Epilepsy and Mental Health Services

Epilepsy and Mental Health Services provides support to adults (18+) with difficult-to-control seizures and/or mental health issues. The program has three distinct services:

• Transitions State Grant: This program specifically serves clients with seizure disorders, acquired brain injuries or traumatic brain injury. Curriculum serves to achieve stable housing and find a purposed activity, be it employment, education or volunteering.
• Customized Living Plus: This waivered service targets clients in need of long-term care and would benefit from 24-hour access to awake staff.
• Independent Living Skills training (ILS): ILS skills training helps participants learn skills to manage their finances, housing, medical care, community resources, transportation and other life skills essential to maintaining a level of independence.

Who we serve
Adults (18+) who live in Minnesota and who have a seizure disorder or a traumatic brain injury may be eligible for this service. Supported apartment living must be a reasonable expectation for individuals in this program. Individuals who are not residents of Minnesota are not eligible for services. Many of the people we serve experience a mental illness in addition to their seizure disorder.

The goals we set
Epilepsy and Mental Health Services measures recipient outcomes in five areas: financial self-reliance, stable health including access to health insurance, safe affordable housing, a functioning support network, and basic independent living skills. People are here to learn that they are capable of living in the community.

Services we provide
Program staff meet with participants one or more times a week to work on community living skills in the following areas:

• Financial management: budgeting, organizing financial paperwork, banking and balancing statements, dealing with creditors, and understanding public assistance
• Housing: acquiring and maintaining housing through lease compliance, paying rent and bills and personal safety training
• Health: appointment scheduling, arranging transportation, accompanying individuals to appointments, mental health management, medication management, basic epilepsy education, and first-aid training
• Community Support: accessing appropriate community resources, planning and hosting social events
• Employment: coordinating services with vocational providers, and researching/accessing training and employment supports
• Transportation: teaching transportation options available for non-drivers, bus training , and utilizing community mobility supports if eligible.
• Independent Living Skills: individual instruction in specific daily skills.

About our location
Individuals may live at MPHA housing at the Cedars high-rise buildings in the Cedar Riverside neighborhood in Minneapolis, or in their own apartments in the greater metropolitan area. The Cedars are located near downtown Minneapolis and the West Bank of the University of Minnesota in an area known for its theatres and restaurants. It is a multi-cultural hub that is served by six public bus routes and the Minnehaha Corridor Light Rail line. Staff offices are within the 630 Cedar building.

About the process
This program accepts referrals from medical clinics, social workers, family members, and individuals with epilepsy or/traumatic brain injury, and interested others.

About our fees
Participants who live in their own apartments are responsible for their own food, clothing, and shelter expenses. As tenants of public housing, apartments are subsidized and participants pay only 30% of their monthly income. Staffing and other costs are paid for through a Grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services or Medical Assistance funding. The county of financial responsibility will determine the rate for individuals receiving services under Medical Assistance CADI and TBI waivers.

About our staff
Staff have education and experience in human services. We prefer individuals with a BA or BS in social work, psychology, vocational rehabilitation or related fields.

Hours of operation
The staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for medical and other emergencies for onsite and outreach participants. We use cell phones that allow participants to reach us, even if we are out of the building.

Licensing
Member of the Minnesota Association of Community Mental Health Programs (MACMHP) as well as members of the US Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (USPRA). This program is partially funded through a grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

Affiliations
Housing with Services, Customized Living Facility