Community Roots: How Local Partnerships Strengthen our Youth Development Programs

Jul 24, 2025

At FamilyMeans, we believe that when a community comes together, incredible things happen, especially for our youth. Our Youth Development Programs are built on the foundation of connection, support, and opportunity. One thing’s for sure, our community partners help to advance our important work, providing expert support and connection!

These partnerships help us meet the needs of the youth that we serve. Whether it’s providing meals, school supplies, or meaningful mentorship, our partners show up in powerful ways:

• SOS Outreach introduces youth to the world of skiing and snowboarding, building confidence and resilience through outdoor adventure.
• University of Minnesota Extension’s 4-H Outreach brings hands-on learning and leadership development to our programs.
• Washington County CareerForce connects youth with young adult workers who offer guidance, support, and career exploration.
• Youthprise ensures our youth sites are nourished during the summer by administering meal programs that fuel both body and mind.
• Community Thread’s Holiday Hope program brings joy to families during the holidays through thoughtful gift-giving.
• Cimarron Community Farm provides farm and nutrition education, along with paid internships that teach teens responsibility and sustainability.
• United Way of Washington County – East supports our Cimarron families through the Stuff the Bus school supply drive and engages youth in volunteerism through their annual Youth United Way initiative.
• Bikes 4 Kids, Sustainable Stillwater, and Express Bikes contribute in-kind support to our youth cycling initiatives, promoting healthy lifestyles and independence.
• Page Education Foundation provides academic support to out-of-school programs by having Page Scholars serve as volunteer tutors. FamilyMeans is fortunate to be added as a site for those volunteers this year!
• Individual Volunteers share their time and talents to introduce youth to new topics and support their academic and personal advancement.

 We are lucky to have a community that truly shows up for its youth. Whether it’s a new backpack, a chance to do something totally new, or meals in the summer, these partnerships make a difference and remind us that we are not doing this work alone. We are grateful to those within Washington County and beyond who help our youth grow and learn.

FamilyMeans Youth Development serves youth ages 5-18 in the manufactured home communities of Cimarron (Lake Elmo) and the city of Landfall, both eastern suburbs in the Saint Paul/Minneapolis region. Our free, year-round year programming equips youth to learn, thrive, connect, and contribute throughout their lives. Want to support our youth? Learn more about volunteer opportunities or donate at FamilyMeans.org