FamilyWise Services

08/29/2026

Each year, FamilyWise shines a spotlight on organizations, agencies, and community-based initiatives statewide that have consistently worked to create safe, healthy, and supportive environments for children and families through our Pinwheel for Prevention Awards. Congratulations to this week's highlighted recipient, The Link!

The Link supports youth and families experiencing homelessness, young people who are survivors of s*x trafficking, and youth who are involved in the juvenile justice system. We offer a continuum of innovative, youth-driven programs to meet youth’s basic needs while empowering them with the resources and relationships to pursue their goals and thrive. The Link is proud to be the largest provider of youth housing in Minnesota and a leader in the movements to end youth homelessness and s*xual exploitation and reform the juvenile justice system. Last year, The Link supported over 2,000 youth and young families across the Twin Cities Metro area, including youth participating in FamilyWise’s Wraparound program, improving their skills and building their independence.

Learn more about The Link on their website: www.thelinkmn.org/

Learn more about the rest of the awardees on our website: https://familywiseservices.org/blog-celebrating-the-2026-pinwheels-for-prevention-awardees/

08/25/2026

Bring your friends and family – and your good luck charm! – and join us at Dual Citizen Brewing for an evening of classic bingo and raffle drawings to support FamilyWise programs that create safe, supportive environments for children and families.

If bingo isn’t your thing, you can support FamilyWise by coming out for one of Dual Citizen’s trivia nights or meat raffles in September when our staff is onsite (no registration necessary). See the full schedule on our website. You can also donate online to help us meet the match!

Learn more on our website: https://familywiseservices.org/fall_fundraiser/

08/22/2026

Each year, FamilyWise shines a spotlight on organizations, agencies, and community-based initiatives statewide that have consistently worked to create safe, healthy, and supportive environments for children and families. Congratulations to our first highlighted recipient, the Enough. Program through the YMCA of the North.

The Enough. Program provides trauma-informed life coaching, outreach, and supportive services to youth and young adults (up to age 28) who have experienced or are at high risk of s*xual exploitation, trafficking, domestic violence, or related harm. Services include culturally specific programming for Indigenous participants, rapid rehousing and housing stability support, and economic empowerment to promote long-term independence. The program also offers parent/caregiver education and support groups, with a strong focus on prevention, healing, and holistic well-being.

Learn more about the Enough. Program on their website: https://www.ymcanorth.org/impact/enough

Learn more about the rest of the awardees on our website: https://familywiseservices.org/blog-celebrating-the-2026-pinwheels-for-prevention-awardees/

08/20/2026

If your business is looking to give back, now is the time! Throughout September, Dual Citizen Brewing will match up to $10,000 raised through FamilyWise fundraising events. Giving in September means doubling your impact! All proceeds support programs that strengthen families and keep kids safe.

Learn more by contacting Nick McCallum at [email protected].

Learn more about the event on our website: https://familywiseservices.org/fall_fundraiser/

08/12/2026

Tune in to the KLTF-AM radio this Thursday, August 13th, at 8:00-8:10am to hear from Melissa Merrick, president and CEO at our partner Prevent Child Abuse America. Melissa will be discussing the importance of primary prevention, the work of Prevent Child Abuse America, and the impact of state chapter networks, including FamilyWise. Listen locally in Little Falls at AM960 or online at

Tune into Little Falls Radio for the latest local news, sports updates, and entertainment. Our stations—AM960 KLTF, 94.1 KFML, and 92.1 WYRQ—serve Central Minnesota with diverse programming, including live streams, community events, and more.​

08/11/2026

Registration is now open for our upcoming Bingo Night at Dual Citizen Brewing! Sign up today and join us on Thursday, September 24th for a chance to win gift cards for restaurants like Matt’s Bar and Hell’s Kitchen, fun activities like bowling and golf, or relaxation rituals like nail and spa treatments!

Join us in September to double your impact – Dual Citizen will match our event fundraising up to $10,000!

Learn more and RSVP: https://familywiseservices.org/fall_fundraiser/

08/06/2026

Are you an Early Childhood Education Educator or Administrator looking for opportunities to learn and grow? FamilyWise, in partnership with Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children and Greater Twin Cities United Way is hosting three Understanding NEAR Science: Building Self-Healing Communities presentations this August. These trainings are tailored to those in the Early Childhood Education field and offer a common language and understanding of core concepts from the fields of NEAR Science (neurobiology, epigenetics, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and resilience research) and how we can use the information in our work. Find the dates, times, and registration links below!

Thursday, August 13 @ 1:00pm-3:00pm - Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/2bD6jXxZR46Th_UBOX5LJA #/registration

Wednesday, August 19 @ 6:30pm-8:30pm - Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/IhJMrBubRq2JPOr6A_qhAQ #/registration

Wednesday, August 26 @ 4:00pm-6:00pm - disponible en español - Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/mxDBtOdZRKKIxfgc4WvYvQ #/registration

08/04/2026

Last month, we hosted our second quarterly CEO call of 2026. Listen to the recording to hear more from Training Manager Susie Voss, who joined FamilyWise CEO Ann Gaasch to share how our training programs are growing and how communities are using what they learn to better support children and families.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

07/30/2026

In pursuing our vision of a world where every child thrives, FamilyWise is committed to supporting families every step along the way.

As one parent shares in our latest blog post, our First Step Early Childhood Education Center is a key part of that work. “We are grateful for all that First Step did for our kids...in those crucial years when they were becoming who they will always be,” says Angie. “First Step gently accustoms kids to the rhythms and rules of a school while encouraging kids to be themselves.”

Read our latest blog post:

Our vision at FamilyWise is a world where every child thrives. While parents and primary caregivers lay the foundation, it takes a “village” of family, friends, ...

07/28/2026

Are you an Early Childhood Education Educator or Administrator looking for opportunities to learn and grow? In partnership with 80x3 at Greater Twin Cities United Way, FamilyWise is excited to announce that applications are now open for the upcoming ACE Interface Train-the-Presenter program in Fall 2026!

This training will prepare up to 30 early childhood providers to deepen their understanding of how adversity and trauma impact our biology and the health and wellbeing of our communities. Participants will receive the foundational training to become a presenter of the ACE Interface Understanding NEAR Science: Building Self-Healing Communities presentation content and materials that have been customized for this sector. This information will equip you to educate others on these crucial topics, helping to build resilience and foster healthier communities.

Learn more about the Training here: https://familywiseservices.org/ece-fall-2026-training/

Submit your application here: https://forms.gle/HZb8keZfczXaZUpL6

Note: At least 50% of the cohort will be made up of Develop-approved trainers