Stronger Together Coalition Recognizes Local Programs Building Resiliency

 A local coalition aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of the community is recognizing local programs working to create resilient families and children.

The Stronger Together Coalition was formed in 2018 with the focus on working to address the top health concerns impacting our communities. Through a community health assessment completed in 2019, the coalition identified the high prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), mental health and substance use as some of the top health concerns impacting Faribault & Martin Counties. Over the last several years, the coalition has worked across sectors to implement a wide variety of strategies to reduce ACEs and work to unify and create resilient families and children. More detail about the Stronger Together Coalition can be found here: Stronger Together Coalition (fmchs.com)

This year the coalition selected two local programs to recognize, Healthy Families Home Visiting Program of Faribault, Martin & Watonwan Counties and Kinship Mentoring Program of Martin County!

The Healthy Families Home Visiting Program administered by Human Services of Faribault & Martin Counties is a relationship based, family centered evidence-based program that offers parenting guidance, information, education, and resources that support families prenatally and until the child reaches three years of age. The goal of the program is reducing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) by giving children a safe, healthy, and positive childhood and parents the resources they need to cope with stressful situations. The program has supported hundreds of local families over the years. The local team of home visiting staff includes a mix of Public Health Nurses, Registered Nurses, Social Workers, and Community Health Workers. Anyone interested in learning more about the Healthy Families Program can visit Healthy Families America to learn more about the program or contact Human Services at 507-238-4757

Kinship of Martin County is a local organization providing support to youth in Martin County through mentoring. Their mission is to positively impact the lives of youth by establishing quality relationships with caring volunteers to support stability, support, and friendship. They began offering Community Resiliency Courses in 2022 to the community to increase awareness of local resources and education about topics such as money management and adverse childhood experiences. Kinship services have helped hundreds of children in our communities find trusting, supportive relationships through mentoring services. You can learn more about the Kinship Program or apply to become a mentor or mentee at www.kinshipofmartincounty.com.