Celebrating the 2026 Pinwheels for Prevention Awardees
Each spring, FamilyWise Services shines a spotlight on organizations, agencies, and community-based initiatives statewide that have consistently worked to create safe, healthy, and supportive environments for children and families. This year, we are honoring seven awardees who have been pioneering this work in their communities. Congratulations to the seven awardees below!
> Anoka County Housing Resource Team
The Housing Resource Specialists in Anoka County provide vital supports to families. They organize monthly meetings with community agencies to provide updates on current housing opportunities and trends. They meet weekly with their participants in the Hotel Shelter Program, working hard to give resources to remove barriers and support however they can so that participants achieve their housing goals. Program staff are patient and strengths-based in their approach. They have been a great partner and an inspiration to FamilyWise.
Avivo increases well-being through recovery and career advancement while working to end homelessness. They provide education and training, recovery and mental health support, and they prepare people for employment and success. Avivo partners with youth by exploring their areas of interest and giving practical skills through resume support and mock interviews.
The Enough. Program offered through the YMCA provides one-on-one and group support services to youth aged 28 and under in the Twin Cities Metro Area and surrounding suburbs who are at risk of or already experiencing sexual violence or trauma. The program builds on the strengths of the youth, fostering personal development. The program meets youth where they are and mentors them towards growth.
The Follow Along Program is a free statewide service that supports families with babies and young children as they grow and learn. As part of the program, families complete periodic questionnaires and receive fun activities to help their child explore and learn through play. MDH is working with community partners (FamilyWise being one of them) to reimagine the program, improving equitable access and connection to resources from a cultural and linguistical lens.
> Le Sueur County Family Services Collaborative
Le Sueur County Family Services Collaborative is dedicated to building self-healing communities. They are doing amazing community-engaged work through their Community Resource Center efforts and through More Resilient Minnesota. They are always happy to share what they are learning with the Collaborative network.
The Link offers a continuum of innovative, youth-driven programs to meet youth’s basic needs while empowering them with the resources and relationships to pursue their goals and thrive. Last year The Link supported over 2,000 youth and young families across the Twin Cities Metro area, including youth participating in FamilyWise’s Wraparound program, improving their skills and building their independence.
Tree Trust transforms lives and landscapes by engaging people to build skills for meaningful careers, inspiring people to plant trees, and making our community a greener, healthier place to live. Tree Trust provides opportunities for participants to work as a group, build leadership skills, and learn about the environment.
Thank you to all the awardees for your hard work and dedication to helping families become the best that they can be. Find more ways to support prevention efforts this Child Abuse Prevention Month by visiting our CAP Month webpage: https://familywiseservices.org/child-abuse-prevention-month/