Blog

In the early days, support for children with high medical or behavioral needs in our region was minimal. Families who qualified for the Personal Care Attendant (PCA) program were grateful for the assistance it offered—but over time, it became clear that more was needed. Parents shared their struggles: the emotional toll of constant caregiving, the need for a break, and the difficulty in finding meaningful skill-building and social opportunities for their children. The services they needed simply did not exist. It was a gap too big to ignore. Recognizing this need, HCO’s leadership took action. Monthly meetings with county case managers became a key forum for identifying service gaps and brainstorm solutions. From these conversations, a shared priority emerged: expand and create sustainable children’s services within the county. With a bold vision in mind, HCO applied for a grant from the Minnesota Children’s Trust Fund [...]