Advocacy & Family Support

Contact:  Dawn Helgeson
507-473-4831 or [email protected]
Contact:  Jamey Helgeson
507-473-4832 or [email protected]
We would like to acknowledge The United Way of Mower County for their generous support of this program.

​View the current Program Guide.

NOUN /ˈADVƏKƏT/
A PERSON WHO PUBLICLY SUPPORTS OR RECOMMENDS A CAUSE

VERB ˈADVƏˌKĀT/
TO PLEAD, SUPPORT, CHAMPION, BACK UP, CAMPAIGN, UPHOLD & PROMOTE

Find Support and Resources

LIFE Mower County provides free advocacy services throughout the lifetime of an individual living with an intellectual and/or developmental disability.  We support both the individual with the disability and/or their family/guardians.  When you or a family member has an intellectual/developmental disability, finding the right supports and navigating the various service systems can be overwhelming!  We understand.  Rest assured, LIFE Mower County is here to help!  We provide supports throughout the lifespan for people of all ages and all ability levels. 

When you contact our office, our first priority will be learning more about your needs.  Then, we can discuss what services/supports might be the best options for you and your family.  If for any reason, LIFE cannot meet your needs, we will point you in the right direction and refer you to another agency that can.
For Families of Infants/Toddlers

For many families, learning your child has special needs can be surprising, scary, and confusing.  We understand these feelings and can help by linking you with community resources and support, connecting you with other families who “get it”, and listening with compassion as most of our staff are parents, siblings, or extended family members of people with disabilities.
For Families of School Aged Children

Like any child, kids with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) spend their days going to school, developing friendships, and participating in fun activities.  Parents focus on ensuring their child gets high quality education and develops their independence and social skills.  Often, parents also enjoy the opportunity to connect with other families that share similar experiences.
​For Teens/Young Adults and Their Families

Now is the time for families to prepare for the transition from school into adulthood. What will your loved one do after high school? Where do they want to work?  Where will they live? What kind of care will they need and who will provide it? What friends and recreation activities will they do? This can be a very overwhelming time. We can help you through it by providing information, helping you navigate the various resources, and connecting you with families who have been there.
For Adults and Their Families
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Adults with I/DD want what everyone wants: independence, meaningful work, a comfortable home, fun activities, and good friends. LIFE Mower County helps individuals get the support and services they need to live the life they want. We also help families navigate the adult service system, including future planning, to ensure their loved one has the support they need when the parents are no longer available.
Looking for resources or support?
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LIFE Mower County is the hub of information regarding local resources and support in Mower county. We help families identify, connect with, navigate, and utilize community resources. We provide one-on-one consultation by phone, email, or in-person meetings, as well as offer workshops on various topics throughout the year.

Public Policy

Here you'll find the information you’ll need to advocate on all issues that are critical to the intellectual and developmental disability community:
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families contact LFE for information and personal support.  Advocates at LIFE have the experience and knowledge to help you. 
  • Community Engagement
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Government Benefits
  • Guardianship
  • Health Care Assistance
  • Housing
  • Planning Your Future
  • Master Pooled Trust
  • Self-Advocacy

Parent & Caregiver Connection
A Support and Resource Group at LIFE Mower County

Are you a parent or caregiver of a child or adult with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)? You're not alone. The Parent & Caregiver Connection is a welcoming space where families come together to share experiences, find support, and gain valuable information.

Through bi-monthly gatherings, we offer:
  • Peer support from others who understand your journey
  • Educational sessions on topics that matter to you (guardianship, financial planning, mental health, and more)
  • Guest speakers and local resource partners
  • A chance to connect, learn, and recharge in a supportive environment

Whether you're navigating a new diagnosis, planning for the future, or simply looking for a community that understands--you belong here.

All parents and caregivers are welcome.

Sibling Connection
(formerly known as Sibshops)

Are you a sibling of someone with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD)? You're not alone—and this group is just for you!

Sibling Connection is a fun, supportive program for school-aged kids to:
  • Meet other siblings
  • Share experiences
  • Play games and do activities
  • Learn more about their sibling’s abilities
  • Just be themselves!

​Come make friends, have fun, and feel supported in a space created just for YOU!

Elections and Voting
Your Vote Has Power!  Voting is very important.  It is a way for you to help choose the people that will run our government.  Our government makes laws, decides how money gets spent, and much more.  Who gets picked to run the government makes a big difference for people with disabilities and their families.  If you do not vote, then you do not get a say in what happens.  Check out the resources below to make sure you have the information you need to make your vote count!

People with Developmental Disabilities Have the Right to Vote!

Everyone wants to vote, including voters with mental disabilities. If you are a voter with a developmental disability, you should know your rights. Knowing your rights will help make sure you can vote. Print this item and take it with you when you go to vote so that you know what your rights are.

You can also show this to others if you run into any problems. This paper tells lawyers and poll workers where to find the laws that protect your right to vote!

You do have the right to vote!
  • If you are a person with a developmental disability and understand what it means to vote, Federal law guarantees your right to vote.
The law that gives you that right: The Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12132; Doe v. Rowe, 156 F.Supp.2d 35 (D.Me.2001).

You can vote if you are under guardianship!
  1. If you are under guardianship, you are still eligible to vote UNLESS a court order revokes that right.
The law that gives you that right:  Minnesota Statute § 201.014, subd. 2

You have the right to get help from a person YOU choose
  • If you can't read or need help voting because of your disability, you can have someone help you vote.
  • You can bring a friend, family member or someone else you trust. 
  • You can also ask the election judge to help you if you didn't bring anyone with you.
The law that gives you that right:  The Voting Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. §§1973aa-6; The Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12132; Minnesota Statute §204C.15, subd. 1

If you have a problem, you can get help by calling 1-866-OUR-VOTE
  • Lawyers are available to give voters with disabilities and other voters advice and help with voting problems, so call 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683).

​You have the right to vote even if you have been challenged!
  • If you are truly eligible, you MUST be allowed to vote. 
  • You may be asked questions about your eligibility, but as long as you answer truthfully and give answers that indicate you are eligible, the election judge has to give you an oath to swear that you are eligible.
  • If the you swear to tell the truth, answer the questions and sign the roster, the election judge must allow you to vote.
The law that gives you that right:  Minnesota Statute §204C.12
2026 Election Dates
What's on the Election Day ballot in 2026?

All voters will have these races on their general election ballot:
  • U.S. Senator
  • U.S. Representative
  • Governor & Lt. Governor
  • Secretary of State
  • State Auditor
  • Attorney General
  • State Senator
  • State Representative
  • Judicial Seats
Voters may have one or more of these races on their ballot:
  • County Officials
  • City Officers
  • School Board Members
  • Township Officers
  • Local ballot questions

​Minnesota Secretary Of State - Elections & Voting

LIFE Essentials Hub
The LIFE Essentials Hub provides free hygiene and personal care items to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. Participants can request items at any time—no questions asked. Our goal is to make sure everyone has access to the everyday essentials that support dignity, health, and comfort.

We are always accepting donations to help keep the Hub stocked and ready for those who need it most. Every contribution makes a difference!

​Items We Accept:

For Everyone
  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrushes
  • Floss
  • Mouthwash
  • Bar soap or body wash
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Deodorant/antiperspirant
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Hand soap
  • Lotion/moisturizer
  • Razor blades/disposable razors
  • Shaving cream or gel
  • Nail clippers and nail files
  • Hairbrush/comb
  • Tissues
  • Cotton swabs (Q-tips)
  • Feminine wipes/body wipes
Women’s Specific
  • Pads
  • Tampons
  • Pantyliners
  • Feminine wash (gentle, unscented)
  • Hair ties, bobby pins
Men’s Specific
  • Shaving supplies (extra razors, aftershave if desired)
  • Beard trimmers or grooming kits (optional, nice to have)
Extra Useful Items
  • Laundry detergent (pods/small bottles)
  • Toilet paper
  • Lip balm
  • Sunscreen
  • Travel-size hygiene products (for portability)

People First Aktion Club
LIFE Mower County's self advocacy group is People First Aktion Club.  People First Aktion Club is an self-advocacy and self-help club for adults (Ages 18 and Older) with disabilities who want to make their own choices, speak up for themselves and be independent.  Members work on developing skills such as:
  • Speaking for themselves
  • Making decisions for themselves
  • Supporting each other
  • Finding answers to unmet needs
  • Working for independence and self-sufficiency
  • Helping people in the community understand and accept individuals with disabilities
  • Volunteer opportunities

​People with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) must have the right to and be supported to act as self-advocates.  Self-advocates exercise their rights as citizens by communicating for and representing themselves, with supports in doing so, as necessary. This means they have a say in decision-making in all areas of their daily lives and in public policy decisions that affect them.

People First Aktion Club activities include:
  • SAM (Self Advocates Minnesota)
  • Monthly meetings, usually held on the 4th Tuesday of the month from 4:30 - 5:30 at LIFE Mower County
  • Community Service Projects (Food Drives for The Salvation Army, Supply Drives for the Mower County Humane Society and the Ronald McDonald House, Etc.)
  • Conferences (State Self-Advocacy Conference, Self Advocates Minnesota SAM Conference, Etc.)
  • Fundraisers (Fudge Sale, Chicken Dumpling Soup and Chili Supper, Etc.)
  • ​Disability Day at the Capitol
We learn:
  • To find our voices
  • To stand up for ourselves and our peers
  • Leadership skills
  • To run our own meetings
  • To identify and history
  • To make system wide changes
  • To be involved in our own neighborhoods
  • How to make friends
  • How to organize chapter functions and conferences
  • How the political system works
  • Respect and kindness for each other
History of Self-Advocacy

​The beginning of the self-advocacy movement dates back to the 1960’s.

Visit Parallels in Time: A History of Developmental Disabilities by the Minnesota Department of Administration Council on Developmental Disabilities to read a timeline of self-advocacy and the People First movements.
In the United States, there are more than 1200 local self-advocacy groups. Groups are run by people with intellectual disabilities. People join groups to connect with their peers. Self-advocates give and get advice.  People feel free to say what is on their mind. They feel supported.
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Click here to find a self-advocacy group near you.

Self Advocacy Is...

Self-Advocacy is A civil rights movement for people with intellectual disabilities; Self-Advocacy is NOT A program.
 
Self-Advocacy is People speaking-up for what they think is important, Self-Advocacy is NOT People sitting around and complaining.
 
Self-Advocacy is something everyone is capable of; Self-Advocacy is NOT Only for people who can talk.

Self-Advocacy is Making your case and negotiating for what you want, Self-Advocacy is NOT Keeping everything the same.

Self-Advocacy is Realizing you are not alone, joining a self-advocacy group Self-Advocacy is NOT Keeping to yourself.

Self-Advocacy is Knowing your strengths, being proud and feeling strong, Self-Advocacy is NOT Putting yourself down.

Self-Advocacy is Taking risks, trying new things, Self-Advocacy is NOT Playing it safe, doing the same stuff.

Self-Advocacy is Going after your dreams, Self-Advocacy is NOT Sleeping through your dreams.

Self-Advocacy is Making decisions, Self-Advocacy is NOT Other people making decisions for you.

Self-Advocacy is Making mistakes and learning from them, Self-Advocacy is NOT Not taking any chances.
 
Self-Advocacy is Being part of your community, Self-Advocacy is NOT Staying home.
 
Self-Advocacy is Managing your emotions so others can hear what you have to say, Self-Advocacy is NOT Staying angry.

Self-Advocacy is Being curious and asking questions, Self-Advocacy is NOT Being questioned.