Last fall, the Patriot ran a story about the struggle of a local group, Options Inc., struggling to get by with the restrictions being forced on them by the state. Though some restrictions have been lifted for the group, they are still being forced to operate with outdated restrictions and limited funding. 

What Options Does

Options Inc. is an organization that helps adults with mental disabilities get out into the workforce. The workers often do jobs not many others would like to do, such as cleaning, and they truly enjoy the work. For most, it’s an opportunity to be involved in their community and engage with their peers. Options provides these workers with all the support they need, as well as rides to and from work. 

Elizabeth Roemer has nothing but good things to say about the organization. Her daughter, Tina, is one of the workers attending Options. She said her daughter loved being a part of the community, engaging with her peers. She said Options helped her daughter reach her full potential.

“COVID was very isolating for her,” Roemer said. 

Outdated Restrictions

Options was completely shut down for some time last year, and restrictions on the organization have been slow to lift. 

“Someone with a mental disability is not more likely to catch COVID,” said Brenda Geldert, Options’ executive director, frustrated by the continued restrictions. “Restrictions continue for us with no word from the Minnesota Dept. of Human Services on when we can have some lessened.” 

The group still has to follow old social distancing guidelines, keep the workers in the same pods every day, and put up barriers between the pods of workers. These restrictions keep Options from being able to serve everyone who wants to get back to work. The social distancing means that fewer people can ride on the bus to get to work, and so, to serve the most people possible, Options has cut shifts down from six hours to only three hours, so two groups can work and get transportation. Even this is not enough to allow Options to serve everyone, and there is a waiting list for those who want to go back to work but can’t. Many of the workers live all over Sherburne County, and, being a fairly rural county, there are limited or no transportation options for them. With the double trips aimed to serve the most people, Options puts double the miles on their vehicles every day, which can add up quickly.

Health and Human Services Omnibus Bill

The Minnesota House and Senate are both looking at the recent Health and Human Services Omnibus Bill. The Senate’s version of the bill includes a stipulation that some funding from the federal government be used to help organizations such as Options, but the House version of the bill does not. Without coming to an agreement between the two, legislation could need to go into a special session. There is a real potential that Options, and similar groups, could be denied this funding, in the end. 

Geldert has written to the governor and done everything in her power to raise awareness of her organization’s plight. Patriot readers interested in helping should reach out to their legislators and inform them about the issue. 

“Continued support from the community is very helpful,” Geldert said.