Thank you for building family and community strength this year.

Whether you participated in programs, donated, volunteered or advocated, you helped weave together a stronger fabric in households and communities across Minneapolis.

One of our core beliefs is that all families and communities have strengths. As you read about staff, participants and partners sharing strengths of their own families and communities, we invite you to reflect:

• What strengths live in your family and community?
• What dreams are you carrying forward?

Together, let’s continue to nurture the strength that lives in each of us and pass it along to future generations.

When families and teachers work together, children grow stronger. I’m grateful to be part of that shared strength at Four Directions.

Kelly Suzick, Assistant Director, Four Directions Preschool

I’ve decided to live in the present and appreciate the people around me. Sharing blessings with my community helps us through the hard times.

Juan Cordero, Office Manager

My community and family are strong because it shows up for people when they are most vulnerable. Strength to me is not perfection—its compassion, consistency, and the willingness to help someone rebuild their lives when they have nothing left.

My family is strong because I have love and support. I finally have people who love and care about me. PRIDE has helped me rebuild my life, and showed me that community can be a lifeline, I walked in as a stranger, homeless in active addiction, being exploited through prostitution and mentally unstable. They provided safety, clothes, shower, food and case management. They were the first people I could trust in a very long time. They welcomed me with dignity and care.

PRIDE continues to strengthen me today, by walking beside me, through their support I was able to get and stay clean, they’ve helped with my housing and my education. Today I have full custody of my son, I have my own apartment and am working towards my goals. PRIDE did more than help me with resources; they helped restore my sense of belonging and showed me what a strong healthy community looks like. I invest in my own long-term healing and I see myself as part of that community not just a recipient.

PRIDE Participant

My family taught me that when things are hard, and you don’t feel strong, there is always a way forward—even if it is hard to see in the moment.

First, take a tiny step: gather your strength by looking for a silver lining. Turn to whatever positive you can find in the moment. Next, write down your options. There are always options! (And you have power there.)

Then, take just one tiny step forward—whatever is small enough to do. Make sure to celebrate every small win. As hard as it is, eventually, you feel strong again. And proud of what you endured.

Meshach Weber, Board Member

We wish you and yours a very Happy Holidays and bright start to 2026!

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To learn more about building strength in families and communities through The Family Partnership, read about us, our services, and approach.

The Family Partnership is teaming up with Reflection Sciences to bring our groundbreaking EGG Toolkit to preschool classrooms nationwide. The executive function curriculum launches in the 2026-27 school year. Together, we’re giving teachers research-backed, easy-to-use tools. These tools nurture joyful learning, build healthy brain development, and set children up for lifelong success.

John Everett Till, The Family Partnership’s Chief Strategy Officer, learned that new brain science takes nearly 20 years to reach early childhood classrooms. He knew that was too long to wait. In 2017, Till partnered with Chris Wing, CCC-SLP, Ph.D., to create EGG Toolkit (Empowering Generational Greatness), a classroom-tested curriculum for preschoolers. EGG helps children build executive function skills like focus, self-regulation, and problem-solving during peak brain growth.

Through our partnership with Harvard Center on the Developing Child, we rapidly tested, improved, and refined EGG in our therapeutic preschools and partner programs. The result? A proven, scalable curriculum now ready to reach more children nationwide.

National Distribution of an Early Learning Curriculum Through Reflection Sciences

Reflection Sciences is the exclusive distributor of EGG for Preschools, with the curriculum available to programs nationwide starting in 2026-27. Early childhood educators gain access to the curriculum and ongoing professional development from The Family Partnership, ensuring teachers are fully supported.

What makes this collaboration so powerful is how our two innovations work hand in hand:

• EGG Toolkit gives teachers a daily curriculum that strengthens executive function through language, storytelling, and mindfulness.
• Reflection Sciences’ Minnesota Executive Function Scale (MEFS) measures each child’s brain development at key points throughout the year.

The MEFS is a gold-standard, web-based assessment of executive function in early childhood. It provides objective, real-time insights into children’s cognitive skills. This helps educators tailor instruction and track growth. When paired with EGG Toolkit, the MEFS enables a complete system for supporting and measuring essential brain skills.

Together, these tools create a complete cycle of growth that strengthens essential skills through play while giving preschool teachers the tools to foster self-regulation and attention in the classroom.

A Partnership Advancing Child Development and Preschool Success

The collaboration with Reflection Sciences began eight years ago. We spotted a flyer about the MEFS at the University of Minnesota. Both organizations quickly recognized a shared purpose with complementary strengths. The Family Partnership focused on building young brains through storytelling and play. Reflection Sciences developed cutting-edge tools to measure that growth.

Isaac Van Wesep, CEO of Reflection Sciences, has seen firsthand the impact of TFP’s work. He’s visited our early childhood sites in Minneapolis and observed our positive impact on families and young children, even those facing adversity and trauma that can disrupt executive function development.

“The Family Partnership has taken what researchers know about early brain development and trauma and translated it into practices that help whole families move forward,” says Van Wesep.

TFP’s strengths-based approach resonated deeply with Van Wesep’s vision. He champions innovations grounded in brain science and proven effective in real classrooms.

For Van Wesep, this work is personal. He was born with intelligence but didn’t fully develop executive function skills as a child. Those early experiences shaped his life. He can’t change his own childhood, but he can help create better outcomes for other kids.

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Why Executive Function Matters Now More Than Ever

Executive function (EF) skills have emerged as an important predictor of school readiness and long-term success in life.

Yet millions of young children begin preschool already at a disadvantage. Research shows that nearly two-thirds of U.S. children experience at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE). These include poverty, community violence, or caregiver stress. Adversity and trauma can disrupt healthy brain development. The effects are far-reaching. Children who face chronic stress or trauma often struggle with self-regulation and attention. This widens the opportunity gap that persists well into grade school and beyond.

At the same time, teachers are carrying an increasing emotional load. Managing classrooms where many children have difficulty focusing or calming themselves can lead to burnout and high turnover. This undermines stability and learning for everyone. Educators need tools that support children’s brain growth. They also need tools that make classrooms more joyful and sustainable places to teach.

TFP created EGG Toolkit to help preschool children build the executive function skills that buffer against trauma and stress. The curriculum gives teachers practical tools to nurture reflection and connection in the classroom. The toolkit helps close opportunity gaps and strengthen program success for both children and teachers.

Results from early pilots of EGG show statistically significant improvements in emotional language, storytelling, and classroom behavior. These are key behaviors associated with executive function. Full results from our statewide pilot will be available in early 2026.

Strengths-Based Learning Assessment for Preschoolers

A major breakthrough in this partnership is how the MEFS solves a longstanding challenge in early childhood assessment, balancing objectivity with practicality.

Traditional executive function assessments often rely on observational checklists—subjective tools that can be influenced by bias. TFP’s teachers found those discouraging and wanted something that highlighted children’s strengths.

The MEFS changes that. Using a web-based game, children complete interactive tasks that directly measure cognitive skills. When they reach a level they can’t pass, the game cheers and makes a positive exit, giving a clear, encouraging picture of how each child is doing.

The scientific rigor behind the MEFS sets it apart. It’s the first digital, direct measure of executive function that doesn’t require a human observer, eliminating inter-rater bias.

With a normed dataset of more than 52,000 children—over ten times larger than comparable assessments—the MEFS delivers exceptional reliability. It can detect changes in children’s executive function skills on a month-to-month basis, giving teachers actionable data to guide instruction and measure progress over time.

From Minnesota Classrooms to Early Childhood Programs Nationwide

Both The Family Partnership and Reflection Sciences are Minnesota-grown organizations committed to helping all children succeed. Till sees the partnership as key to expanding EGG’s impact across the country.

“With EGG and the MEFS, we have something that can benefit children across the country,” Till says. “A generation is too long to wait. This is our chance to reach thousands of families—and the timing is right, as more people recognize that executive function is the foundation of school readiness.”

Reflection Sciences provides the technology and distribution capacity to make that vision possible. They had the MEFS assessment tool but wanted a curriculum to go with it—making it a perfect match. EGG and MEFS together give preschool classrooms everything they need to support each child’s success.

Van Wesep envisions even deeper integration ahead, with opportunities to embed EGG within Reflection Sciences’ technology platform. Imagine a system where assessment and curriculum work seamlessly together, helping educators tailor support for every child in real time.

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We have something that can benefit children across the country. A generation is too long to wait.

John Everett Till, CSO, The Family Partnership

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Building Resilience Through Early Brain Development

At its core, this partnership represents a breakthrough in early childhood education by bridging the science of healthy brain development with the everyday realities in preschool classrooms.

Through the combination of rigorous assessment and a proven curriculum, early childhood educators gain the insight and tools to nurture every child’s executive function growth during the critical preschool years.

As these innovations expand nationwide, The Family Partnership and Reflection Sciences are ensuring that cutting-edge brain science reaches the children who need it most. This collaboration—built over nearly a decade—demonstrates what’s possible when organizations unite around a shared commitment to help families thrive through evidence-based support for executive function development.

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EGG for Preschools is available for the 2026-27 school year through Reflection Sciences. Interested programs can learn more and schedule a demonstration.

Ten years ago, Cheyenne was living on the streets in Minneapolis and experiencing sexual exploitation. That’s when she heard from another survivor about a place where she could do her laundry for free: a drop-in center run by The Family Partnership’s anti-sex trafficking program, PRIDE.

A Place to Rest and Begin Again

At first, Cheyenne was hesitant to visit PRIDE’s drop-in center because there weren’t many safe spaces available to her. But she took a chance and visited. Our drop-in center soon became a place Cheyenne could visit on cold days.

She could get a warm meal, take a hot shower, or get some much-needed sleep. Most importantly, she found a place with us where she could meet her basic needs without judgment.

Cheyenne always knew she wanted something different for herself. After some time, she was ready to make a change. Her ultimate goal was clear: regain custody of her son.

She knew the first step in her journey was to get sober. Cheyenne started meeting with a PRIDE case manager to set goals and develop new coping skills. As she built more stability, she was able to get sober and exit the life of trading sex.

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Finding Support, Every Step of the Way

For years, Cheyenne stayed focused on her goals. She took one step after another toward the life she envisioned for herself and her son.

Over time, she tapped into additional resources from The Family Partnership for support along the way. Cheyenne saw a mental health therapist to address her past trauma and worked with a parenting educator to develop self-regulation and parenting skills.

As Cheyenne pursued her own healing, she became more present for her son, which strengthened their relationship.

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Mother and Son Reunited

This year, Cheyenne accomplished her ultimate goal: she obtained full custody of her son.

Her case manager, who had walked alongside Cheyenne for years, had the privilege of witnessing this life-changing moment when Cheyenne’s family was legally reunified.

Thanks to Cheyenne’s persistence and self-advocacy, she is now parenting her son full time in their new home. Cheyenne will be there for all the important moments, from reading books at bedtime to joyful birthday parties. Next year, when he enters kindergarten, Cheyenne will be there to take first-day-of-school photos and walk him into his classroom.

Cheyenne’s relentless pursuit of healing has built a better future for her family.

More Families Are Seeking This Support

Cheyenne’s story is powerful, but she is not the only one. Right here in Minneapolis, new people come to our drop-in center every week as the first step toward a better day or a better life.

The Family Partnership’s anti-sex trafficking program, PRIDE (Promoting Recovery, Independence, Dignity and Equality), provides support services to sexually exploited adults, youth, and their families so they can live a life free of exploitation and abuse and move toward self-sufficiency.

This work—and our ability to walk alongside hundreds of survivors each year—is made possible in part through the generosity of community members who believe in healing and hope.

With the right support and resources, survivors of sexual exploitation can take steps toward long-term healing and brighter futures for their families—just like Cheyenne did.

Learn more about PRIDE’s offerings, history and partnerships here.

The Family Partnership is excited to welcome Emily Larson as the agency’s next President and CEO beginning July 1. Emily is a seasoned and trusted executive leader with clear values and tenacious dedication to families and community. Emily has two decades of experience setting long term vision, building high-impact teams, and establishing actionable steps to make meaningful change.   

Most recently, Emily served as mayor of Duluth, Minnesota, where she managed complex budgets, fundraised millions of dollars for city improvements, and built deep relationships with stakeholders to coalesce around shared goals. Twice elected, she championed policies to support residents and improve the well-being of the community. 

Emily is a Twin Cities native who started her career in social work. She credits her family as the origin of her passion for equity. “I grew up in St. Paul with a family of people who were doggedly justice minded. My aunty worked at TFP back when it was Family & Children Services. So, my first interaction with the organization was providing childcare for family meetings that my aunt facilitated.” Later, in Emily’s 12 years as a social worker, she partnered with families who had low or no income, who were experiencing housing instability, and who were navigating mental and chemical health issues.  

Emily cites these experiences in direct service as her motivation for addressing systemic injustice at a larger scale. She pursued policy development, legislative advocacy, and organizational leadership as “preventative medicine” for the economic and racial injustices that impact families. She sought public office to promote housing justice and job cultivation, among many other social supports and strategies. Her goal in public office was to amplify the voices that are “underappreciated, undervalued, and pushed to the margin.” 

“Emily has the ideal combination of operational expertise to lead TFP through the issues we face and she’s a visionary who can take TFP to great heights.” 

_{Nima Desai, The Family Partnership Board Chair and Search Committee Member}

TFP, like many nonprofits, faces an unpredictable political and financial landscape. Nima Desai, Board Chair and Search Committee member said, “Emily has the ideal combination of operational expertise to lead TFP through the issues we face and she’s a visionary who can take TFP to great heights.” We are grateful to CohenTaylor Executive Search Services for recruiting Emily and guiding the board through the search process. Emily has the experience, persistence, and grounded optimism necessary to stabilize TFP during this challenging time. When asked about this next chapter, Emily said, “TFP is about building power with families, and it has a great reputation in this community. This work needs to continue. There are not many other safety nets for families. The stakes are high. So, let’s get to work.” 

“This work needs to continue. There are not many other safety nets for families. The stakes are high. So, let’s get to work.”

_{Emily Larson, New President and CEO of The Family Partnership}

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Emily Larson has 12 years of experience in public service, first as Duluth City Councilor & Duluth Economic Development Authority Commissioner, then as Duluth Mayor. She also has 8 years of experience as a non-profit consultant and 12 years of experience as a social worker & emergency outreach worker. Emily’s extensive board service includes local organizations like YWCA, Center City Housing, and Arrowhead Regional Development Commission. She has participated at a State level in the Governor’s Housing Task Force, Young Women’s Initiative of MN, MN Mayors Together and regionally and nationally with Great Lakes and St Lawrence Seaway Initiative Cities, SeaGrant, Climate Action Municipalities, National League of Cities, and Energy, Environment and Natural Resources. 

Emily graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social work from the College of St. Scholastica and later earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. She is married to Doug Zaun and together they have two sons. In taking on this new role, Emily and Doug will now split their time between Minneapolis and Duluth. In addition to her professional work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, trail running, mountain biking, and rock climbing. She loves reading, tending to her many plants, talking to her sister on the phone, and spending time with her beloved family.  

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Read the Star Tribune CEO announcement here.

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Beginning July 1, early childhood programs across Minnesota can access EGG through grant-funded opportunities 

Minneapolis, MN

The Family Partnership is excited to announce that EGG Toolkit is now an official Parent Aware Aligned Curriculum, marking a significant step forward for early childhood programs committed to equity and school readiness. With this designation, Parent Aware rated preschool programs statewide can access grant-funded support to implement EGG Toolkit—proven to build executive function skills in children ages 3 to 5. 

EGG’s approval arrives just as Minnesota prepares to release updated Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPs) that emphasize trauma-informed practice and executive function development—areas where EGG leads with science-backed tools for classrooms, home visiting programs, and parenting groups.  

“Parent Aware approval signals that EGG Toolkit is a trusted, high-quality curriculum that meets Minnesota’s benchmarks across several key developmental domains, including executive function,” said John Everett Till, Chief Strategy Officer at The Family Partnership and Co-Developer of EGG. “This designation means programs participating in Parent Aware can offer young children—especially those impacted by trauma or poverty—the chance to build core skills for resilience, focus, and lifelong success.” 

Why Parent Aware Approval Matters for Early Childhood Programs 

With EGG Toolkit now Parent Aware approved, early childhood programs can use grant funding to support adoption that covers costs for curriculum materials, professional development and quality improvement goals. 

Because Parent Aware participation is tied to Minnesota’s Quality Rating and Improvement System, using an approved curriculum like EGG helps programs boost their star rating and stand out to families and staff seeking high-quality, evidence-based care and education. EGG training also counts toward in-service licensing requirements. 

“EGG Toolkit has been a powerful addition to my classroom—not just for the kids, but for me as an educator,” said Colin, a preschool teacher at Four Directions who has used EGG in his classroom for the past three years. “It gives children the language and tools to manage big feelings, support each other, and build confidence in who they are. I see them practicing calming techniques on their own and encouraging each other in ways they never did before. EGG supports what matters most in early childhood: helping kids become kind, self-aware people who feel heard, respected, and ready to thrive—not just in school, but in life.” 

EGG is the only Parent Aware Aligned Curriculum that focuses specifically on building executive function skills—critical for school readiness, behavior regulation, and resilience in the face of trauma. The curriculum’s alignment with Minnesota’s forthcoming Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPs), which now center executive function development as a response to the impact of trauma, positions EGG as a timely and forward-looking resource for early childhood educators statewide. 

Proven Impact on Child’s Executive Function Development 

EGG Toolkit is uniquely designed to build executive function skills—critical for children’s school readiness, behavior regulation, and lifelong success. These skills are especially important for children impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which can disrupt early brain development and create lasting barriers to learning and wellbeing. 

Independent evaluations confirm EGG’s effectiveness among preschool-aged children: 

• Children use their words: EGG significantly improves emotional language, behavior, and personal storytelling (University of Minnesota’s Center for Early Education and Development) 

• Children tell their stories: EGG boosts narrative complexity in young learners (Salt Software) 

• Children make healthy choices: Children who started below the median for executive function skills improved to above the national median (Reflection Sciences) 

These gains support brain development during a once-in-a-lifetime window for building executive function skills—ages 3 to 5—while also nurturing joyful preschool classroom environments. Teachers report fewer behavioral disruptions, more engaged learners, and stronger overall outcomes. EGG’s flexible, easy-to-use format helps educators create joyful, responsive learning experiences that benefit every child. 

The latest results from EGG’s 2024-25 Minnesota-funded pilot expansion will be available later this year. 

About EGG Toolkit 

Developed by The Family Partnership in collaboration with educators and brain science experts, EGG Toolkit builds executive function skills in 3- to 5-year-olds. 

Adaptations are available for preschools, home visiting programs and parenting groups. Activities take just minutes per day and build skills for success in school and life: 

• Internal State Language: Supporting emotional awareness and self-control 

• Narrative: Boosting memory, problem-solving, and decision-making 

• Mindfulness: Encouraging resilience and self-regulation 

To learn more about EGG Toolkit and how it can support your program’s school readiness efforts, visit www.eggtoolkit.com. 

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About The Family Partnership 

The Family Partnership is a 147-year-old Minneapolis nonprofit providing advocacy and services in early childhood education and care, mental health therapies, family home visiting and anti-sex trafficking. Our mission is to build strong families, vital communities and better futures for children. We use a 2Gen approach with the latest insights from brain science to remove barriers and clear the path to success for those who have experienced trauma and deep poverty. 

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Contact: 

John Everett Till (he/him) 
Chief Strategy Officer 
The Family Partnership 
JTill@thefamilypartnership.org 

As a parent or caregiver, you do everything you can to support your child’s well-being. But even when you’re doing your absolute best, it’s easy to wonder: Am I doing enough to build the kind of relationship that truly supports my child’s mental health? The good news is that small, intentional moments of connection have a lasting impact—and therapists have practical, research-backed tips to help you strengthen that bond.  

We spoke with therapists Dana Barnaal, Outpatient Mental Health, and Rosemary Frazel, School Linked Mental Health, from The Family Partnership about the importance of parent-child bonding and what caregivers can do to strengthen their relationships with their children. 

What Makes Parent-Child Relationships So Powerful? 

The parent-child relationship lays the foundation of a child’s emotional, social, and cognitive development. When children feel connected to a trusted adult, they’re more likely to thrive.  

Strong parent-child relationships help children: 

• Build resilience against adversity 

• Regulate emotions and behaviors 

• Develop a secure sense of self and confidence 

• Form healthy future relationships 

As Rosemary explains, “Young children are deeply connected to their caregivers. That is why it’s important to focus on and strengthen that relationship.” Dana adds, “Children grow in the context of their relationships.” 

10 Therapist-Recommended Tips to Strengthen the Parent-Child Relationship 

Based on their expertise as therapists, Dana and Rosemary offer practical ways you can deepen your connection with your child. 

1. Normalize Mistakes and Practice Repair 

No parent is perfect—and that’s okay. Mistakes are a natural part of parenting. As Dana explains, “Mistakes are going to happen. The important piece is repair.” 

Repair refers to the actions a parent or caregiver takes after there has been conflict or stress in the relationship with the child. 

For example, Rosemary suggests, “If you’ve made a mistake, apologize to your child. You’re teaching them that mistakes are part of life, and we can always try again.” 

When you apologize after a moment of frustration, you show your child that relationships can be mended—and that they are loved, even when things don’t go perfectly. 

2. Understand the Meaning Behind Your Child’s Behavior 

“Children’s behavior has meaning,” says Rosemary. Slowing down to reflect on what’s underneath the behavior can help build empathy and connection. For example, you may become frustrated with a child who is clingy and having difficulty separating from you during preschool drop-off.  

Your first reaction might be to feel embarrassed or frustrated—but if you pause to reflect, you might recognize that their big emotions are a sign of anxiety about separation or a change in routine.  

Instead of sneaking out or rushing out the door, you might offer a reassuring hug and affirm, “It’s hard to say goodbye sometimes, but I’ll be back after snack time—just like always.” That calm and connected response helps your child feel safe—and it teaches them how to handle tough feelings over time. 

3. Help Your Child Name and Manage Big Feelings 

Dana says, “It is important to help children name hard feelings and reassure them that they can handle them.” That does not mean that the child has to handle them alone, however. Dana adds, “We want children to know that their caregiver is there to help them.” 

Dana’s advice is in line with recommendations from Zero to Three: Emotions can be overwhelming for children and naming them normalizes them. Helping your child identify and name their emotions is also essential to a child’s social and emotional development. 

For example, if your child sits down on the floor and yells “No!” when you ask them to clean up their toys, you can respond by saying, “You don’t want to clean up because you were having fun—it’s hard to stop when you’re not ready.” By calmly naming the feeling and showing you understand, you help your child feel heard while also guiding them toward emotional regulation. 

4. Make Time for One-on-One Connection 

Dana says, “You don’t need to have a whole day. Just a little time in the morning or evening.” She suggests that just a few focused minutes can make a big difference. This might be 15 minutes in the morning, 15 minutes after school, and 15 minutes in the evening.  

You can read a book together, color, or even have them help match socks while you are folding laundry. Rosemary adds, “If you give your child some undivided attention, you will find that you can then back off and they’ll feel ready to play on their own.” This is because the child’s need for closeness and security has been met, and they feel confident in exploring their environment on their own. 

5. Celebrate What Makes Your Child Unique 

Kids develop a stronger sense of self when caregivers reflect back to them what makes them unique. “Instead of just saying ‘Good job,’ point out something specific,” says Rosemary. “Like, ‘You worked hard on that puzzle. You didn’t give up.’” This boosts a child’s confidence and self-awareness. Rosemary adds, “See your child, notice their capacity, and say it out loud.”  

6. Let Your Child Make Choices 

Find times when you can let your child have choice, control, and power in a situation. Oftentimes, parents and caregivers tell children what to do all day and that structure is important. However, even small choices help kids feel respected and build decision-making skills.  

“Even something like choosing what color they want to wear or choosing between a couple items for dinner helps them feel empowered,” says Dana. This supports autonomy and builds confidence.  

7. Reframe “No” as Growth 

Rosemary suggests that parents and caregivers celebrate “No!” rather than seeing it as a power struggle. A child’s repeated use of the word is powerful because they are beginning to recognize themself as an individual and asserting themself. It is an important part of child development.  

One way to do this would be to pause and take a couple of deep breaths to calm yourself. Then, you could reframe a command as a choice like, “Do you want to clean up by yourself or do you want us to clean up together?” 

8. Support Unstructured Play 

“Play is how children process the world,” says Dana. It’s also how they learn.  Harvard Center on the Developing Child states that play supports executive function and social-emotional development. “Play is how young children learn and heal,” says Rosemary, “Play is a balm.” Also, play provides opportunities for connection between children and their parents and caregivers.  

For example, when you are present in the room while your child plays, say aloud what you notice about their play. If the child invites you to join by giving you one of their dolls, for example, you could follow their lead.  

9. Offer Reassurance During Tough Times 

Children often blame themselves when conflict arises or something goes wrong. Rosemary urges parents to consider this and turn down the intensity of their reactions to when children act out. This might mean taking deep breaths to calm yourself or stepping away if it is safe to do so.  

Also, during especially tough situations like divorce or stress at home, Rosemary suggests parents let their children know, “You didn’t do anything wrong. This is a grown-up problem.”  

10. Take Care of Yourself, Too 

“The biggest predictor of a child’s mental health is the mental health of their caregiver,” Dana says. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.  

Rosemary uses the Healthy Mind Platter to help parents and caregivers understand their needs and how to balance those with responsibilities. The Healthy Mind Platter offers several types of activities that support your mental health: 

• Focus time 

• Play time 

• Connecting time 

• Physical time 

• Time in 

• Downtime 

• Sleep time 

If don’t have time for these, try to change your schedule, set boundaries, and/or find support.  

Both Dana and Rosemary emphasize the need for parents to seek support.  

Some of those options might be: 

• Find an Early Childhood Family Education program 

• Reach out to a social worker at your child’s school 

• Seek support through religious organizations 

• Turn to trusted individuals and support people 

• Search for local parenting groups and/or online communities 

• Find a therapist at TFP or through Psychology Today’s directory 

Rosemary also says, “If you’re parenting alone, show yourself a lot of grace and kindness.” Parenting is very difficult to do without support, so, connect with the supportive people in your life or find other sources of support.  

A Two-Generation Approach to Family Healing 

At The Family Partnership, therapists like Dana and Rosemary use a two-generation (2Gen) approach—helping parents and children heal together. If a child is struggling, often the best first step is offering support to the parent as well. 

“When we give parents the tools to reflect and repair,” says Rosemary, “they create stronger bonds and more stability for their children.” 

Want to help support Minneapolis parents and caregivers? 

Consider a donation to The Family Partnership’s Rise and Shine Campaign. By midnight on 5/11, Mother’s Day, your gift will help provide essential support for mothers and other caregivers through The Family Partnership’s 2gen programs. 

Sarah Williams joined The Family Partnership as the new Development Manager in March. We sat down with Sarah to talk about her experience, community engagement, and her priorities in the coming year. 

Tell us a little about your background—what drew you to nonprofit work and eventually to The Family Partnership?   

I have a background as a special education teacher, a legal advocate in child protection, and as a fundraiser for youth and family shelters. In all those roles, I have seen how systems that are meant to serve children and families often fail to meet their needs. The systems themselves are difficult to navigate and may cause additional harm to families already experiencing trauma caused by racial and economic inequity.    

My experience as a legal advocate in child protection left a deep and lasting impression on me. I watched caregivers work tirelessly to meet the requirements of rigorous case plans with little resources or support. I wondered to myself, who is here to help the parents, as they work to meet the needs of their children? That’s why I’m so excited to work for The Family Partnership where caregivers can get that support through our Family Home Visiting programs and Mental Health Therapies.   

In my time at People Serving People, I learned how early childhood education is a vital piece of housing stability for families. When families have quality childcare, caregivers can rest easy knowing that their child is safe while they are at work or pursuing an education. The income parents earn helps secure a safe and stable home for their children. Early childhood education is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to set children up for success far into the future. Four Directions, TFP’s multicultural and therapeutic preschool, provides screenings, checkups, and therapies to ensure that children are growing and thriving at this pivotal time in their lives. 

How has your experience in communications and community engagement shaped your approach to development work?  

My previous marketing experience showed me the importance of awareness and visibility in building a following. That experience shaped my approach to fundraising because I emphasize the “one to many” fundraising approach where you are speaking to a larger audience, whether that’s through digital communications, mailed correspondence, or in-person gatherings. You never know who might connect with your mission, so you share message broadly. Awareness is the first step in the journey. Once you get that first response, whether it’s a reaction to a social media post or an event invitation, you can deepen that relationship.  

What are your top priorities in your first year as Development Manager?  

I want to get to know the existing community that supports The Family Partnership. That means connecting to program staff, board members, and donors. Once I do that, I will strategize and work towards strengthening and expanding that community. TFP has a strong traditional fundraising approach that is based on philanthropic relationships. I am excited to learn about that while also doing broader outreach to possible new donors. 

You’ve mentioned a focus on growing our donor base and engaging a new generation of donors. What is your vision for that work?  

I truly believe in the power of the many. When we all come together, bringing whatever we have to offer, we’re unstoppable. Everyone has different gifts and talents. One person may give financial support; another may spread the word; another may volunteer their time. In terms of fundraising, I see how every single gift adds up. Every gift, of any size, contributes to the end goal and makes a difference. So, I’m excited to bring my marketing experience to help spread the word about TFP and to add to the already incredible base of TFP advocates.  

Why is it important that our donor and volunteer communities reflect the families we serve?  

When donors or volunteers can see themselves in the families we serve, they feel a stronger connection to our mission. All volunteer work and fundraising must center the dignity of families and that becomes easier and more natural when donors, volunteers, and families have shared lived experiences.  

What role do events and community storytelling play in your development strategy?  

In-person gatherings and storytelling are both important ways to build connection and a sense of shared humanity. Consequently, both are key to growing support for a mission. I believe in the power of strength-based storytelling to center the human experience behind our programs. I want to tell participant stories that evoke positive emotions and reactions, stories of their successes that supporters can connect to. Doing that during events is also powerful because those positive feelings are contagious.  

If you’d like to learn how you can support TFP through a gift of time or money, you can find more information on ways to give here.  

We’d like to introduce you to Robert Pickering, Chief Financial Officer, who joined The Family Partnership in March. We asked Robert to share his background and his thoughts on what he hopes to accomplish at The Family Partnership.   

Tell us about your background and what brought you to The Family Partnership.

I have always been drawn to mission-based organizations and have worked in the nonprofit and social services sector my entire career. Most recently, I spent eight and a half years as the CFO at Accord, a nonprofit that supports people with disabilities, where I oversaw finance, IT, and facilities.

Prior to that, I was the Vice President of Finance and Administration at Lifetrack Resources, a Minnesota nonprofit that later became part of Lutheran Social Services. That’s actually where I first learned about The Family Partnership (TFP). Lifetrack also had a therapeutic preschool, and during that time, I had the chance to meet John Everett Till, TFP’s Chief Strategy Officer. He shared information about how best to create opportunities and positive outcomes for children in early childhood education programs.  

Is there a personal experience or value that guides your approach to financial leadership in the nonprofit sector? 

My path began with Community Action of Ramsey and Washington Counties in the early 1990s with the Head Start program.  The Clinton Administration doubled the Head Start funding and I was charged with managing the budget, as well as finding classroom space and managing transportation, and food services.  

Working with young children—many of whom were navigating difficult life circumstances—helped me see how early childhood programs like Head Start could offer equitable access to quality education. That sense of equity and fairness still guides my work today. 

What excites you most about joining TFP at this moment in time? 

The staff and leadership have been very welcoming. TFP has a rich history and strong reputation in the community, and I am looking forward to a new opportunity and challenge. We are creating systems and processes that will help the organization build financial resilience, make the best use of our resources, and help guide sound business decisions. 

TFP is prioritizing financial stability in our bridge strategic framework. What would you say to funders, partners, and community members about the organization’s path forward?  

We’re focused on being accountable and transparent with the resources entrusted to us. Our goal is to make smart decisions that maximize the impact of every dollar. I appreciate that TFP is located on Lake Street, rooted right in the heart of the community we serve. Our path forward includes continuing our community-centered programming. I also want to continue to figure out ways to support our early childhood programs. 

Looking ahead, what are your top priorities for your first months/through the end of the year as CFO?  

My primary focus is ensuring TFP remains financially sustainable to continue to serve the community for at least another 147 years. My goal is to help program managers meet their budget goals while creating the strongest impact they can.  

Anything else to add?  

I sit on the board of directors of Nonprofit Insurance Trust which provides liability and worker’s comp to nonprofit organizations. TFP is a member of that trust. I also sit on the finance committee for Emma North Services and on the executive committee for the Minnesota Multifaith Network. 

I believe in and am committed to giving back to the community, both through my career and my volunteer work. 

As we establish the financial foundation for our next chapter—we invite you to be part of it! Whether you’ve donated, volunteered, or just believe in our mission, your support clears the path for family success in Minneapolis. Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed and get involved.  

Give by midnight on May 11, Mother’s Day, to support mothers and caregivers through The Family Partnership’s 2Gen programs. Like the daisy, which turns toward the sun to grow and thrive, mothers shine brightest when supported by a strong community. Rise and Shine is a campaign to uplift and honor mothers who work every day to create brighter futures for their children.

Reaching Towards the Sun: Amber’s Story

My name is Amber. I am a mother of six, a full-time student, an intern, and the steady force in my children’s lives. Raising six children under ten—especially with some of them having developmental delays—requires faith and a lot of patience. My oldest has autism, and my five-year-old twins are being evaluated for a spectrum diagnosis. Each of my children has unique needs, and it takes a lot of effort to support them and find resources to help them thrive.

I’ve always been strong, and I’ve always had the potential to succeed. But without the right support, I struggled for years to grow under the weight of it all. Then, one day, while I was pregnant with my sixth child, trying to help my other kids through their dysregulation and big emotions, I realized I couldn’t do this alone. I owed it to myself and my children to seek support and that’s how I met Morgan at The Family Partnership about a year ago. She understood the growth I wanted and helped me take root and begin to rise.

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Since then, I’ve grown tremendously. I learned how to meet my children’s emotions with calm instead of stress. When one of my kids is overwhelmed, I have enough emotional capacity to hold them close and sing to them. I’ve also connected my twins to occupational therapy and work with a therapist myself—because I know that taking care of my own well-being makes me an even better mother.

I also found something just as important: a community of mothers at The Family Partnership who uplift and support one another. I’ve learned valuable parenting strategies and built friendships with other moms who are now part of my support system. With all of this good support at TFP, I’ve done more than grown—I’ve truly flourished.

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And finally, after years of living in a small apartment, my family is moving into a five-bedroom house. My children will have the space to play, to grow, and to just be kids. I’m creating a sensory room to support their needs and make our home a place of peace and healing.

I’ve faced challenges, but I will never stop reaching towards the sun. I am building a future where my children have everything they need to shine.

Donate Today and Send a Daisy Seed Packet to Honor a Mother in Your Life

Your gift to Rise and Shine helps provides essential support for mothers and other caregivers through The Family Partnership’s 2Gen programs.

At TFP, parent educators like Morgan work with families to understand their needs and share resources that help each member of the family thrive. We also coordinate parenting groups to help mothers build a reliable, long-term support systems that they can lean on.

Will you help more moms like Amber access the resources they need to help their family bloom?

Remember: the deadline to give is midnight on May 11th, Mother’s Day!

In appreciation, you can honor a mother in your life with a special daisy seed packet—a cheerful reminder of the care, strength, and support that helps families flourish. Daisy seed packets are available with donations to Rise and Shine only until April 25th.