Phone: (320) 225-9213

Email: kseidel@voamn.org   

The Volunteers of America of Minnesota Services for Persons with Special Needs offers residential supportive services at its Milaca Homes for adults with developmental disabilities.  The goal of these services includes increasing residents’ independence and self-reliance, and fostering active community engagement. The homes are located in a quiet suburban-style neighborhood just outside of Milaca, MN.  Each home provides community-based services to a total of four program participants each with their own bedroom. Supportive services include skill development in activities of daily living, self-care, sensory/motor development, interpersonal skills, communication, behavior programming, community living, health care, leisure and recreation skills and money management.  Program participants benefit from quality, long-term, consistent care in a nurturing and supportive environment.

Increasing Independence: The philosophy of Volunteers of America of Minnesota’s Services for Persons with Special Needs is to treat each program participant as a unique individual with all the rights and expectations of any person in our society.  Our Milaca Homes provide services for persons with a wide-range of abilities.  Each home is wheelchair friendly with wide halls and handicapped accessible bathroom facilities.  Program participants are encouraged to take part in their own care and other activities of daily living according to their abilities.  Supportive counseling and training offers each individual the chance to achieve the most independent lifestyle possible. Supportive Services:   Skill Development in Self-Care and Activities of Daily Living: Program participants engage in individual household chores and daily hygiene practices.  The amount of participation is dependent on each person’s abilities.  Looking and feeling good, and living in a safe, clean environment are stressed. Sensory/Motor Development: Occupational and physical therapy assessments and services are provided by community vendors, as needed. Interpersonal Skills: Interpersonal skills are often difficult for persons with developmental disabilities.  Coaching and training are provided to enhance interactions with family, friends, staff and community members. Communication Skills: The Milaca Homes’ staff is offered training in communication skills such as sign language and picture communication boards.  Behavior Programming: A Qualified Mental Retardation Professional (QMRP) writes and monitors behavior programs for those individuals who may need support in this area.  All programs focus on reinforcing positive behavior while finding alternatives to disruptive behavior. Community Living: The residents of Milaca Homes participate actively in the community.  Program participants shop at local retailers for personal needs and engage in volunteer activities, as appropriate. Health Care: The continued health and well-being of program participants is stressed.  All staff is trained in first aid and CPR.  Care and monitoring of seizures, special dietary needs, monthly allergy injections, therapeutic massage, routine appointments and acute care are all provided. Leisure and Recreation Skills:  Program participants are afforded the opportunity to participate in a variety of recreation and leisure activities of their choice.  At home and community programming includes individual hobbies, swimming and week-long vacations. Money Management: Program participants may have funds that are kept in an individual account, which is monitored by the program supervisor.  Many program participants participate in the management of their own money and guardians receive monthly updates.