Friesen Holistic Services LLC, a pioneering provider of holistic support for individuals who live with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), has announced plans to launch in Otsego.
Founded by Kelly Friesen, a registered public health nurse, the business aims to address the unmet needs for independent living and life skill services for transition age students and adults with autism or neurodiversity in the northwest suburbs.
Friesen runs her business out of her home, but works with her clients in their homes and in the community. There will be a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. June 24 at the City of Otsego sign in the Waterfront Development sign near RAYUS Radiology at 9040 Quaday Ave. NE, Otsego.
Friesen said the creation of Friesen Holistic Services LLC was driven by the unmet need that exists for transition age students (18-22 years) and adults with autism. According to the Centers for Disease Control (2020), 1 in 36 children in the United States are diagnosed with an ASD, with the prevalence in Minnesota being even higher at 1 in 34 as reported by the University of Minnesota in March 2023.
“The initiative is particularly timely as it is estimated that over the next 10 years, there will be 70,000 to 110,000 children that age out of school-based services and enter adulthood, according to the Autism Society for Minnesota on its website at www.ausm.org.
“Autism does not stop in adulthood,” Friesen said. “The reality is the number of older individuals that need services greatly outweighs the number of providers that are available.
“My adult neurodiverse son was on a waiting list for three years before supported living services were available, only to realize the provider could not meet all his needs. His experience is the driving force behind the business. We are here to provide essential services, which are lacking for teens and adults with autism.”
Friesen Holistic Services LLC distinguishes itself by empowering individuals and their families using a Consumer Directed Community Support (CDCS) model for their waiver. The business model allows individuals to maintain control over how their waiver funds are spent, in contrast to corporate or group home living services that often require total relinquishment of waiver money to the provider. Private pay is also accepted. Friesen’s services include, but are not limited to, nurse advocate services which provide real-time life coaching, nursing interventions to aid Community Support Plan (CSP) goals and self-advocacy assistance with medical appointments.
Nurse advocate service navigation is also available to help individuals find additional resources that are beyond the scope of the case manager.
Friesen credits the St. Cloud Small Business Development Center for providing her with the support she needed as a new small business owner to bring the vision to life.
Friesen Holistic Services LLC aims to serve neurodiverse adults and transition age students and their families in Otsego, Rogers, Elk River, and surrounding areas. The individual’s support system, which may include family and a county case manager, is an integral part of the nursing plan of care. Friesen hopes to get the word out to local autism transition programs as many individuals find themselves without help once school services are no longer available.
“Our goal is to serve our clients in a way that promotes growth, development, and well-being,” Friesen said. “We hope to build a local community of inclusion and support, where individuals with neurodiversity can share their untapped talents and give back to the community they live in.”
For more information about Friesen Holistic Services LLC, contact Kelly Friesen by calling 763-232-8700, emailing Kelly.Friesen@fhshome.com or visiting https://www.kellyfriesen.com. There’s a “Let’s Connect” button on the website that allows people to send messages.
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