The Connect Center

06/01/2026

Here’s the scoop! 🍦 You get a sweet treat, and our community gets the essentials they need.

Grab your neighbors and head down to Lakeside Park this Wednesday at 6:00 P.M.! It's the perfect evening for free ice cream, great conversation, and celebrating our wonderful community. While you're there catching up and enjoying a scoop, you can easily support the neighborhood by dropping off a quick donation like shampoo or body wash.

A massive shoutout to the amazing Bayport Community Action League and Afton Bayport Lakeland - ABL Lions for hosting and making this sweet night possible. See you there!

05/28/2026

Spanish Speaker Needed — YOU can Make a Real Difference!

We are looking for a bilingual volunteer to help bridge communication between one of our advocates and a Spanish-speaking client. Just a few hours a month can make a huge impact for someone seeking support and connection. Help ensure every client feels heard and understood.

Interested or know someone who might be a great fit? Send us a DM or contact us today at [email protected].

05/27/2026

Big congratulations and a huge THANK YOU to our incredible interns, Faith and Ashley! 🎓

Not only are they graduating from college this month, but they have also spent the semester pouring their hearts into our after-school program. They have built amazing connections with our students and brought so much joy to TCC.

The absolute best news? They aren't leaving us just yet! Both Faith and Ashley will be continuing on as volunteers with the after-school program this summer.

Help us wish them a huge congratulations on their graduation and thank them for their continued dedication to our youth!

05/26/2026

Check out this upcoming nature wellness walk hosted by Washington County, MN Government! It’s a wonderful opportunity to get outside, enjoy the beautiful St. Croix views, and take a little time for your own mental and physical well-being.

Washington County Parks

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to honor and remember the brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. 🇺🇸 We are profoundly grateful for their selflessness and dedication.

Wishing all of our neighbors a safe, reflective, and peaceful Memorial Day.

05/22/2026

This Partner Spotlight Friday, we are incredibly grateful to highlight our partners StreetWorks Outreach Collaborative

Their dedicated team does life-changing street outreach, providing critical support, resources, and pathways to stability for youth experiencing housing instability in our region. Together, we are bridging gaps and making sure our younger neighbors have the resources and dignity they deserve.

Thank you, Streetworks, for walking alongside youth in our community!

05/21/2026

Today, we are bursting with gratitude to announce that we have been awarded a Capacity Building Grant from the St. Croix Valley Foundation!

"Capacity building" sounds like business talk, but to us, it means something beautiful: completely upgrading our internal data systems so we can provide deeper, faster care to our neighbors.

Here is what this means for our community:

Seamless Care: We can now view a person's journey as a whole, connecting them to the right local resources faster and more gently.

More Heart, Less Paperwork: This cuts down on administrative tasks so our team spends less time staring at screens and more time focusing on the people in front of us.

A Stronger Tomorrow: Better tracking ensures our programs stay stable, reliable, and ready to serve for years to come.

At the end of the day, data matters because people matter. This isn't just a tech upgrade, it's a commitment to loving and serving our community better.

Thank you, St. Croix Valley Foundation, for believing in our vision and investing in the infrastructure that makes our mission possible! Read the full article here:

Second round of capacity-building grants supports 24 organizations strengthening leadership, systems, and long-term sustainability.

05/19/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and at The Connect Center, we know that true housing stability goes hand-in-hand with emotional and mental wellbeing. Facing housing insecurity brings immense stress, and no one should have to carry that weight alone.

We are dedicated to providing a safe, supportive space where neighbors are heard, valued, and connected to the right resources. Let's continue looking out for one another and building a healthier, more connected community. 💚