BPS shares resources with families during government shutdown

To support families affected by the federal government shutdown or other economic hardships, Byron Public Schools has identified possible services and resources to assist families during these challenging circumstances.
 
Cyndi’s Closet
Cyndi’s Closet, an incredibly generous non-profit organization in our community, has teamed up with Byron High School, to provide basic essentials to any Byron student or family in need.  We have many personal care items on hand (toothpaste, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, tampons, etc) as well as laundry detergent and some non-perishable food items. Contact your school’s counselor/social worker to access these items.
 
United Way of Olmsted County
2-1-1 Information and Referral
Try calling 2-1-1 (1-800-543-7709 for some cell phone users) for information on senior services, education, childcare, legal help, transportation, housing, employment, food, counseling, volunteering, and much more!
 
United Way of Olmsted County helps fund this service for our area. 2-1-1 is a free, multilingual, and confidential phone service that is available 24/7/365.
 
Location:
903 West Center ST STE 100
Rochester, MN  55902
 
Phone: 507-287-2000
 
FamilyWize Prescription Discount
FamilyWize is a prescription discount drug program that could potentially save you 40% on prescription drugs. The discount cards are free of charge and available at www.familywize.com. The district social worker also has cards available and may be able to provide you with information on other prescription savings programs
 
Salvation Army Good Samaritan Medical Clinic
The clinic is open for medical care and low-cost prescription refills by appointment. Please contact 507-529-4100 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
 
Location:
120 North Broadway Ave
Rochester, MN 55906
 
Phone: (507) 529-4100
 
Channel One Food Bank
Channel One provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families through the Channel One Food Shelf Program. Additionally, Channel One rescues surplus donated food product from the food industry and distributes the food to area food shelves, meal programs, group homes, and shelters.
 
Location:
131 35th Street SE
Rochester, MN 55904
 
Phone: 507-287-2350
Fax: 507-287-2351
 
Community Food Response
Community Food Response is a volunteer-led nonprofit that provides free meals to hungry people to take home or eat elsewhere. The food distributed is donated by restaurants, cafeterias, businesses, and grocery stores. In addition to helping people in need, CFR helps reduce the amount of food waste generated by area businesses. No proof of eligibility is required to receive food. Clients can visit CFR at two locations:
 
Bethel Lutheran Church (Monday, Wednesday and Friday - 5 to 6:30 pm)
810 3rd Ave SE
Rochester, MN
 
The Exchange (Monday and Wednesday - 5 to 6 pm)
3945 10th Ave NW
Rochester, MN
 
Great Harvest Bread Company
Has free bread available daily for anyone affected by the government shut-down.
 
Location:
706 North Broadway Ave
Rochester, MN 55906
 
Phone: (507) 286-1101
 
BEARPACKS
BearPacks will provide nutritious, easy to prepare, kid-friendly meals to our students on weekends and over long breaks. The school will be the exchange point; the families using the program will remain anonymous to those running the program. Kids will each pick up a plain plastic sack filled with food and put it in their backpack each Friday. Please contact Christine Jostock, District Social Worker at 775-2189 or christine.jostock@byron.k12.mn.us for an application if you would like your child to participate.
 
Below are some additional tips to consider until the government shutdown has ended:

Reach out to suppliers and service providers regarding payment plan options or deferred payment plans. When making these arrangements be sure to get the name of the customer service representative, a phone number, date and time of call and terms of the agreement, preferably in writing.

Speak with a loan officer at your bank of choice regarding low-interest or emergency loans.

Apply for unemployment insurance. Most furloughed federal employees are eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits. Check to find out if you have to pay the benefits back if you get retroactive pay once the shutdown is over. Use the website address below to find about filing and benefit payback instruction.

Many prescriptions can be found in a cheaper, generic form. Contact your doctor to see if this is a medication option for you. Walmart, Target, Walgreens all carry generic medications that start at $4 and up depending on the medication.

There are manufacturers of name brand medications who offer online coupons that you can use in conjunction with your current health insurance to lower the co-pay price of higher cost medications. Please consult with your drug manufacturer’s website for coupon information.

Contact the school counselor/social worker in your child’s building for more information or assistance:
 
Primary School: 507-624-0311
Kayla Kujak - kayla.kujak@byron.k12.mn.us
Intermediate School: 507-775-6620
Kayla Kujak - kayla.kujak@byron.k12.mn.us
Pat McCarthy - patrick.mccarthy@byron.k12.mn.us
Middle School: 507-775-2189
Pat McCarthy - patrick.mccarthy@byron.k12.mn.us
High School Counseling Office: 507-624-0354
Becky Martin - becky.martin@byron.k12.mn.us
Julie Senska - julie.senska@byron.k12.mn.us
District Social Worker: 507-775-2189
Christine Jostock - christine.jostock@byron.k12.mn.us