Seven Minnesota human services organizations will receive recognition for their commitment to providing housing, economic assistance, food, health care and other essential services to the state’s residents.
The Commissioner’s Circle of Excellence Awards from the Minnesota Department of Human Services acknowledge outstanding organizations, counties and Tribes for initiatives and innovations that address critical needs in Minnesota’s communities.
“Each year, we select groups that demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the well-being of Minnesotans,” said Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. “We are so grateful for the work these organizations are doing to help advance our mission by delivering health care, housing support, economic assistance and other services to their neighbors to enable them to live full lives in community.”
This year’s winners are:
- American Indian Cancer Foundation, St. Paul
- C.A.R.E. Clinic, Red Wing
- Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, St. Paul
- Hennepin County Human Services Emergency Preparedness Unit
- Hennepin Healthcare, Minneapolis
- Housing Matters, Bemidji
- Scott County Family Resource Centers, three locations
More details are in a department news release. Follow DHS on Twitter and Facebook for highlights from awards presentations.
Approximately 90,000 Minnesotans will continue to save money on MinnesotaCare premiums through the end of 2025, thanks to the federal Inflation Reduction Act signed last month by President Biden.
As part of the landmark law, MinnesotaCare premiums will remain at reduced levels for an additional three years, helping workers and families maintain their access to affordable health care. MinnesotaCare covers people who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to purchase other health insurance.
Until January 2026, people with incomes under 160% of the federal poverty level will not have to pay premiums for MinnesotaCare. People whose incomes fall between 160% and 200% of the federal poverty level will pay reduced premiums. The lower premiums began in 2021 and had been set to end in January 2023, until the new federal legislation became law.
More information is in a department news release.
Innovations that improve options for people with disabilities will go forward over the next two years across Minnesota, funded by a new round of state grants.
Ten service providers will share approximately $2.9 million to support people with disabilities to live and engage with others in their communities and access better employment opportunities.
The grants are part of the department's innovation grant program for people with disabilities. Goals of the grants include achieving integrated, competitive employment and living in the most integrated setting.
More information, including a list of grantees, is in a department news release.
 Shared on the DHS Facebook page:
It's time to sign up for this year's Circus of the Heart event❣️
In addition to a half-day of fun and informative online programming, registered participants will receive a Circus Box packed with activities, giveaways and more. 🎁
Circus of the Heart is an annual event celebrating Adoption Awareness Month in Minnesota by honoring families who have
grown through adoption and kinship care while also providing information about adopting children and youth under state guardianship. The event is sponsored by MN ADOPT in partnership with DHS, counties and many adoption agencies.
Follow DHS on Twitter and Facebook for timely updates on DHS news and events.
Follow our DHS Careers Facebook page for announcements of hiring events, job postings, internships and more.
For accessible formats of this publication, write to dhs.communications@state.mn.us, or call 651-431-2000 or use your preferred relay service.
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