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University of Minnesota Extension reports ARPA‑funded youth mental‑health work in Pine County
Summary
Extension staff summarized mental‑health and resilience programming funded by Pine County ARPA dollars, including school workshops, community paint‑along and calming‑room supplies; presenters said seed grants helped purchase training materials and modest prizes for an employee recognition program.
University of Minnesota Extension staff told Pine County commissioners about a multi‑year package of mental‑health and family‑resiliency programming funded in part by county ARPA dollars.
Mary Jo Katrice, program leader in the Department of Family Health and Well‑being for University of Minnesota Extension, said the county provided funding to support a “community‑first” approach that connected youth, parents, caregivers and community partners to strengthen mental‑wellness supports. Katrice described the work as holistic: “We put communities first,” she said, and explained Extension’s role as a statewide agency with local county partnerships.
Extension colleague Brianna (last name not specified in the transcript) described specific local activities supported by the funding: a community paint‑along and blanket‑making workshops at Mashakwita community center in Hinkley; a presentation series for Pine City School staff; multiple workshops and mindfulness sessions at Vision School; support for Native American Student Advisory (NASA) programs including drum groups and traditional crafts; and training for school and county staff.
Brianna said funds helped buy physical items and create calming spaces in schools: punching bags, large sensory lights, calming chairs and other self‑regulation tools. She said staff at Vision School also completed a multi‑day “mending broken hearts” training and some staff were trained to facilitate that work locally.
Extension reported a $1,500 seed grant from the Initiative Foundation to start an employee “kudos” recognition program (a separate HR item described at the meeting). The Extension presenters said the ARPA funds also allowed purchases of indigenous‑history books and classroom materials for four Pine County schools; they plan to donate those materials to schools in coming weeks.
Commissioners asked for data referenced in the presentation. Commissioner Ludwig asked how many youth participated in the Minnesota Student Survey cited by presenters; Katrice said the survey is a statewide instrument that “most schools opt into” and that she would provide county‑specific response counts later. Commissioners also asked whether Extension programs had included agriculture communities; Katrice said Extension’s agricultural educators have partnered on mental‑health outreach and suicide‑prevention programs.
Ending: Extension representatives said the work funded with county support is ongoing and that they will continue local programming and partner coordination; commissioners thanked presenters and requested follow‑up with Pine County‑specific survey counts and additional program details.
