Charting the Course

2013

2014

Alexandra House received a grant to create a coordinated community response to abuse in later life.

Alexandra House expanded its Therapy and Support Services.

Alexandra House expanded its Youth Services Program to serve all high schools within Anoka County’s six school districts.

2013… A Response to Abuse in Later Life

2014… Youth Service Program Expansion

Among Anoka County leaders, there was a growing awareness of the increased number of reports of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation perpetrated against elder victims. In 2012, Alexandra House became a member of the Minnesota S.A.F.E. (Stop Abuse and Financial Exploitation) Elders Initiative. Led by County Attorney Tony Palumbo, the program aimed to reduce elder abuse through training,

Since 1982, the Youth Service Program intervened in the lives of youth who were experiencing violence in a dating relationship or within their homes. Advocates worked to remove barriers youth faced in accessing safe, confidential services by partnering with six local school districts and Anoka County Juvenile Corrections to bring services to them. Advocates spent one half day weekly at every high school and alternative program in Anoka-Hennepin, Spring Lake Park, Centennial, Fridley, Columbia Heights, and St. Francis School Districts. In addition to having met individually with students, advocates facilitated weekly healthy relationship groups in each of their schools. One day each week was dedicated to conducting classroom presentations on healthy relationships and to making students aware of available services. We also provided support groups and educational presentations to youth who resided in one of three programs of the Lino Lakes Juvenile Correctional Facility.

policy and education. The initiative laid the groundwork for what is presently known as the Anoka County Abuse in Later Life Program. Alexandra House, in partnership with the Anoka County Attorney’s Office, 13 other local, municipal, and County agencies including law enforcement, prosecutors, and adult protective services, was one of 9 organizations in the country to be awarded an almost $400,000 grant from the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) to address the issue of elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation through training and enhanced services and outreach to elder abuse victims. This funding led to the creation of Alexandra House’s Aging Services Program.

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