Northfield Healthy Community Initiative

Epic Enterprise Inc, located in Dundas, MN, has been enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities since 1976 by providing services that focus on employment opportunities, community involvement, and the arts. The organization aspires to create a more inclusive community that embraces diversity and supports all individuals in finding purpose. Through partnerships with over 60 local businesses, Epic offers tailored employment opportunities that allow adults with disabilities to contribute meaningfully to their communities. The organization also encourages community support through donations and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of relationships in fulfilling its mission. Generated from the website

Founded in 1966, Minnesota Valley Action Council is a private, nonprofit community action agency serving the people of Minnesota. It develops resources and opportunities that empower low wage earners to secure housing, transportation and employment, and training for employment and educational opportunities to children. The agency provides various services, including emergency, adult basic education, career exploration and employment, self-employment, counseling, health, and food and clothing services. It also provides various housing programs, such as small cities development, housing, and various loan and weatherization programs. Located in Mankato, Minn., it also has offices in Faribault, Le Sueur, Martin, Nicollet, Sibley, Waseca, and Watonwan counties in Minnesota. Under its Head Start program, it offers various care and educational services to children with disabilities. Through its basic needs program it provides assistance with utility bills and housing rents and provides emergency lodging facilities.

The CAC is happy to host two interns from the Leaders for Social Change program at St Olaf. This summer nine students were selected for the program. Students work at area non-profits, live in a St Olaf house, and particpate in weekly seminars. Signe Knutson and Daniel Murphy will be with us through August 6. Inquiries may be directed to Jim Blaha, Executive Director of the Community Action Center at 664-3550. Letters of nomination may be sent to Jim Blaha at 1651 Jefferson Parkway, MN 55057 HS 200 Nominations should be received by June 18, 2010. The Community Action Center, in partnership with South Central College, will offer classes for those interested in becoming a certified nursing assistant. Classes will be offered from 6: 00 9: 00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning September 14 and ending in December. The tuition is waived for CAC clients. An orientation will be held on August 16 from 6: 00 9: 00 pm at Three Links Care Center, 815 Forest Avenue in Northfield. For more information or to sign up for the orientation, call the CAC at 664-3550 or Bob Kell at 507-333-5036. About The Community Action Center is a private, nonprofit organization serving the greater Northfield area whose mission is to promote a healthy, caring and just community for all people through resources, advocacy and volunteer effort. Community Action Center of Northfield 1651 Jefferson Parkway, MN 55057 Northfield Suite HS-200, 507.664.3550