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General
What does the name “Semcac” stand for?
Semcac began as the South East Minnesota Citizens Action Council in 1966. The agency’s Board of Directors shortened the agency’s legal name to Semcac in 1995. The agency now goes by its legal name, “Semcac,” and no longer uses the longer name from its origins.
Does Semcac take donations?
YES. Semcac uses donations from generous individuals and organizations to help achieve our mission and help southeastern MN citizens during their times of greatest need. Donations can be made with many different forms of payment. All donations are fully tax deductible, we are a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
To make a donation online using a credit card: visit GiveMN website. To make a donation with a check, cash or money order: Bring your donation to any Semcac office/county contact center OR bring or mail your donation to the Rushford office: Semcac, PO Box 549, 204 S. Elm Street, Rushford, MN 55971 (Please do not mail cash.) You will receive a thank you letter and tax deductible receipt.
How can I stay informed about Semcac?
Semcac has an E-news mailing list that you can sign up for with an email address. Text Semcac to 22828 to sign up OR visit our website to sign up. You will receive the bi-monthly Semcac Sentinel newsletter when you join our mailing list.
You can also friend and follow us on social media. We are on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube.
How is the Agency funded?
Semcac is funded through Federal, State and local dollars. The Agency works collectively throughout the region and partners with United Ways, philanthropic organizations, county, and city, corporate and individual resources to help reach the communities with the services that are provided.
Clinic
How much will it cost?
All fees are based on your income and how many people that income supports. Semcac also encourages making small payments if you cannot afford to pay in full. But, chances are favorable that you’ll qualify for a program that may pay for your exam and birth control method.
Read more about the MN Family Planning Program, offering free birth control & services.
I have insurance. Can I still use Semcac Clinic services?
Semcac Family Planning Clinic bills many insurance plans, but there are a few we don’t bill because the insurance plan does not consider Semcac “in network,” these include: Mayo, Medicare & Dean. We are happy to help with any other questions you have about your insurance coverage.
I’m under 18. Do I need my parent’s permission?
Minnesota State Statute allows minors to receive family planning services without parental consent. Just like any other medical facility, confidentiality is priority.
What do I need to do to begin a birth control method?
First, you will need to make an appointment to be seen by the clinician. She’ll get to know you by asking questions about your health and then will perform an exam. She’ll help you in deciding what method will be the best for you. You’ll need to return for an exam every year to be sure the method is still working for you.
(In some cases, the “exam” may include listening to the patient’s heart and lungs, only. This depends upon the patient’s age along with some other factors.)
I am about to run out of my birth control method. How do I get it refilled?
Call the clinic to tell us you need a refill. We will transfer you to the refill line and have the prescription filled within the next 24 hours.
I’m not good at taking a pill everyday, is there something else I could try?
Multiple birth control methods are available at the Semcac Clinic. Meeting with the clinician will help you decide which method will work the best for you.
Read more about the different contraceptive methods that we offer.
What if I don’t like the birth control method?
Give the method (pill, patch, ring, etc.) a few months for your body to get used to it. If it’s still not working for you after a few months, call us to set up an appointment to change to a more suitable method.
I have my period. Can I still have my exam done?
Yes. The presence of blood does not change the results of any tests performed, however if the patient is uncomfortable with an exam during a period, that part can always be done at a later time.
Head Start
Who can apply for the Head Start program?
Pregnant women and families with children from birth to 4 years of age.
What program options are available for my child?
Semcac Head Start offers Center-based and Home-based programs. Both options of the Semcac Head Start program promote development of skills that children need to be healthy, successful learners. We know that young children need to have experiences with language development, literacy, math, science, creative arts, social/emotional development, physical/health development and satisfaction in learning new things. Healthy habits and self-help skills are emphasized as well.
Center Based Option
Children attend a half-day (3.5 hour) or a full day (7 or 8 hour day, depending on location) program at a licensed center four days per week from September to May.
• Children are provided hands on learning activities that prepare them for kindergarten.
• Teachers and parents work together to evaluate and plan for the children’s learning.
• Parents participate by volunteering in the classroom, being a part of the program governance or working on other activities.
• Families are supported with medical, dental and nutrition services to promote healthy living.
• Parents are given support to strengthen families and achieve goals through community connections.
A nutritious breakfast or lunch and a snack are provided under the U.S. Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Program. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, Semcac Head Start is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 202050-9410, or call 1-800-795-3272 or 1-202-720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Home Based Option – Home Visits
This program reaches families expecting a baby and/or children birth-three years. Services are offered year round with a home –based educator coming to your home for 1.5 hours a week.
• Home-based educator supports the parent in his/her role as their child’s teacher.
• Parent, with assistance from the Educator, develops activities to meet the individual needs of their child(ren).
• Home visitor helps parents understand how daily routines and activities, things in the home and resources in the community can be used as learning activities for the whole family.
• Families are supported with Head Start comprehensive services (health, family support, etc.)
• Center Socializations are offered every 2 weeks for 90 minutes. These provide opportunities for families to get together to form friendships and support systems. Children play together in activities designed by Educator and parent. Nutritious meals and education also provided.
Once the application is complete, when do I find out if my child is accepted?
Semcac Head Start staff will notify families within two weeks after a complete application is received. If after four weeks the family has not received notification, please call our toll-free number 866-808-0260.
Who is enrolled in Head Start?
Eligibility criteria are based primarily on the family income and the child’s age as well as whether a child has a disability. Indicators of a child and/or family at-risk, such as single parent family, a parent with special needs, referrals from social services or public health, and living in a location that would prevent them from experiencing pre-school, will be considered. The criteria define the children/ families who will be given priority for recruitment and selection. Each year the criteria is reviewed with parents in the program and, if needed, updates are completed with their input.
The degree to which a family falls below poverty is rated. Income eligibility is determined according to the Department of Health and Human Services Federal Poverty Guidelines released each year in February.At least 10% of the total number of enrollment opportunities will be made available to children with disabilities. Disabilities must be documented.
If my child is not accepted, what happens?
Your child will be put on a waiting list and will be considered as space becomes available. Children on the list will be ranked based on their original eligibility rating.
What type of comprehensive services does Head Start offer?
- Individualized education,
- referrals for children with special needs,
- health and nutrition information including nutritious meals and snacks,
- community resources referral for families, and
- many volunteering opportunities.
Where does Head Start have programs?
We have Head Start Centers in Austin, Caledonia, Kasson, LaCrescent, LeRoy, Owatonna, Preston, St. Charles and Winona. We also have Early Head Start Centers in Austin and Winona. And, home-based Early Head Start is offered in Fillmore, Houston, Mower and Winona Counties.
New sites could be offered at additional locations depending on the volume of interested applicants. Stay updated with new changes and locations on Semcac’s Head Start webpage.
When can I apply?
Applications are accepted year round. Interested families are encouraged to apply early because openings fill quickly. Call your local Semcac Contact Center for more assistance and to obtain your Head Start application.
Our staff is ready to help you with these few steps:
1. Complete a simple application.
You may print the form to schedule an appointment with one of Head Start’s staff to help you get started with an application. The form to schedule a call or visit is located on our website, in Publications. (Note: filling out this form does NOT register you for Head Start, there is a separate application for that.)
2. Verify your income status.
3. Confirm your child has the required immunizations.
4. If needed, document the special needs of your child.
Our priority is to serve families who meet federal income guidelines.
Who can I contact for more information?
Call your local Semcac Contact Center/ Semcac office located in your county.
Housing Rehab Loan Programs
How do I apply for a loan?
To request an application for the Minnesota Fix-Up Fund, call Vonda at 507-864-8241. To request an application for the Rehab Loan Program, call Cindy at 507-864-8207.
What are the rehab loan programs’ guidelines?
Semcac’s Community Development Department administers two types of housing rehab loans for owner-occupied homes:
- The Minnesota Fix-Up Fund offers low interest loans for households with annual income at or below $96,500. Year-round owner-occupied homes, including single family homes and duplexes up to a four-plex are allowable. The applicant must have a credit score of at least 620.
- The MN Housing Rehab Loan Program is income based according to household size. Please call for current income limits.
What is the maximum loan amount that I can borrow and how do I repay the loan?
Minnesota Fix-Up Fund: The maximum loan amount is $50,000 offered at a fixed annual interest rate. There is no down payment required. The loan is amortized over a maximum repayment term of 20 years. If the loan is under $10,000 the term of the loan is amortized for ten years.
MN Housing Rehab Loan Program: The maximum loan amount is $27,000 for up to 15 years at no interest. This loan places a mortgage on the property that is forgivable after 15 years if the home has remained the owner’s principal place of residence. For mobile homes in mobile home parks, the mortgage term is 10 years. If it is determined that a home has lead paint present that must be addressed, an additional amount up to $10,000 may be used for this purpose.
What kind of repairs are allowed?
- For the Minnesota Fix-Up Fund: new garage, furnace/air/conditioning installation, roof replacement, siding, windows, septic system, well, electrical updates, energy conservation, accessibility improvements, a completed room addition, and many other repairs. NOT ALLOWED: Swimming pools, tennis courts, saunas, hot tubs, patios, gazebos, garages larger than 800 square feet, conversion of a non-residential structure to a residential, shelling in a room addition, moving a house, repairs to outside buildings including sheds, utility building, shops, barns and silos.
- For the MN Housing Rehab Loan Program: Repairs are determined by a home inspection and also a lead risk paint inspection if the home was built in 1978 or before. Lead paint issues, health, safety and energy conservation are the top priorities.
Meals on Wheels – Seniors
Who is eligible for MOW?
Any person age 60 and older confined to their home or unable to prepare a balanced meal. Spouses are also included regardless of age.
Where do the meals come from?
Meals are prepared at Senior Dining sites or catered from the hospital, nursing home or restaurant- whichever is available in the area being served.
Who delivers the meals?
Friendly volunteers! Our volunteers are very dedicated, caring and timely. Meals are delivered during lunchtime, usually between 11:00am and 12:30pm.
What is the cost of a MOW meal?
A participant may contribute as much as they can, up to the full price of the meal. No one is refused a meal because of the inability to pay. Food stamps/EBT cards are welcome forms of payment.
Does Semcac offer MOW in all communities?
Please view the Meals on Wheels location list, as some communities have private programs with which we do not compete. Semcac Meals on Wheels program provides a hot, nutritious meal to each household while simultaneously providing an opportunity for someone to check on the general well being of the senior recipient.
Outreach & Emergency Services
In what counties does Semcac Provide Crisis Assistance?
Semcac has contact centers located in Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Steele, and Winona counties. The Field Service Staff at the contact centers can answer your questions about Head Start, Rental Assistance, Crisis Assistance, Energy Assistance, Transportation, County Assistance Programs, and other resources within your county that are not operated by Semcac.
I live in Olmsted County can you help me with rental assistance?
No. Semcac does not have a rental assistance program in Olmsted County; you should call Three River’s Community Action at 1-800-277-8418.
What sort of rental assistance programs does Semcac offer?
Semcac rental assistance programs vary by county. To find out what rental assistance programs are offered and if funding is available in your county it is best to call the Field Service Worker at your local Semcac office.
Can Semcac help with paying for a vehicle repair?
Car repair funds through Semcac vary by county. In order to receive assistance for car repair the applicant must have proof of current car insurance and a valid driver’s license. Assistance from Semcac must also be arranged prior to the repairs being completed on the vehicle. To find out more specific details on receiving car repair assistance through Semcac, and to find out if funding is available in your county contact the Field Service Worker at your local Semcac county office/ contact center.
Does Semcac have a Homeless Shelter or a Transitional Housing Program?
Semcac has a Shelter in FreebornCounty. If you are interested in learning more about the Shelter please call the Freeborn County Office. Semcac also has a time limited Transitional Housing Program in Winona and Freeborn Counties. You must be a resident of Winona or Freeborn Counties to apply for the Transitional Housing Program. Please call the Semcac office/ Contact Center in Winona or Freeborn County to find out about openings and specific program guidelines.
Does Semcac have a Spanish Interpreter?
The Freeborn County Semcac Contact Center/ Semcac office has a Spanish Interpreter. She is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to noon. Arrangements for interpreters to assist with applications for Semcac programs can be made in ALL of our county offices.
My paycheck was smaller this month because I was sick; can I get help with my rent?
Eligibility for rental assistance from Semcac is based on numerous factors. Some of these include the availability of program funds, having a written eviction notice, income twice as much as rent, and a denial from your county emergency assistance program. You will also be asked about your financial situation leading up to your eviction notice. Contact the Field Service Worker in your county to discuss your individual situation.
What do I need to bring with me to sign to use the food shelf?
All you need to bring with you is a piece of mail or an ID with your current address on it, and you also need to know birth dates of everyone in your household.
How many times a month can I visit the food shelf?
You can visit the food shelf one time per month. If you need to make an extra visit in a month you should contact your local food shelf staff to discuss options for a second visit.
How much food will I get from the food shelf?
You will get about fifteen pounds of food per person in your household. There may be extra items like fresh produce available for you to get above and beyond the fifteen pounds per person.
Do I get to pick the items for my household or do I just get a random bag of groceries?
You are allowed to pick which items you would like to take home for your household. Some items, such as meat products, will have a limit on how many you are allowed to take.
Senior & Caregiver Advocacy
Is my information kept confidential when I meet with you?
YES! Your information is kept confidential and we do not share your information with any other parties unless we receive prior consent from you and it is necessary.
Do you help seniors apply for health insurance using MNsure?
At this time, we do not. However, we are applying to become MNsure Community Partner Assistants, which means we will be trained and approved to assist with MNsure enrollments. Stay tuned!
We will provide you with referrals to other agencies and organizations who can help you to enroll via MNsure until we are approved to provide this service.
Do you offer training for caregivers?
Yes! We offer a course called Powerful Tools for Caregivers. You can take this FREE six course series (1 day a week for 6 weeks, approximately 1.5 hours per session) and receive a Powerful Tools for Caregivers certificate of completion from Semcac. The course is designed as an educational program to help caregivers to take care of themselves while caring for an adult loved one. Anyone helping to care for a parent, spouse or friend will benefit.Please contact the caregiver advocate in your county if you are interested. We are working to schedule our next course, when we have enough interested parties, as soon as possible!
Fillmore & Houston County caregivers, contact: Carrie Enright at 507-475-1987 or carrie.enright@semcac.org
Steele & Dodge County caregivers, contact: Melissa Almer at 507-450-8848 or melissa.almer@semcac.org
Learn more about the Powerful Tools for Caregivers course.
Senior Dining
Who can dine at Senior Dining sites?
Anyone age 60 and over is welcome. Spouses are automatically included regardless of age. The service, facility and benefits of this program are for the use of all older people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.
Is there a charge for the meal?
Diners are given the opportunity to donate toward the cost of the meal. Donation guidelines are posted at the sites. No one is denied a meal because on inability to contribute. Food Stamp EBT cards are welcome.
How do I make a reservation to dine at a Senior Dining site?
Contact your local dining site between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon to reserve your meal. Dining sites are listed on the Senior Dining page under the Senior Services menu.
Where does the Senior Dining program receive funding?
Semcac Senior Dining receives federal and state funding under a contract with the Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging. Local contributions from counties, cities, United Way agencies, and business and individual donations, including participant donations, are vital for the program’s continuation as well.
Volunteer Driver Program – Transportation
How do you sign up with the Volunteer Driver Program as a client?
Just call 1-800-528-7622 and speak with a dispatcher to get enrolled and to see if you qualify.
How far will a VDP driver take me for an appointment?
Every situation is a little different. Speak with your dispatcher and explain your situation. If the ride is over 50 miles we will need to ask for approval from the county and proceed with planning your ride from that point.
How many days per week can I use VDP services?
This depends upon your situation. If we have drivers available to accommodate your riding needs a couple times per week, we will try our best to transport you to your appointments.
Can the VDP rides accommodate wheelchair clients?
Unfortunately, since this is a volunteer based service, we do not have vehicles that are able to accommodate wheelchairs. Volunteers use their own personal vehicles to provide this service. However, if you are able to transfer from the wheelchair to the car with little to no help, we can provide you with a ride. If you are not able to do so, please contact us to schedule a ride using our public transportation buses, Rolling Hills Transit. All of the Rolling Hills Transit buses are wheelchair accessible.
How do I enroll to become a VDP driver?
Thank you for your interest in volunteering to give rides! Please call Janice at the office in Rushford at 1-800-944-3874. If you cannot reach Janice, please call the dispatch center at 1-800-528-7622.
Do I decide which rides I will provide, and where I will go?
YES you do! You decide which days and times you would like to drive. You also decide where you are able to drive to and where you are not comfortable going/driving. We work with your schedule.
What do I get reimbursed for as a volunteer driver?
You are reimbursed for your mileage and for parking fees. You may also get reimbursed for meals if they fall within the guidelines. We hold a recognition event for all volunteer drivers at the end of the year. We celebrate your hard work and dedication throughout the year.
Weatherization
How do I apply for Weatherization?
To apply for Weatherization you need to complete an Energy Assistance application. You can make a note on the application that you are interested in Weatherization or we will periodically run reports from the Energy Assistance database to update our waiting list. Applicants are then placed on a priority list sorted by heating costs and county of residence. If the house has been weatherized since September 1994, we cannot re-weatherize the home.
What exactly does the Weatherization Program do?
Weatherizing a home means sealing the gaps and leaks in a home’s thermal envelope that can cause energy to be wasted. Measures can include putting weather-stripping around doors, adding sealing around windows, putting more insulation in attics and sidewalls, install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and repair/replace furnace and/or water heater. We work to decrease energy bills by making homes more energy efficient.
The Weatherization process begins with a pre-audit where an energy auditor does a brief inspection of the home to ensure it is a candidate for our program. If it passes, we then schedule a full energy audit that takes approximately 4 hours (depending on the size of the home). The energy auditor will conduct many diagnostic tests on the home and mechanical equipment to evaluate the home’s energy efficiencies as well as identify any safety hazards. The auditor will discuss their findings with the client, write up the work order for our crew and to determine the savings to investment ratio of the work recommended, the crew foreman will contact the client to set up a time for them to perform the work and lastly another energy auditor will schedule a final inspection to ensure all work was done properly and satisfactorily.
Does the Weatherization program operate year-round?
Yes. The Weatherization program is a 12-month program.
Is the program assistance really free?
Yes, if you qualify for energy assistance and your home has not been weatherized since September 1994. It is a grant from the federal Department of Energy. Not a deferred loan, no liens, no pay-back, etc.
What if I don’t want some of the things done that are recommended?
There are very few things that the homeowner can decline for us to still continue with the Weatherization job. State and Federal guidelines mandate us to complete all work orders with a savings-to-investment ratio (SIR) of 1 or greater. We want to make sure each home is achieving the most energy savings and if a work order with a SIR of 1 or more is declined this would not occur.
Can I switch fuels on a furnace replacement (oil to natural gas, LP to natural gas, etc.)?
If there is a health concern that warrants the homeowners request to switch fuels we can submit the request to the State Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources for approval.
Do you help with water heater problems?
Our funding with water heaters is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have no hot water or the water heater is leaking, contact us at 1-800-944-3207 and we will determine if funding is available.
Do you replace windows and doors?
It really depends on each home’s situation, but not typically. Each work order (with the exception of health & safety items) needs to have a savings-to-investment ratio (SIR) or pay-back of 7 years or less. We enter the job specifications in a State-approved software program that determines this utilizing the conditions of each home. Typically doors and windows do not calculate a SIR therefore we are unable to replace them.
Do you repair or replace roofs?
No, roof repair or replacements are not something Weatherization can assist with.
Do you put holes in siding to check for wall insulation?
We will remove a portion of the siding and drill the hole in the wood portion of the wall. We then stuff the hole with fiberglass insulation and install a plug to close up the hole and replace the siding.
If the home is stucco then, yes, we would drill directly through the stucco and patch it to the best of our ability. This would be discussed with the homeowner in detail before proceeding.
Do you pay for the installation of a sump pump?
No, sump pumps are not part of the Weatherization program scope of work.