New St. Michael Group Aims to Connect Communities

A new organization in St. Michael is aiming to give back to the community.

Neighborhood Connections, Inc. started in March 2012 by founders Carol Bauer-Langager, Rachelle Marshall, Charlene Zachman and Carla Habeck.

As the group grows, organizers are looking for community members interested in getting involved in helping families and individuals in short-term crisis in the communities of St. Michael, Albertville, Hanover, Otsego and Monticello.

To learn more about Neighborhood Connections, Inc., you can attend an informational meeting 7 p.m. Monday, April 15 at Alleluia! Lutheran Church Office in the Colonial Mall, 403 Central Ave. E., St. Michael. See flyer for more details.

One of the founders, Carol Bauer-Langager, recently answered a few questions about Neighborhood Connections, Inc. for St. Michael Patch.  Below is a portion of the email interview.

St. Michael Patch: How and why was your organization formed? 

Carol Bauer-Langager: During a two year time period, our group spoke with various Wright County social service agencies, school social workers in the district, local non-profit directors and area church communities to get a sense of what services are already being provided in our community and what needs are going unmet. 

It was clear that the years of tough economic times has had a significant impact on individuals and families throughout our communities and the current social service agencies were unable to provide for all the needs coming forward.  Several members of our group have also had the experience with working in or participating on a board of a non-profit in the metro area and were aware of the abundant resources available to individuals and families living in those communities and wanted to see the same provided in our own communities. 

We also discovered that there are many civic groups, church communities and families looking for ways to give back to their community and help those living in it, which helped form our vision of Neighborhood Connections, “neighbors helping neighbors”.

St. Michael Patch: What services does your organization provide?

Bauer-Langager: We hope to provide free transportation rides within our communities and free walk in counseling clinics soon.  We are currently in the formation phase of our programs and are currently seeking a variety of volunteers.  Individuals and families in need can still contact us and we will work hard to address their need or provide them with appropriate resource referrals at this time. 

St. Michael Patch: Who does your organization serve? 

Bauer-Langager: Our services are not limited to age, gender, income or martial status.  We will provide our services to all individuals or families experiencing a short-term life crisis and in need of free services to help overcome their current challenge living in the northeastern communities of Wright County, which include: St. St. Michael, Albertville, Hanover, Otsego and Monticello.

St. Michael Patch: How can the community help or get involved?  

Bauer-Langager: Financial support through donations to Neighborhood Connections, Inc. or by purchasing a “Connect” Necklace.  The necklaces cost $30, and purchasing one will not only raise financial support for Neighborhood Connections, but will also connect us as “neighbors helping neighbors” through the unpredictable events of our life’s journeys.  

We are also currently seeking board members and volunteers for our mental health and transportation programs.

Board members who have character gifts and strengths that could help promote our mission and serve those in need in our community.

Mental health professionals willing to provide free one time or short term counseling to individuals, couples and families during scheduled walk in clinic hours.

Licensed drivers that are willing to provide rides to individuals within our community that are experiencing a transportation crisis. 

General volunteers that are willing to share their skills and gifts in fundraising, web design and marketing, or who just have a heart to help people.  

St. Michael Patch: What future plans to do you have for your organization?

Bauer-Langager: We hope to continue to connect people and families to resources and help meet the needs of those living in our communities.

More information:

http://www.NeighborhoodConnectionsMN.org

NeighborhoodConnectionsMN@gmail.com

Phone: 763-350-2514

http://www.NeighborhoodConnectionsMN.blogspot.com