Options Interstate Resource Center For I

Options Interstate Resource Center For Independent Living, a non-profit organization based in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, is a federally-funded center dedicated to providing independent living services to individuals with disabilities across North Dakota and Minnesota. As a Centers for Independent Living (CIL) program recipient under the Administration for Community Living, Options serves as a consumer-controlled, community-based organization that promotes autonomy and quality of life for people with disabilities in the region. The organization has maintained continuous federal funding relationships since 2021, demonstrating sustained commitment to serving vulnerable populations in its service area.

Options Interstate Resource Center For Independent Living has received multiple formula grant awards from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Community Living under CFDA #93.432 (Centers for Independent Living) in consecutive fiscal years from 2021 through 2025, with award amounts of $130,263 to $169,364 annually. The center provides comprehensive independent living services including information and referral, independent living skills training, peer counseling, individual and systems advocacy, and transition assistance from institutional to community-based living. Recent grant activities have expanded to address emerging needs, including combating social isolation through specialized social isolation specialists, distributing COVID-19 supplies, disseminating vaccine information, purchasing equipment for virtual service delivery, and providing personal care services. Options operates through both direct prime grant awards and sub-grant arrangements, with sub-grant prime partners including the Minnesota State Department of Employment & Economic Development and the North Dakota Department of Human Services (CFDA #93.369, ACL Independent Living State Grants). The organization utilizes grant funds to meet general operating expenses at qualifying independent living centers that comply with Rehabilitation Act standards while serving individuals with significant disabilities throughout its two-state service region.