School Social Worker - Ms. Romano

Students who need to talk about school or home concerns, can make an appointment to see me. I also facilitate friendship groups throughout the year. In addition, I work closely with the Ramsey County Attorney and the Truancy Intervention Program. If you have a concern about your son/daughter, please do not hesitate to give me a call.

Thank you,

Michelle Romano

michelle.romano@spps.org
651-293-8950 Voicemail 1489


I am including resources below for your information.  I try to update these resources periodically but if you find that information is incorrect, please let me know. Thank you.

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Shelters for Students on the Run/Homeless:

Aindah Yung Shelter - will accept students 12-16yo. Call 651-227-4784/St. Paul.

The Bridge - will accept students 10-17yo. 612-377-8800/Mpls

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Chemical Health Counselors

Elaine Johnson, Licensed Psychologist (20 years of experience)- Indiv and Family counseling- Oakdale and Richfield - 612-798-7373 x32 (accept insurances - out of network provider, call for more info)

Family Innovations - indiv/family counseling 651-748-5019/Maplewood

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Free Clothing

Arlington Hills Lutheran Church

1115 Greenbrier Street requirements: referral from school social worker

Saint Paul, MN 55106

Phone: (651) 771-5501

Hours: Tuesday, 9:30 am – 1:00 pm (September through May)

Joseph's Coat

1107 West Seventh Street requirements: photo identification
Saint Paul, MN 55102 *can shop once a week
Phone (651) 291-2472 - Hours: Monday and Wednesday 9 am - 4:30 pm , Second Saturday every month 9am-1pm

Swap Shop, Church of Saint Luke,  1065 Summit Avenue,  Saint Paul, MN 55105  Phone: (651) 227-7669 - Hours: Saturday, 1 pm – 3 pm Saturday (September through May)

Listening House in Saint Joseph's Hospital

215 9th Street restrictions: Only Adult resources

Saint Paul, MN 55105 requirements: sign in at opening

Phone: (651) 227-5911;  Hours: Monday at 12:45, Tuesday at 12:45, Wednesday at 9am, Friday at 9am

Dayton Avenue Presbyterian Church ;  217 Mackubin Street
Saint Paul, MN 55102
Phone(651) 227-7389;  Hours: First and Third Saturday, 9am-11am    Provides clothing and support services for Native American, African American, and refugees.

Department of Indian Work    1671 Summit, Saint Paul, MN 55105, Phone: (651) 644-2768   Hours: Monday – Friday, 10am-3pm   Website: www.spacc.org     Services: Provides a food shelf and adult and baby clothing for Native American families.

Saint Paul Reformation Church Requirements Food Shelf

100 North Oxford 1. Call to make appointment

Saint Paul MN, 55104 2. Photo Identification

Phone: (651) 251-9015 3. Current Mail to prove address

Food & Clothes Shelf No requirements for Clothes

God's Closet  820 White Bear Avenue at Methodist Church Requirements: photo identification  Saint Paul, MN 55119 Limitations: 2 bags   Phone (651) 771-4627   Hours:Monday, Wednesday Friday, 10am-2pm

EASTSIDE only

Sharing Korner    595 Arundel Street Requirements:  Saint Paul MN 55103 *Call Beforehand *  Phone (651) 293-1931 Adults: 18 and older need photo identification,   Hours: Monday, Wednesday and current mail   Friday, and Saturday Children: medical form   9 am – 11:30 am social security card

Joseph's Coat - 291-2472

Alley Shop - 776-8708 *need social worker referral*

Catholic Charities - 222- 1787

Swap Shop - 227 -7669

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Tatoo Removal-

Vandy Moua

774-5654

call between 3-8 pm

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Counseling/Mentoring:

For a list of mentor programs in the metro area, go to Mentoring Works or call Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota at # 612-370-9180.

African American Family Services # 651-642-0021--they provide counseling services to youth/families. Sometimes they have anger management groups for youth. Please call for more information. 
The website is www.afs.net

Morris Nakumbe, from Thad Wilderness & Associates. The contact info for the agency is 651-225-8997 & is located at 475 University Ave.

Big Brothers/Big Sisters #651-789-2400--for the Community based program. --They provide mentoring for youth. Ages 7-13yo. There are no requirements for families. Free. To contact our HPJH school coordinator for a big brother/sister for 7th graders, please call Jeanna at 491-1275. w
ww.Bigstwincities.org


Merrick Community Services #771-9389--speak to Brian for information on the after school program from 3:30-6:00pm. Ages 5-14yo. They do not provide transportation. Free. Located on 715 Edgerton in St. Paul. Also, can speak with Mary/Melissa at #771-9389 about case management services. This is where families are paired up with a case manager to help with different needs in the home. Free.

St. Paul Youth Services #651-771-0076--can call to find services for youth through Twin City area. If have Medical Assistance insurance, mentors for youth can be found at #952-953-3399.

Totems -- # 651-275-0441 and speak to social worker, Heidi or intake worker Kathy. Provides in home counseling services to families/youth. Funding comes from other sources/your insurance. No requirements for families. Provide in home services to Ramsey and Washington counties.

Streetworks Legal Services for teens--612-252-2735.

Wilder Child Guidance Center - 651-280-2000

For students who are Native American --can call our Indian Education Social Workers at 651-293-5191 with our St. Paul Public School District and they have some special mentoring programs available.
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Counseling for Families/Youth with no insurance or financial means

African American Family Services  # 651-642-0021

PORTICO Health Net (603-5100)-an agency that helps you determine what insurance you qualify for and helps you complete the applications. If you qualify for MA you could go thru the Thad Wilderson and Association (651-225-8997).

Project Assist through Ramsey County. 266-4045.

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Grief and Loss Counseling
Thad Wilderson & Associates, 651-225-8997  (Specific workers mentioned: Morris Nakumbe; Willie Winston, PHd; Halle Ricketts, LICSW)
Dr. Richard Oni of Progressive Individual Resources, 651-222-6567, troni@orbis.net
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Counseling for Autistic Youth-
George Abrahms - 651-647-5722 (specializes in working with autistic youth)
Tom Davis - 651-773-2010 - Lake Elmo (specializes in working with autistic youth)

Mitch Leppicello - LICSW - Woodbury (specializes in working with autistic youth) - 651-739-7539

Dr. Bart Main at Behavioral Health in Eagan 730-7525

Autism Society of Minnesota - 651-647-1083 call for more info on resources or website is www.ausm.org for workshops for caregivers.

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Students of Asian American and Pacific Islander decent - Asian Media Access - Souk Moua at 612-376-7715; webpage is www.amamedia.org They provide the following programs for FREE and provide free transportation.

1.  Ramen Ya program - a shelter program for 14 yo - 21 yo female runaway/homeless youth; 2. Asian Girl's Group/afterschool program that meets every Wed from 3pm-7pm. Free transportation from their home to the program and back to home is provided. This group meets at the Rondo library in St. Paul; 3.  Multi Media Force Group - which meets on Fridays. The kids make videos with an educational theme. Program encourages writing and poetry.

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Hispanic Mentoring/Counseling Services:

Hamm Clinic, contact is Emilia Godinez (651-224-0614).

La Oportunidad has a mentoring program. Call 612-872-6165 and ask for information about the mentoring program.

There is a really good resource for Latino organizations. It is the Chicano Latino Affairs Council (CLAC). Their directory is available on-line. The website is: http://www.clac.state.mn.us

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Ethopian Resources

http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/refugee/resourceguide.pdf - this is an awesome resource which can be downloaded

New Americans Community services and Health Clinic 651 University Av. St. Paul 651-287-5223

Center for Victims of Torture

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To connect Families with Resources 

www.Bridgetobenefits.org

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Youth Groups:

Face to Face: # 772-5613 speak with Kate Buckley about support groups for youth. There are self esteem support groups for youth starting soon. Please call her for more information.

ADHD/ADD support group for youth:  952-933-8983 or www.adssmn.org

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Food Shelves

Neighborhood House - Call Cindi Yang - 651-789-3630/789-5247

Paul/Sheila Wellstone Center - 651-789-2500

Rice Street Food Shelf - 651-917-3939

Second Hand Harvest - 651-484-5117

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Rent Assistance

Call County to register with them for emergency financial assistance - 651-266-4444

Community Stabilization Project - 651-225-8778

Keystone at 651-917-3883

Ramsey Action Programs (family loans); 651-645-6445

St. Paul Foundation (Community Sharing Fund Contact Name - Arbadella Williams) -651-224-5463 *Parents need social worker referral, so please contact Ms. Romano OR your child's school social worker*  This program can only help families one time over 18 months.
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Youth Job Information:

The Job Connection:  In the Macalester-Groveland, Highland, and Summit Hill areas.  For youth looking for employment. Need to be 12 years or older. Youth will be assigned a job to help senior citizens or an adult with a disability.  Jobs include: lawn mowing, yard work, housecleaning and minor household repairs. If interested, call 651-695-4000.
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Parent Groups:

Parent to Parent Support Group of Ramsey County call Donna (612) 436-8777. Please call if you are interested in being connected to a parent group (run by parents with support from professionals). The parents in this group have children with serious emotional/behavioral challenges and they connect with other parents for support and information. This group meets monthly at either 12PM or 6:30PM on the second Tuesday of each month. Call the number above if you are interested in finding out the location this month.

ADHD/ADD support groups for parents of children with ADD/ADHD or parents/adults who may have ADHD/ADD.  Call 952-933-8983 or www.adssmn.org

ADHD/ADD website - http://www.additudemag.com

Support Group for Parents of children with sexual abuse and behavioral issues. This group are for parents of victims ONLY. Open to parents with children who are of any age. Free. Group is faciliated by a staff from Pathfinders (agency that works with victims of sexual abuse). Call 651-643-3022.
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Education and Resources:

Talking with your Kids about Tough Issues - www.talkingwithkids.org

United Way 211 (# 651-291-0211)--call this agency to locate any kind of social service assistance (mentoring, counseling, afterschool programs, etc). Can also access http://www.211unitedway.org/queries/keysearch.html

Mental Health Association of Minnesota: (612) 331-6840 --The Mental Health Association offers wonderful free education and advocacy/assistance for mental illness related issues.

Suicide Awareness: (952) 946-7998--This program helps with suicide-related issues.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK.

http://cabf.org -- website explaining Bipolar Disorder. Go to Learning Centers topic to find out more.

Missing Children Minnesota (helps to locate missing/runaway children free of charge): 612-334-9449

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Legal Services

Central Legal # 651-642-1890 (free/low cost) Speaks Spanish

Officina Legal # 651-641-1011 Speaks Spanish


Legal Services/Support for Low Income Parents: Neighborhood Justice Center, Inc, St. Paul 651-222-4703; Southwestern MN Regional Legal Services, 651-222-4731

Karen F. Ellingson, Attorney at Law, P.A.of Immigration Legal Services - Servicios Legales de Immigracion. Karen's office is located at 1059 So. Robert St., Suite 100 West St. Paul, MN 55118. Karen is bilingual (Spanish/English) and coordinated Oficina Legal for many years. She is willing to work out reasonable payment plans with clients and has a keen understanding of needs. She also still teaches at the U of M law school. You can reach her at (651)451-1660 for more information.

Ben Casper 651-271-6661 Attorney for immigration. Spanish speaker.

Family Court Services in the Hennepin County Court House...  provides mediation services free to divorcing couples. Both parents need to be willing to mediate and there needs to be no domestic violence between them. Call 612-348-3000
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Crisis Interventions


Vic Ellingson # 266-5311. Social Worker at the Juvenile Detention Center (JDC). He works with parents whose children may be out of control at home, truant from school, runaways, etc. He may be able to meet with you and your child to discuss concerns.

Mobile Crisis Team 651-774-7000, open 24 hours. Team can come out to the home if needed to devise a plan of action with family

Crisis Connection -612-379-6363

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Eating Disorders:

Eating Disorder Assistance: TAMS (Teenage Medical Service) which is a part of Children's Hospital. They accept insurance and have an eating disorder program for kids. #612-813-6125

Emily's Program which is on Snelling Avenue. This is an eating disorder program for jr high kids. They accept insurance. #651-645-5323

The Health Start Clinic at Highland Park Senior High has a nutritionist (Pat) and social worker (Marvel) who work together and see students (individually) who are at risk for having an eating disorder and/or who already have one. Their number is 651-690-7667. These services are free to any Highland Jr. and Sr. High student.

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Reduced Dental Care:

Vang Dental Clinic on 367 W. University in St. Paul (222-6738) is still doing free/sliding fee - I know they accept MA. Also Check Quan Dental 422 University Ave. St. Paul (290-2818) as they used to take referrals from Social Workers for free or low cost dental. Contact me if you need a referral. Thank you.

Public Health Services - 555 Cedar St. 651-292-7749, Model cities - 290-9200, Sharing and Caring in Mpls - free on Saturday if they have no insurance - 612-338-4640, U of M school of Dentistry, Mpls. 612-624-8400 - Neighborhood Health care Network makes referrals to community clinics - 651-489-2273 are some possibilities.

Helping hands walk in dental sliding fee - 244-7561

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Eye care:

The Gift of Sight Program through Lenscrafter's provides free eye exam and glasses to low income students. Contact Ms. Romano, School Social Worker at Highland Park Junior High (651-293-8950) for more information.

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After School Programs:

Girl's LEAP (Life Empowerment Awareness Program) is located through the YWCA. This is a girl's only group for girls ages 7-14yo to make new friends, do some journaling, leadership, and to learn new skills, build self esteem. This program has openings. Girls ages 7-13yo--there is a sliding fee for parents; and girls age 14, it's free. There is currently free transportation from Highland Junior for girls who want to take part in this program. Program runs Mon-Fri from 2:30-5:30pm. Parents need to arrange for transportation home at 5:30pm. If interested, please call Krissy at 651-265-0731. Thank you.

Study Skills website:
http://www.studygs.net/

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Tutoring Programs

Boys/Girl's Club of the Twin Cities - the Mount Airy Unit at 690 Jackson Street.  651-221-0330 or at the West Side Unit at 291 Belvidere Street.  651-222-2212.  - or the East Side Unit at 1620 Ames Ave.  651-774-5654 - Mondays -Fridays from 3:00pm - 6:00pm.  For this program only is $5.00/year (East Side Unit).  www.boysandgirls.org

Lao Family Community of Minnesota, Inc. - Youth Education Program at 320 W. University Ave.  651-209-6808 (speak with Vern Xiong).  Mondays - Fridays for Hmong Students in grades 7-9.  FREE

Neighborhood House at 179 E. Robie Street. 651-227-9291. Mondays - Fridays afterschool and evenings. Grades K-12.  FREE

Summit University Education/Benjamin Mays Magnet For African American Students grades K- 12 at 560 Concordia Ave. in St. Paul.  651-227-5199 - individual tutoring, homework assistance. Mondays - Thursdays from 6:00pm-8:00pm.  FREE

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Holiday Programs

Toys for Toys/Operation Joy - parents can call 651-746-3595 if parents would like help with toys for their children this year.  Phone may be busy, but keep trying.

To get information about a Thanksgiving Day basket/meals for families, please call Ms. Romano, School Social Worker at 651-293-8950. Thank you.

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Health Insurance/Medication Options

Portico: 2610 University Ave West Suite 550; St. Paul, Mn 55114-2117 - (651) 603-5100

St Mary's Clinics (651-690-7029) which is free for under-insured and uninsured individuals and families also can provide medication when warranted.

http://rxassist.org/  - go to this link to see about low cost medication options

For students who are Native American - Please call - Mashkiki Waakaaigan Pharmacy at 1433 East Franklin Ave. South Suite 13B in Minneapolis, MN 55404. Phone is 612-871-1989

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College Funding

http://www.questbridge.org/access/collegepreptext/