You may not know about FamilyWise, but you should! FamilyWise is an incredible, local nonprofit that helps children and families from all walks of life who are in crisis or experiencing difficult times.

FamilyWise has been keeping children safe and helping families lead stable, healthy and productive lives since 1976.

Through education, skill building and coaching, we help families who are struggling with complex challenges, such as poverty, family violence, drug and alcohol abuse and homelessness.

Last year, more than 2,000 of our community’s most vulnerable individuals turned to FamilyWise for help. Over 1,000 of these were children.

About 90% of our families live below the poverty line and two-thirds are from communities of color.

At FamilyWise we believe that every child deserves the same chance at life, whatever their economic or ethnic background may be.

Our programs vary, but the end result is the same. We take complex problems that affect families and work with them to create solutions that will sustain them throughout their lives.

Our Programs Parenting Education Supervised Visitation & Safe Exchanges Wraparound First Step Early Childhood Education Center Bright Beginnings Young Parent Services

We know that great parents aren’t born, they’re taught. That’s why Parent Education is a part of everything we do. Giving parents the tools to be effective parents significantly improves children’s chances for a better future. We work one-on-one with parents in their home or other community-based settings to create a safe, nurturing home environment.

FamilyWise is the largest provider of Supervised Visitation & Safe Exchanges in the state. We provide a safe, neutral place for families to come together during difficult child custody situations, as well as in cases of family separation or family violence. We also increase safety for adults by limiting the opportunities for conflict.

The goal of Wraparound is to prevent kids with significant mental health issues from ending up in residential treatment or correctional facilities. Our staff brings together both family supports and professionals to work on a unified plan, goal by goal. The process doesn’t fix a family; it teaches them how to manage their own crises. We are the only credentialed program in the Twin Cities and one of only a couple in the state.

First Step, our nationally-accredited childcare center, gives kids the foundation for a life of learning and prepares parents to support learning. Kids who aren’t ready often feel a sense of failure in school, which perpetuates their learning issues and increases their risk for dropping out. First Step is open for all children ages 6 weeks to 5 years and is recognized with the Parent Aware Four Star Rating!

Parenting can be tough–especially for young moms and dads who haven’t had positive role models themselves. Our Bright Beginnings Young Parent Services gives pregnant or parenting moms and dads the tools to become the best parents they can be. We provide parent and health education, life skills, and group support. For those who wish, a caring volunteer mentor is matched with them for additional support.

Volunteer with us! We have one-time, on-going, group and individual opportunities! “Volunteering at FamilyWise opened my eyes to a whole new world where children and families from all walks of life are treated with dignity and respect. It made me feel good to know that I was contributing in a meaningful way to the greater good.”

Each year, more than 50 interns work in our programs while pursuing their degrees; gaining hands-on experience while helping our families achieve their goals. Interns are an integral part of our work and come from more than 20 area colleges and universities.

Ways to Get Involved Share your professional experience Adopt-a-Family Serve on our Board of Directors Donate! Especially during “Give to the Max Day” Become a Mentor

Where does the money come from to run FamilyWise? Just like our families, we do a lot with a little. While FamilyWise receives funding from United Way and government contracts, we also rely on donations from individuals and companies.

Our annual Keep Kids Safe Golf Classic and other fundraising events bring in much-needed funding to serve more children and families. We also have fun and engage corporate volunteers!

About FamilyWise $2 Million Annual Operating Budget 45 Full & Part-Time Staff 12 Board of Directors (Volunteers) 300+ Volunteers & Interns each year Serves the 7 County Metro Area and the Homeless

Why FamilyWise? We’re in the business of preserving families. We know that parents love their children and want the best for them, but sometimes life’s challenges get in the way and families need help to get through the hard times. That’s why FamilyWise is here now and for families to come…because we all need help sometimes.

We encourage you to tell your friends and family about FamilyWise! Please follow us on and LinkedIn and “like” us at Facebook.com/FamilyWiseServices.

To learn more about services and ways to get involved, visit FamilyWiseServices.org