FamilyMeans Strengthens Communities by Strengthening Families

FamilyMeans’ mission is to strengthen communities by strengthening families. And that is what we do in each of our program areas: Consumer Credit Counseling Service, Caregiver Support, Mental Health and Counseling, Center for Grief, Loss & Transition and in our Youth Development Initiatives in Landfall and Cimarron.

“When I first contacted FamilyMeans I was at the end of my rope. I was discouraged, frustrated and angry. The past year has been a struggle, but the help provided by FamilyMeans has made a positive impact on my life. Things are still difficult, but they are looking up and the sun is starting to shine again. I have hope. I appreciate the help I have received. It was done with professionalism and care.”

Each year FamilyMeans helps families and individuals avoid bankruptcy by working with those who qualify to enroll in the agency’s Debt Management Program that is part of the Consumer Credit Counseling Service. In 2011, the DMP staff assisted 2,417 households in repaying $14,031,889 to creditors, which included both local businesses as well as national creditors.

FamilyMeans’ Caregiver Support program has been providing in-home respite care, support groups, coaching and counseling, and education programs for more than 25 years. In 2011, respite care volunteers provided 13,605 hours of service to 546 individuals. In addition, 1,698 individuals attended education workshops, support groups and coaching sessions.         

FamilyMeans youth programs in Landfall and Cimarron kept busy in 2011. With 166 children and teens from Landfall and another 129 children and teens from Cimarron, there was a lot going on including everything from sporting events to bike outings to field trips and educational opportunities.

FamilyMeans also provides mental health services in a number of Stillwater and New Richmond schools. In fact, in 2011, FamilyMeans provided mental health counseling to clients of all ages, including couples and families, serving 1,322 clients through 8,967 appointments. The agency’s collaborative divorce practice, which offers an out-of-court option for couples considering divorce, provided 173 hours of time to families last year.

Most recently, in April 2012, FamilyMeans merged with the Center for Grief, Loss & Transition in St. Paul where therapists specialize in working with clients who are dealing with complicated grief and trauma issues. This newest program of FamilyMeans adds yet another resource to helping serve those in our community.

It is a gift for those of us at FamilyMeans to be able to help families and individuals during the challenging times in their lives. Please consider supporting FamilyMeans during Give to the Max Day. It’s support from people like you that
make these services possible.