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 my grown sons come home for the holidays, we eat family meals together twice a day. It’s not mandatory, but none of us want to miss it. Full bellies, full hearts—that’s how we do it.
Emily Larson, President & CEO
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!
To learn more about building strength in families and communities through The Family Partnership, read about us, our services, and approach.