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During Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month in April, a series of events across Minnesota will help families build important connections to help their children thrive in their communities.
All children deserve to grow up in a home where they feel safe and nurtured and have their needs met. To support that goal, the Minnesota Department of Human Services is providing financial sponsorships to 18 community organizations for events that celebrate child and family well-being.
The health and well-being of families is critical to preventing child abuse and neglect. Community activities promote family well-being, provide access to community resources and strengthen local connections. This month’s events will help families build protective factors, such as nurturing and attachment, knowledge of child development, social connections and concrete supports for parents.
“These local organizations are doing important work to prioritize children’s safety and well-being,” said Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. “Their efforts help build trust while supporting children and families in ways that connect to their culture and values. Families who have what they need are less likely to experience the child protection system or require more intensive services.”
Sponsorships totaling almost $75,000 are going to the following organizations:
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African Career Education Resource (ACER) of Brooklyn Park will host a family-oriented resource fair with activities and essential community resources, helping to foster social connectivity and build relationships between the community and service providers.
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Anoka County Child Abuse Prevention Council will host an event in Circle Pines focused on mental health and well-being, bringing families together for an open house with activities, yoga, art and resource information.
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Division of Indian Work in Minneapolis will host an evening of activities and games for Indigenous families that will strengthen community and family ties.
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Family Refuge Village will host an event in North Minneapolis for women and their children to provide information and connections to health, parenting and financial literacy resources, along with a violence prevention workshop for children ages 11 to 13.
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Family Rise Together in Duluth will host a family night for fathers, guardians and families with children under 5 years old as part of its Growing Kinship Connection program.
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Family Wise will host events in Minneapolis and St. Paul with a peer support group for parents as well as gatherings and education sessions specifically for young parents.
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Higher Works Collaborative of St. Cloud will host a class on effective Black parenting that is an introduction to a 15-week course on the topic. The organization will also provide additional funding and materials for one family to attend the 15-week session.
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The Institute to Transform Child Protection at the Mitchell Hamline School of Law will host an event in St. Paul for families in the kinship caregiver community to learn about resources, share stories, and connect with others.
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The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe will host community gatherings in Deer River, Longville and Cass Lake to put the spotlight on family togetherness activities, including beading, Bingo, art and games.
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Legacy Family Center is holding outreach events with French- and Mandingo-speaking West African families about preventing child abuse and connecting with community resources. The center will host parenting workshops in Brooklyn Park and Minneapolis.
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Mi C.A.S.A. of Shakopee will celebrate Día del Niño as a day to honor children, celebrate bilingual literacy and recognize diversity’s importance to education with a community event featuring food, activities, music, prizes and dance.
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The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe will host child abuse prevention events in Hinckley and Onamia, focusing on providing education and fun for Indigenous communities, serving all members of the family.
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Mower County Family Services Collaborative in Austin will host a family night and documentary screening, followed by a discussion with providers and community members to explore how addressing stress and promoting resilience can impact health and well-being.
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Neighborhood House will host various Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month activities at its Wellstone Center location on the West Side of St. Paul, including a speaker sharing information about neuroscience, epigenetics, adverse childhood experiences and resilience.
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Raices Latinas will host a haircutting program in Minneapolis where certified barbers will lead the class in Spanish, and families will get materials to do basic haircuts for their children at home. The organization will also host a Kids Day event in Spanish in Bloomington.
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Restoration for All (REFA) will host a panel session on child abuse and neglect in diverse communities, a parenting skills workshop for parents of various ethnic backgrounds, and an interactive session on cultural self-care and coping skills. These activities will take place in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
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Stillwater Community Education will host a family night and open gym with a community resource fair in Stillwater.
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Urban League Twin Cities will promote community engagement and awareness of child abuse prevention in the African American community at an event in Minneapolis.
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