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Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month events will help families build community connections

PRESS RELEASE

FROM MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES (mn.gov/) — 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:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Division of Indian Work in Minneapolis will host an evening of activities and games for Indigenous families that will strengthen community and family ties.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Stillwater Community Education will host a family night and open gym with a community resource fair in Stillwater.
  • Urban League Twin Cities will promote community engagement and awareness of child abuse prevention in the African American community at an event in Minneapolis.

Please fill out and submit the form below to contact us.

Birgitta Anderson | Child Development Specialist

Birgitta comes to Neighborhood House as a licensed K-6 teacher with a bachelor’s degree in Urban Elementary Education from Metropolitan State University, as well as a degree in Science Communication and Environmental Journalism from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.  As a former classroom teacher for St. Paul Public School, as well as years of experience as a substitute teacher for the district, she comes with a wealth of knowledge in helping families prepare their children for entering the school system.  Her role at Neighborhood House is conducting home visits and supporting families in getting their children school ready.  She also supports in the Small Steps Childcare program, as well as in the Skills for School classroom.  Her hobbies include cycling, rock climbing, and spending time in nature.

Carrie Sowada | Child Development Specialist

Carrie comes to Neighborhood House as a recent graduate of the U of M’s Family Social Science program, where they graduated with distinction. They have more than five years of experience working with and mentoring children in St. Cloud area youth programs, as well as customer service and restaurant experience. Additionally, Carrie has experience in community building, advocacy, and working with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. In their spare time, Carrie enjoys crocheting. It’s their favorite hobby. 

Valerie Dorschner | Early Childhood Instructor

Valerie has worked at Neighborhood House since 2004.

Valerie leads the Skills for School preschool program and is responsible for the curriculum. She has over 20 years of experience in early childhood working with parents and children, and has training and experience working with neurodiverse and dual language students.

  • Valerie is a licensed teacher with a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of St. Thomas.
  • She holds licenses in elementary education and in early childhood education, and has several years of experience
    teaching elementary school.

Valerie enjoys her free time with her five children and one grandchild.

Victoria Campoverde

Victoria Campoverde is the program manager of Neighborhood House’s Latino Leadership Program. She is originally from Peru and was a licensed high school teacher in her home country.

Her extensive experience within the education sector exemplifies her commitment to education and families.

  • Currently, she serves as the Cultural Liaison between Columbia Heights School District and Anoka-Hennepin School District.
  • In 2008 Victoria began working with The Amherst H. Wilder Foundation’s Latino Leadership Program on adapting their curriculum for the Latinx community. Since then, she has continued working in the Latino Leadership Program after its 2020 transition to Neighborhood House.
  • Coauthor of Education: Our Best Legacy (EOBL), a school success program designed for parents or caregivers with one or more children in middle school. EOBL is part of the Partnering for School Success project (PSS) with the University of Minnesota’s Extension program.
  • Lead teacher and Program Director at Joyce Preschool.
  • A 25 on the Rise, Latino Leader recipient from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2006.
  • Facilitator with different Latino parent programs in the Twin Cities.
  • President of Kuyayki Peru MN Cultural Association.

For Victoria it is important to value ones culture and cultivate ones heritage. She believes in the importance of empowering the community through her work with Neighborhood House and the Latino Leadership Program. During her free time Victoria enjoys dancing.

Winter / Spring Fresh Produce Distributions Events*

(November – May) take place at Metro State University in St. Paul. During each event, we distribute approximately 3,000 pounds of food to approximately 75-100 families on average.

For additional questions about the Food Markets, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Event guideline and details: Our fresh produce events are open to everyone!

  • Requirements: Not a thing, just yourself. An identification is not required to attend.
  • Recommendations: You will want to bring your own bags and a cart if you have one.
  • COVID-19: This event is held indoors, masks are encouraged.
  • Please note that your fist visit will require an onsite registration process that will take 5-10 minutes to complete.
  • Parking: You can park in the Metro State ramp parking for $5. Otherwise, street parking is available along 7th St. and Bates Avenue.
  • If available, please consider brining your own reusable bags. On average our visitors take home around 40 pounds of food. 

Location

Metropolitan State University

(Student Center Room)
101 690 E 7th St
St. Paul, MN 55106

TIME – 2:30–4 P.M.

DATES – November 15, 2023 | December 13, 2023 

January 10, 2024 | February 14, 2024 | March 13, 2024 | April 10, 2024 | May 8, 2024

 

* Weather permitting – If there are thunderstorms or excessive heat warnings, we may cancel the event and / or events. For more information and event cancellation updates, please call (651) 789-3630.

Still have questions? Kindly email Kaitlin Lee, Fresh Produce Coordinator

Summer / Fall distributions* (Summer 2023)

From July to October, all are welcome to come pick up a variety of free fruits and vegetables for family and friends at five St. Paul locations. 

The distributions are held outdoors and are farmer’s market style. No documentation or identification is required to participate.

For additional questions about Food Support, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page

Event guideline and details: Our fresh produce events are open to everyone!

  • Requirements: Not a thing, just yourself. An identification is not required to attend.
  • Recommendations: You may want to bring your own bags and a cart if you have one. On average, visitors will leave with approximately 40 pounds of fresh produce per event. 
  • Please note that your fist visit will require an onsite registration process that will take 5-10 minutes to complete.
  • Parking: You can on the street at most of our locations. At the Wellstone Center, you may park in our ramp.
 

Locations

The Wellstone Center*

179 Robie Street
St. Paul, MN 55107

Dates

Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday
From July to October
7/12, 7/26, 8/9, 8/23, 9/13, 9/27, 10/11, 10/25
Hours: 1:30 – 3pm

VIEW OUR FLYER

Dayton's Bluff Elementary*

262 Bates Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55106

Dates

Every 2nd Thursday
From July to October
7/13, 8/10,  9/14, 10/12
Hours: 2 – 3:30pm

VIEW OUR FLYER

Francis Basket Food Market*

1293 East Maynard Drive #410
St. Paul, MN 55116

Dates

Every 3rd wednesday
From July to October
7/19, 8/16, 9/20, 10/18
Hours: 1:30 – 3pm

VIEW OUR FLYER

bruce vento elementary

409 case ave e
St. Paul, MN 551

Dates

every 4th thursday From July to October
7/27 (CANCELLED DUE TO HEAT), 8/24, 9/28, 10/26
Hours: 2 – 3:30pm

VIEW OUR FLYER

St. Paul music academy

27 geranium ave St. Paul, MN 55117

Dates

every 1st thursday From august & October
8/3, 10/5
Hours: 2 – 3:30pm

VIEW OUR FLYER

* Weather permitting – If there are thunderstorms or excessive heat warnings, we may cancel the event and / or events. For more information and event cancellation updates, please call (651) 789-3630.

Still have questions? Kindly email Katelyn Yee, Fresh Produce Coordinator.

Food Market Location

Francis Basket

1293 East Maynard Drive #410
St Paul, MN 55116
Phone: (651) 699-0986

Building Hours

Monday

9AM – 11:30AM

Tuesday & WEDNESDAYS

9AM – 11:30AM
1PM – 4PM

Highland / Sibley Manor

Food Market Location

The Wellstone Center

179 Robie Street
St. Paul, MN 55107
Phone: (651) 789-2500
Food Market Info: (651) 789-3630

Appointment Scheduling Hours

Monday – Friday

9AM – 4PM

Appointment Scheduling Hours

Mondays

TUESDAYS – FRIDAY

 

EVERY THIRD SATURDAY

 

  • 1PM – 4PM 
  • 9AM – 11:30AM
  • 1PM – 3:30PM

 

  • 10AM – 2PM
Wellstone Center Food Market

St. Paul Music Academy

27 Geranium Avenue East
St Paul, MN 55117
Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

Building Hours

Monday – Friday

9AM – 4PM

St. Paul Music Academy

John A. Johnson Elementary

740 York Avenue
St Paul, MN 55106
Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

Building Hours

Monday – Friday

9AM – 4PM

John A. Johnson Elementary

Highland / Sibley Manor Apartments

1300 West Maynard Drive
St Paul, MN 55116
Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

Building Hours

Monday – Friday

9AM – 4PM

Highland / Sibley Manor

Dayton's Bluff Elementary

262 Bates Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55106
Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

Building Hours

Monday – Friday

9AM – 4PM

Dayton's Bluff Elementary

Bruce Vento Elementary

409 Case Avenue East
St Paul, MN 55130
Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

Building Hours

Monday – Friday

9AM – 4PM

Bruce Vento Elementary

Main Campus

The Wellstone Center

179 Robie Street
St. Paul, MN 55107
Main Phone: (651) 789-2500
Service Connect: (651) 789-3602
Food Market Info: (651) 789-3630

Building Hours

Monday – Friday

8AM – 9PM

Saturday

8AM – 4PM

Sunday

NOON – 5PM

The Wellstone Center

Parking

The Wellstone Center Parking Ramp is located on the west side of the main building. The ramp has three levels with one elevator bank. Take the elevator to the first floor and follow the signs towards the information desk.
Parking is free.

Note: Building hours may be adjusted due to holidays, emergencies, program changes or weather. Check our website homepage and social media for possible building hour changes.