Grassroots Advocacy Task Force
HCO’s Grassroots Advocacy Task Force is made up of a dedicated group of self-advocates, family, supporters, and staff. We are committed to advocating for disability services within the state legislature, and work as a coalition with other advocates across Minnesota.
As a 501(c)3 non-profit Home and Community Options facilitates nonpartisan engagement.
If you’d like to get involved with HCO’s Grassroots efforts or need more information, please contact:
Suzanne Horstman, Executive Director
66 East Third Street
Winona, MN 55987
suzanneh@hco.org | (507) 452-1021
Resources
Blog
Support Services Aims to Resume Providing Care at Resource Home in 2024
Last year, Home and Community Options, Inc. (HCO) provided more hours of support than at any other time in our history. HCO provides 400 more care hours a week today than we did five years ago, despite two [...]
2023 Legislative Session Wrap Up
Home and Community Options, Inc. and agencies throughout MN providing services to individuals with disabilities took a step in the right direction this legislative session. Minnesota Legislators ended a busy legislative session, and now it is time for Home [...]
HCO Continues Long Running Advocacy Efforts
How does a bill become a law? It’s probably not something you have thought about since that long-ago social studies class you took, but this is one of the many things that Home and Community Options’ (HCO) Grassroots [...]
Policymakers Fall Short
This year, Minnesota policymakers had the opportunity to use a historic projected surplus of $9.25 billion dollars to address real challenges that face Minnesotans and build stronger communities for all citizens, including those with developmental disabilities. Many in [...]
Is “Waiver Reimagine” Missing its Mark?
Waiver Reimagine, an attempt by the State of Minnesota to streamline services for individuals with Developmental Disabilities, may be missing its mark. Waiver Reimagine was designed to simplify a confusing, 12 waiver* system into one that was easier for individuals [...]
Technology and Informed Choice: Keith
Keith McConville, who lives in an HCO house in Winona, MN, recently testified remotely in front of the Senate Committee on Human Services Reform Finance and Policy. At issue before the committee was a bill, SF 1092, that would put [...]
Share Your Story
“My husband and I have been married for 19 years. We have utilized the services of Home & Community Options for 3 of our children over the past 11 years. Respite provides a moment for parents to catch their breath. Raising Special Needs children is like being in a war zone. At one point, I was prepared to divorce my husband because I didn’t want him to have to endure this life. Above caring for our kids, HCO provides suggestions, resources, emotional support, and encouragement to the families. I fear we would no longer be together if we didn’t have the ongoing support for our children.The consistency of staff is crucial to the success of my children. The adjustment period where trust and boundaries are established lasts between 4-8 weeks when a new staff begins. During this time, no new skills are being learned and there is often regression. I feel that this position used to be sought after, but it is now viewed as a low paying job that can be extremely difficult and has a lot of expectations. Currently, 2 of my children are not able to receive coverage that Winona County determined was appropriate. There aren’t enough applicants to meet the demand of those needing support.”
