Hennepin County Library: Freedomticket

Mental Illness Resources: An Interview with NAMIs Anna Meyer

infotech@hclib.org — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 CDT

Recently, Freedom Ticket interviewed the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Minnesota’s Criminal Justice Project Director Anna Meyer to learn more about mental illness and local resources that offer support.

What is NAMI?

NAMI Minnesota is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children with mental illness and their families. We offer free classes and support groups throughout the state. We also advocate for policy changes to create more community mental health programs and services, improve access to services, increase opportunities for recovery, reduce stigma and discrimination, and increase public understanding of mental illness.

In your work, how have you seen mental illnesses impact the lives of residents in corrections facilities?

Mental illness affects everyone in some way. One in four adults will have a mental illness at some point in their lives. Mental illnesses are even more common in corrections facilities. Both in and out of facilities, anxiety and depression are the most common mental illnesses among adults.

Many people who have mental illnesses also use alcohol or illegal drugs. In corrections facilities, three out of four people who have a mental illness also use alcohol or drugs. For many people, this combination easily leads to a cycle of repeated problems with the law.

Most corrections facilities simply don’t have the resources to provide adequate mental health treatment. Mental illnesses are treatable biological brain disorders. However, it takes time to diagnose them correctly and find the right treatment for each person. Usually what works best is a combination of therapy, medication and self-care (exercise, eating well, etc.). For someone with both a mental illness and chemical use, it is important to treat both at the same time.

Another common issue is the difficulty of re-entering the community. While incarcerated, many people lose their jobs, housing, benefits and so on. Again, most facilities do not have the resources to help people get connected to necessary services before their release.

Finally, many people in corrections facilities have asked me about family members, especially children, who have challenging behavior or a mental illness. A lot of parents want more information about how to get a good diagnosis for their child and how to help their child succeed in school and at home.

What about the impact on their families on the outside?

When crime is discussed in the media, the impact on families isn’t usually talked about. However, NAMI gets calls from concerned family members of incarcerated people almost every day.

Whether you are a family member or incarcerated yourself, arming yourself with information is important. Two of NAMI Minnesota’s booklets can help:

The first is Advocating for People with Mental Illnesses in the Criminal Justice System, which provides information about advocating for someone with a mental illness at each step in the criminal justice system, from arrest to re-entry.

The second is Hope for Recovery, which provides information about mental health resources in Minnesota, from health benefits to housing.

NAMI also has many other fact sheets and booklets. These are available online at no cost or by calling our office at 651.645.2948 or 1.888.NAMI.HELPS.

How can NAMI Minnesota help residents, or their families, who are affected by mental illness?

NAMI provides free support groups and classes for people living with mental illnesses and for family members. You and your family are welcome to attend, as well as to join NAMI.

Also, NAMI is always advocating for policy changes, such as increased funding for mental health courts, mental health services in jails and prisons, and public defenders. Last year we helped pass a bill that clarifies that 911 operators can send a mobile mental health crisis team instead of or along with the police if someone is having a mental health crisis. We also helped pass a bill to limit the use seclusion and restraint in schools and train teachers on how to use seclusion and restraint properly. This is important to NAMI because seclusion and restraint are used more with kids who have mental illnesses than with other kids.

We are also very involved in efforts to reduce the barriers to re-entry after incarceration. We’re an active member of the Second Chance Coalition, a group of organizations that believe punishment should end when someone’s sentence ends. You and your family are welcome to join. Email me at ameyer@nami.org to join the group or find out how you can get involved.

For more information, please call the NAMI Minnesota office 651-645-2948 or 1-888-NAMI-HELPS or visit online at www.namihelps.org

The Job-Hunter's Survival Guide by Richard N. Bolles

infotech@hclib.org — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 CDT

Check out this essentials-only guide to finding a job--even your dream job--in a challenging economic climate, from Richard N. Bolles the author of classic career guide What Color Is Your Parachute?

Mr. Bolles also has a companion website for his books that offers articles and additional resources. Visit it at:

www.jobhuntersbible.com/

Reading & Recidivism: An Interview with Author Walter Mosley

infotech@hclib.org — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 CDT

Recently, Freedom Ticket had the opportunity to interview Walter Mosley. Mosley is the author of more than 29 critically acclaimed books, including the major bestselling mystery series featuring Easy Rawlins. Another of his series is a powerful trilogy about an ex-offender, Socrates Fortlow, and his adjustment to life in Los Angeles after being released from prison.

As you developed the character of Socrates Fortlow, what did you learn about the reentry challenges facing people who were formerly incarcerated?

You have a long period of punishment and then a long period of suspicion. It’s not impossible to build a life. As a matter of fact, it’s very possible to build a life, but most of the details of every day are against building it.

How can reading and libraries help people make positive changes in their lives?

One of the things that can cut down recidivism is learning how to read and learning how to read better. Books are important things to people in prison. Whenever you encounter a book, there’s an opportunity.

If Socrates Fortlow were a real person and looking for a good book to read, what would you recommend?

Wow! I’d probably say “Les Misérables” by Victor Hugo. Because it’s really dealing with the issue of being criminalized by a society that doesn’t care at all about you and at the same time that it’s up to you to make a life for yourself.

Resume Tips for Ex-offenders from ISEEK

infotech@hclib.org — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 CDT

Ex-offenders benefit from having resumes that show how they have been rehabilitated as well as their skills and qualifications.

Many job seekers struggle to create an effective resume. A resume is a document that you create to accurately market your qualifications for your chosen career.

All resumes should:

Be truthful. State your skills and abilities accurately.

Target your audience. Highlight skills and activities relevant to a specific career.

Be brief. Limit your resume to one or two pages, and use fewer words for scannability.

Be professional. Print your resume on high-grade paper using a quality printer.

Be accurate. Proofread your resume (and have a friend do the same) for any errors.

Include all related experiences. Include personal information if it is unique and related to the job. Example: If the job description indicates speaking Spanish is preferred and you speak Spanish, include that information.

Ex-offenders benefit from having resumes that show how they have been rehabilitated as well as their skills and qualifications.

Positive activities to add to a resume include:

Previous employment. List length of time employed, accomplishments on the job, positive performance reviews, promotions and other attributes.

Education. List enrollment and completion of any job training or work-skill programs. Also list courses passed and graduation from post secondary programs.

Community, religious or social activities that show responsibility, longevity or work skills.

Military achievements.

Source: ISEEK

For more employment resources specifically for ex-offenders from ISEEK, please visit:

http://www.iseek.org/guide/exoffenders/index.html

Libraries and Reentry: An Interview with Congressman Keith Ellison

infotech@hclib.org — Mon, 04 May 2009 00:00:00 CDT

Why are you interested in reentry issues?

As a former criminal defense attorney, I am very interested in reentry issues. During that time, I saw first-hand the value of reentry programs and the contributions that ex-offenders can make to their communities. I believe reentry programs help to ensure that the transition from prison back to society is safe and successful. Good reentry programs make certain equal opportunity to employment and education services are offered. Good programs, in turn, build stronger, healthier communities. I continue to be a strong advocate for reentry programs that give people a chance to return to their communities and make positive contributions.

How do you think libraries can help ex-offenders?

Libraries play a vital role in the reentry process, by providing ex-offenders with a window on the world of information to begin the process of reentry into their communities. Traditionally, libraries have served as a natural transition point for ex-offenders, often having had access to library materials while serving their time. Moreover, libraries are public venues that can aid in the development of social skills needed to once again reintegrate into society. Libraries provide free access to a wealth of resources including books, films, community programs, computer and Internet access. Additionally, some libraries offer training and literacy programs, job opportunity searches, schooling and rehabilitation information and legal services. In doing so, libraries are often the vital link to equipping ex-offenders with the tools necessary to make a successful reintegration into society.

Are you currently involved in any legislation or programs to help ex-offenders?

In the last Congress, I co-sponsored, The Second Chance Act of 2007 (HR 1593), which passed the House and Senate and was signed into law (P.L. 110-199) on April 9, 2008. Specifically, the legislation requires that recipients who are eligible for this program’s federal funding must develop comprehensive strategic reentry plans containing measurable annual and five-year performance outcomes. It further requires establishing a reentry task force to promote lower recidivism. It also calls for strategic reentry plans for ex-offenders. The legislation’s intent is to ensure a safe and sustainable transition of ex-offenders from prison or jail back to our communities. I was also a co-sponsor of the Youth Prison Reduction through Opportunities, Mentoring, Intervention, Support, and Education Act (Youth PROMISE Act). This bill calls for more opportunities for youth gang members to reenter their communities by demonstrating a commitment to change from their past actions. Not only does this bill serve the community, it also helps to demonstrate that young people can learn from their mistakes and not be burdened by them in the future. I am currently considering championing the House version of a bill authored by Senator Jim Webb (D-VA). This legislation calls for a complete overhaul of our current prison system including the establishment of a National Criminal Justice Commission. Our country has a clear problem. With just 5% of the world’s population, America holds nearly 25% of the world’s reported prison population. Our prison population has quadrupled since 1984, and most of the increase comes from people being imprisoned for drug offenses – mostly minor and nonviolent. You can be sure that I will continue to remain watchful of any opportunities that have as their result productive reentry programs.

Keith Ellison has represented the Fifth Congressional District of Minnesota in the U.S. House of Representatives since taking office on January 4, 2007. The Fifth District includes the City of Minneapolis and the surrounding suburbs.

For more information or to contact Congressman Ellison:

http://ellison.house.gov/

612.522.1212 (Minneapolis)
202.225.4755 (Washington, D.C.)

Build Job Skills and Help the Community

infotech@hclib.org — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:00:00 CDT

Looking for a great way to develop or share your skills and help people in your community too?

April is National Volunteer Month, so celebrate it by exploring the many volunteer opportunities listed at VolunteerMatch.

VolunteerMatch strengthens our communities by making it easier for good people and good causes to connect.

Learn more at:

http://www.volunteermatch.org/

Check Out CareerOneStop

infotech@hclib.org — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 CDT

CareerOneStop is…

Your source for employment information and inspiration
The place to manage your career
Your pathway to career success
Tools to help job seekers, students, businesses and career professionals
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor

Explore it online at:

http://www.careeronestop.org/

Prepare for Civil or School Entrance Exams

infotech@hclib.org — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 CDT

Whatever your career or school goal, check out LearningExpress Library's resources accessed from the library's Jobs and Career Subject Guide will help you succeed. Each of the Learning Centers offers the practice tests, exercises, skill-building courses, and information you need to achieve the results you want—at school, at work, or in life. Looking to land a job? You'll find an entire Learning Center dedicated to helping you get the one that's right for you.

Also, next time you are at the library be sure to ask library staff about our many books that will help you prepare for civil service and school extrance exams.

The Beautiful Struggle by Ta-Nehisi Coates

infotech@hclib.org — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 CDT

Paul Coates was an enigmatic god to his sons: a Vietnam vet who rolled with the Black Panthers, an old-school disciplinarian and new-age believer in free love, an autodidact who launched a publishing company in his basement dedicated to telling the true history of African civilization. Most of all, he was a wily tactician whose mission was to carry his sons across the shoals of inner-city adolescence—and through the collapsing civilization of Baltimore in the Age of Crack—and into the safe arms of Howard University, where he worked so his children could attend for free.

Among his brood of seven, his main challenges were Ta-Nehisi, spacey and sensitive and almost comically miscalibrated for his environment, and Big Bill, charismatic and all-too-ready for the challenges of the streets. The Beautiful Struggle follows their divergent paths through this turbulent period, and their father’s steadfast efforts—assisted by mothers, teachers, and a body of myths, histories, and rituals conjured from the past to meet the needs of a troubled present—to keep them whole in a world that seemed bent on their destruction.

With a remarkable ability to reimagine both the lost world of his father’s generation and the terrors and wonders of his own youth, Coates offers readers a small and beautiful epic about boys trying to become men in black America and beyond.

You can also listen to great interview with Ta-Nehisi Coates on NPR's Fresh Air.

Social Security Card Information

infotech@hclib.org — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 CDT

You can replace your Social Security card for free if it is lost or stolen. However, you may not need to get a replacement card. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important.

To replace a lost Social Security card:

Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5); and
Show us documents proving your identity.
Show us documents proving your U.S. citizenship if our records do not already contain that information.
Show us documents proving your current, lawful, work-authorized status if you are not a U.S. citizen.

In most cases, you can mail or take your application and original documents to your local Social Security office. If you live in the New York City metropolitan area, Las Vegas NV, Orlando FL, or Phoenix AZ you may need to apply in person at your local Social Security Card Center.

All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.

For more information about getting a replacement card and the documents you will need to show us, see Documents You Need for a Social Security Card.

You are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime. Legal name changes and other exceptions do not count toward these limits. For example, changes in noncitizen status that require card updates may not count toward these limits. Also, you may not be affected by these limits if you can prove you need the card to prevent a significant hardship.

Keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers. Do not carry it with you.

Even though you apply for a replacement card, Social Security takes no action on the loss of the original card. Reporting a lost or stolen card to us will not prevent its misuse.

A person using your card or number can get other personal information about you and apply for credit in your name. So, if you suspect someone is using your number, you should take these steps to protect yourself and your financial health:

Educate yourself about identity theft;
File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission;
Check your Social Security record (call toll-free 1-800-772-1213; TTY 1-800-325-0778) to ensure your income is calculated correctly; and
Monitor your credit reports.

Review Your Credit

infotech@hclib.org — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 CDT

Is “retail therapy” your favorite pastime—even though you really can’t afford it? Do you ignore the balance on your credit card statements, vowing to pay them off at some point down the line? Is your debt preventing you from living your dreams—like buying a home or starting a family? If so, girl, it’s time to get your credit straight!

These days, with easy access to multiple credit cards and glossy advertisements that entice us to spend at every turn, it’s all too easy to start racking up debt—and even little slip-ups can lead to real damage over time. In this highly practical follow-up to her bestsellers Girl, Get Your Money Straight! and Girl, Make Your Money Grow!, financial expert Glinda Bridgforth delivers a power-packed plan for paying down debt, repairing your credit score, and securing your financial freedom—along with a future that makes your heart sing.Beginning with simple, engaging exercises to help you assess your spending habits and get clear about what you owe, Girl, Get Your Credit Straight! presents a detailed road map for eliminating debt, one step at a time. You will learn how to:

• Devise a system for tracking expenditures, anticipating end-of-month shortfalls, and paying bills on time, every time

• Find ways to supplement your income

• Consolidate loans to pay off debt faster, decrease stress, and save time and money

• Negotiate with your creditors to come up with a payment plan that works for you

• Discover the best loans to use for refinancing debt or making major new purchases

• Understand how credit bureaus work--and take steps to improve your score

Filled with Bridgforth’s warmhearted wisdom and advice, and complete with worksheets, affirmations, and inspiring stories of African American women who’ve restored their credit and built new wealth, Girl, Get Your Credit Straight! is a fresh, empowering guide for any woman who wants to say goodbye to debt—for good.

Change We Can Believe In

infotech@hclib.org — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 00:00:00 CDT

President Barack Obama offers bold and specific ideas about how to fix our ailing economy and strengthen the middle class, make health care affordable for all, achieve energy independence, and keep America safe in a dangerous world.

For daily updates on President Barack Obama, visit the White House blog at:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/

200 Best Jobs through Apprenticeships

infotech@hclib.org — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 00:00:00 CDT

Learn about a route to career entry that gives you a paycheck while you participate in worksite training and classroom learning—tuition free. Apprenticeship is a system of job training that turns trainees into highly skilled workers with a nationally recognized credential that may bring income and job security as good as or better than what college graduates enjoy. Apprenticeships are often called the “other four-year degree” because they help workers earn as much as or even more than college graduates.

This book opens your eyes to the many career possibilities through apprenticeships and includes more than 60 “best jobs” lists and detailed descriptions of the 200 best apprenticeable jobs. The best apprenticeable jobs lists are organized by pay, growth through 2016, openings, 16 career clusters/interest areas, Holland personality types, high-growth industries, number of apprenticeship years required, union membership, percentage of women and men in the jobs, and popularity. In addition to the best jobs lists and thorough job descriptions, this book provides the latest in-depth information on apprenticeships. It lists all 981 apprenticeships that are registered with the U.S. Department of Labor and explains how to become an apprentice, where the opportunities are, what the requirements are, what the pros and cons are, and much more.

The book covers new developments in apprenticeships, lists 100 new nationally registered apprenticeships, and features the latest data from the U.S. Department of Labor. Nearly 30 new lists rank best apprenticeable jobs by union membership and by high-growth industries, including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, energy, geospatial technology, health care, homeland security, and nanotechnology. Each occupation now includes information on the percentage of workers with union membership, average union wage, and beginning wage.

Over 450,000 people—including minorities, women, youth, people with disabilities, and workers who have been laid off from their jobs—participate in apprenticeship programs. “The government’s return on investment in registered apprenticeship clearly outperforms other types of government-sponsored job training programs,” according to information from the U.S. Department of Labor.

150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs

infotech@hclib.org — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 00:00:00 CDT

In a rocky economy, everyone wants a rock-solid career. And you don’t need to trade salary for security. This new book uncovers the 150 most secure, good-paying jobs in good and bad times.

A total of 75 lists rank the best recession-proof jobs by pay, growth, and openings, plus by education level, personality type, career clusters/interests, age, part-time work, and self-employment. Bonus lists reveal the most recession-proof metropolitan areas and states, the most recession-proof skills, and the jobs very sensitive to recession.

The detailed job descriptions give helpful facts on pay, growth, openings, tasks, skills needed, education and training required, work environment, job security, highest- and lowest-growth industries for the job, and fastest-growing metropolitan areas for the job.

A special part explains how to recession-proof your career, how the information can help in both good and bad economic times, and the short-term and long-term outlook. Readers gain career tips for shaky times, including how to be the irreplaceable worker.

Second Chance Day on the Hill

infotech@hclib.org — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 00:00:00 CDT

Join hundreds, and advocate for change. Hear the stories of those who have struggled to move beyond their past, become contributing members of our community and redeem themselves.

Feb. 11, 2009
10 a.m.
Capitol Rotunda, St. Paul, MN.

For more information, please visit:

http://www.goodwilleasterseals.org/site/PageServer?pagename=SC_home

Workforce Centers: Your One-Stop Employment Shop

infotech@hclib.org — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 00:00:00 CDT

Looking for free job skills counseling and training? James Houston, a Rehabilitation Services Placement Coordinator at the South Minneapolis Workforce Center, offers the following information about this important community employment resource.

What are the Workforce Centers? How can they help former ACF residents looking for work?

Minnesota Workforce Centers (WFC) are one-stop employment shops located across the state. Individuals, who use WFC’s can use our computer labs to search for jobs, write résumés and respond to job inquiries. Many WFC’s also offer job search education and training and opportunities to meet with local employers. WFCs also house other non-profit organizations of assistance to job seekers.

How does a placement coordinator help ACF residents looking for work?

ACF residents who are eligible for the Rehabilitation Services program will be able to work with a placement coordinator. Placement coordinators provide many basic services such as creating résumés, filling out applications and finding job leads. They also do interview and job etiquette training to prepare ACF residents for the interview process. A placement coordinator can also do job coaching so that once you get a job, you will be able to maintain it.

Any suggestions that you can share for ex-offenders/ACF residents who are looking for work in the current economy?

The best advice I can give during these times are to be realistic, patient, and persistent. There are jobs out there, but the search will be tough. However, if your goal is to get a job, you have to keep pushing. Also, it is easier to get a job if you have one, so I would advise against holding out for the perfect position. Being flexible in the types of jobs you will consider allows for more opportunities.

For more information, call 888.438.5627 or visit the Minnesota Workforce Center website at www.mnwfc.org.

Bridge to Benefits

infotech@hclib.org — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Bridge to Benefits is a multi-state project by Children’s Defense Fund Minnesota to improve the well-being of low-income families and individuals by linking them to public work support programs and tax credits. A core component of the project is an online screening tool designed to help families and individuals understand if they are eligible for seven public work support programs and two income tax credits.

Learn more at:

http://www.bridgetobenefits.org/

Job Interviews Tips for People with Not-So-Hot Backgrounds

infotech@hclib.org — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:00:00 CDT

You must do well in the job interview to get a job offer. But what should you say and do if you have red flags in your background -- you're a job hopper, lack focus, been incarcerated, experienced drug or alcohol problems, got fired, dropped out of school, received poor grades, lack experience, or appear over-qualified? Can you convince the prospective employer that you should be hired despite your red flags? Since employers want to make smart hiring decisions, they look for reasons not to hire you. Above all, they want to know the truth about you. So how do you plan to tell the truth about your background and when? Here's the book that finally sheds light on this critical issue for millions of individuals who have difficult but promising backgrounds. Stressing the importance of preparation, the authors show how to best handle each of these potential red flags by offering useful strategies along with sample red flag questions and answers. Covering both the verbal and nonverbal dimensions of the job interview. Whatever you do, make sure you speak the language of employers who are looking for truthfulness, character, and value in candidates. With the help of this unique book, you can quickly learn to turn your red flags into green lights for renewed job and career success!

Explore Careers on ISEEK

infotech@hclib.org — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 CDT

ISEEK, the Internet System for Education and Employment Knowledge, is a web-based gateway to Minnesota career, employment, education, and business development information and services.

The Internet system helps you make smart choices about careers, employment, education, and business growth. ISEEK provides information in four main areas:

explore careers

plan your education

find a job

grow your business

Learn more about it at www.iseek.org

The Ex-Offender's Job Hunting Guide

infotech@hclib.org — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 CDT

The Ex-Offender's Job Hunting Guide: 10 Steps to a New Life in the Work World by Ron and Caryl Krannich is written for newly released prisoners, this guide challenges former criminals to examine their personal attitudes and develop the job search skills needed to find the right job for long-term success. The authors offer advice on identifying strengths and weaknesses, finding community resources, writing applications and resumes, interviewing with an employer, and negotiating a salary.

Legal Advice Clinics

infotech@hclib.org — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Free of charge, volunteer lawyers are available to give brief legal advice at several locations throughout the Hennepin County Court, including the Self-Help Centers, Conciliation Court, Housing Court, and the Courthouse at Brookdale.

You generally must be a resident of Hennepin County or have a court case in Hennepin County to use these legal advice clinics.

Clinic Hours and Locations

Government Assistance Programs

infotech@hclib.org — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 CDT

GovBenefits.gov is a partnership of Federal agencies with a shared vision - to provide improved, personalized access to government assistance programs.

From career development to veteran assitance, GovBenefit.gov offers information on over 1,000 benefit and assistance programs.

You may also call 1-800-FED-INFO (or 1-800-333-4636). Calls are answered Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., eastern time.

MinnesotaHelp.info

infotech@hclib.org — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 CDT

MinnesotaHelp.info is an online directory of services designed to help people in Minnesota identify resources such as human services, information and referral, financial assistance, and other forms of aid and assistance within Minnesota. It is especially rich in resource information for seniors and their caregivers; people with disabilities and their caregivers; parents and families; and low income people.

Visit the website at: http://www.minnesotahelp.info/public/

World of Work Orientation for Ex-Offenders

infotech@hclib.org — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CDT

This drop-in service is for men and women who have a criminal background and need assistance with applications, resumes, interview skills and support on how to overcome the barriers of having a criminal record and landing that "dream job". The program is offered twice a month at Hennepin County Library North Regional Library on Tuesdays from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Please call the North Regional Library at (612) 630-6600 for more information.

Minneapolis 311

infotech@hclib.org — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Need to report a broken street light? Is there a stray dog roaming your neighborhood? Do you just want a question about the City of Minneapolis answered? Minneapolis 311 can help.

Just call 311 weekdays from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM and a 311 agent will assist you. If you are outside the Minneapolis city limits or are unable to dial 311, you can reach 311 by dialing (612)673-3000. For TTY/TDD customers please dial (612) 673-2157.

You can also contact 311 by e-mail at Minneapolis311@ci.minneapolis.mn.us.

The Ex-Offender's Quick Job Hunting Guide

infotech@hclib.org — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 00:00:00 CDT

What should ex-offenders do in order to land a good job? Where should they go to find a rewarding job. The Ex-offender's Quick Job Hunting Guide is jam-packed with practical insights, self-tests, and exercises for putting the 10 steps to job search success into practice.

This great book includes special chapters on taking responsibility, telling the truth about your background, and developing an action plan for making it on the outside.

Request it from the library today!

Guaranteed Success: When You Never Give Up

infotech@hclib.org — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 00:00:00 CDT

Check out this new nonfiction title by Percy Miller, aka Master P, from Urban Books. Miller addresses the issues of self and self-esteem, and offers a method for overcoming fear and other obstacles and taking the right steps to achieve success.

Percy Miller was born and raised in poverty and is now a successful millionaire. Discover the secrets of his success as he shares the wealth wisdom that he has gained through experience.

AMICUS

infotech@hclib.org — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 00:00:00 CDT

AMICUS is a Minnesota not-for-profit organization with over 40 years of experience in improving public safety by helping inmates and ex-offenders through positive relationship-building, restorative justice practices and individualized transition services. Their mission is to partner with inmates, ex-offenders, juvenile offenders and communities to build successful lives and stronger communities.

RECONNECT, a program of AMICUS, is an information and referral service especially for ex-offenders.

For more information, please call AMICUS at (612) 348-8570.

MLC Adult Literacy Hotline

infotech@hclib.org — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 00:00:00 CDT

The Minnesota Literacy Council’s Adult Literacy Hotline tells you where you can learn English (ESL) or get help to read and write better. The Hotline has information on more than 425 programs around Minnesota that offer:

Basic math and reading classes
English language programs
Brush-up skills
GED preparation and testing sites
Adult high school diploma services
Area learning centers
Family literacy programs
Citizenship classes

They can help adult learners find the most convenient programs and services in the Twin Cities or across the state. Phones are staffed from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For more information, please call the literacy hotline at (800) 222-1990 or visit the MLC online at www.themlc.org.

Freedom Ticket Website

infotech@hclib.org — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 00:00:00 CDT

For the last two months Hennepin County Library has published the Freedom Ticket newsletter to promote awareness and use of library resources and programs that are available while residents are at the Adult Corrections Facility and after their release.

Each monthly newsletter offers information about a different library in Hennepin County, upcoming library-related programs at the Adult Corrections Facility, book and resource reviews, and community organizations.

In mid-November, a new webpage on the Hennepin County Library website will be available for former residents to access after their release. Like the newsletter, the webpage offers information and links to library-related resources, programs, and reentry tools. The webpage features:

A frequently updated blog that highlights new books and other resources, library programs, and community organizations and events of interest to the former residents.

Library card, hours, and location information.

Links to reliable reentry information on disabilities, education, employment, health, housing, legal, personal finance, small business, transportation, and treatment.

An online version of the Creative Minds: Our Right to Write poetry book.

An email link so that former residents can contact the Corrections Librarian if they have library-related questions.

Hennepin County Library: Freedomticket

Mental Illness Resources: An Interview with NAMIs Anna Meyer

The Job-Hunter's Survival Guide by Richard N. Bolles

Reading & Recidivism: An Interview with Author Walter Mosley

Resume Tips for Ex-offenders from ISEEK

Libraries and Reentry: An Interview with Congressman Keith Ellison

Build Job Skills and Help the Community

Check Out CareerOneStop

Prepare for Civil or School Entrance Exams

The Beautiful Struggle by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Social Security Card Information

Review Your Credit

Change We Can Believe In

200 Best Jobs through Apprenticeships

150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs

Second Chance Day on the Hill

Workforce Centers: Your One-Stop Employment Shop

Bridge to Benefits

Job Interviews Tips for People with Not-So-Hot Backgrounds

Explore Careers on ISEEK

The Ex-Offender's Job Hunting Guide

Legal Advice Clinics

Government Assistance Programs

MinnesotaHelp.info

World of Work Orientation for Ex-Offenders

Minneapolis 311

The Ex-Offender's Quick Job Hunting Guide

Guaranteed Success: When You Never Give Up

AMICUS

MLC Adult Literacy Hotline

Freedom Ticket Website

Mental Illness Resources: An Interview with NAMIs Anna Meyer