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ANO'K.A COUNTY
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<br />• substance use problems
<br />• mental health problems
<br />• instability due to parental separation or household members being in jail or prison
<br />According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ACEs are linked to chronic health problems,
<br />mental illness, and substance use problems in adulthood. ACEs can also negatively impact education, job
<br />opportunities, and earning potential. However, ACEs can be prevented.
<br />ACCFC emphasizes a strength -based approach, according to Laura Seifert-Hertling, ACCFC co-chair and
<br />director of Special Services for the Fridley School District.
<br />"Since 1994, the Anoka County Children and Family Council has been all about collaboration to build on
<br />what's working and address what can be improved," Seifert-Hertling said.
<br />This work is being led by the ACCFC, whose members include Anoka County, Anoka County Community
<br />Action Program, non -profits (Alexandra House, Emma B. Howe YMCA, Lee Carlson Center, Lord of Life
<br />Lutheran Church, Neighborhood HealthSource — North Metro Clinic, and The Enitan Story), parent
<br />representatives, and seven school districts (Anoka -Hennepin, Centennial, Columbia Heights, Forest Lake,
<br />Fridley, Spring Lake Park, and St. Francis). Other community service providers also attend and participate
<br />in meetings.
<br />The Community Conversations are part of a process, outlined by the Minnesota Department of Human
<br />Services, to help the ACCFC partner with individuals and agencies to prevent adverse childhood and
<br />community experiences, to heal, and to build community resilience.
<br />Individual interviews also are occurring with a variety of people to gather insights about struggles children
<br />and families face in the county, observations about community strengths, and suggestions for
<br />improvements.
<br />Information gleaned through interviews and the Community Conversations will be reviewed alongside
<br />other local data to create a plan for preventing or reducing adverse childhood and community
<br />experiences, to be implemented in 2022 and beyond.
<br />Christine Cole, collaborative coordinator for the Anoka County Children and Family Council, encourages
<br />participation in the Oct. 27 Community Conversations from youth, parents, seniors, service providers, and
<br />community leaders.
<br />"I feel fortunate to be part of a caring community in Anoka County," Cole said. "I also know when we work
<br />together, we can come up with ways to further strengthen our community and help each other thrive."
<br />To learn more about this project, contact Jill Brown, project consultant, at JiII JiII rownPR.com.
<br />-30-
<br />Rum River Human Services Center, 3300 4th Ave. Building #9, Anoka, MN 55303
<br />Phone: 763-324-1289 Email: Christine.Cole@co.anoka.mn.us
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