St. Anthony-New Brighton Family Services Collaborative

Now in its sixth year, the St. Anthony-New Brighton Family Service Collaborative is providing a wide variety of programs and activities for youth and families in our community. Federal and county funding, ear marked for prevention and intervention programs, is earned by the daily tasks of counselors, administration and support staff within the school district. The Family Service Collaborative (FSC) Board is responsible for determining the use of this funding through ongoing goal setting and evaluation.(See Focus Group Project) The FSC board is made up of representatives from the school district, school board, community services, city council, civic groups such as Kiwanis and Lions, faith communities, businesses, law enforcement, county agencies, parents from each school building and students from the middle and high schools.

Over the past several years, the FSC has funded essential support services for youth and families in all three school buildings including counselors and a school based mental health worker. It has sponsored such after school programs as Campus Club, Open Gym and middle school musicals as well as coordinating such parent resources as the Husky Parent Newsletter, the Parent Communication Directory (PCD) and speakers on such topics as bullying, chemical use, and parenting strategies. (see upcoming events)

The FSC is always looking for parent and community volunteers to help energize and maintain its programs and activities. Questions about the Family Services Collaborative can be directed to Shelley Freeman, District Support Services Coordinator, at 612-706-1036.

Dear SANB Parent/Community Member:

The St. Anthony New Brighton Family Services Collaborative is an organization that encompasses the entire community (seniors, preschool, parents, students, county office, city organizations/services, and school). We address ideas and activities that are safe, affordable, and those that bridge generation gaps. We receive funding from the county as well as for donations. Currently our focus is on early childhood education as well as activities for our secondary students. Middle School students have an opportunity to participate in open gym through the efforts of this organization. The St. Anthony Community Theater had its origin with this organization as well. The Parent Community Directory is a product of the group, thanks to the efforts of volunteers. Also a Parent Focus Group meets to plan the parent speakers for the year. The Collaborative group meets three to four times per year in the St. Anthony Community Center. Wendy Webster and Dana Niklaus, both district staff members, work as directors for the program. I, Bonnie Brever, am currently the chair of the group.

We invite all parents/community members to become involved with this group. Currently, we are looking for someone to take on the role of secretary, treasurer, and vice president. If you are interested in filling one of these positions, please contact Bonnie Brever at your earliest convenience. No experience is necessary!

Roger Braun Receives Award for Outstanding Service to Youth

Congratulations to Roger Braun who was nominated and selected to receive this year’s Outstanding Service to Youth Award which is sponsored by Northwest Youth and Family Services. Braun volunteers his time to supervise the middle school open gym program at Elmwood Church every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. Braun enjoys interacting with the youth and works to ensure they have a safe, supervised place to go after school. Braun was formally recognized at the awards banquet on February 11, 2010.

Thanks to the St. Anthony Middle School Builder’s Club organization for their gift of $200 which will go toward the Tuesday and Thursday Open Gym Program at Elmwood Church. Each week on Tuesday and Thursday, from 3 to 4:30, middle school students gather at the church to play basketball, foosball, table activities or to just hang out with friends in a safe and caring environment. Supervision is provided by three adults and two high school students. Concessions are provided by the local Kiwaniians and Vital Aging members. Not only does this give students a change to interact with their friends outside of the school day, but also this time affords the opportunity to build connections with other members of the community.

Thanks to the Builder’s Club and the Kiwanis Organization for their generous donation.

Dr. Steven Kahn:
Following is a monthly article from Dr. Steven Kahn, the same person who presented “Fading the Prompt” this past November.
Click here to download the article: Three Wise Women (pdf)
Click here to download the article: Snow on Green Leaves (pdf)
Click here to download the article: Influence (pdf)
Click here to download the article: Allowing Temporary Victories (pdf)
Click here to download the article: Children and their pace of change (pdf)
Click here to download the article: Holidays, Vacations, and Expectations (pdf)
Click here to download the article: Our Children's Weakest Moments (pdf)

As parents, we know kids always want the most popular video games. Sometimes, however, those games are not appropriate because of the mature content. The latest installment of the popular Grand Theft Auto series has been released and sold at retailers across the county. Grand Theft Auto IV, rated M for mature, has content descriptors for Intense Violence, Strong Sexual Content, and Strong Violence, among others. This game is not appropriate for kids under the age of 17.

The National Institute on Media and the Family encourages parents to follow the Entertainment Software Rating Board's rating on the video game's box and exercise discretion when purchasing or renting M-rated games for their kids. For a better understanding of the games their kids play, parents should watch what their kids watch and play what their kids play.

Parents should also discuss with their children when it is appropriate to play games. The National Institute on Media and the Family has partnered with Microsoft to provide families with a useful tool to help foster those discussions and set parameters for game content and usage. It's called PACT, and it is an agreement between parents and their children to maintain a safe and healthy media environment in their homes.

The PACT is available on the National Institute on Media and the Family's Web site, as well as Microsoft's Xbox Web site.

Home | Services | Calendar | About Us | Contacts