Family Support

Community Engagement Manager Sheena and Family Educator Alison at a local event.

How Community Engagement Opens Doors for Families

How Community Engagement Opens Doors for Families 1200 900 Ann Frances Gregg

How Community Engagement Opens Doors for Families

Way to Grow knows that real community engagement starts with relationships. It’s how families find us, how they feel welcome, and how they begin their journey toward brighter futures.

This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Sheena, our Community Engagement Manager. Her work helps open doors for families across Minneapolis and beyond, ensuring that every parent or caregiver who connects with Way to Grow feels valued, respected, and supported.

Staff spotlight on Sheena, Way to Grow's Community Engagement Manager.

“My job is all about meeting families where they are, literally and figuratively,”
Sheena says. “Every connection matters.”

Why Community Engagement Matters

When Way to Grow launched over 35 years ago, we began with a simple but bold goal: walk alongside families and children to help every child thrive from prenatal stages through age 5. In 2010, we expanded with our Great by 8 Program. Over time, our work grew across more neighborhoods and communities. As family needs became more complex, it became clear that intentional, consistent community engagement would be essential to reach more families and build trusted relationships.

Families face many barriers to opportunity, from navigating healthcare and education systems to overcoming language barriers or mistrust of institutions. For many families, this mistrust can be rooted in lived experiences. Some have encountered schools that did not welcome them. Others faced healthcare providers who failed to listen, or social service systems that felt cold or punitive. Many have been impacted by a long history of policies that excluded or harmed their communities. Without trusted connections and relationships, even the best programs can remain out of reach for those who need them most.

That’s where Sheena comes in.

Building Trusted Connections with Families

Way to Grow created the Community Engagement Manager role to deepen relationships, expand outreach, and ensure that families feel welcomed into our programs. Sheena now leads this important work. She works to ensure families experience not just enrollment, but a true sense of connection.

Every family referred to Way to Grow begins with Sheena. She reaches out directly, often working across languages and cultures to build understanding. She then matches each family with a Family Educator who will be the best fit for their goals and needs.

For families, this personal connection makes a world of difference. It means they are met with respect, care, and understanding. It means they do not have to navigate complex systems alone or wonder whether a program will truly reflect their values, language, or culture. Above all, it means their first experience with Way to Grow is one of trust and relationship. Together, we lay the foundation for strong, lasting engagement that helps children and families thrive.

Whether a parent is navigating healthcare, seeking early education, or looking for a trusted mentor, Sheena helps them take that crucial first step.

Community Engagement Beyond Enrollment

Sheena’s role extends far beyond one-on-one outreach. Throughout the year, she represents Way to Grow at community events where she connects with new families. She deepens partnerships with local organizations.

You might spot Sheena at resource fairs, block parties, or school open houses. You may also find her at library story times, cultural celebrations, or parent education nights… wherever families naturally gather. Way to Grow continues to maintain strong relationships with early childhood networks, clinic-based literacy programs, and partners such as Hennepin County, Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ), and the Minnesota Prenatal to Three Coalition. These connections help us stay attuned to the needs of families and broaden our reach to those who may benefit from our programs.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Presence & Partnerships

Looking to the future, Sheena hopes to help Way to Grow strengthen our community presence across more neighborhoods, create more consistent spaces where families can learn and connect, and elevate family voices in shaping our program design.

She also sees potential in growing partnerships with local organizations and recognizes that no single program can meet every need. In this way, through collaboration, shared resources, and authentic listening, Way to Grow builds a more connected network of support for families.

“I’m honored to be a trusted face in the community and represent Way to Grow,” Sheena says. “Every day brings something new. And every connection reminds me why this work matters.”

Building Trust, One Family at a Time

At Way to Grow, we know that strong community engagement is key to trusted relationships with families and long-term success. Moving forward, we are committed to meeting families where they are and walking alongside them every step of the way.

Learn more about our programs or take your first step with us today!

Family Educator Miss Roxy shares a powerful Way to Grow family story about parental mental health.

Parental Mental Health Spotlighted at Education Is Power 2025

Parental Mental Health Spotlighted at Education Is Power 2025 1200 900 Ann Frances Gregg

Parental Mental Health Spotlighted at Education Is Power 2025

On May 14, Way to Grow hosted our annual Education Is Power luncheon at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The event gathered families, educators, and advocates around one urgent question: How can we better support parental mental health so that children can thrive?

This year’s theme, Empowered Parents Empower Children, sparked meaningful conversations. More than two hundred guests joined us to reflect on the pressures families face today and the solutions that help them grow stronger. From lived experience to policy leadership, each voice in the room contributed to a deeper understanding of what families truly need. The energy was hopeful, grounded, and driven by the shared belief that when parents are supported, children thrive.

Stories that Highlight Parental Mental Health Support

The event opened with a warm welcome from Board Vice Chair Dr. Julia Halberg. She then introduced Way to Grow’s new CEO, Coco Du, who shared her own experience as a first-generation college student, a parent, and a new leader. “I know firsthand how powerful it is to have people believe in you,” Coco said. “And how life-changing that support can be.”

Coco then introduced Associate Supervisor of Family Educators, Roxanne Bell-Afolabi, who shared a powerful story. She spoke about Kewana, a young mom working through trauma and early motherhood. Despite the challenges, Kewana stayed committed to her healing and to her children. Personal stories like this one show how Way to Grow’s consistent support and trust changes lives.

Family Educator Miss Roxy shares a powerful Way to Grow family story about mental health.

“Kewana once told me I helped her mental health just by being there,” Roxy said.
“That’s what this work is truly about – presence.”

Panelists Discuss Mental Health Solutions for Families

Next came a panel discussion with four leaders who work in mental health, education, and policy. Each person offered a unique view on how to support families.

  • Brandon Jones, Executive Director at the Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health, reminded us that “Parental stress was declared a public health crisis by the former U.S. Surgeon General.”He encouraged early intervention and stronger access to care.
  • Alex Ang, youth advocate and host of a is for anxious, described how listening and storytelling can bridge generational gaps.
  • Ronel Robinson, Way to Grow’s Program Director, shared insights from decades of leading home visiting programs.
  • Commissioner Tikki Brown, head of Minnesota’s new Department of Children, Youth, and Families, outlined her vision to connect services and reduce barriers for families across the state.

Panelists agreed that stigma, isolation, and limited access still block many families from getting help. However, they also shared real solutions to improve parental mental health, including early childhood education, culturally responsive care, and strong community support.

Why Parental Mental Health Matters for Families

Way to Grow sees parental mental health as key to a child’s success. Families can only thrive when parents feel strong, seen, and supported. That’s why we focus on the whole family at home, in school, and throughout the community.

Events like Education Is Power are more than a conversation. They help us connect, reflect, and move forward together. When families share their experiences and leaders share solutions, we build the trust and momentum needed for real change. These gatherings also remind us that mental health isn’t a separate issue, it’s a thread that runs through education, stability, opportunity, and the systems families navigate every day. Whether it’s healthcare, housing, childcare, or school, supporting parents is not extra. It’s essential.

With Gratitude to Our Sponsors

Way to Grow extends heartfelt thanks to the generous sponsors who made Education Is Power 2025 possible. Your support fuels our mission and ensures that families across our community have access to the tools, relationships, and resources they need to thrive.

Because of you, we were able to gather in a space of learning, healing, and connection—and to continue showing up for parents and children every day. Thank you for standing with us.

A Call to Action

Want to experience the day for yourself? Watch the full Education Is Power 2025 program, now available on YouTube with closed captions:

We invite you to join our efforts to improve parental mental health and child development in your community.

Vice President of Development, Melissa, greets a guest.
CEO Coco Du addresses the audience and introduces the topic of parental mental health.
Way to Grow Board Member Art Rolnick, Cheri Rolnick, and CEO Coco Du
MN Department of Children, Youth, and Families Commissioner Tikki Brown
Way to Grow staff members celebrating the engaging day.
Logos of Education Is Power 2025 sponsors supporting Way to Grow, parental mental health, and early childhood education

Tips on How to Handle Snowstorms and Extreme Cold

Tips on How to Handle Snowstorms and Extreme Cold 960 638 Chelsea DeLong

Snowstorms and Extreme Cold

Winter storms and extreme cold can be difficult to prepare for, especially if you and your family have never experienced one. These adverse conditions create increased risks of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, and carbon monoxide poisoning in homes and cars.

Winter storms and blizzards bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice, low visibility, and high winds. These storms and low temperature can last anywhere from a few hours to several days and potentially knock out heat, power, communication services, and cause your vehicle to not start.

Prepare Now

Know our community’s risks for winter storms and cold weather by reading information on our local news outlets channels and websites. By preparing ahead, you ensure that you, your family members, your home, and even your pets are protected from the elements and any potential risks they may bring.

Check out these tips from local and national organizations on how to be prepared during these next couple of days:  

Tips for Extremely Cold Weather

  • Stay inside as much as possible and limit time spent in the cold.
  • Dress in layers and keep clothes and footwear dry.
  • Check on family, friends, and neighbors who are at risk and may need additional assistance.
  • Know the symptoms of cold-related health issues, such as frostbite and hypothermia, and seek medical attention if health conditions are severe.
  • Make sure your vehicle has an emergency kit that includes an ice scraper, a blanket and flashlight, and keep the fuel tank above half full.

Symptoms Of Frostbite And Hypothermia

Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers, and toes.

  • Signs: Numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, firm or waxy skin.
  • Actions: Go to a warm room. Soak in warm water. Use body heat to warm. Do not massage or use a heating pad.

Hypothermia is an unusually low body temperature. A temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency.

  • Signs: Shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, or drowsiness.
  • Actions: Go to a warm room. Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head, and groin. Keep dry and wrapped up in warm blankets, including the head and neck.

Stay Safe While Staying Warm

The Fire Department wants people to stay safe as they stay warm and offer the following tips:

  • Always turn space heaters off when no one is around and before going to sleep.
  • Keep space heaters 3 feet away from anything that can burn.
  • Never use a stove for heating the home.
  • Once a year, furnaces and fireplaces need to be inspected.
  • Everyone should make sure to have working smoke alarms and carbon dioxide detectors on every floor of their home.

Pets Get Cold Too

Minneapolis Animal Care and Control reminds residents that their pets feel the cold, too. Here are some reminders from Animal Control:

  • Keep pets in proper shelter and out of direct exposure to the elements.
  • Never leave pets unattended in a parked car for any period of time.
  • Like people, cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia.
  • Leaving pets outside in the cold can result in citations of $500 or more, seizure of the animal, or the death of the animal from the cold.

Anyone who sees an animal outside without shelter or in an unattended car can call Minneapolis Animal Care & Control immediately – in Minneapolis, that’s 311 (612-673-3000). If they believe the situation to be life-threatening and the animal is nonresponsive, they should call 911.

Looking to the Second Generation – How Transformative is Early Ed?

Looking to the Second Generation – How Transformative is Early Ed? 2560 1707 Ivy Marsnik

Imagine a three-year old girl, born into poverty. Her parents may not have finished high school and statistically, it’s even less likely anyone from her family has ever graduated college. Let’s say she defies the odds and graduates high school on time, but shortly after, she becomes pregnant. She seeks help and finds herself at Way to Grow. As she grows more confident in her ability to create a different path for her child, she decides to go back to school, becoming a first generation college student.

It isn’t easy. She will face many challenges; How can I afford school? Who will care for my child when I’m in class? What about transportation? Where will I find the time to work, study, and raise my child on my own?  The unfortunate reality is that a disproportionately low number of first-generation students succeed in college. However, there is a path forward.

Her daughter already has a childhood that looks much different than her own. She will reap the benefits of a childhood where her mother knows the importance of living healthy, reading with her child daily, and advocating for her daughter’s education. Her mother spends time with her to read and uses everyday experiences as an opportunity to teach. Her mother is involved in her school, and this little girl grows up knowing her mom is the number one advocate for her education. The bar has been raised. Education is no longer simply a choice, but an expectation. With this, a second generation is born. She learns to pick up the torch from where her mother left off, and continues to blaze forward on the path of educational attainment towards greater social opportunities – A hope we all share for our children.

Powerful isn’t it? The daughter in this story is more likely as a second generation college student to persist beyond three years of higher education, and that much closer to earning her bachelor’s degree; arguably the most important rung in the educational attainment ladder in terms of upward social mobility. This is why early childhood education and parent engagement matters. This is why Way to Grow matters.


Dr. Mary Dana Hinton, 15th president of the College of Saint Benedict will deliver a keynote address at the Way to Grow Spring Luncheon.

Join Dr. Hinton as she delves deeper into the power of the second generation >>

Equity in Education – What Does it Look Like?

Equity in Education – What Does it Look Like? 1707 2560 Ivy Marsnik

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