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.

Thank you for supporting generational healing in Minneapolis this year. Whether you participated in programs or donated, whether you volunteered or advocated, you are helping this generation to heal so the next generation thrives. 

As Bayo Akomolafe writes, “The times are urgent: let’s slow down.” We hope this seasonal care package invites you to slow down and find moments of connection and purpose amidst the busyness of the season.

Together, we can nurture healing and hope for ourselves and future generations.

Strong Families

As part of our 2gen approach, we believe strong families form the foundation of strong communities—advancing generational healing at household and community levels.

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Vital Communities

Our 146-year legacy of generational healing in Minneapolis includes building partnerships that build community resources and strength.

Better Futures for Children

Strong families and vital communities support a world in which all children, regardless of income or origin, have the opportunity to thrive.

• Belly breathe together with Elmo from Sesame Street, Common, and Colbie Caillat
• Set New Years resolutions for family wellbeing using this guide from Gottman Institute
• Volunteer as a family with The Family Partnership or another organization
• Advocate for affordable childcare in Minnesota using this guide from Think Small

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