The 2019 budget programmed $200,000 in funding for the Department of Community Corrections and Rehabilitation to contract with Better Futures Minnesota for integrated care services. The services provided by Better Futures Minnesota (BFM) under this agreement will focus on employment placement, retention, increased wages and criminal recidivism reduction services to a target population of high risk males with histories of incarceration, homelessness, chronic unemployment, chemical dependency and mental health issues.

BFM offers realistic pathways for primarily African-American men with histories of incarceration, homelessness, poverty, low skill level, and little to no work experience, to become productive and engaged community members and workers. Specifically, the organization addresses social determinants of health by creating jobs and income; connecting men to stable housing; providing access to primary healthcare and behavioral health supports; and life-coaching. The goal is to create the building blocks that will lead to long-term change in the costly practices that produce the chaotic cycles of dependency experienced by the men that Better Futures serves.

While this provider has other County contracts, the integrated care services for Corrections clients under this agreement are unique.

This agreement supports the County’s disparity reduction efforts by reducing barriers to employment, housing and health.