The Minnesota Community & Family Resource Network (MN CFRN) is now housed at Wilder Research. The MN CFRN strengthens Community and Family Resource Centers across Minnesota, helping families connect to high-quality, culturally relevant support close to home.
The MN CFRN works to improve the health, safety, and well-being of children and families across Minnesota. Building on the vision of AMC and the Sauer Family Foundation, Wilder Research will expand the network with state and local partners, offering insights and collaboration to support community-driven solutions that create lasting change.
A Family Resource Center is a welcoming, community- or school-based hub where families can find support, services, and opportunities to grow together.
FRCs:
Learn more about FRCs:
Scott County leadership created a strategic plan that included ending the need for Child Protective Services. This sent them on a community listening journey that helped them create a nongovernmental response for their families to help end child abuse and neglect.
In 2021, the Sauer Family Foundation and Casey Family Programs began funding Scott County to help them create four Family Resource Centers (FRCs) that are community-based and supported with parent/community leadership.
The voice of parents with lived experience through Parent Advisory Councils assure each FRC meets the unique needs of its community. FRCs are developed to meet the local needs of families using Standards of Quality for Family Strengthening & Support, and the five protective factors for strong families.
This model is supported nationally through the National Family Support Network (NFSN) and the 40 other states using the same evidence-based model. As of July 2024, over 25 counties in Minnesota are evaluating the needs of families in their communities and developing Family Resource Centers that are welcoming families and providing assistance or warm hand-offs to the services they need. In these counties, there is no wrong door when you need help.
Launched in 2022 through the Association of Minnesota Counties with philanthropic support, the Minnesota Community & Family Resource Network helps counties develop, launch, and implement Family Resource Centers that are rooted in community needs and shaped through collaboration between local partners and government agencies. By the end of 2025, the Network will transition to Wilder, where it will continue to strengthen and expand this work statewide.
The map below shows Minnesota counties that have been building Family Resource Centers and engaged in the work since 2021, supported by the Sauer Family Foundation and the Association of Minnesota Counties.
Map is accurate as of September 1, 2026.
Minnesota communities have strong assets that support the well-being of children and families. The Sauer Family Foundation has provided grants to counties, tribes, and partner agencies to build on these strengths, elevate parent voice, and create Family Resource Centers aligned with the National Family Support Network framework.
The Sauer Family Foundation is sunsetting, but we are working on a new process to ensure members and new initiatives are able to continue accessing funds.
For questions or more information about the Network transition or Family Resource Centers, please contact:
Craig Sweet
Minnesota Community & Family Resource Network Manager
612-750-8437
[email protected]
mncfrn.org
MN CFRN members can find important documents and other information in the Network Portal Dropbox. The portal is password-protected for network members; reach out to [email protected] if you need the password.
Access the Network Portal via Dropbox >
A theory of change shows the big picture of how a program will create change in the community. You can download the Minnesota Community and Family Resource Network theory of change here.
A logic model is a detailed visual representation of a program and its theory if change. It shows relationships between resources, activities, outputs, and outcomes. Download the Minnesota Community and Family Resource Network logic model here.
The most recent annual survey showed incredible growth of Family Resource Centers statewide. See how the Community & Family Resource Network continues to grow and improve lives for families across Minnesota.
Dates and location TBD—stay tuned!
September 29-30, 2026
Graciously hosted by Sourcewell in Staples, MN
At our 2026 annual conference, which we call our Fall Gathering, we enjoyed being in community, sharing best practices, expanding our knowledge, and uplifting the work around family strengthening.
Have questions about the network or the transition? Contact Craig Sweet, Minnesota Community & Family Resource Network Manager, at [email protected].
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