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Welcome to the MN Office of Ombudsperson for Families September Newsletter |
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Hispanic Heritage Month, National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and more.
 Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15 - October 15. This year, we honor and remember the contributions of Minnesota's thriving Hispanic and Latinx communities! Explore Minnesota created a list of ways to celebrate the Hispanic community in Minnesota.
Spanish-Speaking Families Board Openings
Do you want to make your voice heard for Spanish-Speaking Families involved in child welfare? The OBFF's Spanish Speaking Families Board currently has two vacancies! Individuals from Greater Minnesota are especially encouraged to apply.
The Boards play a critical advisory and governance role with OBFF. Their duties include:
- Assisting the Ombudsperson in identifying priority issues and selecting matters for attention;
- Helping develop policies, plans, and programs that support the Ombudsperson’s functions;
- Establishing culturally grounded protocols for engaging with communities of color;
- Advising on procedures for the Ombudsperson’s statutory subpoena power to compel testimony or evidence;
- Providing reports and recommendations aimed at improving competence, efficiency, justice, and the protection of families’ rights.
To apply, fill out an application on the Office of the Secretary of State Open Appointments website.
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This year’s theme is Stronger Together: Connect. Support. Prevent. Communities can come together to save lives. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact the 988 Lifeline.
In 2022, suicide was the second leading cause of death for ages 10-14 (CDC Fact Sheet). The rates for youth in foster care are higher – according to a 2024 study in California, 24% of foster youth surveyed had attempted suicide. The 988 Lifeline has support and resources for youth. It is important to remind our youth that they are not alone, and help is available.
2026 Asian Pacific American Leadership Awards Dinner
Join the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans (CAPM) for the 2026 Leadership Awards on October 24! This year's Leadership Awards Dinner will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
This year's leadership awards include the Stewardship of Democracy Award, the Pan-Asian Leadership Award, and the Rising Star Award.
Event Details:
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Date and Time: Saturday, October 24, 6:00 - 8:30pm
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Location: Mystic Lake Center, Prior Lake, MN
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Registration: Register online
For more information on this event, please visit CAPM's website.
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Back to School season is here!
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has compiled a list of tips to help families prepare to send their children back to school. Whether your child is going to kindergarten or senior year of high school, there are tips for everyone. Prepare for your student's academics, health, future career opportunities, and school supplies. Explore MDE's list of back to school resources!
Understanding the 988 Minnesota Lifeline System
The Minnesota Department of Health presents a webinar providing an in-depth overview of the 988 Minnesota Lifeline system. Attendees will gain an understanding of the 988 network routing system, the operational components of Minnesota's 988 Lifeline centers, and how this system supports individuals in need of emotional and mental health support.
Event Details:
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Date and Time: Thursday, September 10, 10:00 - 11:00am
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Location: Virtually via Microsoft Teams
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Registration: Register online
For questions, please contact Anna Lynn at Anna.Lynn@state.mn.us.
September 2026 Child Safety and Family Preservation Community of Practice Meetings
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) will hold in-person Child Safety and Family Preservation Community of Practices Meetings throughout Minnesota in 2026. County and Tribal child welfare staff are invited to attend these Community of Practice Meetings.
West Central Region: Tuesday, September 22, 12:30 - 3:30pm
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Location: Yellow Medicine County Family Service Center, Basement Training Room, 415 Ninth Ave, Granite Falls, MN 56241
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Registration: Register for September 22
Northeast Region: Tuesday, September 29, 12:30 - 3:30pm
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Location: St. Louis County Government Services Center, Liz Prebich Room, 201 S Third Ave, Virginia, MN 55792
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Registration: Register for September 29
Far Northwest Region: Wednesday, September 30, 12:30 - 3:30pm
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Location: Beltrami County Administration Building, 701 Minnesota Ave NW, Bemidji, MN 56601
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Registration: Register for September 30
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Beyond Survival Institute Founding Launch
Join the Beyond Survival Institute for their Founding Launch celebration on Friday, September 11!
The Beyond Survival Institute is a survivor-founded organization committed to creating pathways to healing, leadership, and opportunity while partnering with communities to transform systems. This celebration will include opportunities for communities to connect and will feature distinguished guests speakers, such as Attorney General Keith Ellison.
Event Details:
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Date and Time: Friday, September 11, 6:00 - 9:00pm
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Location: Mosaic Venue, 817 5th Ave S, Ste 300, Minneapolis, MN 55404
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Registration: Seating is limited. Reserve your seat online.
Wayside Recovery Open House
Join Wayside Recovery as they celebrate the new chapter of their Women's Treatment Center!
This will be an afternoon of connection, celebration, and inspiration as Wayside Recovery opens the doors to their new center, reflecting an ongoing commitment to helping women recover with dignity, hope, and support.
Event Details:
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Date and Time: Wednesday, September 16, 2:00 - 5:00pm
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Location: Wayside Recovery Women's Treatment Center, 3705 Park Center Blvd, St. Louis Park, MN 55416
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Registration: Please RSVP in advance to help the organizers plan refreshments.
UROC Community Day 2026
Join the University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach Center (UROC) for their Community Day! This year's theme is The Power of Us: Change Through Collective Action and Healing.
There will be free food, live performances, and community and university organizations available to connect with. Meet the UROC team, as well as University researchers and their community partners to learn about their upcoming projects and events. This event is free and open to the public.
Event Details:
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Date and Time: Thursday, September 17, 4:00 - 7:00pm
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Location: 2001 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411
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Registration: Register online
For questions, contact urocinfo@umn.edu or call 612-626-8762.
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