Organization: ST CROIX FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER
Mission: PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE COORDINATED SERVICES FOR LOW INCOME INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WHO EXPERIENCE HOMELESSNESS OR ARE AT RISK OF HOMELESSNESS.
Activities: FAMILY CONNECTIONS PROGRAM: RATES OF MENTAL ILLNESS ARE HIGHEST IN LOW INCOME COMMUNITIES. NEARLY 1/3 OF ADULTS IN LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLDS REPORTED HAVING AN ANXIETY OR DEPRESSIONDIAGNOSIS (WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMUNITY HEALTH ASSESSMENT 2019). ABOUT 36% OF FRC CLIENTS ARE LIMITED TO BEING ABLE TO WORK DUE TO SEVERE MENTAL AND/OR PHYSICAL HEATH DIAGNOSIS. MANY FAMILIES HAVE FIXED INCOMES AND BECOME SOCIALLY ISOLATED AS RESULT OF NOT WORKING. FAMILIES IN FRCS FAMILY CONNECTIONS PROGRAM RECEIVE SUPPORT TO REACH THEIR BASIC NEEDS. FRC FAMILY ADVOCATES TEACH FAMILIES HOW TO LIVE WITHIN THEIR MEANS AND CONNECT THEM TO COMMUNITY. FAMILIES THEN WORK WITH FAMILY ADVOCATES TO DEVELOP SHORT AND LONG-TERM GOALS FOR THEIR FINANCES, HOUSING, AND FAMILY LIFE. ALL SERVICES ARE INDIVIDUALIZED TO MEET FAMILIES GOALS.
YOUTH CONNECTIONS PROGRAM: THE FRC IS PROVIDING A HEALTHY SUPPORT SYSTEM THROUGH ITS YOUTH CONNECTIONS DROP-IN CENTERS. THESE CENTERS LOCATED IN STILLWATER AND COTTAGE GROVE PROVIDE A SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE PLACE FOR YOUTH TO HAVE A HOT MEAL, SHOWER, DO LAUNDRY, PICK OUT SEASONALLY APPROPRIATE CLOTHING ALONG WITH PERSONAL HYGIENE ITEMS. MOST IMPORTANTLY, THESE YOUTH MAKE CONNECTIONS WITH ADULT VOLUNTEERS AND PROFESSIONAL YOUTH COUNSELORS THAT WILL ANSWER QUESTIONS, MAKE REFERRALS FOR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH CONCERNS AND JUST LISTEN, PROVIDING HOPE THAT THEIR FUTURES WILL BE FULL OF PROMISE AND CONNECTIONS TO A COMMUNITY THAT WILL WELCOME THEM AS THEY ARE.
AFTER-SCHOOL TUTORING AND MUSIC PROGRAM: ITS MISSION IS TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR FAMILIES TO LEARN AND GROW TOGETHER. FAMILIES GAIN EXPERIENCE MASTERING LIFE AND SOCIAL SKILLS IN A FUN, LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. CHILDREN ARE PAIRED WITH ONE-ON-ONE TUTORS FOR THEIR INDIVIDUAL ACADEMIC LEARNING NEEDS. CHILDREN WITH AN INTEREST IN LEARNING TO PLAY GUITAR OR PIANO ARE PAIRED WITH MUSIC INSTRUCTORS. HEALTHY, FUN FRIENDSHIPS ARE FOUND AT THE AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM. FRC PARTNERS WITH OUR COMMUNITY KITCHEN TO CONDUCT COOKING CLASSES FOR FAMILIES TO LEARN HOW TO COOK HEALTHY, AFFORDABLE MEALS.
NTEE category: Housing & Shelter
Secondary category: Mental Health & Crisis Intervention