Community Engagement: April 2022

Published on April 30, 2022

Becker County Addressed Opioid Epidemic

Through the Rural Response to the Opioid Epidemic Grant, Becker County Stakeholders came together to support opening a new recovery community organization satellite location. From 2019-2020, overdose deaths in Becker County increased by 58%. 20 community partners across multiple organizations attended the recent planning session. The group aims to expand access to peer recovery services and provide a safe place for sober activities.

Essentia Supports + SOAR Career Solutions

SOAR Career Solutions in Duluth is a non-profit helping economically disadvantaged individuals obtain and maintain sustainable employment. SOAR's Employment Service Program and Re-Entry Services program, which provides support to individuals transition out of incarceration, served 424 clients over the past year.

Essentia Health has supported SOAR in their mission of inspiring personal transformation through career development since 2003 with over $200,000.

James came to SOAR in 2017 after being released from incarceration. He put in hard work with a career specialist and graduated from Lake Superior College's Commercial driving program.

James increased his income by 176% since working with SOAR.

Together We Thrive

Kudos to our colleagues in Graceville who collected over 300lbs of food throughout March for a local food shelf!