Families

United Way of Steele County 

2-1-1 Information and Referral 

Try calling 2-1-1 (1-800- 543-7709) for information on senior childcare, legal help, transportation, housing, employment, food, counseling, volunteering, and much more! United Way of Steele County helps fund this service for our area. 2-1-1 is a free, multilingual, and confidential phone service that is available 24/7/365. 

Location:
1850 Austin Road, Suite 103
Owatonna
(507) 455-1180

Community Pathways of Steele County 

Marketplace at Community Pathways is a welcoming resource for people dealing with food insecurity. They offer a weekly shopping experience that allows registered members to choose anything that they feel that will satisfy their families' wants and needs

Location:
155 Oakdale Street
Owatonna
(507) 455-2991
 

Owatonna Public Schools Free and Reduced Lunch Program

Families may apply for the Free and Reduced Lunch program by applying online, by stopping at the District Office, 515 West Bridge Street, or by calling (407) 444-8616. Qualifying students receive free breakfast and free/reduced lunches.  

(507) 444-8616

Meal of Hope

When:  Every Thursday
Time:  5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Where:  Trinity Lutheran Church, 609 Lincoln Avenue Owatonna 
Room: Fellowship Hall
For more information or transportation needs call: (507) 451-4520

Community Supper

When: Every Wednesday 
Time: 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. 
Where:  Bethel Church,  1611 Hemlock Ave Owatonna
Room: Multipurpose Room, downstairs, across from the kitchen. 
For more information call: (507) 451-8548 

St. Vincent de Paul Society

When: Every Tuesday
Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: St. Joseph Catholic Church, 512 S Elm Ave, Owatonna 
For more information call: (507) 451-4845

Community Pathways of Steele County

Community Pathways' thrift store, Unique Finds, is open to everyone, regardless of life circumstances, income or qualification requirements.

Location:
155 Oakdale Street
Owatonna
(507) 451-2550

Steele County Children’s Remedial Fund

The Children's Remedial Fund of Steele County is a program intended to provide financial support to eligible families who have children with medical, dental, vision, hearing, school supplies and winter clothing needs. You can download and print an application on the website or request an application from your community school nurse or school social worker. 

Let’s Smile Inc. Dental Programs

Some of the schools offer dental clinics in partnership with Let’s Smile Inc. These services are for families on state insurance programs or have no dental insurance. Let’s Smile also provides dental cleanings at Community Pathways of Steele County on most Wednesdays. Contact your child’s school social worker for more information or contact Holly from Let’s Smile directly at 507-363-3023.

FamilyWize Prescription Discount

FamilyWize is a prescription discount drug program that could potentially save you 40% on prescription drugs. The discount cards are free of charge and available through their website

Energy Assistance Program  

SEMCAC is a local community agency that provides energy assistance. You can find their EAP application on their website or by calling 1-800-944-3281. 

Housing

If your family is experiencing or anticipates loss of housing, please contact your school social worker. There are protections and services available to you under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. There are also resources within the community to support with eviction prevention. 

The school social workers in each building have school supplies to hand out to students/families in need. Please contact your child’s school social worker if your child needs school supplies. 

Social Workers
Lincoln Elementary
McKinley Elementary
Washington Elementary
Wilson Elementary
Owatonna Middle School
Owatonna High School
Owatonna Area Learning Center

SEMCAC, a local agency, is offering car repair funds to support families facing financial hardship as long as there is a child under the age of 18 in the home. They can be reached by phone at 507-864-7741 or via email at semcac@semcac.org for more information.