- 8500 210th St W #148, Lakeville, MN 55044
- kota@kotaconnections.net
- 952·469·1555
- 8500 210th St W, Suite 148, Lakeville, MN 55044
- kota@kotaconnections.net
- 952·469·1555
Most people start here after a conversation with their social worker or case manager. This page walks you through the steps so you know what to expect, from the first phone call to your first day of services.
Starting services with Kota is a short process, and you don't have to figure it out alone. Every new client moves through the same four steps.
Before a referral, the client's social worker or case manager confirms that Kota is a good fit for the services you need and the funding available on your plan. If you don't yet have a case manager, contact your county social services office to get one assigned.
The packet emails to referrals@kotaconnections.net. Sending a current Community Support Plan (CSP) or similar planning document along helps us review faster and confirm we can meet the specific needs listed.
Once reviewed, your team, typically you, your guardian if you have one, and your case manager, meets with us to go through goals, preferences, schedule, and any accommodations. The intake meeting is where the plan actually takes shape.
Services start on the agreed-upon date. For activities, that can be as soon as the next scheduled event on the monthly calendar. For apartment check-ins, employment, or medical appointment support, we build your schedule around the plan set at intake.
1 to 3 months from the date a referral is sent in to the start of services. Service-start times vary with the season and current referral volume; this timeline can be expedited in certain situations.
Referrals are submitted by the client's social worker or case manager. That's a Minnesota HCBS requirement, not a Kota preference. If you are a family member, guardian, or the individual seeking services, you are welcome to contact us at any point — we'll answer questions and help you figure out the next step, even if the formal referral comes later through your case manager.
A summary of goals or outcomes you're hoping to work on
We've always been honest about where we fit and where we don't. Here is what we don't offer, so nobody wastes time on a mismatch.
Every client we support through apartment check-ins lives independently on their own lease.
Clients who share housing find their own roommate and sign their own lease.
Staff provide medication assistance only, a different category under Minnesota rules.
We don't provide ongoing one-to-one job coaching after employment training ends.
Employment support becomes periodic check-ins with client, employer, and team.
Sometimes the services on a plan don't line up with what Kota offers, or we're at capacity for a specific service. When that happens, we'll tell you directly and, where we can, point your team toward another Dakota County provider who might be a better match. Honesty about fit protects your time and keeps the process moving.
Families and guardians can contact us directly at any point. The formal referral still comes through the case manager, but you don’t need to wait for that step to start a conversation.
CDCS plans, Dakota County funding, the State Waiver, the Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver, and services typically funded through CADI, CAC, and DD waivers under our 245D license. We also work with Vocational Rehab Services via a Limited Use Vendor contract.
Your case manager completes the packet and emails it to referrals@kotaconnections.net. A current Community Support Plan (CSP) submitted with the referral helps us review faster.
Typically 1–3 months. Variable with season and current referral volume; can be expedited in certain situations.
Yes. Anyone interested is welcome to check out an activity before starting. Our monthly KC meeting is the best one to attend, most clients and staff are there. Call us first.
Yes. Kota staff provide transportation using personal or company vehicles for up to 4 events per month. Beyond that, additional events require client-arranged transport (and budget).
245D is Minnesota’s licensing category for Home and Community-Based Services. The license means Minnesota DHS has approved the provider to deliver services like employment support, independent living help, and day support under state HCBS rules.