February Newsletter
Feb 11, 2025
2025 Better is Possible Fundraiser Tickets are ON SALE NOW!
Join us on Thursday, April 3 at JX Venue in Stillwater for the annual Better is Possible fundraiser for FamilyMeans!
Thursday, April 3
6pm-9pm
JX Venue
123 2nd St N
Stillwater, MN
Proceeds from this event allow FamilyMeans to be available to support individuals through some of life’s toughest challenges. This year, learn about our School-Based Mental Health programming!
Dinner
Auction
Program
Interested in supporting our event with a sponsorship or auction donation? CLICK HERE
New Group Respite Offering in Forest Lake
The Alzheimer's Society of the United Kingdom states on their website, "Engaging in social activities may help to build up your brain's ability to cope with disease, relieve stress, and improve your mood". A respite group can be a great way to meet new people for both the person with dementia and caregivers/family members.
Often, people isolate themselves when they sense that changes are happening in their cognition, fearing what friends and others say. Others with early dementia may simply not have as many social outlets open to them due to lack of transportation, housing changes, or moving away from previous social connections. Group respite can be a great way to knock down those barriers and provide a safe place for activities and conversation.
FamilyMeans Caregiving & Aging is excited to announce a new respite option coming to Forest Lake this month! Community Connection is designed for those living with early-stage dementia and memory loss. This group explores new places, engages with others, connects to the community, learns about various topics, and more – all while caregivers enjoy some time to themselves.
Connect with our Caregiving & Aging staff at familymeans@familymeans.org or by calling 651-439-4840 for more information and to get registered.
Tuesdays, starting February 11th | 12pm-4pm
Forest Lake YMCA 19845
Forest Road N Forest Lake, MN 55025
Click HERE for the printable flyer
Grant Provides Arts Programming for Youth Development Participants
FamilyMeans recently received grant funding from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council (MRAC) to provide a free hands-on art program, called “The Art of Belonging,” which merges mixed-media artwork with themes of belonging and community. This intergenerational program brings together clients of the Center for Grief & Loss, participants of our Youth Development program, and older adults and caregivers in our Caregiving & Aging program. This multi-session program is led by one of the FamilyMeans Center for Grief & Loss therapists, Corilyn Wagner. Corilyn is a certified art therapist who specializes in using different mediums to explore themes of self-worth and belonging.
The goal of the project is to build connections among individuals who may be isolated through art, in order to foster a sense of community and belonging. We believe that art is a universal way for people of all ages and various experiences to express feelings of grief, trauma, and other emotions, as well as to learn creative expression, foster memories, and increase social engagement and community building.
Each participant will create 3 personal art pieces that focus on themes of belonging, such as identity, space and place, feeling and connection, and sense of community. They will use various mediums that may depict feelings, thoughts, or expressions of what these concepts mean to them. Mediums include mixed media, poetry, charcoal and pastels, painting, collage, printmaking, and fiber arts. Each individual will also create one smaller piece, using printmaking and/or fiber arts, which will be joined together to create a “Belonging Blanket,”. This hanging piece will represent our intergenerational community of art that will be displayed at several locations, allowing them to view their work, ask questions, and share thoughts.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Need for Credit Counseling Still on the Rise
According to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), the number of people seeking credit counseling increased by almost 10% in 2024 as compared to the previous year.
While the increase in interest rates has slowed, debt has remained more expensive than it has been in years. The rapid price increases in 2022 caused many households to reduce their savings, and with the current economy any new debt these families have acquired comes at a higher cost (higher interest rates for credit cards). Overall, the financial health of the country remains similar to 2023; 2/3 of people or 70% are financially unhealthy. At the end of September, the US credit card debt balance was $1.17 trillion. That rose another $24 billion by the end of 2024, an 8% increase over 2023.
In 2024, our Certified Consumer Credit Counselors conducted nearly 1,200 initial counseling sessions, which is a 25.5% increase in first time sessions from the previous year.
In 2024, 44% of our counseling clients came to us because of reduced income, unemployment, or under employment. Medical issues, illnesses, overspending, and divorce/separation are also top contributors to financial distress.
Individuals and families right in our community are struggling to make ends meet. FamilyMeans Certified Consumer Credit Counselors are here to help you get started on your journey to financial stability. We offer in-person, over the phone, and virtual appointments to meet your communication needs. Call 1-800-780-2890, click HERE, or send an email to financialsolutions@familymeans.org to get started!
DaVinci Fest is an annual community event celebrating art and science hosted by The Partnership Plan. At its core, it showcases the incredible talents and creativity of the youth who live in the St. Croix River Valley. With the addition of educational exhibits and demonstrations from area businesses and organizations in the afternoon, it has become a regional art and science extravaganza. This event was held in January at Stillwater High School and we were fortunate to have four of our therapists join in on the fun while also sharing resources and activities with both youth and adults!
The FamilyMeans resource table provided calming tools for students who feel stressed out, overwhelmed, or who need a break. Volunteers gave students the opportunity to create calming stones, which are small stones with a meaningful message or image that you can take anywhere. The stones were small enough to travel in pockets or to keep at your desk. In moments where students feel overwhelmed or stressed, they can look at their stone and reflect on the message it holds to help calm down.
Student were also offered mandala coloring pages. Mandalas have very detailed designs, and coloring them in allows students to slow down and relax their mind.
"It was a fun and unique experience to talk to students, families, and community members about what FamilyMeans is. It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm shared by both students and adults alike. As an intern, I valued this opportunity, experiencing the positive impacts our agency can have" said Clinical Trainee, Courtney Foulker.
Join the FamilyMeans Team!
FamilyMeans is currently accepting applications for:
- Financial Solutions Client Support Agent (Part-Time)
- Financial Solutions Financial Counselor (Eau Claire, WI)
- Youth Program Coordinator (Landfall)
- Clinical Operations Supervisor
- Caregiving & Aging Social Worker (Part-Time)
FamilyMeans offers competitive pay and benefits such as health and dental insurance, 403(b) retirement plan, and paid time off to eligible employees.
Our mission is to strengthen communities by helping individuals and families through challenges in all life stages. FamilyMeans envisions vibrant and resilient communities where everyone lives to their fullest potential. Our work is life's challenges. A career with Familymeans provides an opportunity to enrich your professional life while working alongside colleagues who share a vision of making changes in people's lives through high quality services. We strive to provide the highest quality of care for our clients as well as work-life experience for our employees.
FamilyMeans Board of Directors
2024
Melissa Harris, Chair | Bob Clark, Vice Chair | Peter Matzek, Treasurer | Josh Zignego, Secretary
Brian Gunderson, Past Chair | Lindsay Belland | Carmen Colombo | Anu Green | Marissa Kropp
Mike Lyner | Jessica Meletiou | Rajean Moone, PhD | Matthew Salisbury
Clark Schroeder | James Kroening, President & CEO
FamilyMeans
1875 Northwestern Ave S | Stillwater, Minnesota 55082
651 439 4840
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