Stevens County

Early Childhood Initiative

Programs and Resource Guide

CHILDCARE INFORMATION

Lakes and Prairies Childcare Resource and Referral

700 Cedar St. Suite 117

Alexandria, MN 66308

1-877-724-9430; 320-759-3993

Referral Line: 1-800-941-7003

ccrralex@rea-alp.com

Covers 21 counties; the Northwest District.

Provides a referral list to families looking for child care. Provides educational materials for families to use when selecting a caregiver. Provides technical assistance to those interested in starting a childcare business. Provides training and technical assistance related to early childhood to child care professionals, employers and businesses. Statistical information on the child care industry is available.

For more information visit:

www.mnchildcare.org

Morris Area Child Care Center

1001 1/2 Scotts Street,Morris, MN 56267

(320) 589-7948

Hours: 5:45 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Contact: Jodie Loher

 

Child Care Financial Aid

This website gives Minnesota parents a one-stop web destination to help pay for child care. It includes an on-line financial aid estimator.

CLOTHING ASSISTANCE

Morris Area Salvation Army

627 E. 7th Street, Morris, MN

(320) 589-0483

 

Stevens County Thrift Shop

520 Atlantic Ave, Morris, MN

COUNSELING AND MENTAL HEALTH

Catholic Charities Counseling Services

10 E. 6th St., Morris, MN

320-589-3241

 

Life Center

Stevens County Medical Center

400 E. 1st St., Morris, MN

320-589-7625

Contact: Jim Pew jpew@runestone.net

24 hour crisis line: 1-800-568-5955

Services: outpatient mental health program, individual counseling, psychological testing, personal growth groups, individual counseling and marriage counseling and psychiatrist services. We do not turn people away because of financial issues. Flexiable hours.

 

Alcoholics Anonymous

701 Frankin Ave, Glenwood, MN 56334

320-634-0091

 

Drug Abuse Hotline

800-662-HELP

 

The Windmill Project

877-214-7977 Pin #2891

Email:darcher@runestone.net

Contact: Dawn Archer, Windmill Parent Consultant.

Provides encouragement and emotional support to families who have children, age birth to 21, with special needs. Services include parent workshops, a newsletter, an informational website, an annual parent retreat, and parent-to-parent support.

CRISIS/EMERGENCY

Women's Crisis Center

10 E. 6th Street, Morris, MN

320-589-3208

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

 

Someplace Safe: Safe Exchange

10 E. 6th Street, Morris, MN

320-589-3590

DENTAL CARE

 

Morris Dental Clinic

201 E. 6th St., Morris, MN

320-589-2161

Dr. Stark, Dr. Moen

 

Dental Depot

2 E. 5th St., Morris, MN

320-589-4481

Dr. Hauger

 

Orthodontist

206 Atlantic Ave, Morris, MN

320-589-2328

Dr. Nedrelow

 

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS

 

EARLY CHILDHOOD FAMILY EDUCATION (ECFE)

151 S. Columbia Ave, Morris, MN 56267

320-589-4394 ext 2237

Contact: Tamy Reese

ECFE services include parent and child classes for infants through pre-K ages, special events, guest speakers and field trips. ECFE/School Readiness is a program for all Minnesota families with children between the ages of birth and kindergarten enrollment. It recognizes that families provide children's first and most important learning environments and parents are children's first and most significant teachers.

PRE- SCHOOLS (ages 3-5)

Morris Area Child Care Center (click here to go to website)

1001 1/2 Scotts Street

Morris, MN 56267

(320) 589-7948

Hours: 5:45 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

 

Head Start

411 Industrial Park Blvd, Elbow Lake, MN 56531

218-685-4486

800-492-4805

Email: wcmca@grant.mn.us

Contact: Julie or Bonnie

A comprehensive child development program designed for young children and their families. The continuing success of the program is due to the philosophy and practice of working with the total child and the child's family through center-based (classroom) and home-visit activities. Covers Douglas, Grant, Pope, Stevens and Traverse Counties.

 

ECFE/Learning is Fun Pre-School

151 S. Columbia Ave, Morris, MN 56267

320-589-2709 ext. 1808

Contact: Tamy Reese

Learning is Fun Offers Pre-school classes for 3 -5 years of age. It includes a free time/social play, story time, circle time, gross motor activities, learning centers, table time art, snack, and closing. Kids discover that learning is fun through songs, games, stories, fingerplays, art and more! Classes incorporate age appropriate activities that develop children socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually.

 

Country Day Nursery School

200 S. Columbia Ave, Morris, MN 56267

Contact: Julie Eckerle

A Morris Tradition Since 1966 Country Day is a non-profit parent cooperative preschool located in the Federated Church building. The children learn through play in a consistent school-year environment, which gives them the opportunity to grow socially, emotionally, cognitively and physically. Educational activities are planned and carried out by our experienced teachers and enriched by the thoughtful contributions of our parents, who participate in a variety of activities such as assisting in the classroom, accompanying the children on field trips, or serving on the Board of Directors.

We offer 2 or 3 day options,  classes run from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. or a NEW -full day option for 4 and 5 year olds from 8:30a.m.-2:30 p.m. , Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Starting Fall 2006. Registration is on a first come, first served basis. Scholarships are available for qualified students. Contact Teresa for schedule and fee information.

 

Kids in Christ Preschool

Zion Lutheran Church

315 S. Columbia Ave, Morris, MN, 56267

(320) 585-5607 

Kids in Christ Preschool offers a licensed program which will provide your child with a wide variety of learning experience.  In a Christian setting your child will be free to explore their environment and will be able to experience success, giving the foundation for further learning and developing in them a love for learning. Each daily schedule consists of a 2 ½ hour session which provides age appropriate activities taught by an experienced teacher that help children develop socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually. Stop in and see our preschool.  It is licensed for 3-5 year olds and holds up to 10 children per each session.  Please call for more information. Scholarships are available.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Morris Area Public Elementary School (MAES)

Grades K-6

153 S. Columbia Ave, Morris, MN 56267

320-589-1250

 

St. Mary's School

Private Catholic Grades K-6

320-589-1704

 

Hancock Public Schools

Grades: K-12

 

Chokio-Alberta Public Schools

Grades: K-12

 

Cyrus Elementary School

 

University of Minnesota at Morris

 

FAITH COMMUNITY

APOSTOLIC CHRISTIAN CHURCH FELLOWSHIP CENTER 47461 290TH STREET 320-392-5930	ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH 320-589-3003 209 EAST 3RD STREET NEWMAN CATHOLIC CENTER 320-589-2620 306 EAST 4TH STREET
ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH 320-589-8807 46303 STATE HIGHWAY 28	MORRIS COMMUNITY CHURCH 320-589-4510 211 EAST 6TH STREET
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 320-589-4163 601 LYNDALE AVENUE	MORRIS EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH 320-589-2808 901 SCOTTS AVENUE E-mail address: office@mefc.net
FEDERATED CHURCH 320-589-1153 200 SOUTH COLUMBIA AVENUE	BETHEL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 320-589-4755 22 BROOK STREET
FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH 320-589-2970 108 WEST 8TH STREET, MORRIS MN	FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH 320-589-3242 200 EAST 5TH STREET, MORRIS MN LUTHERAN CAMPUS MINISTRY 320-589-4554 110 COLUMBIA AVENUE
SAINT PAUL'S LUTHERAN CHURCH 320-589-1840 301 WEST 5TH STREET	ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH LCMS 320-589-2744 311 SOUTH COLUMBIA AVENUE
HOSANNA WORSHIP CENTER 320-589-8807 46303 STATE HIGHWAY 28	LIVING WATERS MINISTRIES 320-585-5500 506 CALIFORNIA AVENUE

FAMILY SERVICES

HUG-Helping Us Grow

Stevens Traverse Grant Public Health

Universal home visits offering support, encouragement, information and gifts to expectant parents, families of newborns and parents of children between the ages of four months and three years. Available at no cost.

 

Early Childhood Screening (ECS)

Children ages 3-5 must particpate in ECS once before starting Kindergarten in a Minnesota public school. The purpose of ECS is to detect health and developmental needs early. Contact: Karen Folkman 320-589-1250.

 

WIC-Women Infant Children Nutrition Program

Stevens Traverse Grant Public Health

Who is eligible for the WIC Program?

• Pregnant women

• Breastfeeding women who have had a baby within the past year

• Women who have had a baby within the past six months

• Women who have been pregnant within the past six month

• Infants from birth to 1 year of age

• Children from 1 year of age to their 5th birthday

Stevens County Human Services

10 E. Hwy 28

320-589-7400 or 800-950-4429

Contact: Joanie Murphy, Director

 

Stevens County Food Shelf

701 Iowa Ave, Morris, MN

320-589-7436

HEALTH CARE

Stevens Community Medical Center

400 E. 1st St., Morris, MN

320-589-1313

 

Stevens Traverse Grant Public Health
621 Pacific Ave, Morris, MN

320-589-7425

 

Prairie Medical Center

202 E. 7th St., Morris, MN

320-589-4008

 

St. Francis Heath Care Services

320-589-2004

 HOUSING ASSISTANCE

Housing and Redevelopment Authority

The Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Stevens County, Minnesota (informally known as the Stevens County HRA) was organized by the Stevens County Board of Commissioners in 1977.  HRA Commissioners are selected from throughout the whole of Stevens County. The Stevens County HRA is committed to building better neighborhoods by providing comprehensive housing and business opportunities for qualified individuals and families through creative and professional service in partnership with the greater community. The Stevens County HRA administers several Federal, State, and local housing programs.

HRA offices are located on the 2^nd floor of the Stevens County Courthouse. The office is open from 8:30 to 4:30, Monday through Friday. Please call 320-589-7416 to schedule an appointment or to request additional information about HRA programs. Section 8 Rental Assistance; Affordable Rental Units; Revolving Loan Fund; Development Tools.

Nora Jost , Director; norajost@co.stevens.mn.us; Ph:589-7416

 

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

City of Morris

 

Stevens County

 

Morris Sun Tribune

P.O. Box 470 - 108 E. 6th Street, Morris, MN 56267
Phone: 320-589-2525 or Toll Free: 1-888-589-2525
Fax: 320-589-4357

A community newspaper serving Morris and Stevens Counties and the surrounding area. The Morris Sun Tribune publishes two issues a week: Wednesday and Saturday. Circulation is 3,840.

 

Local Radio Stations

KMRS/KKOK Radio
46671 State Hwy 28
P.O. Box 533, Morris, MN
Phone: (320) 589-3131
Fax: (320) 589-2715
kmrskkok@info-link.net

 

KUMM

University of Minnesota, Morris

Student Radio Station

 

REAL ESTATE AGENCIES

American Eagle Realty
202 E. 7th St., Morris, MN
ph: 320-589-4200
Hoffman Realty
613 Atlantic Ave, Morris, MN
ph: 320-589-2159

Rentz Agency Inc
PO Box 596
517 Atlantic Ave, Morris, MN
ph: 320-589-2442

 

LIBRARIES

The Morris Public Library

102 East 6th Street, Morris, MN, 320-589-1634. The first Saturday of the month TREC sponsors a story time at 10:30 a.m.

 

The Rodney A. Briggs Library- University of Minnesota,Morris

320-589-6175, does include a children's book section.

RECREATION

Morris Theatre

6th Street, Morris, MN

1 screen movie theater, changes movies on Thursday

 

Crystal Lanes Bowling Alley

Hwy 28, Morris, MN

 

Lee Community Center-Stevens County Fairgrounds

US-59 & Atlantic Ave, Morris, MN 56267 320-589-4585

ICE RINK- from October to March the center is used for hockey, fiqure skating,open skating and broom ball. From April to September, it is available for shows,exhibitions, auctions, dances, meetings, rollerblading and birthday parties. A walking track is available year round.

 

Regional Fitness Center (RFC)

626 E. 2nd St. Morris, MN 320-589-6485

 

Chahinkapa Zoo

Wahpeton, ND 58075

Is committed to providing clean and green natural habitats for its animal residents and aesthetic and educational leisure for its zoo visitors.  Over 200 animals and birds of 60 different species including otters, bison, monkeys, gibbon apes, camels, snow leopards, black bears, wallabies, cougars, gemsbok, llamas, elk and Siberian tigers, make the zoo their home. Also "Grandpa's Little Zoo" is a very popular hands-on educational area for the children to see and pet a variety of farm animals. 

Zoo/Carousel Address:  1004 R.J. Hughes Drive

Zoo/Carousel Telephone:  (701) 642-8709

 

Santa's Land and Zoo

151 Woodsmen Drive NE

Alexandria, MN 56308

320-846-0997

Hours: Memorial Day thru Labor Day 10:00 am- 4:00pm

Weekends September thru October 14th 10:00 am- 4:00 pm

PREGNANCY AND BIRTH

Morris Life Care Pregnancy Center:

301 1/2 California, Morris, MN

800-285-0712

Contact: Patty Bormann

Email: lifecare@info-link.net

Service: Free confidential pregnancy testing and counseling, practical assistance and emotional support. Baby items available at no cost.Hours: Wednesday- 1-5pm Thursday 1-7pm and Friday 3-5pm or by appointment.

 

Stevens Community Medical Center

400 E. 1st St., Morris, MN

320-589-1313

 

HUG-Helping Us Grow

Stevens Traverse Grant Public Health
Universal home visits offering support, encouragement, information and gifts to expectant parents, families of newborns and parents of children between the ages of four months and three years. Available at no cost.

 

WIC-Women Infant Children Nutrition Program

Stevens County Traverse Public Health

Who is eligible for the WIC Program?

• Pregnant women

• Breastfeeding women who have had a baby within the past year

• Women who have had a baby within the past six months

• Women who have been pregnant within the past six month

• Infants from birth to 1 year of age

• Children from 1 year of age to their 5th birthday

TRANSPORTATION

Morris Transit

320-589-1000

M-F 6am-10pm

Saturday 12 pm-4pm

Sunday 8:30 am-12:30 pm

Weekdays with 2 hours notice $1.00

Weekdays without notice is $2.00

After 6 pm and weekends $2.00

 

Rainbow Rider

1-800-877-7770

M-F 6am-5pm

Buses run in Douglas, Pope, Stevens, and Traverse Counties. First come first serve basis. Rides can be arranged up to 1 week in advance. Bus fare is $2 per 10 mile zone and/or in town.

 Morris Community Education and Recreation

153 South Columbia Avenue

Morris, MN 56267

320-589-4394

Director: Cindy Perkins cperkins@morris.k12.mn.us

A jointly sponsored program of School District 769 and the City of Morris