Family Healing and Restoration Network

About the Program

Category: Community and Economic Development (Best in Category)

Year: 2009

Hennepin County and the Stairstep Foundation’s Community Reclamation Project have joined forces with four of the major African American church organizations in Minnesota to explore how the power and resources of faith-based organizations can interface with county service to build healthier communities. The churches include the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc., Church of God in Christ, African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Minnesota State Baptist Convention. The Family Healing and Restoration Network project, a collaboration of these entities, supports at risk families in obtaining prevention, early intervention, and restorative resources and supports through faith-based networks. One of the goals of the program is to offer a broad array of services to those seeking help through the church, with assistance from a trusted, nonthreatening “navigator.” Four system navigators were hired and strategically placed in the community to help those in need identify and access resources, and navigate the complex social services system. The Family Healing and Restoration Network has also offered several resources, programs, and services to the community including—but not limited to—a Community Resources and Health Fair. In addition, the network has developed several partnerships with community agencies and participated in several outreach efforts—all designed to support and strengthen families and the community.