Staff from U.S. Senator Tina Smith tour, learn about the impact of Family & Children’s Center in Winona and surrounding communities

WINONA, Minn. – Family & Children’s Center (FCC) leadership welcomed members of U.S. Senator Tina Smith to the organization’s Franklin Street offices on Tuesday, May 30.  The visit by Sarah Sandgren, Health & Aging Outreach Director and Jeanne Poppe, Southern Minnesota Outreach Director gave Karrie Hahn, Director of Minnesota Programs; Leah Morken, PhD, Clinical Director; and Danielle Swedberg, Matty’s Place and Stepping Stones Program Coordinator the opportunity to showcase services we provide to families and children in the Southern Minnesota region.

“FCC provides a continuum of services designed to strengthen families and promote individual well-being,” said Karrie Hahn, Director of Minnesota Programs. “It is important for policymakers to hear first-hand from providers what families and children are experiencing with mental health concerns so they can help change policy.”

During the visit, Sangren and Poppe toured the various spaces of the Family & Children’s Center offices located at 601 Franklin Street in Winona, including outpatient therapy space, Matty’s Place, Safe Visitation, and Day Treatment facilities.   Staff addressed the many ways FCC supports community members, including the recent expansion of the Healthy Families program into Winona County.

“It is an opportunity to talk to policymakers about the mental health needs we are seeing in this region and the barriers providers are facing when trying to help families in need,” said Hahn.