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CONNECTING FAMILIES Connecting Families is a Networking Support Group that provides opportunities for parents of children with special developmental, physical or mental health needs to gather for support. Activities & support opportunities include: Sensory Friendly Movies Educational Workshops Monthly Support Group Meetings The groups are led by caring facilitators with lived experience and groups are made up of parents and other voluntary members. Weighted Blanket Application WEIGHTED BLANKET APPLICATION FORM Research supports the benefits of weighted blankets for children's well-being including: Improved total sleep time, sleep maintenance, and sleep disruption Relaxation and better sleep Reduced anxiety Improvements in symptoms of ADHD Calming a restless body Increased production of serotonin, helping them calm down naturally PACT uses weighted blanket guidelines provided by an occupational therapist, and recommends having a doctor or therapist referral for use of a weighted blanket. Weighted blanket recipients and parents are encouraged to explore additional PACT for Families programs and become part of our collaborative community. Join us in shaping the future of our programs and supporting each other on this journey towards improved well-being.

SCHOOL BASED STAFF School-based social workers or counselors have been part of the PACT for Families team since 1996. We employ full-time staff working in school districts across the five counties. The school districts include: ACGC Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart Canby Cedar Mountain Hutchinson Litchfield PACT for Families school social workers/counselors work ten months that covers the school year plus additional time for student and family contact at the start and end of the year. Some staff help with targeted services or special programming after the school year ends and into June; others work with a “jumpstart” program in late summer to help kids get re-engaged with school. During the school year, staff provide a critical link between school and students and their families. They are involved with special education programming and provide a combination of classroom presentations, small group sessions, and individual meetings with students. The school based staff provide something unique to each building and the children in their care.

Contact US Contact PACT for Families PACT for Families Office: 2200 23rd St NE Suite 2030 Willmar, MN 56201 PACTOffice@pactforfamilies.org (320) 231-7030 or (800)-960-7228 (320) 231-7033 FOLLOW Us LOCATION Willmar, MN Let's Chat Phone 320-231-7030 Email PACTOffice@pactforfamilies.org Follow First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!

A family services & mental health collaborative A vision of healthy, safe, and resilient communities. Resources Programs GET INVOLVED putting All Communities Together About US REFERRAL FORM CONTACT Welcome to pact! We welcome you to browse our programs and resources listed below to see what fits your needs best! FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES LEARN MORE TRANSITION SERVICES LEARN MORE YOUTH ORIENTED SERVICES LEARN MORE PROGRAMS VIEW ALL PROGRAMS ACES Adverse Childhood Experiences LEARN MORE county resources LEARN MORE mn dhs collaborative LEARN MORE PRINTABLE RESOURCES LEARN MORE FUNDING REQUEST LEARN MORE RESOURCES VIEW ALL RESOURCES recent news more news >

full collaborative The collaborative is a unique organization developed by its many partners to fill gaps in services and reduce duplication. Members include county social service, public health, and corrections agencies; school districts; mental health providers; and other child-serving agencies. PACT for Families and its partners are dedicated to changing systems to be more prevention-focused and family-friendly. Monthly, typically the second Wednesday of the month, members from collaborative partner agencies meet in committees followed by lunch, a meeting, and a speaker presentation. Committee meetings start at 10 AM and are followed by lunch and networking from 11:45 -12:15. Who attends? The group typically includes those with backgrounds in public health, social work, education, corrections, child and family-serving organizations, county and school administration, as well as a number of parents and county commissioners. Anyone is welcome to attend, if you are interested in attending a full collaborative meeting: CONTACT US No posts yet.

REGIONAL SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE What is the Regional School Mental Health Initiative? The Regional School Mental Health Initiative strengthens how schools across our region support student mental health, wellness, and substance use prevention. This initiative brings together districts, public health, behavioral health providers, and community partners to create a coordinated, prevention‑focused system that helps students thrive. Our Purpose We help schools build consistent, high‑quality mental health and prevention practices by offering shared learning, practical tools, and regional alignment. This initiative reduces duplication, increases clarity, and ensures every district—large or small—has access to the same strong foundation of support. School Network The School Network is a monthly virtual gathering designed to help districts stay informed, aligned, and supported in their mental health and substance use prevention work. Safe School Meetings Safe School Meetings bring together schools and community partners to problem‑solve around student safety, mental health, behavior, and family support. These meetings help schools respond proactively, compassionately, and in partnership with the systems that serve students. Learn More Learn More

early childhood committee The focus of the Early Childhood Committee is to enhance the cognitive, physical and social/emotional development of children from prenatal through age five. The committee looks for ways to help all early childhood agencies and programs work together to meet the needs of our youngest children and families. We strive to identify and address gaps in services. The committee's mission statement is: to enhance early childhood mental health services in the 5 counties.

aces (Adverse Childhood Experiences) More Resilient Minnesota Project Community Conversations | Partnership with FamilyWise More Resilient Minnesota seeks to improve the health and resilience of current and future generations. Resilience includes individuals’ inherent strengths and nurtured capacities as well as the resources and supports of their families, communities, and cultures. Following the Self-Healing Communities approach, Children’s Mental Health and Family Services Collaboratives educate their communities about neurobiology, epigenetics, ACEs, and resilience research (NEAR Science) and train local presenters to share this information widely throughout their communities. Collaboratives then move from awareness of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) to action. They engage and gather input from a diverse representation of community members in their areas through Community Resilience Conversations with groups of people and/or 100 Cups of Coffee Interviews with individuals. This community wisdom and local data guide Collaboratives as they develop Community Resilience Plans. Collaboratives will then have the opportunity to pilot Community Resilience Initiatives outlined in their Community Resilience Plans and also use those plans to leverage funding and provide strategic direction for their activities. Download the More Resilient Minnesota Overview MORE INFO DOWNLOAD THE OVERVIEW ACES coalition ACES CALENDAR YOUTH CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE Interested in an ace's presentation? CLICK HERE

JOURNEY TO INDEPENDENCE Journey to Independence (JTI) is a Federally Funded Program through a four-year SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) grant that provides transition services for youth ages 14 – 21 who struggle with recognized SED/SMI or emerging mental health issues. Youth are assisted in developing greater self-sufficiency and independence while emphasizing the role of parents/guardians in guiding and supporting their youth through the transition to adulthood. Youth supports are provided by Transition COACH Facilitators who utilize the Transition to Independence Planning (TIP) Model ® using the five domains of: Family supports are provided by a Family Liaison to enhance the skills and knowledge of parents/guardians as they support their JTI youth. Using a strength-based youth and family-driven approach; parents/guardians are provided one-to-one support visits, educational workshops on transitional needs, and connection to community resources. Referrals can be made by: Family members Caregivers School staff Social Service staff Mental Health or Community providers Youth self-referral For more information contact: Jenn @ 320-444-8827 jenn.pauff@pactforfamilies.org employment skills Resume building Interview roleplay Appropriate interview attire community functioning skills Team building Communication skills Studying for driver's education personal wellbeing Self advocacy Stress relief Health management living situation Budgeting Obtaining housing Cooking/Food handling education Study habits High school completion/GED College prep Journey to Independence is made possible through grant funding from SAMHSA.

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