Resources
Virtual Calming Rooms
Social-Emotional Support
April 16, 2020
With many students and families adjusting to a “new normal” during the COVID-19 global pandemic, it is especially important to find ways to cope and relax. Counseling staff and school social workers at many schools within the District created online spaces to find tools and strategies for managing their social-emotional health.
“Our hope is that students, staff and families will use this site as a resource for support during these difficult times and even after we return to a new ‘normal,’” said Laura Ritter, Cooper High School counselor. “It's a ‘one-stop-shop’ to find soothing music to listen to, fun games when a break is needed, yoga and stretching to get the body moving, and includes links to find helpful community resources,” she continued.
Virtual Calming Room Links
- Social-Emotional/Mental Health Resources
- Educational Resources
- Food Banks and Food Resources
- Technology and Internet Access Resources
- Housing Resources
- Other Resources
- Holiday Resources
Social-Emotional/Mental Health Resources
(This list was updated on 12/28/2020 at 11:10 am.; Robbinsdale Area Schools does not sponsor or endorse any of the activities or resources listed below.)
- Fraser Hope Line: Can support student social-emotional health, incorporating sensory supports into the home environment, accessing care coordination and other community resources and managing parent mental health. 612-446-4673 (612-446-HOPE), and the email address is FraserHopeLine@fraser.org. Calls are answered live between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- CDC Coping with Stress During COVID-19
- CDC Support for Teens and Young Adults During COVID-19
- The Jed Foundation: Tips for Self-Care and Managing Stress
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health - Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation During an Infectious Disease Outbreak
- SAMHSA: Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With the Coronavirus Disease 2019 ( English, Spanish and Chinese versions available)
- Child Mind Institute: Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus
- Piggy & Bunny and the Stay-At-Home Plan - Story for children surrounding the COVID-19 Pandemic. You also view a video of the story being read at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-yQgt3bycw&feature=youtu.be
- Crisis Text Line: The 24/7 emergency service is available if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis. Text MN to 741741
- Minnesota Warmline: Are you an adult needing support? Talk to a specialist who has firsthand experience living with a mental health condition. Call 651-288-0400 or text "Support" to 85511
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: The 24/7 lifeline provides support when in distress, has prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Disaster Distress Helpline: Offers crisis counseling and support if you or a family member us experiencing emotional distress related to a disaster. Call 1-800-985-5990.
- Disability Hub MN provides free, statewide information, referral and assistance service to help people with disabilities, chronic illnesses and their representatives connect to community services.
- The Tortoise and the Hare: Online storybook musical about depression.
- MN Black Community COVID-19 Hotline: Hotline to help Minnesota’s African American community successfully navigate supportive resources and services needed to cope with the Health & Wellness, Economic Development, Education and Family & Culture impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This hotline is fully staffed and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide callers with important info about virus testing sites and connects them to resources that support food security, physical and mental health, employment, housing, childcare, legal rights and other COVID-19 related challenges. 612-254-1145.
Educational Resources
(This list was updated on 12/31/2020 at 9:55 am.; Robbinsdale Area Schools does not sponsor or endorse any of the activities or resources listed below.)
- Learning A-Z
- Brain Pop
- PBS Learning Media
- Nat Geo 4 Kids
- ABCYA
- Fun Brain
- Starfall
- Highlights Kids
- Storyline Online
- ABC Mouse
- Wonderopolis
- Vooks
- Phonics Hero
- Dreamscape
- Switcheroo Zoo
- Boom Learning
- Kids Discover
- Time for Kids
- Gonoodle
- Scholastic Learn at Home
- ParentMap Educational Resources for Kids and Families
- Actively Learn
- Illustrative Mathematics
- Lee & Low
- Math Antics
- 120 Digital Educational Resources
Free tutoring
Free Tutoring Services from Hennepin County Library
Free homework help, online tutoring, language learning and more through the Dakota County Library.
Scholar Squad: a free skill strengthening program that provides one-on-one tutoring for PreK-8th grade learners in reading or math.
Dual language resource
Spanish Playground
Library E-cards available
Hennepin County Library has now made library eCards available for patrons to get immediate access to downloadable ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and videos. Access to online tutors and homework help is also available. More information and an online application is available.
Physical Education
Hennepin County Public Health has compiled a quick-list of movement resources: SHIP Classroom Activity Breaks
Khan Academy Learning Plans
Grade 3 learning plan
Grade 4 learning plan
Grade 5 learning plan
Grade 6 learning plan
Grade 7 learning plan
Grade 8 learning plan
Geometry learning plan
Algebra 1 learning plan
Algebra 2 learning plan
English Learners
English Learners Success Forum
Food Banks and Food Resources
(This list was updated on 12/30/2020 at 10:02 a.m.; Robbinsdale Area Schools does not sponsor or endorse any of the activities or resources listed below.)
Food Banks and Food Resources
Find your local food bank here.
HUNGER SOLUTIONS/MINNESOTA FOOD HELPLINE: Call 1-888-711-1151 or 651-486-9860 Help Line Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Will assess the caller’s situation and provide solutions to their food needs.
PRISM: Social service agency that helps people meet their basic needs of food, clothing and shelter. Call or check the website for hours. Serves residents in Golden Valley, New Hope, Robbinsdale, Crystal, Plymouth (East of 494), 763-529-1350.
NEAR: Provides emergency food relief to residents of northern Robbinsdale, Crystal and New Hope who live between 42nd and 62nd Ave N. Call 763-533-2836 or check the website for hours.
CAPI USA: 5930 Brooklyn Boulevard, Brooklyn Center. Tuesdays 1-4 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. Curbside pickup available, 612-767-3691.
CEAP: Provides food support, clothing and resource referrals. Call or check the website for hours. Serves residents in Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, East Champlin (East of Hwy 169). Visit their website or call 763-566-9600.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program):
Helps Minnesotans with low incomes get the food they need for nutritious and well balanced meals. The program provides support to help stretch your household food budget. Income requirements apply. They can be reached at 651-431-4050.
NEW HOPE CHURCH FOOD SHELF
SECOND HARVEST SNAP OUTREACH: Specialists are available for application assistance, eligibility screenings and finding resources in your community. Use the online screening tool or call 651-209-7963.
GROCERY DELIVERY WITH METRO MOBILITY: Certified Metro Mobility customers and existing Transit Link customers can now order groceries online and have them picked up and delivered to your home.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION: Brookdale Library, in partnership with The Sheridan Story, is offering free take-home meal kits for youth ages 18 and under. Parents/guardians may pick up bags for youth if they are unable to attend. Bags can be picked up at the service desk. 6125 Shingle Creek Pkwy, Brooklyn Center, 612-543-5600.
WIC: is a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program that helps eligible pregnant women, new mothers, babies and children up to age 5 stay healthy. WIC services are available to income eligible residents. Call the Hennepin County WIC office at 612-348-6100 for more information and to schedule an appointment.
NAPS: Program participants are given a box of highly nutritious food that may include canned fruits, vegetables and juices, milk, cheese, canned meat, peanut butter or dried beans, cereal, rice or pasta. Participants must be low-income, Minnesota residents 60 years old or older. If you think you may be eligible please call 651-484-8241 (toll free at 800-365-0270) or email naps@2harvest.org for more information.
LOAVES & FISHES: Community Meal Sites welcome anyone in need; are housed at churches, schools and community centers; and are currently operating as takeaway service only. Call to confirm details.
- Loaves & Fishes at Brunswick United Methodist Church: 6122 North 42nd Ave, Crystal, Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- Loaves & Fishes at Serenity Village Community Church: 4100 Douglas Street North, Crystal, Fridays from 5-6:30 p.m.
- Loaves & Fishes at New Bethel: 1115 30th Avenue North, Minneapolis, Monday-Friday from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- Loaves & Fishes at Brooklyn United Methodist Church: 7200 Brooklyn Boulevard, Brooklyn Center, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 12-1 p.m.
EVERY MEAL: A number of locations throughout the Twin Cities will have Every Meal food bags available though January (while supplies last). Nearby locations include: Brookdale Library, West Metro Fire Department, New Hope YMCA and Webber Park Library.
FREE MEALS FOR KIDS MOBILE APP: The Free Meals for Kids mobile app will help families and kids find free meals at schools and other sites across Minnesota during school closures. How it works: download the Free Meals for Kids app to your cell phone, use the app to find the nearest site providing meals and meal packs by GPS and click on the nearby site and use the Meals Updates tab for more details.
Technology and Internet Access Resources
(This list was updated on 4/21/2020 at 1:08 p.m.; Robbinsdale Area Schools does not sponsor or endorse any of the activities or resources listed below.)
Spectrum Internet: offer begins Monday 3/16/2020. If you are interested call 844-488-8395 (for K-12 and college aged individuals).
Xfinity Comcast: Xfinity is offering hotspots in out-of-home locations for free, including non-Xfinity internet customers. For more information visit www.xfinity.com/wifi. Xfinity Comcast is also offering Free to two months Internet Essentials for new qualifying customers. For more information call 1-855-846-8376 or visit internetessentials.com
PC's for People: a non-profit organization that offers low cost computers and wireless hotspots. Learn more at www.pcsforpeople.org
City of Minneapolis Wifi: City of Minneapolis wireless internet is temporarily free right now. Learn more at www.minneapolismn.gov/wireless/index.htm
Update: the following carriers have eliminated data caps for mobile devices, please verify with your carrier if unsure before using a mobile device to set a wifi hotspot (Comcast, T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint, Cox, Verizon, etc.).
Minnesota Office of Broadband Development:
- For assistance identifying broadband service options or connecting with broadband providers, please call 651-259-7610 or email Deed.broadband@state.mn.us
- K12 Connect Forward Program
Minnesota Afterschool Advance:
Assists qualifying families with obtaining a Chromebook for 75% off to assist with accessing distance learning materials. Apply at www.mnafterschool.org/apply
allconnect:
Allows residents to view providers in their area and compare options based on their needs. Learn more at https://www.allconnect.com/internet/cheap.
Housing Resources
(This list was updated on 3/10/2021 at 3:40 p.m.; Robbinsdale Area Schools does not sponsor or endorse any of the activities or resources listed below.)
*NEW* Hennepin County Emergency Rent Assistance
- Apply for help paying rent and utilities at www.hennepin.us/rent-help.
- Emergency rent assistance is currently available to Hennepin County residents with unpaid rent and very low incomes.
- The deadline to apply is March 19 at noon. You can get help paying for rent and utility bills.
- Free help is available to apply in languages other than English.
- This is a targeted short-term push to meet urgent needs in our community. More help will be available to even more people as part of a statewide COVID-19 Emergency Rent Assistance program opening later this month.
- Rent is still due during the State of Minnesota’s evictions moratorium. You can’t be evicted for not paying rent under Governor Walz’s executive order, but this order may be lifted soon and you may be at risk of eviction if you have unpaid rent. Apply for help now.
Housing Resources
People Serving People (PPL) 614 3rd Street South, Minneapolis, MN 55415. Phone: 612-332-4500.
Community Mediation & Restorative Services, INC. Phone: 763-561-0033 Espanol: 612-629-6058. Email: staff@cmrsmn.org. Webpage link: https://smrsmn.org/ (Foreclosure prevention and support).
Youth Services Network:
Online resource of services for homeless youth including available shelters, drop in centers and medical care, etc.
Youth Resource Line: 763-493-3052 - operates from 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. daily - for any youth that is homeless or is at risk of homelessness. Youth can leave a message and a outreach worker will contact them to assess needs and connect youth to needed resources.
Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County: 952-933-3052 - provides resources for renters, homeowners and those facing homelessness.
EAP: 1-800-657-3710 - provides energy assistance to renters and homeowners who are struggling financially.
ACER: 612-430-8678 - provides housing resources and support for tenants.
Other Resources
(This list was updated on 12/3/2020 at 8:31 a.m. Robbinsdale Area Schools does not sponsor or endorse any of the activities or resources listed below.)
CHILDCARE:
- Minnesota State Hotline for School & Childcare Phone: 651-297-1304.
- Child Care Aware of MN: 651-290-9704
- Parent Aware: 888-291-9811
TRANSPORTATION:
- Salvation Army: Bus cards and gas cards
- Transit Assistance Program (TAP): $1 dollar bus fare.
- The Lift Garage: Very low cost auto repair.
FREE COVID-19 TESTING:
- COVID-19 Community Testing
Hennepin County works in collaboration with communities to provide safe and free COVID-19 community testing events in areas with outbreaks, increasing cases, or other barriers to access.
ENERGY ASSISTANCE:
- EAP
Provides help with energy disconnections, no/low fuel in the tank, assistance paying energy bills and homeowner furnace repairs.
MULTI-SUPPORT AGENCIES:
- Bridge to Benefits
By answering a few simple questions, you will be able to see if you are eligible for public work support programs. Also find the nearest food shelf by entering your zip code. - Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County
952-933-9639. Provides services to individuals through outreach; energy assistance programs, housing, food support, free tax assistance, legal services, employment counseling, and financial counseling. The Community Resource tab has a guide to other resources. - WIC (Women Infants and Children)
612-348-6100 Hennepin County WIC office helps eligible pregnant women, new mothers, babies and young children eat well, learn about nutrition, and stay healthy. Provides nutrition education and counseling, nutritious foods, and referrals to health and other social services. Income requirements apply. - Low/No Cost Healthcare Information (MN Dept. of Health)
- Prism
763-529-1350. Provides food, clothing and housing stability resources. - United Way COVID-19 Community Economic Relief Fund
800-543-7709 or 651-291-0211. Provides free and confidential health and human services resources. - Coalition of Asian American Leaders
Partners with Asian Minnesotan Organizations to support vulnerable segments of our communities. In addition, you have the ability to report discrimination to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights through this site. - Apply MN
This website application can connect you with state and county services to help meet your family's basic needs. Use it to apply for cash assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, child care assistance, and Emergency Assistance. Call 651-431-4000 for questions. - ACER
Providing mini emergency funds for individuals, call 612-314-5586. They can also assist with completing unemployment applications, please call 612-217-0282.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
- LEAP
Enrolled high school students are now eligible to benefits if their employment has been interrupted by COVID-19 during anytime since March. Apply here, deadline is Dec. 25, 2020.
Holiday Resources
(This list was updated on 12/15/2020 at 10:25 a.m. Robbinsdale Area Schools does not sponsor or endorse any of the activities or resources listed below.)
TOYS AND GIFTS:
- Army Toy Shop
For children up to age 14, living in Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington, and Wright counties. Registration for the 2019 Twin Cities Toy Shop begins Wednesday, Nov. 6 and ends Saturday, Dec. 1. You may register to participate in our Toy Shop by filling out our registration form online or by calling the hotline. Our Twin Cities Toy Shop hotline (651-746-3595) will be open during weekday business hours for registration and to answer questions. You cannot be registered for any other toy program, such as Toys for Tots. - Toys For Tots and Gifts for Teens
Includes the following counties : Anoka, Blue Earth, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Freeborn, Hennepin, Ramsey, Rice, Sherburne, Scott, Washington and Wright. - Christmas With Dignity Hospitality House Youth Development
Open each year for one day in December, the Christmas store at Hospitality House offers parents the opportunity to shop for presents for their children with dignity, and at a price they can afford. The holiday setting and personal shoppers give parents the chance to enjoy the experience as well as the satisfaction of providing for their families. - Good in the Hood - Help for the Holidays
Registered families will be able to receive gift cards. Good in the Hood has partnered with Living Word church in Brooklyn Park this year. Families can register beginning Nov. 2nd, 2020 by calling 612-217-4003.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
- United Way 2-1-1
United Way receives information from organizations that are providing Holiday food, toys or gifts. Call 2-1-1, toll free at 800-543-7709 or 651-291-0211. You can also text your zip code to 898-211*. They will search for programs within your zip code.
- Fare For All Express
Fresh groceries at discounted prices. Currently only has a limited number of sales with a drive through sale model. Attend a Fare for All site, many sites are currently available. Payment options include: cash, credit/debit card, or EBT. For the holiday season, they will host a sale in either November or December. Main line is 763-450-3880. Visit website for locations and times. - Plymouth Christian Youth Center (PCYC)
Serves North Minneapolis children ages Kindergarten – 8th grade. This December, PCYC will distribute gift cards to PCYC families to be spent on food or gifts. Call 612-643-2000 for more information.
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Twin Cities Salvation Army
The Salvation Army’s centers are a place for families in crisis to get help, including coats for their children. Visit any of our Twin Cities Worship & Service Centers to learn about meeting your child’s need for a coat. Supplies may be limited, so we recommend contacting the nearest location before stopping by to find out if supplies are available in the sizes you need. You may qualify for other assistance during your visit, which can be discussed in person with one of our case workers. -
Fare For All Holiday Packs
Fare For All will be serving December Holiday Packs on on. Dec. 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Golden Valley Humane Society (845 Meadow Lane N). Packs cost $30 and include a turkey, panko chicken tenderloins, sweet corn, bacon wrapped pork tenderloin, tuscan meatballs and a chocolate mint cheesecake, making it a perfect pick up for the holidays.