Children and Families

Head Start and Early Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families. Also provides services to children with special needs or disabilities.

• 218-834-2280
• 218-749-2912 ext. 7351

• https://www.aeoa.org/arrowhead-head-start-overview

• Norlen Industrial Park
  2124 10th Street
  Two Harbors, MN 55616
  

Providing mental health services to children, teens, young adults and their families. Programs include partial (outpatient) hospitalization programs for children, youth and adolescents, substance use disorder intervention (ages 12-18), intensive outpatient programming (ages 18-25), and comprehensive assessment and intervention (birth to kindergarten)

• 218-355-2100
• Text "MN" to 741741 (crisis text line)
• 844-772-4724 (24-hour regional crisis phone line)

• http://www.amberwing.org/

• 615 Pecan Avenue
  Duluth, MN 55811

• amberwing@essentiahealth.org

Core services include individual advocacy for people with disabilities, system advocacy, family support and IEP advocacy, education, information and resources.

• (218) 726-4725

• http://www.arcnorthland.org/

• Suite 302
  222 E Superior Street
  Duluth, MN 55802

• info@arcnorthland.org

Comprehensive outpatient mental health services for children, adolescents, and adults. We can bill your insurance or bill on a sliding fee scale for those without insurance.

• 218-723-8153

• http://www.mnpsych.com/

• 715 East Central Entrance
  Duluth, MN 55811
  

Free 24/7 care for children and support for families that are dealing with personal stress or crises such as an illness, housing problems, divorce or separation, financial strains or other issues.

A child’s parent or legal guardian can request:

• Short-term care by licensed providers for children up through age 12
• Crisis support for families
• Information and referrals to additional community resources

Also offers a clothing room for newborn to size 7 in kids clothing, diapers, wipes, blankets, hygiene products and other baby equipment (items are donated, so selection may vary) to those in need, free of charge. Call ahead to schedule a same day appointment.

• 218-302-6879

• https://www.lssmn.org/services/families/crisis-nurseries

• 1422 E Superior Street
  Duluth, MN 55805

Caring closets offer a variety of hygiene products, clothing and miscellaneous items for students. Caring closets are located at the Minnehaha Elementary and Two Harbors High Schools. If school is not in session, a caring closet is also available to students at Cooperative Light and Power, Two Harbors.

If you have items to donate, please drop them off at Cooperative Light and Power.

• Minnehaha Elementary School
  421 7th Street
  Two Harbors, MN 55616
• Two Harbors High School
  1640 Highway 2
  Two Harbors, MN 55616

Current child care providers in Lake County are listed below. You may call the provider directly to ask about openings or you may contact CHILD CARE AWARE (1-888-291-9811) for information on availability, hours, etc.

The North Shore Parent Support Group provides support and information for families living with behavioral and mental health challenges. The group meets the first Tuesday of each month from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, Two Harbors. A virtual option is also available by contacting Wendi at 218-576-7469.

• 218-576-7469

• North Shore Parent Support Group
  First Baptist Church
  602 15th Avenue
  Two Harbors, MN 55616

Many affordable health and wellness classes are offered through the Two Harbors and Silver Bay Community Education programs in various communities throughout Lake County.

• Early Childhood Family Education-ECFE is a program for parents with children ages birth to pre-kindergarten five. Families participate in activities to build social, cognitive and motor skills. Parent education is provided through lively and informative discussions about everyday life as a parent. Registration is required for mixed age session. Fees are based on a sliding fee scale and can be waived if necessary. For more information, please call 218-226-4437 ext. 8158 in Silver Bay or 218-834-8221 ext. 8362 in Two Harbors.
• Early Childhood Screening-Quick and simple check of how children are doing between the ages of 3 to 4 years. It identifies, at an early stage, possible learning or health concerns so that children can get needed help before starting school. Early childhood screening is required for entrance in Minnesota’s public schools and is offered throughout the year. Call 218-226-4437 ext. 8158 for more information.
• Little Mariner and Little Agates Preschool is available in Silver Bay for children ages 3- 5 years old. The goal in preschool is to instill a love of learning, build skills for kindergarten and to have FUN! All of our Preschool sites are Parent Aware 4 Star Rated. Call 218-226-4437 ext. 8453 for more information.
• Kids and Co. is located in the Minnehaha Elementary and William Kelley schools. Care is provided before, during, and after school for children 3 years old through the end of 5th grade. Call 218-226-4437 ext. 8453 for more information.

• 218-834-8201 ext. 8230 Two Harbors
• 218-226-4437 ext. 8137 Silver Bay

• https://www.isd381.k12.mn.us/community-ed/

Mediation is an alternative to going to court. This program connects those seeking conflict resolution services to local mediation service providers.  Mediation can help resolve conflicts between neighbors, landlords and tenants, family relationships, parenting time, workplace issues, etc.

Restorative practices include a variety of interventions that assist in repairing harm, restoring relationships, and renewing a shared sense of community.

Facilitated dialogues are facilitated by trained facilitators and are a series of dialogue-based services customized to help your group or community tackle difficult conversations constructively.

Training and skill building are available and includes mediation training, continuing education, and restorative justice.

• 833-266-2663

• https://communitymediationmn.org/

• info@CommunityMediationMN.org

Providing financial (including rent/mortgage assistance, utility assistance, assistance paying medical bills), child care assistance, transportation cards, educational and material assistance (including portable cribs) to women and babies in crisis that live in Minnesota.

Contact parenting agency (below) to obtain an application:

1. St. Louis County Public Health: current patients only
2. Women’s Care Center phone: (218) 623-7100
3. Lake Superior Life Care Center phone: 218-727-3399

• (651) 636-0637

• https://cradleofhope.org/

Many activities are available at the Clair Nelson Center, such as bonebuilders exercise class, yoga, dancing, crafting, alcoholics anonymous, and youth open gym nights. Please visit their website for more information.

• 218-353-0300

• https://friendsoffinland.org/

• Clair Nelson Center
  6866 Cramer Road
  Finland, MN 55603

HDC offers in-person services for the following programs: Addiction Services, Adult Case Management, Adult Rehabilitation Mental Health Services (ARMHS), Child Therapeutic Support Services (CTSS), Community Support Programming, Early Childhood Mental Health Services, Employment Connections, Medication Assisted Treatment, Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Outreach Centers, school-based services, and Mental Health Crisis Services.

• Waterfront Center Outreach Center-Our outreach center, located in Two Harbors, is open Monday through Friday with varying hours. The monthly schedule is posted at the center’s location which is 606 2nd Avenue in Two Harbors and in our office at 325 11th Avenue.  The center is open to all community members with children under 18 being accompanied by an adult. The goal of the center is to create a safe space for every individual to enjoy social activities, snacks and coffee, crafts, games, and more. The center is staff by HDC mental health practitioners.
• Harmony Center-Staffed by Peer Support Specialists that provide a safe environment to socialize, explore hobbies, do arts and crafts, or to just hang out and have a cup of coffee. Located on the lower level of the Damiano Center at 206 W 4th Street; open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• 218-728-4491

• https://hdcnorth.org/

• 325 11th Avenue
  Two Harbors, MN 55616
• 1401 E 1st Street
  Duluth, MN 55805
• 99 Edison Blvd.
  Silver Bay, MN 55614

Provides in person and online individual therapy, couples therapy, sex therapy and education, and family therapy services. We work with clients of all ages that are experiencing a range of mental health symptoms, substance abuse issues, stressful life circumstances, or those simply looking to improve themselves. See our website for further details on the specialties of each of our therapists.

• 218-595-7997 (phone)
• 218-392-3898 (fax)

• https://www.kalinacounseling.com/

• Agate Bay Professional Suites
  120 7th Street
  Two Harbors, MN 55616

• info@kalinacounseling.com

Offers infant care (6 weeks to 16 months), toddler classes (16 to 33 months) and preschool (33 months to 5 years).

• 218-510-0598

• http://www.kickstartpreschool.com/

• 1073 Highway 61
  Two Harbors, MN 55616

• Health Care-Medical Assistance, Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities, Long Term Care, TEFRA, Medicare Savings Program.
• Mental Health Services-Case Management services for children and adults.
• Cash Assistance-Minnesota Family Investment Program, Diversionary Work Program, Minnesota Supplemental Aid, General Assistance, Housing Supports (formerly known as Group Residential Housing). Apply for Cash Assistance benefits at https://mnbenefits.mn.gov/
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly known as food stamps and/or food support)-Apply for SNAP benefits at https://mnbenefits.mn.gov/
• Emergency Programs-Emergency Assistance and Emergency General Assistance. Apply for Emergency Assistance benefits at https://mnbenefits.mn.gov/
• Car Seat Installations-A certified car seat technician is available to assist you.
• Child and Teen Check-up-Program for children on Medical Assistance and Minnesota Care. Information is available about good physical health, development and growth, hearing and vision checks and immunizations. Complete physical exams are also available at your local clinic.
• Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)-May be available to families who are employed, seeking employment, or are in school or training. Apply for CCAP benefits by calling our office, picking up an application or going on-line at https://applymn.dhs.mn.gov.
• Child Protection-Workers receive reports of possible physical, emotional or sexual abuse and/or neglect and take appropriate action to provide safety for the children.
• Child Foster Care Services-A licensed, home-like setting for children who are unable to live with their families and need placement on emergency, temporary, long-term or respite basis.
• Children and Family Services-Voluntary services to help families stay together; provides ongoing case management with individualized plans and assistance for your family’s needs.
• Family Based Services-Provides parent education and counseling in the family home as an alternative to an out-of-home placement or preparing for a child to return home.
• Follow Along Program-Babies and children grow and learn at their own rate. Some children need special help to grow up healthy and learn skills such as sitting, walking, or talking. This program is to help determine if this is true for your child.
• Newborn Home Visits-Visits to a home or in the office by a public health nurse specializing in parent and child health. A visit will include weighing your baby, assessing your baby from head to toe, and providing information on sleep habits, feeding your baby, infant cues, playing with your baby, general baby care. The nurse will also answer any of your questions and direct you to community resources if necessary. If you would like to meet before your baby is born, the nurse will talk to you about making sure you are doing all you can to have a healthy baby. This is a free and confidential service to all Lake County families.
• Women, Infants and Children (WIC)-Provides supplemental food and nutrition education to eligible pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under age 5.
• Child Support-Assistance in locating parents, establishing parentage, establishing court orders for child support, medical support, and child care support, reviewing and modifying court orders for child support, medical support and child care support, adjusting court orders based on cost-of-living, enforcing court orders, collecting and processing payments. MN Child Support Online: http://www.childsupport.dhs.state.mn.us/Action/Welcome

• 218-834-8400 (Two Harbors office)
• 218-226-4443 (Silver Bay office)
• 800-450-8832

• http://www.co.lake.mn.us/index.php

• Two Harbors office:
  616 3rd Avenue
  Two Harbors, MN 55616
  
• Silver Bay office:
  Silver Bay Service Center
  99 Edison Blvd.
  Silver Bay, MN 55614

Free pregnancy testing, parenting education, baby and maternity items, free medical clinic, including ultrasounds, client advocacy (peer counseling), car seat program, and safe sleep classes.

• 715-394-4102

• https://www.lslccduluthsuperior.org/

• 1225 Tower Avenue, Suite 318
  Superior, WI 54880

Life House provides comprehensive supportive services to meet the needs of our youth and young families ages 14 to 24 who are unstably housed and/or navigating various challenges in life. Offers a youth drop-in center, housing assistance, mental health and wellness programs, education and employment assistance, and sex trafficking/commercial sexual exploitation housing and programming.

• Youth Drop-In Center-Provides hot meals, showers, lockers, laundry, basic need supplies, WiFi, groups, activities and group meetings. For youth ages 14 to 20, hours are Monday through Friday from 3pm-6pm. For adults ages 18 to 24, hours are 11 am – 1:30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Hours are 12pm – 1:30pm on Wednesdays.
• Mental Health & Wellness-Provides daily support and on-going services to improve physical, mental and spiritual wellness. Intensive case management is used to help youth improve health while obtaining life skills, stable housing, employment, education, parenting education, and connections to community resources. Licensed alcohol and drug counselors are also available to provide chemical health support.
• Futures Program-Voluntary program available to all Life House youth that may have been expelled or dropped out of school, who have little to no job experience, or who want to further their education and employment skills.
• Education-Offers online GED preparation, assists with high school enrollment/transfer paperwork and provides tutoring. Assists with entire college process (applications, meetings, tours, supplies, tutoring).
• Legitimate Hustle Program-Program targets youth who have multiple barriers to obtaining economic self-sufficiency. Provides comprehensive case management and job training in an environment that helps youth to gain essential employment skills, become stable in their recovery or overall well-being, and transition into career opportunities. The Transitional Employment Case Manager assists our youth with resume building, interview skills, transportation to and from interviews, connecting with local businesses, and any additional ways of assisting with pursuing employment opportunities.

Housing

• Life House Housing Program-Subsidized housing with supportive case management
• Northern Lights-8 unit Safe Harbor supportive, transitional housing program for young adults and young families who are survivors of sexual exploitation and/or human trafficking
• Sol House-House for survivors of sexual exploitation

• 218-722-7431
• Youth Safeline: 800-786-2929

• http://lifehouseduluth.org/

• 102 West First Street
  Duluth, MN 55802

Housing

• Bethany Crisis Shelter-Offers short-term, emergency housing for youth 17 years and younger with a referral by county social worker, court, or law enforcement. Provides supervised daily living, homebound education, recreational programming, weekly discussion groups, transportation and individual support.
• Another Door Emergency Housing Program-Short-term housing and support for young adults age 18-24 experiencing homelessness. Contact 218-391-5145 for more information.
• Renaissance Transitional Housing-Transitional housing for youth 16-20 years old that are experiencing homelessness.
• Supportive Apartments-Offers long-term housing paired with supportive services for youth ages 18-24 who are experiencing homelessness and meet MN guidelines for homelessness.
• Center for Changing Lives-Located at 1422 East Superior Street, Duluth. Phone 218-529-2230. Offers many options to youth with regards to homelessness and wellness services, including life skills training, educational support, youth groups and more.

Health Care 

• Teen Health Clinic-Offers free wellness services including health screenings for teens and young adults who are 13-24 years old. Located at The Center for Changing Lives Duluth, 1422 East Superior Street, Duluth. Call 218-529-2224 for an appointment.

Education

• Oh No Eighteen! (ONE) Independent Living Skills-Independent living skills program that includes education, support, and case management for young people that have been in foster care, residential treatment, group homes or other residential programs.

Children’s Services

• Bethany Crisis Nursery-Providing a safe and nurturing environment for children birth through age 12.
• Teen Closet-Offers hygiene products and free new and gently used clothing for youth and young adults. Teen closet is open Thursdays from 2pm-6pm. Located on the lower level of the First Lutheran Church, 1100 E Superior Street, Duluth. Please use London Road entrance. Please call 218-529-2230 to set up an appointment outside of regular hours.

Groups

• Together for Youth-A community outreach and support group. Meets Wednesdays from 4pm-6pm at the Center for Changing Lives, 1422 E Superior Street, Duluth.

• 218-626-2726
• 888-577-2227 (financial line)

• https://www.lssmn.org/services/youth-homelessness/duluth

24-hour hotline to report seeing a missing child and to report child sexual exploitation. Non-profit corporation whose mission is to help find missing children, reduce child sexual exploitation, and prevent child victimization.

• 800-843-5678

• http://www.missingkids.com/home

Services include:

•  24-hour crisis services
•  Legal advocacy
•  Relationship abuse advocacy
•  Sexual assault advocacy
•  Resources and referrals
•  Community outreach and education
•  Supportive and Transitional Housing (New Beginnings, LLC)
•  A Safe Exchange and Supervised Visitation program
•  Men’s Nonviolence Intervention Education

• 218-834-5924
• 866-223-1111 (crisis line)

• https://northshorehorizons.org

• 127 7th Street
  Two Harbors, MN 55616

• info@northshorehorizons.org

The BackPack Program-Feeds students in need on weekends and during the summer when school isn’t in session. Children receive a nutritious supply of food at the end of the week.

• 218-727-5653

• http://www.northernlakesfoodbank.org/

• info@northernlakesfoodbank.org

Offers Early Learning Scholarships to children under age five. The funds help families of young children pay for high-quality childcare and early education.

• 218-723-4040
• 800-433-4045

• https://northlandfdn.org/special-initiatives

• 202 W Superior Street
  Suite 800
  Duluth, MN 55802

• info@northlandfdn.org

Northwood Children’s Services provides holistic and professional care, education, and treatment for children ages 2-18 with severe emotional, behavioral, and learning disabilities.

• 218-724-8815

• http://northwoodchildren.org/

• Northwood Children’s Services
  714 West College Street
  Duluth, MN 55811
  
• 
  
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Programs include, but are not limited to, softball, baseball, swimming, arts and crafts, tennis and open gym.

www.twoharborsmn.gov/

www.silverbay.com

• 218-834-5631 (Two Harbors)
• 218-226-4214 (Silver Bay)

Find Safe Harbor shelters and housing programs across the state for sexually exploited youth.

• https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/safeharbor/

• health.safeharbor@state.mn.us

Collaborates with area service agencies to provide last resort financial assistance to families and individuals in need. Financial assistance available to individuals/families ONCE every 365 days (one program per 365 days).

• Back to School Program-Backpack and basic school supplies for families that are unable to purchase them.  Applications located at AEOA-Two Harbors and Lake County Health and Human Services.  Applications available in late July/early August.
• Christmas Toy Distribution-Applications available mid-October through mid-November at AEOA – Two Harbors and Lake County Health and Human Services.

Swaddling Clothes is open at First Lutheran Church, Silver Bay, on the third Saturday of each month from 10am to 1pm. Parents, including expectant mothers, can come and receive a package of diapers and wipes. If parents need larger items, such as car seats or cribs, Swaddling Clothes will work to connect them with the item.

• 218-226-3908

• Swaddling Clothes
  Faith Lutheran Church
  105 Outer Drive
  Silver Bay, MN 55614

• silverbay@swaddlingclothes.org