In This Issue:
- FamilyMeans Board of Directors Elects Three New Members
- Michael Clark Receives Grace B. Stoltze Award
- 5th Annual Better is Possible Fundraiser Results
- Caregiving & Aging Teams up with Stillwater Public Library to Share Caregiver Wisdom
- Youth Participate in "Art of Belonging" Collaboration
- Take a Personal Finance Challenge!
- Counseling & Therapy Announces New Staff Additions
- Get Involved!
Michael Clark Receives Grace B. Stoltze Award
The Grace B. Stoltze award was created in 1990 to recognize outstanding volunteer commitment to FamilyMeans. The award, named after one of our founders, is a tribute to all of the volunteers who began Family Service of the St. Croix Area (now FamilyMeans) in 1963. Recipents are chosen for their outstanding, high-quality service, performed over a significant number of years, which reflects and furthers the mission of our agency. This year, we honor Michael Clark.
Michael Clark has over 20 years of volunteer service with FamilyMeans. He spent 8 years on our Board of Directors, serving as Secretary, Vice Chair, and Board Chair during his time while also being a member of the Finance Committee. He led our merger with the Center for Grief & Loss in 2011, helped set up our website in the early days, and attended numerous agency events. Prior to his time on the Board, he was influential in founding our Next Generation Council, a committee of young professionals in the St. Croix Valley looking to become more engaged in nonprofit and volunteer work that is still around today.
In addition to his time spent supporting our agency as a whole, Michael and his family volunteered for 7 years within our Caregiving & Aging Respite Program, allowing those caring for someone with a chronic illness, disability, or frailty to get a much needed break. The time Michael and his family dedicated caregivers is invaluable and has made a difference in the lives of many.
Today, Michael volunteers his time on the agency Audit Committee, supporting FamilyMeans leadership in our continued financial diligence. We thank Michael for his continued support of FamilyMeans for over 20 years, and we are honored to have him join the prestigious list of Grace B. Stoltze Award recipients! Take a look below at photos of Michael over the years!
FamilyMeans Board of Directors 2011, his first year as Chair (First Row Second from Right)
Participating in the 2020 Drive-Thru Retirement Celebration of Former President, Arba-Della Beck
Attending the Better is Possible event in April 2025, seated next to former Board Chair, Liz McGinley
5th Annual Better is Possible Fundraiser Results
On April 3, we held our 5th Annual Better is Possible Fundraiser at JX Venue in Stillwater. Over 125 guests joined us for dinner, a silent and live auction, and short program highlighting our School-Based mental health work. With the generosity of our community, FamilyMeans raised over $120,000 in support of agency programs!
View School-Based Mental Health Video!
Caregiving & Aging Teams up with Stillwater Public Library to Share Caregiver Wisdom
Former Wisconsin Governor and author of "My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzeimer's Caregiver", Martin "Marty" Schreiber, is coming to town on Friday, June 13th, to share his caregiving wisdom and journey with his high school sweetheart Elaine, who lived with Alzheimer's Disease.
My Two Elaines details Marty’s emotional and practical challenges with his wife’s illness and offers thoughtful guidance on caring for someone while prioritizing the caregiver’s own well-being.
Staff from FamilyMeans Caregiving & Aging will facilitate conversation and share resources for caregivers in our community.
This FamilyMeans event, held in partnership with the Stillwater Public Library, is free to attend and no RSVP is required. A limited number of signed copies of the book will be given to attendees at the event.
Friday, June 13, 2025
1:30pm-2:30pm
Stillwater Public Library (Margaret Rivers A&B)
224 3rd St N, Stillwater, MN 55082
View Printable Flyer
Meet our new team member, Lynn!
Lynn Amon comes to us with over 30 years of experience in the field of caregiving & aging. Lynn began her role as a FamilyMeans Caregiving & Aging Social Worker in late April.
In her free time, Lynn enjoys yoga, gardening, kayaking, and "Up North" cabin life. The important people in her life include her husband, two children, and her dog. Welcome, Lynn!
Youth Participate in "Art of Belonging" Collaboration
Over the last few months, Corilyn Wagner, FamilyMeans Art Therapist, successfully led nine groups, serving a diverse population of FamilyMeans’ clients across our Counseling & Therapy, Youth Development, and Caregiving & Aging service sectors. Each group participated in four weekly sessions, engaging in meaningful discussions about the theme of belonging. Under the guidance of our teaching artist, participants explored various art methods and techniques while bridging generational gaps in our programming.
Throughout the sessions, participants created 1-3 personal art pieces using a range of mediums, including mixed media, found poetry, charcoal and pastels, painting, collage, printmaking, and fiber arts. These artworks expressed their feelings, thoughts, and interpretations of the concept of belonging.
Additionally, each participant contributed to a collective art installation by creating a smaller piece using printmaking and/or fiber arts. These pieces were combined to form the “Belonging Blanket,” an art installation designed to travel between the various locations where the groups met. This installation allowed community members to view the artwork, ask questions, and share their thoughts in a traveling art book.
Youth at both our Landfall and Cimarron locations were fortunate to get to work with Corilyn during these sessions to use art as a form of self expression. Jaime Staska, Youth Program Manager, said "'The Art of Belonging' projects gave our youth so many opportunities to access social emotional learning and create connection points for themselves. Seeing them respond to the prompts by Art Therapist Corilyn Wagner was impressive and eye-opening."
Meet our new team member, Nayeli!
Nayeli started her position as Cimarron Kidspace Youth Program Coordinator in March 2025! Nayeli grew up in Minnesota learning English and Spanish. She has spent time focusing her studies on social justice, ethics of criminology, and youth work at Hamline University.
Prior to joining FamilyMeans in 2025, she has experience working as a tutor, community center counselor, children’s program assistant, youth mentor, classroom and KidsClub paraprofessional throughout the Twin Cities. Welcome, Nayeli!
Take a Personal Finance Challenge!
The Financial Solutions team has exciting changes in the coming months. In July, after 20 years with their current software company, Financial Solutions will be transitioning to a much more robust counseling and debt management software system. Because of this significant change, they have held off on hiring a new counselor until the new system is available. They plan to advertise for the counselor position in May. In addition, they are still looking for a parttime Client Support Agent to assist new clients with appointments.
Financial Solutions continues to see increased demand for financial support services. In the first quarter of 2025, we have dispersed $1.2 million to the creditor community on behalf of our clients, the highest amount in recent years. Looking to take control of your finances? Read below for our tips!
A personal finance challenge is simply a direct challenge to alter a specific behavior in your life that will result in improved financial outcomes. After the challenge, jot down some notes about how you feel and what changes you may want to incorporate on a regular basis. Here are some ideas:
For one weekend, choose one or more: Find and attend a free community activity that is new to you. Avoid shopping for anything but necessary groceries and household essentials. Clean out a closet and place unneeded items on Facebook Marketplace or similar online sales platform.
For one week, choose one or more: Eat every meal at home. Try a better food-buying routine such as coupons, a strict grocery list or making recipes with ingredients you already have at home. Eat leftovers for lunch.
For one month, choose one or more: Record every dollar you spend. Check out a library book that intrigues you and read it.
By taking on these personal finance challenges, you can gain valuable insights into your spending habits and discover new ways to save money. Remember, the goal is not just to complete the challenge but to learn from it and incorporate positive changes into your daily life. Reflect on your experiences, celebrate your successes, and consider how these small adjustments can lead to significant improvements in your financial well-being. Embrace the journey towards better financial health and enjoy the rewards that come with it!
Looking to get started with Financial Solutions and put yourself on the path to financial freedom? Visit our website!
Each year, our Counseling & Therapy program hosts Mental Health Clinical Interns in providing mental health assessment, treatment, and preventative services to clients while collaborating and consulting with agency and school-based personnel. As the current academic year and internships come to an end, we are happy to announce that three of our 2024-2025 interns are officially joining our team over the next few months in both clinic and school-based settings! Learn more about them below!
Allie Cotter
Allie will be staying on after she obtains her LGSW in Minnesota (and training license in WI). She will be transitioning to two days a week in our Hudson office! Fun fact, Allie is also a trained Occupational Therapist with social work being her second career of interest.
Mara Jezior
Mara's internship will be ending in May and she will be joining us full-time in September! Mara will be splitting her time between the Stillwater Clinic and Lake Elmo Elementary! Prior to becoming a therapist, Mara spent her time in the journalism field where she developed a passion for helping people define and understand their stories.
Lilia Jao
Lilia will be finishing up her internship with us in August and immediately transitioning into a full-time staff member, splitting her time between the Stillwater Clinic and Stonebridge Elementary! Lilia's clinical interests include parenting, life transitions, and relational challenges.
Join the FamilyMeans Team!
FamilyMeans is currently accepting applications for:
- Financial Solutions Client Support Agent (Part-Time)
- Youth Program Coordinator (Landfall) 30 hrs per Week
- Youth Development & Caregiving & Aging Volunteers
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.
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FamilyMeans Board of Directors
2025
Bob Clark, Board Chair | Matthew Salisbury, Vice Chair | Peter Matzek, Treasurer
Jenny Terwedo, Secretary | Lindsay Belland | Carmen Colombo | Heidi Hubbard, MD
Marissa Kropp | Shawn Lohmann | Rajean Moone, PhD | Kerrie Oetter | Joe Paiement
Clark Schroeder | Luke Schulz | James Kroening, President & CEO
FamilyMeans
1875 Northwestern Ave S | Stillwater, Minnesota 55082
651 439 4840
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