PC Packet 07-19-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ATTACHMENT K SPECIAL USE PERMIT CRITERIA WORKSHEET Volunteers of America - Minnesota Residential Re-entry Center 1) That the establishment, maintenance or operation of the special use will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, morals, comfort or general welfare. Volunteers of America-Minnesota (VOA-MN) and its residential reentry centers are viewed as positive additions to the public health, safety, morals, comfort and general welfare of the communities where programs are present. Founded in 1896, and chartered by the national Volunteers of America, Inc., VOA-MN is one of the largest, most comprehensive nonprofit human service organizations in the State and has a rich history of positive societal impact. Strengthening the community is an important component of VOA-MN's mission. The organization accomplishes this by fulfilling needs not met by other entities, and by offering programs and services which support individuals in achieving independence and self-reliance. VOA-MN also engages individuals, families, civic and corporate groups in volunteer work by sponsoring activities that are personally rewarding, well-organized and make a notable contribution to the community. Additionally, each VOA-MN residential reentry center maintains a strong commitment to community participation and enjoys a close relationship with the surrounding neighborhood and business communities. Currently VOA-MN operates Residential Re-entry Centers in Roseville and Minneapolis. The Roseville facility has successfully operated at its Kent Street location for the past twenty five (25) years; the Minneapolis facility has successfully operated at its East Lake Street location for forty (40) years. The local public safety officials in both these municipalities highly endorse our program as being a positive addition to the neighborhoods and laud our commitment to public safety. We have included letters of support from both the Minneapolis Police Department and the Roseville Police Department. Of particular note, the Roseville Chief of Police has indicated that there have been no (zero) calls to the Roseville Police Department involving the Roseville Residential Re-entry Center since the inception of the current program more than 6 years ago. As part of our routine operations our existing programs partner with the local community to establish a Community Relations Board which is made up of representatives from local and federal law enforcement, city and/or county government, business and civic organizations, and other interested citizens. The role of the Community Relations Board is to bring transparency and partnership to the operation of the residential re-entry centers and to ensure public health, welfare, and safety. Volunteers of America, through its commitment as a Christian Ministry of Service strives to provide social services based on our Christian values and principals. We highly encourage a moral lifestyle that is congruent with the moral values of the existing neighborhood.