Adult and Family Programming

Health Center:  Well baby checkups, family planning and maternity care, dental checkups and other related support services and referrals.  This comprehensive package of services is provided at the satellite clinic in the LP resource center by certified health practitioners from the Open Cities Health Center.  The clinic is open Wednesdays 9AM-3PM.

Adult Literacy and English Language Learning:   Adult literacy assistance and English as a Second Language classes.  A full range of adult literacy classes and workforce preparation for adult learners is provided.  This includes coursework in English for non-native born speakers.  The Ronald Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning, operated by the St. Paul Public Schools, along with Liberty Plaza volunteers, work with residents to help them increase their basic skills knowledge to assist them with obtaining GEDs, English proficiencies and world of work capacities.  Classes are held Monday and Wednesday 6:00-8:00PM.

Job Seeking and Keeping Assistance:  Employment services for adults.  Employment assistance includes job leads, placement assistance, career counseling, resume preparation, instruction on utilizing the internet for job search and introduction to computer use.  A job counselor is available each weekday to assists residents looking for work and those desiring to improve their job skills.  Goodwill/Easter Seals supports this program on site, staffed by a full-time employee.  The Job Assistance Office is open Monday-Friday during normal business hours.

Nutrition and Meal Planning:  Classes to improve the health of families through increased knowledge of healthy eating.  Basic nutrition principles, food choices, how to plan and prepare healthy meals on a budget are the primary focuses of the classes.  The activities include cooking instruction and demonstrations.  The Simply Good Eating Team from the University of Minnesota Extension Service works with the LP staff to coordinate the sessions.  The classes are held at times arranged throughout the year.

Asset Building and Financial Literacy:  A program that helps qualified low-income individuals build assets and financial understanding.  A program of the United Way, coordinated through Women Venture (Family Assets for Independence in Minnesota – FAIM) encourages low-income individuals earning incomes from jobs to save, by offering them a generous match of $3 for every $1 saved each month.  Those that complete the two-year program may receive up to $2,880 in United Way match.  Accumulated savings and match may be used for home ownership, education, or starting small businesses.

Produce Distribution:  Free produce for development residents.  A distribution of free fresh produce is provided with the intent to supplement the families’ food supply.  Second Harvest Heartland provides the goods and LP staff and volunteers distribute the fruits and vegetables to residents.  The distribution is monthly on the second Tuesday 2:00-3:00PM.

Computer Classes:  How to use a computer and various software packages.  These classes are held through the year to teach both residents and members of the surrounding communities basic computer skills.  LP contracts with individuals to each the various class offerings.  Volunteers assist when available.  When classes are in session, they are usually held twice a week for a four-week session.  Day of week varies per individual class.

Bookmobile:  Library access.  The St. Paul Public Library comes to the housing development to provide homebound residents with access to library materials.  Once monthly for 3-hour period; day determined by the Public Library.

Community Room:  Space available for meetings, workshops and other gatherings.  Liberty Plaza has a community room available for rent to businesses, agencies, communities groups, residents and others who need a convenient space and location to hold meetings and other events.  A kitchen is available, as are tables, chairs and audio-visual aids.  The Community Room can be rented out for use 7 days a week.

Income Tax Preparation:  Assistance with tax questions and filings.  The Minnesota State Department of Revenue provides free on-site tax preparation assistance to residents and also assists with rent credit and other special tax-related and refund programming.  Annually prior to tax deadlines.