Teens in crisis often find themselves in need of a place to stay that can also help them with their reason for being in crisis. That need is often more immediate in places with weather that tends to hit the spectrum of extremes, like Minnesota winters. Dakota and Washington Counties had a space that teens could go called Harbor House. Harbor House, which was in Hastings, was privately owned and operated, but that closed in 2019 which left area communities without housing for teens in crisis.

Washington and Dakota County negotiated the purchase of the property located at 2301 Victoria Rd South in Mendota Heights. Nexus Healing will be the operating partner of Aspen House and will staff the location 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The idea and planning for this location began at the end of 2021 which culminated on Friday, Oct. 14 with their ribbon cutting ceremony.

A ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 13 was emceed by Nicole Mucheck, Nexus Healing Executive Director or Minnesota Shared Services. Mucheck introduced the long list of U.S., state and local representatives which included representatives from Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar’s offices, Representative Angie Craig’s office, Senator Jim Carlson, Representative Rick Hansen. Representative Sandra Ma­son, Representative Liz Reyer, Washington County Commissioner Wayne Johnson, and Dakota County Commissioners Joe Atkins, Kathleen Gaylord, Mary Liz Holberg, and Laurie Halverson. Commissioner Mike Slavik had a prior commitment and could not be in attendance. Others in attendance were Mendota Heights Police Chief Kelly McCarthy and Mayor Stephanie Levine and representatives from the MN Department of Corrections.

“We have had this need in Dakota County, for a safe place for kids to be when crisis arises,” explained Halverson. “And guess what? That could happen to any family at any time, and that’s something that we know. To have a trauma-informed space for people to begin the healing process immediately when a crisis arises in the home and the work to begin immediately to make sure that we can help find kids a stable safe place to be in for the short-term and in this beautiful welcoming building, as we make a long-term plan for the child and their families.”

Halverson spoke on the need being great in area communities for kids ages 12-18 and the importance of having this be a well-supported project by the state, counties and communities it will serve.

“We know that we’re going to do more than just help children in crisis,” added Halverson. “We are going to get families connected to ongoing services. This is going to be a place where people can be rooted in healing and support systems that are going to set them up for a healthy and prosperous life.”

Washington County Commissioner Johnson spoke next about how communities and counties are finding more ways to work together for common goals such as this. He shifted gears to the needs of the kids.

“When our kids go through a lot, they go somewhere that they feel safe, and this provides that safe feeling for them,” Johnson said. “In Washington County, we place an average of 300 at-risk youth in home placements a year. To have a facility that’s close by that we can do that with is this so important and so key.”

Mayor Levine was up next, along with thanking those involved, she added, “As a society, we are judged on how we treat our most vulnerable members. There is no one more vulnerable than a child who needs a place to sleep. The statistics are harrowing, and you only have to look outside today to know how important that is. As a mom who raised three kids, I have seen families in crisis, and it is heartbreaking. I want to extend my thanks to Dakota County and Nexus Healing. During the entirety of the process to open Aspen house they have been responsive. They have included the city in their plans, and we appreciate their extensive outreach and willingness to listen to the community.”

The final speaker was a young man named Camden. He was helped by a location similar to the Aspen House and he spoke on how much it changed his life for the better. He built friendships with other residents and staff. It as a place he felt safe and there was a level of trust built.

After the ribbon cutting, Commissioner Atkins talked about what Aspen House will mean to the communities it will serve.

“I think Camden’s experience sums it up. I mean, it’s a life changer and it might be a lifesaver for kids in our communities and across the county. Then to do it as a partnership between the two counties and with the city of Mendota Heights, it just doesn’t get any better than that. That’s how it’s supposed to work,” said Atkins.

The facility has 12 beds and will host teens ages 12-18 from one to 90 days while they get the help needed for a more permanent solution. What do the numbers say with the facility being shared between two larger counties?

“Yes, there’s a serious need, but according to our staff, this should be relatively accommodating for what is projected as the current need. Of course, we are both growing counties so I don’t think this will be the last facility like this that will be constructed someplace in Dakota or Washington County,” added Atkins.

Teens in need will be referred to Aspen House by juvenile probation and social service partners in Dakota and Washington Counties. Those partners will determine if a teen is an appropriate candidate for the services offered at Aspen House. Youth who have certain disqualifying traits will not be admitted and that will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Those traits include current physical aggression, current active suicidal ideations, active substance abuse and other factors.

To learn more about Aspen House direct from the operating partners, visit nexusfamilyhealing.org.

Members of Nexus Healing, the Aspen House and various State and County officials celebrated the ribbon cutting of the new Aspen House located at 2301 Victoria Road South in Mendota Heights. Aspen House will be available for social service partners in both Washington and Dakota County to make referrals to for helping teens in crisis. Photo by Bruce Karnick

Washington County Commissioner Wayne Johnson spoke at the grand opening of the Aspen house, a partnership between Dakota and Washington Counties. Photo by Bruce Karnick