The logo displays "eccg" in large, gradient letters above the text "Ehrnriter Companion and Community Group," representing ECCG's commitment to Individualized Home Supports.

Mental Health During the Holidays: Compassion, Realism, and Support

Two men stand side by side in a mall, both smiling and wearing orange hats. One sports a "Disturbed" t-shirt and holds a cane; the other wears a green sweatshirt. Their cheerful support for each other highlights the importance of mental health, especially during holidays.

For many people, the holidays are portrayed as a time of joy and connection but for those living with mental health challenges, this season can be especially difficult. Research consistently shows that the holidays can worsen mental health symptoms. A NAMI survey found that nearly two-thirds of people with mental illness report the holidays negatively […]

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury: Healing, Support, and Hope

Two older women stand on a path outdoors, facing each other and smiling. Offering support, one woman holds a cane as they enjoy a moment of healing together. Trees and a railing are visible in the background.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a complex condition that affects millions of people and their families. Caused by an external force such as a fall, car accident, sports injury, or blow to the head, TBI can range from mild and temporary to severe and life-altering. While not every head injury results in a TBI, those […]

Understanding other Waiver Supports

Two men walk side by side on a sunny residential street, smiling at the camera, with trees and a parked car in the background.

Housing and waivered services: In a previous blog we have gone over some of the basics of waivers in Minnesota. However, there is considerably more to understanding these services than just seeing a list of available services. Navigating care options for yourself, a loved one, or a client you are currently supporting, can feel a […]

Brain Injury and Mental Health Basics

Five people stand in a semi-circle facing away, looking back over their shoulders, wearing colorful sweaters with circular logos on the back.

Understanding Mental Health & Brain Injury: A Guide to Support and Awareness Mental health is more than just the absence of illness it’s a key part of overall well-being. It influences how we think, feel, connect with others, and handle life’s ups and downs. For people working through anxiety, depression, or the effects of brain […]

 How To Support Someone Engaging in Hoarding

Three people sit and stand by a window, holding mugs and talking. Two women face a man who is smiling and seated on the windowsill.

Hoarding is often misunderstood as just being messy or overly sentimental. In reality, hoarding is a serious mental health condition that can impact a person’s safety, relationships, and overall well-being. For professionals, families, and communities, understanding hoarding is the first step toward helping those who struggle with it. Let’s take a closer look at what […]

Social Service Boundary Basics

Two men exit through a red door in a brick building; one holds the door open while the other walks ahead.

Why Boundaries Matter: A Guide for Direct Support Professionals In the world of direct support work, few things are more important than setting and maintaining professional boundaries. It’s not always easy, especially when we grow close to the clients we serve. However, healthy boundaries are essential for protecting everyone involved and preserving a caregivers ability […]

10 Essential Life Skills We Teach

Two men in a bright ECCG office space, one sitting at a desk with a laptop, the other standing with a laptop, both smiling and engaged in conversation.

Individualized Home Supports (IHS) services are designed to help clients grow their independent living skills, like maintaining a routine, keeping a clean home, and engaging with their community. These services promote valuable life skills that will last a lifetime. There are all sorts of essential life skills we encourage through our IHS services and home […]

Understanding the CADI, BI, and DD Waivers in Minnesota

Five people from the ECCG team stand together against a plain background, all smiling and wearing casual long-sleeve shirts in various colors.

One of the most common ways to get started with in-home care services in Minnesota is through various waivers that provide funding for eligible candidates. There are three primary waivers available for in-home support services in Minnesota: the CADI, BI, and DD waivers. Keep reading for a comprehensive guide to waiver services in MN, including […]

The ECCG Difference: How We Are Redefining Home Care

Two women sit side by side on a bench in a shopping mall, smiling at the camera. ECCG banners and clothing store displays are visible in the background.

When we started ECCG over seven years ago, our goal wasn’t simply to enter the social services space, it was to elevate it. We knew that compassionate support was possible, and we wanted to make it readily available for those who need it.  We’ve spent years in social services building relationships and refining our practice, […]

Understanding Personal Lifestyle Supports-Private Pay Services

Two women enjoy grocery shopping together at an ECCG store, pushing red carts filled with various items along a supermarket aisle.

Not everyone qualifies for waivered services in the state of Minnesota, but lots of people would still benefit from the daily support of in-home support. That’s where private pay services come into play! Personal Lifestyle Supports-Private Pay is our approach to non-waivered in-home support services to make sure everyone who needs support can access it. […]