Amid the stress of maintaining a job and household, especially when under the added pressure of financial difficulties, the odds of reaching an emotional or family crisis increases. The CAC hopes to prevent the potential fallout of such crises–such as domestic violence or drug abuse–by offering the necessary counseling and guidance to help individuals regain a sense of control in their lives and the needed support to face the struggle of managing all of their daily responsibilities.

Crisis intervention, Advocacy & Resource Referral

The CAC provides a safe, respectful place where people in crisis can obtain help. Client services staff help people in crisis to identify problems and resources and to access those resources through referrals, assistance in the application process, and advocacy when necessary. Licensed social workers provide short term counseling to help clarify issues and options. Staff provide assistance in navigating the social service system through resource information and necessary referrals.

Short term counseling/problem solving

With staff assistance, individuals identify the present and underlying problems that interfere with household stability or healthy functioning. Social workers may help people develop plans to resolve problems, restore or maintain stability, and prevent future crises.

Health (mental, physical, chemical) care referrals

The CAC maintains close working relationships with area professionals providing a range of health care services, including mental and chemical health. Staff can assist in making appointments, completing forms, applying for programs like Medical Assistance or Minnesota Care, and obtaining assessments, consultations, prescription medication or free care on a short term basis.

Flexible Assistance for Critical Needs

Twists and turns in life sometimes produce crises that individuals or families cannot resolve alone: a relationship falls apart, leaving one or another partner – and often children – without a place to live; injury or illness strikes when there is no health insurance; a new job promises stable income, but that first check is two weeks off and the car needs gas today.

The CAC responds to such needs on a case-by case basis through financial assistance allocated within the agency’s budget. Interest-free loans can prevent eviction, help someone into an apartment, or cover minor car repairs when a battery is dead or tires are bald. Staff also reserve a limited amount of money for more flexible uses that meet other critical needs; usually that need is health-related. CAC loans have covered short-term prescription medicines and maintained phone service when a critical illness hits.

As a private non-profit organization with broad community support and a skilled, knowledgeable staff, the CAC can often shape its assistance to accommodate particular circumstances when other resources are lacking.