VISIONS FOR FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES
Led by You and Me
At Visions for Families and Communities, we’re ready for something better. Based in Watonwan County MN, our Community Collaborative mobilizes resources from Federal, State, and Local funding sources. These funds are used to support  meaningful and lasting impacts on the children and families in our communities
ABOUT
The mission of the Watonwan County Family Services Collaborative, Visions for Families and Communities, is to strengthen children and families in Watonwan County by providing an integrated service delivery system, expanding education opportunities, and increasing service accessibility while maintaining respect for diverse populations.
DEDICATED PROGRAMS
Visions for Families and Communities is made up of professionals from the  Butterfield School District, Madelia School District, St. James School District, Probation,  Human Services and Public Health. We are collaborative partners who agree to target family issues such as literacy, parenting, mental health, truancy, trauma, resiliency, and food insecurity.
HUMAN SERVICE PROGRAMS
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STAY- The STAY group is an independent living skills group for youth ages 14-21. This group focuses on teaching independent living skills to older adolescents and young adults that are receiving services through our children’s services unit. These children have either been in out of home placement or are at risk of out of home placement. VFC Funds are used to support STAY activities, small group activities, and truancy incentives/activities.
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Wraparound Funds – The wraparound process is a way to meet the needs of children and families who have multiple or complex needs. The wraparound process uses a strength-based approach to meet the needs identified by the child and family team. VFC recognize the importance of having funds which are flexible and easily accessed by the wraparound team facilitator.
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Family Group Decision Making- is a voluntary innovative approach that positions the family group as leaders in decision making about their children's safety, permanency, and well-being. It is a way for family groups to work in partnership with the child welfare agency. It is a collective, not an individual, decision making process. Family Group Decision Making involves a widening of the circle to include the broadest family group as defined by the family. This strategy puts the family in charge of developing their own plan to address concerns.
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SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Welcome Baby- Welcome Baby provides outreach and referral for babies born in Watonwan County. This program offers a home visit to newborns and their families, as well as a postpartum depression screening. The family is encouraged to participate in the Infant Follow Along Program that tracks babies development from birth to 3 years of age through parent completed questionnaires. During the visit, verbal and written information is shared regarding nutrition, immunizations, growth and development, childhood illnesses and safety. The family also receives a quilt, a board book, and a CD.
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Family Literacy – The Family Literacy Program is a family learning program, for families with children birth through 7 years, which includes English as a Second Language and/or General Education Diploma for adults. Learning for children is developmentally appropriate for their age. Programming is for all families in Watonwan County. Sites are in Madelia and St. James.
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Youth Development— Watonwan County Youth Development provides preventative services and educational and enrichment activities to youth in grades K-12. Programs include: Adventures in the Park, After School Adventures, Big Buddy Mentoring Program, STRIVE
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Watonwan County Weekend Backpack Program/Food Pantry-The Food Pantry Program has been developed between the Watonwan County Weekend Backpack Program and the administrative staff, social workers, SHIP and food service of the three school districts in the county. The Food Pantry Program services high school students who have been identified as being at risk for food insecurity. Each school district has designated a location in their respective high school for their Food Pantry to be housed. In addition to being able to select their own food products, students are also able to pick up personal hygiene items such as toothpaste, tooth brushes, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, lotion, band aides, toilet paper, dish and laundry detergent, body wash, shampoo/conditioner
MINI GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
Grant Dollars: A dollar amount is set aside each year for programs to apply for. Applications are considered based on the mission of the program and how they fit into the goals of the collaborative.
