Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley participated in St. Croix County’s ‘Hands Across the Courthouse’ held as part of National Child Abuse Prevention Awareness month and Victims of Crime Awareness week.
We are proud to partner with county service agencies and other nonprofits as we work to strengthen children, families, and communities by offering education, resources, and support!
$49,000 Raised at Flannel Up for Families Event
Supporters raised $49,000 for Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley at the 14th annual Reach for the Stars event. The funds raised support the organization’s mission to strengthen children, families and communities through education, resources and support in Pierce, Polk and St. Croix Counties. The Reach for Stars gala is held in April every year to mark Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month.
More than 200 supporters donned flannel attire in the spirit of the Flannel Up for Families theme at the April 12 event held at Camp St. Croix in Hudson. The evening’s entertainment was donated by Baldwin-area band Crabgrass.
Young Mothers Share their Parenting Journeys
Featured speakers at the event included two parents who participate in Family Resource Center’s evidence-based home visiting program.
“We are inspired by courage and commitment demonstrated by Tianna and Madison, two moms who described their parenting journeys to the Reach for the Stars crowd,” said Executive Director Agnes Ring. “Their resilience and their demonstrated commitment to parenting and personal growth has strengthened their own families. We also know that we, as a community, are stronger for their parenting.”
Tianna of New Richmond shared that she learned of Family Resource Center programs at the age of 15, when she was a high school student in Osceola. She participated in the Young Parent group and continues with twice monthly home visits with her daughter Ava, now age 3. “My parent educator has never judged me or made me feel as if I was doing something wrong,” said Tianna. “This program has given me confidence. They believed in me. The Young Parent program has made this journey easier, one visit at a time.” 
Madison of Hudson enrolled in home visits with the Family Resource Center initially as part of the Parenting Forward program sponsored by St. Croix County Treatment Court. She said she received helpful information regarding child development. She expressed appreciation for the support she received in achieving numerous goals. “My family and I are forever grateful for the everlasting support and friendship that flows through this program,” she said in closing. “To all of the people who make this possible, I thank you! You have made a difference in my life and for that I am grateful!”
Sharon Reyzer Honored with the Couglin Volunteer Award
The Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley Board of Directors recognized Sharon Reyzer for her leadership, dedication and service. The John M. Coughlin Volunteer Award honors the memory of Coughlin’s extraordinary leadership, dedication and commitment to the well-being of children and families in the region, as well as his vision to create a comprehensive early childhood system through United Way St. Croix Valley and Success By 6 initiatives.
Board President Mary Sue Ash of Hudson presented the 2019 award to Reyzer, who was a founding board member of the Family Resource Center in 1998.
“Sharon provided quiet, persistent leadership in the early years of the organization and has continued to be a champion for the Family Resource Center through her role as Public Health Supervisor/WIC Director at St. Croix County Public Health,” said Ash. “She has a passion for improving and supporting the lives of others, especially parents of young children.”
Community Support is Key
Board member Mark Tyler, of Woodville, told the crowd that the investment in early childhood pays dividends many times over.
Ring expressed appreciation to all the people who contributed to the success of the fund raiser. “The generous financial support provided by local businesses, individual donors, and community leaders at this event – and throughout the year – reflects a caring community,” said Ring. “As a community we must work together to strengthen children and families. The number of children being removed from their homes in our three counties is staggering. There is no single agency—no government entity or nonprofit organization that owns the problem alone or that can solve the problem alone.”
Funds raised at the event help fund Family Resource Center’s parent-child groups and home visits in its three-county service area.
Chad and Heidi Fett have been active supporters of Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley since Chad joined the Board of Directors in 2014. Chad is a Senior Vice President at First State Bank and Trust, and says he was motivated to be a part of the Family Resource Center because of the direct return on investment. “Education, energy and funding put into our children has both an immediate and long-term positive effect on our children and communities,” said Chad, who is in his sixth year of service on the board and served as Board President in 2018. He and his wife Heidi have participated in the annual Reach for the Stars gala as well as other special events and projects, including UWRF-Bowls for Hope and the expansion of the Baldwin office space.
“As the 2018 board president Chad was always there to lend guidance and support, said executive director Agnes Ring. “He brings thoughtfulness, humor, and a great appreciation for the parent educators on the front lines of our work. The building expansion project was a major undertaking last year. Chad rallied the board members to share in the hands-on labor of priming, painting, and laying out the ceiling. We are so lucky to have both Chad and Heidi as great ambassadors of our annual Reach for the Stars gala event!”
Heidi joined the Reach for the Stars gala planning committee in 2017 and has helped to plan raffles, arrange catering and generally do whatever is needed. “I am grateful for the creativity and perspective Heidi brings to the committee,” said Development & Communications Coordinator Kristin Thompson. “She has good ideas and is always game to try something new. I also appreciate her positivity and great sense of humor.”
Chad and Heidi both said they enjoy hearing first-hand from parent educators and as well as parents who have participated in programming. A recent success story that stands out for them is that of a grandparent who received home visits while providing temporary foster care for his granddaughter. His parent educator provided him with basic infant care information, education on use of baby equipment and supplies, and help understanding developmental stages and milestones. “The parent educators are heart of the organization,” said Chad.
| Are you interested in volunteering? We can use both regular and occasional support with programming, fundraising, cleaning, preparing supplies and materials, and special projects. Call Kristin at 715-684-4440 to learn more. |
Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley board member Sam Cari has been honored by the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau as recipient of the prestigious Marie Blakeman Award. Cari has served on the FRCSCV Board since 2009.
“Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley is fortunate to have Sam Cari on our board of directors, said Board Chair Jessie Klopp. “We appreciate the expertise and dedication he brings to the organization.” Former board member and volunteer John Marnell was also honored with the Blakeman Award in 2015.
Congratulations, Sam!