When a family is under stress, it impacts a child’s development.  For some families who have multiple issues to juggle, this can be a challenge.  Some families Way to Grow works with are seeking affordable housing or work.  Others are still learning English.  Some parents are in need of education or medical treatment themselves.  But all of the parents are committed to their children.

Way to Grow’s home visitors specialize in building trusting relationships with parents and families.  Having established this relationship, Family Educators are able to understand family strengths and needs and parents’ priorities.  Then Way to Grow connects them with the appropriate community resources, while teaching parents how to advocate for themselves and their families.

Referrals and Connections.  Way to Grow provides 25 referrals each day to families in need and unsure where to turn.  Family Educators are knowledgeable about resources in the community.  They develop strong relationships with other organizations which results in faster connection to services for families.  Family Educators stay in contact with families to confirm successful connections are made to needed resources.  This process tracks impact, holds Way to Grow and community partners accountable for quality service, and helps identify barriers that need to be changed.

To reach Way to Grow's referral lines, call:

(612) 588-8893

"I found Way to Grow when I was homeless.  I got help in so many ways from finding an apartment and childcare to learning how to check out books from the library for my children.  I am now a teacher's aide and can afford a better home for my family!"

-Melo - Way to Grow participant

Self-Sufficiency.  Family Educators teach families how to navigate systems and advocate for themselves.  Learning how to help themselves is one of the important lessons families learn from Way to Grow.

Partnerships.  Way to Grow partners with over 50 local organizations to ensure families receive the services they need.  These partners include medical and dental clinics, employment agencies, housing services, food shelves, churches, schools, libraries, and many local and state government programs.

• Bridging
• Bundles of Love
• Hennepin County Human Services
• CommonBond Communities