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University of Minnesota Extension outlines ARPA-funded youth mental‑health work in Pine County
Summary
Extension program leaders told county commissioners that ARPA funds supported multi‑generational mental‑health programs — school trainings, community events and recovery partnerships — and asked the board to sustain support as demand grows.
Mary Jo Katras, program leader in family health and well‑being at the University of Minnesota Extension, told the Pine County Board that ARPA funding allowed the Extension to expand youth and family mental‑health programming across the county.
"We put communities first," Katras said, describing a multi‑generational approach that pairs youth education with parent, elder and caregiver outreach. Katras said the initiative funded school trainings, the COMET social‑emotional curriculum, and partnerships with family resource centers to deliver RentWise and financial capability workshops.
Brianna, a colleague who led several county activities, detailed community events paid for with the funding: a community paint‑along in Hinckley, blanket‑making sessions, school presentations for Indigenous Peoples Day across four Pine County schools, and trauma‑informed workshops for local staff. She said the work included creating calming rooms and sensory tools for Vision School and training some staff to facilitate ongoing programs.
"When we can build relationships, we can have healing," Brianna said, describing classroom mindfulness, talking circles and a series of workshops that drew parents and caregivers as well as students. The presenters said the Extension also used the Minnesota Student Survey and other statewide sources for planning and offered to follow up with county‑specific participation figures on request.
Commissioners praised the local partnerships and asked for data on how many Pine County youth participated in the cited surveys and events. Katras agreed to provide county‑level numbers on request and reiterated that the Extension will continue offering services beyond this one‑time ARPA funding.
The presentation occupied the board’s main discussion slot; no formal action or vote was taken at the meeting. Commissioners thanked the presenters and encouraged continued collaboration with local schools and recovery organizations.
