Landfall named one of the 100 Best Communities in the U.S. for young people
Apr 15, 2011
Landfall is one of only five communities statewide to be named one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People (100 Best) in the U.S. Since 1993.Stillwater, Minn. – Landfall is one of only five communities statewide to be named one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People (100 Best) in the U.S. Since 1993, the City of Landfall, in partnership with Stillwater-based FamilyMeans, has provided year-round youth enrichment that includes after-school and summer programming opportunities through the Youth Development Initiative. The program includes an Investigation Station for elementary-age children, a teen center and, each summer, the kids can participate in a summer bike program.
Landfall was named one of the nation's 100 Best for its long-time commitment to meet the needs of local young people. The city invests nearly three percent of its annual budget to youth services with the majority of these funds supporting free youth development programs for children ages five- to 18 years old.
"Landfall serves as an example to inspire and educate other communities across the nation to tackle the challenges facing their city and children, and to implement initiatives that give them the essential resources they need to succeed in life," said Marguerite W. Kondracke, America's Promise Alliance president and CEO. "Landfall is taking bold and effective steps to help their young people graduate and lead healthy, productive lives."
In Landfall, where roughly 700 residents live in 300 mobile homes, the community continues to invest time and resources to provide multi-dimensional development activities for the youth. Through additional partnerships with schools, churches, the arts community and the county, youth benefit from tutoring programs, nutrition education, arts activities and opportunities to work in the community's after-school and summer youth programs.
The other communities named 100 Best in Minnesota are Edina, Mankato/North Mankato, Northfield and St. Louis Park. This marks the second time Landfall has received this honor.
The honor as one of the 100 Best is a designation given by America's Promise Alliance, the nation's largest partnership organization dedicated to youth and children, and ING, a global financial services company and leading provider of retirement plans and programs for teachers.
About FamilyMeans
FamilyMeans is a community-based and community-supported nonprofit organization serving people of all ages, backgrounds and income levels. Last year more than 28,500 people sought help through FamilyMeans counseling and mental health services, financial counseling, caregiver support services, youth enrichment programs, community and school programs and employee assistance program.
About 100 Best
First held in 2005, 100 Best honors communities large and small, rural and urban, that are making progress to help young people achieve their potential, which includes earning a high school diploma, securing a good job, and playing an active, productive role in America's economic vitality. This year, more than 350 communities in 50 states registered online for the 100 Best distinction at www.americaspromise.org/100best.