CESDM

02/14/2026

❤️ Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️

Your support makes a difference in the lives of over 20,000 people each year. Thank you for helping us lead with heart.

12/22/2025

❤️ Here are a few ways that hope was built in our shared community last year. ❤️

Learn more at www.voamnwi.org/vision-impact

12/09/2025

We missed this when it was released for World Down Syndrome Day 2025: never to late to share! Thanks to Katherine McLaughlin for bringing it to our attention in the Elevatus Training newsletter. This video is smart, entertaining, catchy. And an invaluable message.

Inclusion will never be possible if the decisions that shape the world are made only by a few, for a few. From having a say in everyday personal choices to b...

10/15/2025

What a fantastic event last night, representing CESDM and Volunteers of America Minnesota and Wisconsin at the Hennepin County Fall Transitions Extravaganza. Kudos to Emily Alwin and her team at Hennepin County for this successful event where parents and students had access to presentations and exhibitors to learn about opportunities and programs to support young people as they approach adulthood. Had fun presenting a high level overview of guardianship and supported decision making alongside John Kantke, Hennepin County Adult Representation Services. Engaging Q&A session, and multiple conversations at our exhibitor table with parents and students: some sharing how they are already "doing" supported decision making, others having already chosen guardianship and wanting to hear about future options, and others just trying to figure out where to start. What an honor to get to talk to them all! We were pleased to be joined by Kathleen Carlson, our fabulous CESDM social worker. Kudos to all who came seeking more information and to all the speakers and vendors showing up on a chilly rainy night to offer information and resources.

10/10/2025

Volunteers of America Minnesota and Wisconsin's CESDM will be at Hennepin County's Fall Transition Extravaganza: we'll have information at a table and we will be talking about Supported Decision Making at 4:30. Looking forward to connecting with young people, families, caregivers, case managers and school staff!

08/06/2025

Karina Forrest Perkins Hired at Volunteers of America

07/14/2025

Welcoming Karina to VOA MN!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AjWzb1z5c/

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Karina Forrest Perkins, the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Volunteers of America MN/WI! For over 25 years, Karina has served as a champion for whole person care in the fields of mental health and substance use disorder treatment, education, prevention, and healthcare. She is widely respected for her relational leadership style, visionary approach, and unwavering dedication to mission and community-driven service. She consistently inspires innovation, builds strong partnerships, and delivers measurable impact.

Today marks a new chapter in our shared journey to build Healthier Communities for All. The future is bright, and we are thrilled to have her walk alongside us as we continue closing the gap between people and possibility.

Read Full Bio Here:
https://www.voamnwi.org/leadership