Rooted in African American traditions. Built for Healing. Centered in Community.
Who This Program Is For?
The Family Healing & Empowerment Program supports families living in South Minneapolis who may benefit from additional support in areas such as:
Parenting and caregiver support
Youth development and family relationships
Emotional and behavioral wellness
Housing and financial navigation
Access to public benefits and community resources
The program takes a Whole Family Model approach, meaning services are designed to support the entire family system, including caregivers and youth.
A Powerful 10-Week Experience
Over 10 weeks, families participate in a guided process designed to produce lasting impact. Week 1 Family Welcome & Orientation Weeks 2–3 Whole Family Assessment Weeks 3–4 Family Healing & Empowerment Plan Development Weeks 4–9 Parenting support, youth engagement, and resource navigation Week 5 Midpoint Family Review Week 10 Program Completion & Celebration Families who complete the program receive a $500 completion stipend in recognition of their commitment and participation.
Our Whole Family Model
Healing doesn’t happen in isolation. Our Whole Family Model recognizes that families are interconnected systems. When communication improves, when trauma is addressed, when practical needs are stabilized — the entire household grows stronger. We focus on:
Strengthening relationships
Building emotional resilience
Addressing root causes — not just symptoms
Supporting both practical stability and cultural identity
This is healing that lasts.
Parenting Education & Family Empowerment We offer Afrocentric, strength-based parenting education and coaching. These sessions focus on:
strengthening communication between caregivers and youth
building parenting confidence
supporting youth development
addressing intergenerational trauma
strengthening family relationships
The parenting component is rooted in Afrocentric Parenting and Family Empowerment principles, which emphasize cultural identity, community strength, and intergenerational wisdom.
Housing & Benefits Navigation
In addition to family support services, families will receive housing and benefits navigation support to help connect them with stabilizing resources.
Program staff may assist families with access to:
SNAP (food support)
Medical Assistance
SSI / SSDI benefits
Rental assistance programs
Housing stabilization resources
These services help families address immediate needs while building a pathway toward long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
Cultural Identity & Ancestral Knowledge
The program also includes ancestral knowledge and cultural identity programming, which helps strengthen family identity and intergenerational connection. Families participate in activities that explore:
cultural history and heritage
intergenerational storytelling
family legacy building
community pride and identity
These experiences help families reconnect with cultural strengths while fostering healing and resilience.
Ready to Take the First Step? Healing does not have to wait. Stability does not have to feel out of reach. If your family lives in South Minneapolis and is ready for meaningful support, here’s what happens next:
Step 1: Submit an Application or Referral. Complete the online interest form or call our office. You may self-refer or be referred by a school, community partner, or service provider.
Step 2: We Contact You Within 48 Hours. A member of our team will reach out to learn more about your family’s needs and answer your questions.
Step 3: Schedule Your Intake. Intake appointments are scheduled within 3–5 business days based on your availability.
Step 4: Begin the 10-Week Journey once enrolled, your family begins a structured, guided process designed to create lasting change — together.
Sponsored by the Minnesota Dept of Human Services (DHS), the program is facilitated by Friendship Community Services (FCS) in collaboration with Yes We Can Community Services (YWCCS), combining community-based leadership with culturally responsive clinical expertise to provide holistic support for families.