FamilyWise and Peacemaker Resources Staff

Join us for the opening session where we will welcome attendees, introduce the vision and themes for this event, share the event acknowledgments and group agreements, provide an overview of More Resilient Minnesota and the Tribal N.E.A.R. Science and Community Wisdom Project, and orient attendees to the upcoming sessions, webpage, and join links for the event.

• Session Slides
• More Resilient Minnesota 2026 Program Infographic
• More Resilient Minnesota Participating Counties by Phase

Anne LaFrinier-Ritchie, Someplace Safe of West Central Minnesota

This presentation will cover key points in serving Indigenous youth and families, including historical perspectives and an overview of historical and intergenerational trauma. The presenter will share tips, tools, and curriculum examples to improve case management and increase positive outcomes for Indigenous youth who have experienced trauma.

• William Castellands, Resettlement Programs Office
• Maria D. Hernandez, Resettlement Programs Office
• Jennifer Page, United Way 2-1-1
• Quin Schultz, 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Community needs across Minnesota have been evolving rapidly, and resource centers are often the first to see shifting needs take shape. This breakout session brings together frontline perspectives from three critical resource hubs to explore the trends shaping service delivery across Minnesota in 2026. Representatives from United Way 211, 988, and the State of Minnesota’s Immigrant and Refugee Resettlement Program Office will share what they are seeing on the ground— from rising mental health concerns and economic instability to the complex challenges facing newcomer populations. Participants will gain insight into how these organizations are adapting in real time, strengthening partnerships, and expanding access to culturally responsive and traumainformed services. The session will also highlight key resources available statewide and offer practical guidance on how professionals can better connect individuals and families to support systems. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of emerging community needs and actionable strategies to enhance their own work in supporting diverse populations across Minnesota.

• 988 Factsheet
• Key Differences Between 911 vs. 988 Factsheet
• RPO Resources

Dr. Maegan Rides at the Door, National Native Children's Trauma Center

Many people have now learned about the landmark Adverse Childhood Experiences study and its results demonstrating the link between ACES and poorer health and mental health outcomes. After hearing about this information people often wonder, now what do we need to do to address ACEs on a community wide level? A public health framework to conceptualize next steps will provide a comprehensive community driven approach to advance healing.

• Objective 1: Broaden existing trauma lenses to include cultural considerations of trauma and impacts of trauma
• Objective 2: Increase a broader understanding of how we mitigate the impacts of trauma on a community wide level
• Objective 3: Learn about the trauma foci areas that we can universalize to all children and families we connect with

• Josh Hagen, Carlton Homeless Youth Program
• Jackie Perez, Native American Community Clinic
• Jeanine Wiley, Lakes Area Restorative Justice Program

This breakout session explores holistic, downstream strategies designed to support children and families through community-centered approaches. Participants will learn from organizations that are addressing the interconnected challenges families face, with a focus on stable housing, restorative justice practices, behavioral health, and traditional health promotion methods.

• Melissa Adolfson, Wilder Research
• Jacquie Freund, EpiCog, LLC

Don’t let your MSS data sit on a virtual shelf gathering e-dust. Use it! In this session we’ll talk through practical strategies for sharing your data far and wide. Examples we’ll dive into include: fun ways to share data points when tabling at events, pairing a data point with a resource and action step, and using Canva to create simple and eye-catching infographics. Our goal is to build your capacity to use your data and help promote the MSS. Come prepared to share an example of how you’ve gotten your MSS data out into the community.

• Power of Protective Factors for Minnesota Youth: Findings From the 2025 Minnesota Student Survey

Keynote: Dr. Roy Wade, Department of Pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in the Division of General Pediatrics at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Call to Action: Karina Forrest Perkins, Volunteers of America of Minnesota and Wisconsin

Join us for the closing session where we will share the FamilyWise Family Wellbeing Index, share a participant photo slideshow and survey, create a word cloud, and offer closing words and calls to action.

• From Adversity to Action: Community-Driven Strategies to Address ACEs and Build Lasting Resilience slide deck
• Closing Session Slides