Purpose

This bill provides funding from the state budget to support a program run by Wellness in the Woods. The goal is to help people who are in substance use recovery, are transitioning out of incarceration, or have experienced trauma by offering daily peer support and special sessions.

Main Provisions

• Appropriation: Allocates 300,000 dollars in fiscal year 2026 and 300,000 dollars in fiscal year 2027.
• Source and administration: Funds come from the General Fund and are provided to the Commissioner of Human Services.
• Grant purpose: A grant to Wellness in the Woods to run daily peer support and special sessions.
• Target groups: Individuals in substance use recovery, individuals transitioning out of incarceration, and individuals who have experienced trauma.

What the bill changes or adds

• Establishes a new or expanded funding stream under the General Fund to support peer-based and trauma-informed services.
• Directs the Commissioner of Human Services to administer the grant to Wellness in the Woods for the specified activities and populations.
• Creates a two-year funding window (FY 2026 and FY 2027) to support ongoing program operations.

Practical impact

• Increases access to peer support services for people in recovery, people reentering society after incarceration, and individuals with trauma experiences.
• Provides financial resources to Wellness in the Woods to deliver daily activities and targeted sessions aimed at health, recovery, and resilience.

Significance for stakeholders

• Beneficiaries: Individuals in recovery, formerly incarcerated individuals, and trauma survivors who may benefit from structured peer support.
• Implementing agency: Minnesota Department of Human Services, which would oversee the grant.
• Community program: Wellness in the Woods gains funding to operate and reach participants.

Notable terms from the bill

• General Fund
• appropriation
• grant
• Wellness in the Woods
• daily peer support
• special sessions
• substance use recovery
• transitioning out of incarceration
• trauma
• Commissioner of Human Services
• fiscal year 2026
• fiscal year 2027

Relevant Terms General Fund appropriation grant Wellness in the Woods daily peer support special sessions substance use recovery transitioning out of incarceration trauma Commissioner of Human Services fiscal year 2026 fiscal year 2027