-like setting.


Sage
Sage

Sage Prairie offers:

  • Intensive outpatient with safe and supportive patient housing
  • Evening outpatient
  • Comprehensive assessments
  • Peer Support
  • Transportation within the Twin Cities metro area

*For any questions regarding housing moving forward, please reach out to James Longhenry at 715-307-8774 or Katie Blue at 507-323-9014*


Spirit House

A flyer for a men’s sober house in Saint Paul. It shows house photos, basic rules, amenities, and contact information.


Summit

A flyer for 3S Recovery Center announcing immediate openings for an Intensive Outpatient Program for all genders. It includes a button for more information and a QR code to submit a referral. The design uses blue, white, and gold colors.


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