F5 peer‑support project reports outcomes and participant testimony; commissioners renew support

Becker County commissioners heard a year‑end report from F5 on a peer‑support pilot and received multiple participant testimonials urging continued funding.

Brian introduced F5's Becker County summary and turned the presentation to Jenna, F5's chief operations officer. Jenna said the program launched services in September and, through the grant period ending in April, recorded 84 referrals and approximately 70 participants served. The team made 489 visits and logged about 367 hours of direct one‑on‑one support; sessions averaged 30–45 minutes and some lasted longer when transportation or other hands‑on assistance was required.

Jenna provided outcome snapshots for participants enrolled in services: roughly 86% achieved stable housing while on services, 81% found employment, 88% maintained recovery while enrolled, and 92% remained law‑abiding during participation. F5 estimated cost savings to the county associated with reduced recidivism at about $775,000, while noting that outcomes reflect coordinated work with probation and other partners rather than sole attribution to F5.

Multiple participants addressed the board. Brooklyn said, “They are incredible,” describing help with groceries, transportation, housing and one‑on‑one outreach. Dustin — a program graduate who said he had multiple DWIs and has been sober since 05/28/2023 — told commissioners that peer staff provided late‑hour outreach and helped him secure steady work. Ashley Martin, who identified herself as an enrolled member of the White Earth Band of Chippewa and a Becker County probationer, described getting support from F5 in the jail and afterward and urged continued county support.

Commissioners said the program's outcomes and the participants' stories helped justify continued funding. One commissioner noted that a county committee used opioid‑settlement funds to award grants to F5 and praised the committee's decision.

Quote: “When folks were on services with us, about 86% had stable housing,” Jenna said, summarizing outcome metrics while acknowledging partners who also contribute to results.

What happens next: Commissioners encouraged F5 to pursue sustainable revenue sources (including Medicaid billing where appropriate) and to provide further details to county staff about long‑term funding options.

Provenance: presentation and testimonials recorded in the meeting packet and in session; multiple participants spoke directly to commissioners.