Friesen Holistic Services LLC: Serving Individuals with Autism in the NW Suburbs

Otsego, MN – June 24, 2024 – Friesen Holistic Services LLC, a pioneering provider of holistic support for individuals who live with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is proud to announce its official launch in Otsego, MN.  Founded by Kelly Friesen, a Registered Public Health Nurse, the business aims to address the unmet need for independent living and life skill services for transition age students and adults with autism or neurodiversity in the Northwest suburbs.

Filling a Crucial Gap in Autism Services

The inception 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 (www.ausm.org).  “Autism does not stop in adulthood! The reality is the number of older individuals that need services greatly outweighs the number of providers that are available” according to Friesen.

“My adult neurodiverse son was on a waiting list for 3 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,” says Friesen. “We are here to provide essential services which are lacking for teens and adults with autism.”

Unique and Empowering Business Model

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, & 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 SBDC for providing her with the support she needed as a new small business owner to bring the vision to life!

Target Audience and Goals

Friesen Holistic Services LLC aims to serve neurodiverse adults and transition age students & 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 in an abyss 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 explains. “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, please contact Kelly Friesen at:

Phone: (763) 232-8700
Email: Kelly.Friesen@fhshome.com
Website: https://www.kellyfriesen.com