Inspired Life Speaker Series-  Alison Young: At the Speed of Andante
Nov
12
7:00 PM19:00

Inspired Life Speaker Series- Alison Young: At the Speed of Andante

Next in the Inspired Life Speaker Series….

Andante (on-DON-tay) is a musical term that means “at a moderate walking speed." Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Wagner and Bach are just a few of the classical composers who walked at the speed of andante to capture their muse and compose some of the most enduring music ever written. What they discovered intuitively was that walking is not separate from creativity – it’s largely responsible for creativity. This came as welcome news to Alison Young who lives a dual life as a professional musician and long distance backpacker. She shares her enthusiasm for the intersection of classical music and walking as well as ways to tap into your own creativity for a more balanced life.

A former professional flutist and American Public Media radio host, Alison Young is the “solo, female, middle-aged, titanium-reinforced, neurological-movement-disorder manager, cancer-thriver and long-distance backpacker” Blissful Hiker. She’s hiked over 12,000 miles on six continents and in one year, walked New Zealand’s “long pathway” Te Araroa and the Pacific Crest Trail. She shares stories about her life as a musician and thru-hiker through image, found sound, poetic and metaphor-rich word, bringing alive lessons that inspire, energize and ultimately heal the body, mind and spirit.

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Eat at the Lowbrow, Support MHC!
Nov
25
4:00 PM16:00

Eat at the Lowbrow, Support MHC!

On Monday, November 25th, head to the Lowbrow for your evening meal and support Mental Health Connect while you eat!

The Lowbrow has chosen Mental Health Connect as one of their partner orgs for a “Dine Out, Give Back” Monday. The Lowbrow will donate 10% of your bill from the evening to help us do our important work.

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Inspired Life Speaker Series- Erinn Frees
Dec
3
7:00 PM19:00

Inspired Life Speaker Series- Erinn Frees

Next in the Inspired Life Speaker Series…

Erinn Frees, MA, MT-BC, is a board-certified music therapist at Children’s Minnesota who brings years of experience and insights into the power of music to bring healing and hope to all ages. Leave with insights into the power of music and how you can draw upon it in your own life to find renewal and healing.

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Dealing with Anxiety and Depression
Nov
7
6:00 PM18:00

Dealing with Anxiety and Depression

  • Lumen Christi Catholic Community (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Lumen Christi Catholic Community’s Mental Health & Well-Being Ministry invites you to come hear Karen Lilla RN, MSN, PHN, CDDM and Director of Training for  Health Counseling Services. 

Objectives for the Session 

The participant will… 

• Learn the prevalence of different types of mental illness, including anxiety and depression. 

• Understand signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

• Identify four actions that could be taken to support someone experiencing a panic attack. 

• Discuss communication strategies for active and supportive listening. 

• Practice noticing and communication skills for signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Register here.

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Connecting the Dots
Oct
26
9:30 AM09:30

Connecting the Dots

You’re cordially invited to an all-Mental Health Connect (MHC) meeting of clergy, ambassadors, navigators, staff, and teams designed to provide you with the information, education, insights, resources—and yes, connections—to help improve the mental well-being of members of your faith community. You’ll have an opportunity to learn how to better communicate with MHC so that you can take full advantage of all the organization has to offer.

Register today
No fees to attend.

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Transforming Loneliness into Connection: Coffee & Conversation 
Oct
24
10:00 AM10:00

Transforming Loneliness into Connection: Coffee & Conversation 

  • Mount Olivet Lutheran Church (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Mount Olivet Mental Health Task Force invites you to join us for coffee & conversation, with a presentation on the topic, “How to Transform Loneliness into Connection.” Licensed clinical psychotherapist, spiritual coach and loneliness expert, Sherri M. Herman, MA LPCC, will share on transforming loneliness into connection by using expert strategies which blend science and ancient wisdom. Learn to avoid common pitfalls, nurture your spirit, and forge deep connections for a brighter future.

There is no charge to attend this event. Questions to Rachel Sufficool, rsufficool@mtolivet.org, or 612.767.2235. 

Registration Link
Coffee & Conversation: How to Transform Loneliness into Connection - Mount Olivet (mtolivet.org)

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Twin Cities Jewish Community 24th Annual Mental Health Education Conference
Oct
20
9:00 AM09:00

Twin Cities Jewish Community 24th Annual Mental Health Education Conference

This year marks the 24th year of the Twin Cities Jewish Community Annual Mental Health Education Conference. The conference is produced by Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis (JFCS) and Jewish Family Services of St. Paul (JFS) partners in improving mental health access, understanding, and education in the community.

With generous support from community donors and partners, the conference as always continues to be free and open to everyone.

The visible and invisible impacts on mental health are vast and require profound attention, support, and advocacy. In planning for this conference, we think of a kaleidoscope representing the emotions, perspectives, ideas, challenges, and hopefully a sign of unity. The kaleidoscope as an art form that speaks to the eyes and minds of the beholder.

https://jfcsmpls.org/

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MUSIC HEALS Mental Health Symposium
Oct
15
6:30 PM18:30

MUSIC HEALS Mental Health Symposium

Music Heals will be a spiritual experience in many ways. We’ll talk about grief, postpartum depression, addiction, anxiety, cancer, relationships, love, and how music heals . We’ll listen to musicians and sing together—reminding everyone we’re not alone in life’s stumbles. In closing, we asked the attendees…what will you do with what you learned from this symposium?

Join us!
There will be a freewill offering for Mental Health Connect at this event.

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Caring for Those with Alzheimer's
Oct
5
9:30 AM09:30

Caring for Those with Alzheimer's

Through his personal experience as a caregiver to his wife Elaine, Marty will share his experience and provide honest insight regarding Alzheimer’s disease. Marty will offer practical advice to equip caregivers with information to advocate for their loved one, and ask the right questions of their medical team. Marty’s book will be available for purchase, as his goal is to get his book, My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver, into the hands of people who need it most. Net proceeds from Marty’s book go to caregiver support programs.

There is no charge to attend this event at collaborating congregation Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, but please register here. If you have questions, please contact Nancy Nelson at 612.767.2288 or nnelson@mtolivet.org.

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NAMI Walk 2024
Sep
28
11:00 AM11:00

NAMI Walk 2024

Join the Most Vibrant Mental Health Movement in the Country! NAMIWalks participants like you don't just walk the walk. You are the walk. Help us fuel mental health awareness, raise funds for NAMI's mission, and let people know they are not alone. 

Join our caring Mental Health Community!
Let’s walk together.
Connect with Merri, Outreach Coordinator, for walk details.

https://www.namiwalks.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&teamID=67497

Schedule of events
11:00 am
Registration/Check-In & Resource Fair Begin: Kids’ Tent, Tree of Hope, Food Trucks
12:30 pm
Opening Ceremony Begins
1:00 pm
Ribbon Cutting & Walk Begins
3:00 pm
Festivities come to a close for another year!

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Force4Good—Granite City & MHC
Aug
22
12:00 PM12:00

Force4Good—Granite City & MHC

Mental Health Connect will receive 20% of fundraiser sales* during this fundraiser. Participate on Aug 22, 2024 during the scheduled fundraiser time by explaining at the register that you are supporting the fundraiser, or by ordering online at gcfb.olo.com using this digital coupon.

*Gift card sales, alcoholic beverage sales, catering sales and delivery fees excluded.

Read more.

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Culver's "Concretes for a Cause"
Aug
4
to Aug 6

Culver's "Concretes for a Cause"

The Culver's in St. Anthony will highlight Mental Health Connect for their "Concretes for a Cause" and give us $1.00 from every concrete mixer sold. Culver’s specializes in frozen custard and signature burgers made with Midwest beef and dairy. Stop in to support Mental Health Connect!

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Adult to Adult Caregiver’s Support Group
Jul
4
11:00 AM11:00

Adult to Adult Caregiver’s Support Group

11:00 am
First Thursday of the month

Mayflower Congregational Church, UCC
106 E Diamond Lake Rd, Mpls

Mayflower hosts this support group, which is open to the public. It is a safe and confidential environment to share concerns and challenges and to receive support from others caregiving a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, stroke or other debilitating diseases.

Support groups tend to focus on listening, education, or problem solving. In this group, while we do some of all three, the primary focus is listening. Spread the word to family and friends.

Co-facilitators
Dale Stuepfert & Brian Buxton

If interested, contact Dale Stuepfert.
612-374-4049.

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Restore 2024: Mattering
May
22
7:00 PM19:00

Restore 2024: Mattering

  • St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Kelsey Erickson, MA, LAMFT, will speak on Mattering: Be Valued and Valuing Others. She will explore the need for deep connection with others, and for helping each individual feel valued for who they are deep inside. This is a Lay Ministry training lecture that is open to the public. Lay Ministers will have a gathering time prior to the presentation. For more information, contact Susan Path, parish nurse, at spath@spdlc.org. This event will be livestreamed.

SPD is partnering with Mental Health Connect to bring helpful resources to our faith community and our neighbors. They are co-sponsoring our Restore 2024 events this spring.

Also a part of the Restore series, on TuesdayMay 14 at 1 p.m., The Conversation will host Merri Guggisberg, a life coach who will speak on fostering positive and powerful intergenerational communications.

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Creativity for Mental Health: Restorative Practices Series
May
16
6:30 PM18:30

Creativity for Mental Health: Restorative Practices Series

Relax and Restore with one hour of self-care, In-person or virtual.

Join Nativity Mental Health Connect and Jessi Fraser, artist and motivational leader. Jesse is certified in art therapy and has a certification from Yale University in the Science of Well Being. She uses creative techniques with mindful expression to release life stresses. Jessi will share her personal story and

the use of art for healing.

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate. Supplies will be provided.
You DO NOT need to be an artist to participate and benefit.

In-person at Nativity Lutheran Church – Room 218
Online via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81561485425?pwd=a3Y1ZXFwY1JWWXUyZVo5ZklKTUdLQT09

For those who join us online, we suggest you have something you can use for art (paints, markers, crayons, colored pencils, etc.) available..

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Come to breakfast, listen to impactful stories
May
9
7:30 AM07:30

Come to breakfast, listen to impactful stories

You're invited to the 5th Annual
Stories of Hope Breakfast

Feel support in the room. Meet someone new. Learn about the Collaborative work. Support the mission. Speak to a Navigator. Gain knowledge, resources, and support.

Would you like to be a Sponsor?

In order to continue this important mission and build hope, we’re asking for Mental Health Connect Sponsors. Can we count on your support to help us continue our work? Four levels of sponsorship are available for your consideration.

Can’t attend?

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How to Transform Loneliness into Connection
May
8
6:45 PM18:45

How to Transform Loneliness into Connection

  • Bethlehem Lutheran Church Twin Cities- Minneapolis (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Bible teaches us to “love thy neighbor as thyself”. But if we don’t show love to ourselves, how can we show love to our neighbor(s) and feel that life-sustaining connectedness that thwarts loneliness?  This program is designed to help cultivate a warm, loving and compassionate relationship with yourself so that you can have the same with others. It incorporates research-based practices that go way beyond self-care. Understand the role of spirituality in cultivating self-compassion. Recognize the benefits of clarifying your own aspirations and values and how they shape your relationship with others and the life you want to live. Explore the relationship between body, mind, and emotions so that you can reduce stress and self-regulate. Discuss practical strategies that can lead to self-compassion, self-love and self-acceptance. Know the importance of cultivating trust in oneself which promotes feelings of peace and self-confidence. Those are essential elements of positive relationships with others and building connectedness while decreasing feelings of loneliness. Hosted by the Bethlehem Mental Health & Addiction Ministry.

PRESENTER
Sherri M. Herman, MA, Licensed Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Psychotherapist, and Spiritual Coach/Principal, Sherri M. Herman, LLC, Minneapolis

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Sing Gently by Sound Mind Project
May
5
2:00 PM14:00

Sing Gently by Sound Mind Project

A choir dedicated to supporting the mental health of youth in our community. They’re supporting Minnesota Association for Children's Mental Health (MACHM) this session. Their mission is to promote positive mental health for all infants, children, adolescents, and their families. 

$25, suggested donation
A portion of proceeds collected during this concert will benefit MACHM.

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Mental Health Event
May
4
9:00 AM09:00

Mental Health Event

The Mount Olivet Mental Health Task Force invites you to join us in welcoming Erin Walsh as she discusses the topic, “Status Update: Kids, Technology, and Mental Health.”

Minneapolis Campus
Cost: $15
A light breakfast is included with your registration.
Register today.
Questions? Contact Rachel Sufficool.

Children and teens alike experience the world in a state of “digital immersion” where the lines between offline and online experiences continue to blur. At the same time, parents and caregivers are getting conflicting advice about the impact of technology on mental health and well-being. In this interactive and energizing presentation, Erin Walsh will use brain science, warmth, and humor to cut through conflicting messages and walk you through the latest evidence. Learn practical tools and strategies for positive communication, setting boundaries, and being the media mentor that children and teens need to thrive in the digital age. Be prepared to engage thoughtfully in the question, “How do we live well in a world dominated by screens?”

Erin Walsh is a parent, speaker, educator, and writer. She has worked with communities across the country who want to better understand child and adolescent development and cut through conflicting information about kids and technology. Erin and her father, Dr. David Walsh, started together at the National Institute on Media and the Family before creating Spark & Stitch Institute in 2019. In addition to writing articles for several organizations including Bolster Collaborative and Psychology Today, her work has been featured in the Washington Post and she co-authored the 10th Anniversary Edition of the national bestseller Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain for You and Your Teen. Her signature down-to-earth approach and sense of humor helps families and educators engage in complicated topics and leaves them feeling capable and motivated. She has consulted with schools, school districts, parent groups and other youth serving organizations throughout North America on issues related to digital media, parenting, and social emotional development. Click here to learn more about Erin Walsh and her work.

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Community Naloxone Training
Apr
28
12:00 PM12:00

Community Naloxone Training

  • Mayflower Community Congregational, UCC (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Mayflower UCC is hosting a naloxone training with the Steve Rummler HOPE Network. 

Overdose deaths from opioid use are a leading cause of preventable death. Naloxone/Narcan quickly reverses the opioid effects and can be administered by anyone. The training is an hour long and teaches the symptoms of overdose, how naloxone/Narcan works, how to administer it, and about the safety of doing so with the Good Samaritan and Naloxone Law. Attendees will receive free naloxone kits, a certificate of completion and select CEU credits for those interested.

Summer is coming. Our young people are our greatest treasure. Join us. You may save a life.

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 PRAYER YOGA with Pastor Michelene Verlautz
Apr
18
6:30 PM18:30

PRAYER YOGA with Pastor Michelene Verlautz

RESTORATIVE PRACTICES SERIES: CREATIVITY for MENTAL HEALTH
Pastor Michelene is a trained family mediator and certified yoga instructor. Her focus on spiritual formation and spiritual direction and her practice of yoga led to the creation of Prayer Yoga, which she has been teaching for12 years.

Yoga is about yoking mind and body. In Matthew 11:30, Jesus says that his yoke is easy and his burden is light. We carry a lot of anxiety and letting go is not easy. Prayer yoga is a practice of letting go and yoking with Christ.

Prayer yoga is for everyone.
No yoga experience or flexibility required.

In-person
Nativity Lutheran Church,
room 218
3312 Silver Lake Rd
St. Anthony, ,MN 55418

Online via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89616170048?pwd=S21WRWRLRmIxOVJxeUdzS0pHUVJ1UT09

Your Nativity Mental Health Ambassadors
- Lisa Dalke
- Gail Bergsven
- Foster Cole
- Kurt Bachmayer

Contact a Navigator
navigator@mhconnect.org
612) 312-3377

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Spend a Saturday to Save a Life
Apr
13
11:00 AM11:00

Spend a Saturday to Save a Life

  • First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Prevent Teen Suicide with QPR Training for Teens & Adults.
QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) is like CPR for your brain. Come for community building, peer breakouts, lunch, and life saving training.

FREE & REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Registration here: https://forms.gle/U9Jz3EZUhfvQNGDn9
Sponsored by FUS and the I'm Glad You Stayed Project.

Facebook invitation
: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=818305160335987&set=a.645019634331208

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Mount Olivet May Health Event
Mar
4
9:00 AM09:00

Mount Olivet May Health Event

$15 fee

Register by Thursday, May 2
May Health Event - Mount Olivet (mtolivet.org)
Or
contact Rachel Sufficool at 612.767.2235 or rsufficool@mtolivet.org.

The Mount Olivet Mental Health Task Force invites you to join us in welcoming Erin Walsh as she discusses the topic, “Status Update: Kids, Technology, and Mental Health.” Erin will use brain science, warmth, and humor to cut through conflicting messages, and walk us through the latest research on mental health as it relates to technology. Learn practical tools and strategies for positive communication, setting boundaries, and being the media mentor that children and teens need to thrive in the digital age. Be prepared to engage thoughtfully in the question, “How do we live well in a world dominated by screens?” A light breakfast will be served.

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Mount Olivet May Health Event
Mar
4
9:00 AM09:00

Mount Olivet May Health Event

Saturday, May 4
9-11:30am
Mpls Campus
$15 
Register by Thurs, May 2 
May Health Event - Mount Olivet (mtolivet.org)
Rachel Sufficool at 612.767.2235 or
rsufficool@mtolivet.org

The Mount Olivet Mental Health Task Force invites you to join us in welcoming Erin Walsh as she discusses the topic, “Status Update: Kids, Technology, and Mental Health.” Erin will use brain science, warmth, and humor to cut through conflicting messages, and walk us through the latest research on mental health as it relates to technology. Learn practical tools and strategies for positive communication, setting boundaries, and being the media mentor that children and teens need to thrive in the digital age. Be prepared to engage thoughtfully in the question, “How do we live well in a world dominated by screens?” A light breakfast will be served.

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SERENITY
Mar
3
3:00 PM15:00

SERENITY

Experience the serenity of beautiful piano and violin music designed to embrace you in a peaceful calm that will relieve the tension and chaos in the world today. Yunyue Liu and Marco Real-d'Arbelles will perform a one-hour concert of classical compositions from Part, Satie, Handel, and Fauré.

This concert is free and open to all in the community. Donations with be accepted for Mental Health Connect.

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Preventing Youth Suicide: “My Ascension” Film & Discussion
Feb
4
11:30 AM11:30

Preventing Youth Suicide: “My Ascension” Film & Discussion

The film explores the life of Emma Benoit who survived a suicide attempt that left her paralyzed but propelled her on a mission to use her painful experience to help other young people find hope and stay alive. Become familiar with popular myths about youth suicide and why it is important these myths are de-bunked so you can improve your own understanding about the risks of youth suicide. This program is designed for interested adults, parents, high school-aged youth, and members of Mental Health Connect’s faith communities. It is sponsored by Bethlehem’s Mental Health and Addiction Ministry Team and the Parents of Beloved Teens group. Find out more and register here.

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Feb
3
to Feb 24

Mental Health Film Series

  • The Basilica of St. Mary (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Basilica of St. Mary’s Mental Health Film Series returns, centered around this year’s theme of trauma. They will be showing films that explore trauma at the individual level, generational trauma, and trauma that affects large communities over time and throughout history. They will explore the causes and the effects of trauma, but also the path towards healing from trauma.

Films shown in this series will include What Lies Inside: Healing in the Face of Trauma; Encanto; Dodging Bullets; and unMASKing HOPE.

For more information and to register, go to their website.

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Inspired Life Speaker Series
Jan
30
7:00 PM19:00

Inspired Life Speaker Series

Come hear Rev. Hannah Campbell Gustafson tell the story of her passion for mental health, and the journey that led her to become Executive Director of Mental Health Connect in June 2023. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy declared that we are experiencing an epidemic of loneliness and isolation, and this disconnection negatively impacts our well-being. Hannah will share her vision for Mental Health Connect, and the ways in which she believes that religious communities can and should play a supportive and de-stigmatizing role in the well-being of our wider communities.

Go here for more details.

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CANCELED: Creativity & Mental Health: Restorative Practices
Jan
18
6:30 PM18:30

CANCELED: Creativity & Mental Health: Restorative Practices

This event has been canceled.
Watch for new event date!

Join Nativity Mental Health Connect and Jessi Fraser, an artist and motivational leader. Jessi is certified in art therapy and has certification from Yale University in the Science of Well Being for creative techniques that release life stresses with mindful artistic expression. She has a personal story to share along with the use of art for healing. Come ready to participate! She will provide supplies (acrylics, canvases, brushes, etc.).

For those who join us online, we suggest having available paints or anything you like to use for art (e.g., markers, crayons, colored pencils etc.). We stress that you do not need to be an artist to participate!

Join by zoom or in person at Nativity Lutheran Church.


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The Gift of Empathy Book Discussion Groups
Jan
18
to Feb 1

The Gift of Empathy Book Discussion Groups

  • Lumen Christi Catholic Community (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Please join MHC collaborative member Lumen Christi Catholic Community for a three-part book group discussion on “The Gift of Empathy,” to be held in-person at 8:30-10:00 am (after morning mass) or 6:30- 8:00 pm on 1/18, 1/25 and 2/1. “The Gift of Empathy,” is an easy read and a powerful yet practical message on how to demonstrate empathy with others at home, at work, and in all aspects of your life.

To find out more, click here or contact Dennis– ddegeneffe@comcast.net, phone (612) 859-8175.

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