Basic Needs Resources

Ridgewater recognizes that there are many students who may experience challenges outside of the classroom that may create anxiety and stress that may impact their academic success. Challenges may include accessing enough food to eat, childcare issues, physical and mental health, unexpected bills or issues accessing technology.

As a student, your safety, health and well-being are our primary concerns and we want to be able to support you in any way that we can.

The following is a list of resources within the community that may be able to help. Please contact Mark Taylor, Community Resource specialist at [email protected] with questions or resources that should be included.

Counselors

Our Ridgewater College counselors, Dawn Bjork-Pedersen, Lisa Wagoner, and LeAnn Pueringer are here to assist students.  They are concerned about your wellness, whether it be academic or emotional.  We encourage you to reach out to them if needed.  To make an appointment for a phone or ZOOM (video conferencing) meeting, please call Student Services at 320-222-5971.

Social Service Agencies by County

Meeker County Social Services
Kandiyohi Family Services
Swift County Human Services
McLeod County Social Services Financial Assistance
Carver County Income Support Services
Sibley County Income Maintenance Services
Hennepin County Community Action Services
Wright County

211 Basic Needs Resource Hub

Ridgewater College and Minnesota State have partnered with United Way 211 to establish a statewide basic needs resource hub. The basic needs resource hub provides Ridgewater College students access to basic needs resources and support available on campus and in the community via phone, text, or chat 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

United Way 211 provides free and confidential health and human services information. They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to connect you with the resources and information you need. If you’re looking for information about services available in your community for you or a loved one, they can help.

Text MNHELP to 898-211(TXT211) or call 211 (toll free at 1-800-543-7709) to speak with one of their highly trained information and referral specialists. Your call is completely confidential, and they have call menus in English, Spanish, and Hmong. Interpreters are also available for any language.

Visit the 211 website to learn more or to explore resources and support that may be available.

To search the 211 database of basic needs resources online, please visit the Minnesota State system student basic needs website.

Can’t find a resource?

Contact the Community Resources Specialist Mark Taylor Mark Taylor, Office: A145b, Phone: 320-222-6932, Email: [email protected] 
If this is an Emergency please contact 911