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In This Issue:

• Come see us at Pops, Pints, and Purpose hosted by the FamilyMeans Next Generation Council!
• Creating Memories at Belwin Conservancy
• Growing Healthy Futures Together: FamilyMeans and Cimarron Community Farm
• Fall Financial Reset: 5 Steps to Finish the Year Strong
• Understanding Grief: Honoring National Grief Awareness Day
• Get Involved!

Creating Memories at Belwin Conservancy

FamilyMeans Caregiving & Aging, in partnership with Belwin Conservancy, Limitless Cycling, and COMPAS, held the 5th Annual 'Nature Memories' Open House on Wednesday, July 29th. This event was the culmination of the July Community Connection series.

Community Connection, our dementia empowerment group, is designed for individuals living with early-stage memory loss to enjoy new experiences, build relationships, and challenge the stigmas often associated with dementia or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Throughout the month of July, participants gathered at Belwin Conservancy to engage in naturalist-led activities and spend time immersed in the beauty of the natural world. Together, they observed native wildlife including birds and bison, explored Belwin's scenic trails, and shared conversations that brought friendship, support, and belonging.

The partnership between FamilyMeans and Belwin Conservancy reflects a shared commitment to creating accessible opportunities for engagement. Spending time in nature provides participants with an opportunity to slow down, connect with surroundings, and enjoy the environment. For many participants, these outings become a highlight of the summer and chance to create positive memories alongside peers who understand the experience of living with memory loss.

The Open House invited family members, caregivers, volunteers, and community members to experience the previous weeks of Community Connection firsthand. Guests enjoyed live music performed by harpist, Anna Maxwell. Belwin Naturalist, Lynette Anderson, led guided nature walks, encouraging participants to discover the plants and wildlife that make Belwin such a unique place.

Participants also had the opportunity to engage in watercolor painting with Jinjer Markley of COMPAS. In addition, Matthew Stepaniak of Limitless Cycling provided track chair hikes, making it possible for individuals of limited mobility to experience Belwin's trails in an accessible way.

Both volunteers and staff have shared that the annual Nature Memories event is one of their favorite days of the year. Bre Berwyn, Caregiving & Aging Social Worker at FamilyMeans, said the event offers a unique opportunity for caregivers and care partners to connect, explore, and learn together.

"Nature Memories creates a welcoming space where people can try new things, build relationships, and simply enjoy being together," said Berwyn. "One caregiver told me, 'I discovered a new activity that my wife loves. I had no idea she enjoyed watercolor painting, and now it's something we can do together at home.' Moments like that show how meaningful these experiences can be for both caregivers and their loved ones."

Growing Healthy Futures Together: FamilyMeans and Cimarron Community Farm

In the heart of Cimarron Park, a unique partnership is helping cultivate healthier lifestyles, stronger community connections, and greater access to fresh food for local families. FamilyMeans Youth Development and Cimarron Community Farm are working together to provide meaningful experiences that teach young people where their food comes from while promoting wellness and healthy eating habits throughout the community.

FamilyMeans provides free youth programming for children and teens year-round, creating a safe and welcoming space for learning and enrichment. Through weekly Farm-to-Table sessions led by Cimarron Community Farm, youth explore fresh produce, learn cooking skills, and discover healthy foods they may not otherwise have the opportunity to obtain and try.

In 2020, Elise Hanson and Madeline Esterl, Co-Executive Directors of Cimarron Community Farm, discovered that the farm needed new leadership. They took a chance, not necessarily knowing the area or the community. What began as an unexpected opportunity has grown into a thriving community resource. Today, the farm focuses on supporting, educating, and promoting the well-being of Cimarron residents through fresh food access, community engagement, and educational programming. The organization became a 501c3 nonprofit several years ago and currently operates through grants, community supported agriculture (CSA) shares, and individual donations.

A key part of the farm's mission is ensuring that healthy food is accessible to everyone. For many families in the community, access to fresh fruits and vegetables can be challenging, making the farm's efforts especially meaningful. The farm provides free, healthy produce to residents, offers community garden spaces, and hosts free farmers markets throughout the growing season.

The Farm-to-Table partnership with FamilyMeans introduces youth to fresh ingredients through weekly programming with both Kidspace and Teen Center participants. Through cooking activities, nutrition lessons, and hands-on-experiences, youth learn how to prepare healthy meals and develop a greater appreciation for produce. Farm staff intentionally bring the farm experience to the FamilyMeans center, recognizing that not everyone is naturally drawn to gardening and outdoor activities. By meeting youth where they are, the program helps make healthy eating both accessible and fun.

Cimarron Community Farm also creates valuable leadership opportunities for local teens. They employ interns – many of whom participate in FamilyMeans Youth Development programming – to assist with educational activities, social media, and other professional development experiences. These opportunities help youth build practical skills while investing in the future of their own community, something that FamilyMeans supports as well.

Community members can support this important work in several ways:

• Purchasing CSA shares
• Making individual donations to the farm
• Attend Farmers Markets (Upcoming dates: Aug. 24, Sept. 8, Sept. 21, and Oct. 12)
• Spread the word about both FamilyMeans and Cimarron Community Farm!

Together, this partnership demonstrates how organizations can come together to nourish not only bodies, but also relationships, learning, and community well-being. See photos below of their latest Farm-To-Table session with Cimarron Youth!

Learn more about FamilyMeans Youth Development

Learn more about Cimarron Community Farm

Fall Financial Reset: 5 Steps to Finish the Year Strong

The FamilyMeans Financial Solutions program has seen record support requests so far this year. More individuals and families are finding it hard to make ends meet and are reaching out to our expert credit counselors for help.

As summer winds down, now is a great time to check in on your finances. A few small adjustments today can help reduce stress and prepare you for the expenses that often come with fall and the holiday season.

1. Review Your Summer Spending: Take a look at your recent bank and credit card statements. Identify any spending habits, subscriptions, or expenses that may have stretched your budget.
2. Plan for Upcoming Expenses: Fall often brings added costs such as school activities, higher utility bills, holiday celebrations, and winter clothing. Setting aside even a small amount now can help you avoid relying on credit later.
3. Build Your Emergency Fund: Unexpected expenses happen. Consider setting up automatic transfers to savings or setting aside a portion of extra income to create a cushion.
4. Evaluate Your Debt Repayment Progress: Review your debt balances and payment plans. Even small extra payments can help reduce interest costs and get you closer to your financial goals.
5. Choose One Goal for the Rest of the Year: Focus on a single, achievable goal such as paying off a credit card, saving $500 for emergencies, improving your credit score, or creating a monthly spending plan.

Financial wellness is about progress, not perfection. Taking a few intentional steps this fall can help you build confidence, reduce financial stress, and finish the year on stronger financial footing.

If you need support with budgeting, debt management, or improving your financial health, FamilyMeans Financial Solutions is here to help! Learn more or connect with us at https://www.familymeans.org/financial-solutions/.

At FamilyMeans, we believe grief is a natural and important part of life. It is something every person will experience, yet it is often carried quietly and discussed too little. Through our Center for Grief & Loss, one of the region's few mental health clinics dedicated specifically to grief and loss counseling, we support more than 350 individuals each year as they navigate loss, healing, and life's transitions.

As we approach National Grief Awareness Day on August 30, it is an opportunity to recognize a universal human experience that often remains hidden: grief. This day encourages greater awareness of the many ways people experience loss and promotes open conversations about healing and support.

When most people hear the word grief, they think of a death of a loved one. While grief often follows a death, it can also arise from other significant losses, including divorce, health challenges, the loss of a job, changes in relationships, moving away from a community, or other major life transitions.

One of the most important things to understand about grief is that there is no right or wrong way to experience it. Grief can bring sadness, anger, guilt, confusion, anxiety, relief, and even moments of joy or gratitude. Some people process their feelings by talking openly, while others need quiet reflection. Each person's journey is unique, and healing rarely follows a straight path.

Unfortunately, many people feel pressure to "move on" or return to normal as quickly as possible. National Grief Awareness Day reminds us that grief deserves acknowledgement, compassion, and time. Rather than trying to fix someone's pain, one of the most meaningful things we can do is listen, be present, and remind people they do not have to carry their grief alone.

If you are grieving, it is important to remember that your feelings are valid. Support from family, friends, support groups, or mental health professionals can help you navigate the challenges that often accompany loss. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength and self-care.

This National Grief Awareness Day, we encourage community to extend kindness to those carrying the weight of loss, and to themselves if they have also experienced loss. A simple phone call, listening ear, or a thoughtful message can make a meaningful difference.

At FamilyMeans Counseling & Therapy, we understand that grief looks different for everyone. Whether you are coping with the loss of a loved one, a significant life transition, or another form of loss, support is available. You do not have to navigate grief on your own.

If you or someone you know could benefit from grief counseling or emotional support, FamilyMeans Counseling & Therapy is here to help. Learn more or request an appointment at https://www.familymeans.org/counseling-therapy/.

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FamilyMeans Board of Directors
2026

Bob Clark, Board Chair | Matthew Salisbury, Vice Chair | Peter Matzek, Treasurer

Jenny Terwedo, Secretary | Lindsay Belland | Carmen Colombo | Jim Ellis

Heidi Hubbard, MD | Shawn Lohmann |  Kerrie Oetter | Wayne Scheuermann

Anne Schmeichen | Clark Schroeder | James Kroening, President & CEO

FamilyMeans
1875 Northwestern Ave S | Stillwater, Minnesota 55082
651 439 4840

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