Kelly

Walking in Their Shoes: Poverty Simulation Highlights the Challenges of Living with Limited Resources What does it really mean to make ends meet when resources are limited and every decision matters? A recent poverty simulation in Mable, Minnesota, gave participants an opportunity to experience firsthand some of the difficult choices and challenges individuals and families facing poverty navigate every day. As highlighted in a recent KIMT News 3 story, the simulation challenged participants to consider what happens when responsibilities outweigh available resources, time is limited, and options are few. Experiences like these help build understanding, empathy, and awareness of [...]

Residents in Fillmore, Houston, Mower, and Waseca Counties who experienced damage from recent flooding are encouraged to report their damages as soon as possible. Beginning October 1, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will conduct damage assessments in impacted communities across southeast Minnesota. Reporting damage is a critical step in documenting the full impact of the flooding and helping state and federal officials determine whether additional disaster assistance may be available. If you live in Fillmore, Houston, Mower, or Waseca [...]

We are excited to share that Semcac officially broke ground on our new Austin Head Start & Outreach Center on Sept 24, marking a major milestone for children, families, seniors, and the broader Mower County community. The project was recently featured in Semcac breaks ground on new Austin facility by ABC 6 News. The new facility will bring together Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms, outreach services, office space, and a commercial kitchen to support Senior Nutrition programs in one centralized location. The building will provide modern, accessible space designed to strengthen services, improve coordination among programs, and [...]

½ Ton Pick-up Truck Specifications August 4, 2026 Vehicle type -    ½ ton pick-up truck with automatic transmission                          Crew cab                          Short bed                          4x4                         New or Used Mileage -         Less than 40,000 miles Engine Type - V6 or greater Standard Equipment -     Cruise Control                                         Bluetooth communication [...]

Semcac's Continued Partnership with the Freeborn County Communities Foundation In July 2026, Semcac’s Senior Services Department Meals on Wheels program was awarded $7,500 from the Carol E. Lundblad Foundation and the Kenneth W. Olson Charitable Foundation Fund affiliated with the Freeborn County Communities Foundation (FCCF). Freeborn County serves thousands of meals to over one hundred home-bound senior citizens. This grant will fund the Meals on Wheels program in Freeborn County, which served over 20,000 nutritious meals to home-bound senior citizens in 2025. In addition, Semcac’s Rolling Hills Transportation Department was awarded $7,500 from the Carol E. Lundblad Foundation [...]

New Community Solar Program Helps Income-Eligible Households Save on Energy Costs Semcac is excited to share a new opportunity that can help income-eligible households lower their monthly electric bills through Minnesota’s Community Solar Garden Program. Community Solar allows renters and homeowners who receive electricity through Xcel Energy to benefit from solar energy without installing solar panels on their homes. Instead, participants subscribe to a shared solar garden located elsewhere in Minnesota and receive credits on their Xcel Energy bill based on the energy produced. How It Works Because Semcac has already verified income eligibility for many households through our programs, qualifying participants [...]

February 24, 2026 Vehicle type - ½ ton pick-up truck Crew cab minimum Short bed, 4x4 New or Used Mileage - Less than 30,000 miles Engine Type - V6 or greater Transmission - Automatic Standard Equipment - Cruise Control Power windows, Power door locks, Power mirrors Bluetooth communication Rear Tinted Glass Back-up Camera Color - Black, Blue, Gray, Silver, White Trade - 2017 Chevrolet Express Cutaway – White, Mileage: 137,438 FAN/Fleet Account - 950130 or State Purchasing contract Bids Due - 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2026 Bids MUST include final purchase total including tax, title, license fees. Semcac [...]

SEMCAC Transportation is excited to share an important update to one of its longstanding services. Rolling Hills Volunteers is the new name for the former SEMCAC Volunteer Driver Program, reflecting both continuity and growth in providing reliable, person-centered transportation across southeastern Minnesota. This article highlights how the program connects residents to essential destinations, the role of dedicated volunteer drivers, and expanded service options designed to support independence and community mobility. Click Here to read the article.

Specs for Weatherization Cube Van – Purchasing 2 August 22, 2025 Vehicle type - Large Metal Covered Cube Van, 3500 16’ utility box with low step in and wheel wells. Wheel Base - 170” or greater Gross Vehicle Weight Rating - 12,000 or greater Engine Type - V8 / 5.4 L or greater Transmission - Automatic Fuel Tank - 35-40 gallons or more Standard Equipment - Cruise Control Air Conditioning Tilt Steering Power Windows & Doors Bids Due - 4:30 p.m. Monday, August 25, 2025 Bids MUST include final purchase total including tax, title, license fees. Semcac does pay tax [...]