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Welcome to the MN Office of Ombudsperson for Families June Newsletter |
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Pride Month, Staff Achievements, and More!
 Happy Pride Month!
The Office of Ombudsperson for Families wishes everyone a happy LGBTQIA2S+ Pride Month! You can visit OBFF staff and other state employees at the Minnesota State Enterprise booth at Twin Cities Pride on June 28-29 in Loring Park, Minneapolis.
Community Needs Survey Extended
The Council on LGBTQIA2S+ Minnesotans Community Needs Survey deadline has been extended through June. If you are a member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community or a parent of a LGBTQIA2S+ child under the age of 18, you can still fill out the survey to give your thoughts on how Minnesota can better support you! Fill out the survey online.
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Ombudsperson Zuniga Named to Saint Paul's HREEOC
Ombudsperson Manuel Zuniga has been appointed as a commissioner to the City of Saint Paul Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity (HREEO) Commission.
This commission is responsible for monitoring and advising the department on promoting justice and equity and fostering hiring policies that maximize the diversity of the city's workforce. The members of this council are appointed by the mayor.
The commissioner appointment began on May 14, with the swearing-in ceremony on May 20. Ombudsperson Zuniga plans to use the opportunity as a commissioner to connect with residents of the City of Saint Paul as part of his community outreach initiatives.
Congratulations to Ombudsperson Zuniga for this great opportunity!
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Office Manager Katie Heilman Awarded for Volunteerism
OBFF's office manager Katie Heilman was awarded a MNIT GEM award (Going the Extra Mile) for volunteering at Global Accessibility Awareness Day activities with state employees on May 15. Katie helped set up the equipment for the Experience Lab and demonstrated screen reader technology to attendees.
Holiday Office Schedule
The Office of Ombudsperson for Families will be closed on Thursday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.
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2025 Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit Minnesota Regional
You are cordially invited to the 2025 Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit (IES) Minnesota Regional on Friday, June 6!
This dynamic summit brings together a diverse community of entrepreneurs, business owners, and supporters who are passionate about fostering entrepreneurship. Come join in with 200+ entrepreneurs for a day of learning and growing together.
Friday, June 6, 8:30am - 3:30pm
Base Camp, Leadership Center
6202 Bloomington Road
Fort Snelling, MN 55111
Cost is $35.
Register now and secure your spot at this summit!
Health Across the Lifespan Upcoming Session
Join M Health Fairview for Health Across the Lifespan, a free, four-part webinar series presented by M Health Fairview Community Advancement. The next session (Session 2) on Wednesday, June 25, 12:00 - 1:00pm, is titled Intergenerational Trauma: Understanding, Impact, and Healing. All members of the community are invited to attend! Register in advance for this informative webinar!
Aftershock Community Screening
Please join Saint Paul-Ramsey County Public Health's Birth Equity Community Council (BECC) in collaboration with Conduit for Collaboration Consulting for a community screening of the 2022 documentary Aftershock on Wednesday, June 11 at 5:00pm.
We invite your members and community partners to join us for opportunities to reflect and connect alongside community members and advocates from across the Twin Cities Metro area. Register for the June 11 screening.
This event is free, dinner is provided, and parking is covered.
Save the Date for the 2025 LCS Summit!
The 5th Annual Leaders Changing the System (LCS) Summit is a unique event developed by a culturally-specific lived experience professional resource network for child welfare decision makers and stakeholders to partner and collaborate for system reform and policy changes.
Event Details:
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When: Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 9:30am - 3:00pm.
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Where: Town Square Tower Conference Room - 445 Minnesota Street, Saint Paul, MN 55101
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Fee per person: $50
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Registration: Register for the LCS Summit
- CEU Certificates available!
- Breakfast and lunch are provided.
For questions, contact Lola at info@partnershipsforpermanence.org.
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Minnesota Judicial Branch API Child Protection Focus Group
The Minnesota Supreme Court Council on Child Protection and Maltreatment Prevention is developing recommendations to improve Minnesota’s child protection system and to prevent unnecessary entry of children and families into the system. The Council is gathering community input on changes needed to the system through a series of focus groups.
A focus group with Asian Pacific community leaders and organizations will be held on Thursday, June 12, from 5:30 - 7:30pm via Zoom (you will join with a link and do not need any subscription or software to participate).
Complete the focus group form online. Registration will close Monday, June 9, at 4:30pm.
17th Annual Community Empowerment Through Black Men Healing Conference
You are invited to the 17th Annual Community Empowerment Through Black Men Healing Conference on Thursday, June 26, and Friday, June 27, 2025, at St. Paul College! This year’s theme is "Black Fathers." The event will focus on the challenges that fathers face in being involved in their children's lives, from prenatal care and beyond, while exploring culturally sensitive approaches that celebrate and uplift Black fathers. This conference is a wonderful opportunity for individuals from all backgrounds to come together, gain valuable insights, and uplift the community.
Keynote speakers and special guests include Antoine Johnson, Alysha Price, Sam Simmons, and Dr. Nathan T. Chomilo.
Register now to secure your spot. For more information, or to stay updated, please visit www.brothershealing.com. #blackfathers
11th African Mental Health Summit
You are invited to the 11th African Mental Health Summit - Elevating Voices, Expanding Access: Community Interventions Driving Mental Health Data & Transformation! This event is hosted by Progressive Individual Resources, Inc. and Restoration for All, Inc. This convening recognizes the role of community-driven solutions to shape narratives and influence policy, programming, and healing.
More event details:
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When: Friday, July 11, 2025 from 9:00am - 4:30pm
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Where: Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center, 6155 Earle Brown Drive, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
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Cost: $125
- Continuing Education Units are available
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Registration: register online
Check out the event website for more information!
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