Frequently Asked Questions

Family Resource Centers are open to families in the community. Parents, caregivers, grandparents, relatives and other adults caring for children can come for support. Some programs or services may have specific eligibility requirements, but you can contact the Family Resource Center to learn what is available to you.

No. Family Resource Centers are designed to be accessible to families without requiring a referral. You can reach out yourself and ask about available resources, programs or support.

Many Family Resource Center services and activities are free or available at no cost to families. Some resources offered through community partners may have their own eligibility requirements or costs. Staff can help you understand your options.

Support varies by location and community needs, but may include: Help finding food, clothing and other basic-needs resources Help finding housing and financial resources Parenting information and support Child development information Support with children's social and emotional needs Connections to health and mental health resources Child care and early-learning resources Help navigating community and county services Support groups, workshops and family activities Connections to culturally specific and community-based organizations Information about other programs that may be available to your family You do not have to know exactly what you need before you come in. A Family Resource Center can help you figure out where to start.

Yes. Resource navigation is an important part of Family Resource Center services. Staff can listen to what you are looking for and help connect you with appropriate community organizations, county services and other supports. For example, you might come in looking for help with food and leave with information about food programs, child care assistance, health care, parenting support and another resource that fits your situation.

Absolutely. You do not need to have a major problem or a specific service in mind. You can stop in to ask a question, learn about programs, meet other families or find out what resources are available in your neighborhood.

No. You are in the driver's seat. Family Resource Centers are voluntary. Staff can provide information, help you explore options and connect you with resources, but you decide what support is right for you and your family.

That's okay. You can start with something as simple as: “I'm not sure what I need. Can you help me figure it out?” A Family Resource Center can help you identify your goals, explore options and connect with resources that may be useful.

Yes. Parenting can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging. Family Resource Centers may offer parenting information, education, groups, activities and connections to other parenting supports. You can seek support for everyday parenting questions as well as more challenging situations involving behavior, routines, relationships, school or family changes.

Yes. Family Resource Centers can connect families with information and resources related to children's development, learning and well-being. Depending on the location and available programs, this may include developmental information, early-learning resources, parenting education and connections to specialized services.

Yes. Family Resource Centers can help families identify resources for basic needs such as food, clothing, housing, transportation, financial assistance and other necessities. The specific resources available vary by location.

You can still come to a Family Resource Center. Staff can listen to your concerns and help you identify appropriate resources and supports. This might include parenting support, community programs, school-based resources, mental health services or other specialized assistance. If your family needs immediate crisis support, staff can also help you identify the appropriate crisis resource. For an immediate emergency, call 911.

You can still use a Family Resource Center. An FRC can provide additional community connections and resources. It can also help you find supports that complement the services you are already receiving. Family Resource Center participation is voluntary.

You can still ask about Family Resource Center resources. Family Resource Centers are intended to provide supportive, community-based connections for families. Staff can help you identify resources that may support your family's goals. If you have questions about a specific county case, a Family Resource Center can help you identify the appropriate person or program to contact.

Simply visiting a Family Resource Center does not mean you are applying for a county service. The FRC is a place to get information, connections and voluntary support. If you choose to pursue another program, that program may have its own application and eligibility requirements. If you have questions about how a particular program works, ask the FRC staff before providing information or applying.

You can ask questions and learn about resources without assuming that you need to share everything about your family. If a specific service requires information to determine eligibility or make a referral, staff can explain what information is needed and why. Ask staff about privacy and information-sharing practices for the particular service you are considering.

Family Resource Centers work with community partners to make resources accessible to the families they serve. Language access and interpretation options may vary by location and program. If you prefer to communicate in a language other than English, let staff know when you contact the center.

Family Resource Centers are intended to reflect the communities they serve. Our FRC model as community-based, with services and resources shaped by local community needs. Staff and community partners may provide culturally specific resources and connections.

Yes. Family support is not limited to mothers or parents. Fathers, grandparents, relatives, foster caregivers and other adults involved in raising children may find resources and support at an FRC.

This depends on the specific location and activity. Some Family Resource Center activities are designed for children and caregivers together, while others may be intended primarily for adults. Check with your local FRC about the activity you are interested in.

Many Family Resource Center services are designed to be accessible without a formal referral, and some locations offer drop-in support. Hours, appointment requirements and available services vary by location. Check your local Family Resource Center's page before visiting.

Usually, you can start by simply bringing yourself and your questions. If you are applying for a specific program or benefit, you may need additional information or documents. Staff can tell you what is needed for that particular service.

You can expect a welcoming conversation. A staff member may ask what brought you in, what you are looking for and what is important to your family. Together, you can identify possible resources or next steps. You do not have to commit to a program simply because you ask about it.

That's fine. You can use the Family Resource Center for a single question, a one-time connection to a resource or ongoing support. There is no requirement to participate in everything the center offers.

That is exactly why resource navigation is part of the FRC model. Staff can help you identify other organizations, programs or services that may be a better fit for your needs. The goal isn't necessarily to provide every service in one place. The goal is to help families find the right support.

Family Resource Centers are being developed in communities throughout Hennepin County. South Minneapolis Family Resource Center 1527 East Lake Street Minneapolis, MN 55407 Open Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

A Family Resource Center (FRC) is a welcoming, community-based place where families can find support, information, connections and resources. You do not have to wait until your family is in crisis to visit. You can come with a question, a concern, a goal, or simply because you would like to connect with other families and learn what is available in your community. Family Resource Centers in Hennepin County are designed to help families build on their strengths, connect with resources and get support that fits their needs.