Residential Services of Northeastern Minnesota, Inc.

Residential Services, Inc. is a private non-profit organization that provides innovative services to people with disabilities and mental illness.

Residential Services, Inc. (RSI) is a non-profit organization that provides services to adults, children, and families with disabilities and mental illness in communities across Minnesota. RSI has been providing innovative services to help people live in the home setting of their choice since 1978. We believe that all people, regardless of their disability, can live successfully in a community-based setting given the proper supports. 

Some of life’s most important moments come from connection, self-determination, and opportunities to grow. Every day, we support children and adults with a wide range of needs and backgrounds, helping them live their most independent and fulfilling lives. But there’s one common challenge many of the people we serve face: living with limited financial means.

This year on Give to the Max Day, we are raising funds for our James A. Houle Activities Fund, a vital resource that helps the people we support cover the cost of:

• Life-enriching activities and events that bring joy and foster friendship and inclusion
• Hobbies and interests that nurture creativity and skill-building
• Adaptive technology and supports that ensure equitable access to these opportunities

While government funding sources ensure access to housing, food, and essential care, it doesn’t cover the things that make life meaningful: connecting with community, exploring hobbies and interests, or accessing the adaptive technology and resources that make these experiences possible. Having the ability to attend a sporting event or concert, to pursue a lifelong dream, and to access the tools needed to thrive aren’t just extras; they are transformative experiences that allow the people we serve to live their best lives.

 

A Story of Impact: Dustin's Bike Tour

Written by Dustin, a James A. Houle Fund Participant

When I heard about the bike tour, I was excited and was hoping I would be able to be a part of it. But then, when I found out what the cost was, I didn't think it would be possible. I decided that I would talk with my team just to see if there was some way I could try to raise money to pay for the tour. After talking it over with my staff, they said they would see if there was anything that RSI could do to help me out. A few weeks before the event, they surprised me with the news that the James Houle Activities Fund was willing to pay for the bike tour. Then I remembered that I would need to have a staff come along with me, but they said that the fund was able to cover them, too! I was more than excited to hear that I was definitely going to be able to participate.  

I cannot thank you enough, I had a great time on the tour! It was a 25-mile bike ride from Grand Rapids to Nashwauk; I was hoping to be able to do the full 50-mile ride to Nashwauk back to Grand Rapids but unfortunately the staff's bike broke down 2 miles from Nashwauk, so we ended up needing the tour shuttle drive us back to Grand Rapids. During the ride to Nashwauk there were several rests stops and they had drinks and snacks available for us if we needed them. At one rest stop they even had archery! We were able to take a few extra minutes so that I could try it out, I think I did pretty well. Once we arrived back at Grand Rapids, they served us lunch. If it was not for the James Houle Activity fund, I would have never had the opportunity to participate in this event.

Thank you, thank you!