RISE Program

Family & Children’s Center’s RISE (Resilience, Independence, Support, Engagement) Program provides mental health skill-based services to give at-risk youth in
Winona an opportunity to learn, grow, socialize and participate in opportunities to enrich their lives and discourage them from unhealthy and unlawful activities.

The program will also provide parents/caregivers the opportunity to learn skills to provide a safe, supportive and connected relationship with the youth in their care.

1. Increase school attendance and performance
2. Decrease illegal activities by at-risk youth
3. Increase caregiver/child relationship of at-risk youth

• Independent living skills
• Parent coaching
• Tutoring
• Group skills training
• Community involvement
• And more

1. Youth identified as at-risk or currently at truancy level attendance
2. Youth identified as being at risk of engaging in illegal activities
3. Caregivers identified as needing additional support to care for at-risk youth

Referrals can come from such entities as the Winona Area Public School, Winona County Health and Human Services, Winona County Probation and Parole, Winona County Court Services, Winona Health, Emplify Health (formerly known as Gundersen Health System) and any other community entity of related interest.

Monday through Friday
2:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Darci Roesler, Program Coordinator, at droesler@fccnetwork.org or (507) 615-3117 ext. 53117

• As of the 2022-23 school year, over a quarter of U.S. students in kindergarten through 12th-grade missed a month or more of the school year. This is nearly double the number of students who were chronically absent before the COVID-19 pandemic!
• Mental health conditions, like anxiety or depression, are common reasons for absences. Young people who experience bullying or an unwelcoming school
  climate are also more likely to miss school.
  (Above information from healthychildrens.org)
• Children who fail to attend school are more likely to become involve in other negative and illegal activities that severely limit later opportunities in life.
  (Above information from sternscountymn.gov)

The RISE program provides a supportive framework for youth facing mental health challenges, offering tailored services designed to equip them with effective coping skills. Through workshops, individual counseling, and peer support, participants learn strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues, enabling them to regain confidence and facilitate their return to school. By fostering resilience and emotional well-being, RISE aims to empower young individuals to thrive academically and personally. Replacing illegal activities with healthy alternatives can be effectively achieved by encouraging individuals to explore new hobbies that promote personal growth, creativity, and social interaction. Engaging in activities such as painting, hiking, sports, or music can provide a constructive outlet for energy and emotions, fostering a sense of accomplishment and community. Additionally, joining clubs or groups centered on these hobbies can enhance social connections, create accountability, and support overall well-being, steering individuals away from negative influences and towards a more fulfilling, positive lifestyle. Parents who are actively involved in their child’s life provide essential support and guidance that fosters emotional, social, and cognitive development. Their engagement helps build strong relationships, instills security, and encourages positive behaviors and academic achievement, all of which contribute significantly to a child’s overall growth and well-being.