Eden Prairie Schools Community Education
Family Resources Program Newsletter-February 2021
The coming month is full of opportunities to learn more and engage in our wonderful community. We hope you gain something new from this edition of the Family Resources Program e-Newsletter.

As always, please feel free to contact me with suggestions, events, or other content you would like included in the future e-newsletters.

Thank you for all the ways you open your hearts to help others in need in our community!
Reta Johnson, MSW
Community Resources Specialist
Eden Prairie Schools
Phone #952-975-7030
MYHEALTH CHILDREN'S DENTAL CLINIC: 2.24.21
A low cost dental care clinic will be offered at 15 8th Avenue South in Hopkins on February 24th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This clinic provides services for children from birth to age 26 years old and pregnant women. Services that are available are exams, x-rays, cleanings, fluoride, sealants, oral health education, fillings, crowns and extractions. Children's Dental accepts all forms of insurance and offers reduced cost care under an income based sliding fee scale. To set up an appointment, call 612-746-1530 and ask to have your appointment at the myHealth for teens and young adults location.
THE IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC ON STUDENTS' MENTAL HEALTH: 3.2.21
On Tuesday, March 2, from 4:00-5:30 p.m., the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is hosting a panel of professionals who will discuss students impacted by the pandemic returning to in-person learning. It's important for educators and parents to reflect on the impact of the pandemic, George Floyd's murder and ongoing racism on children and youth, to recognize the behaviors or symptoms teachers may see in the classroom, and to learn strategies to help children so they can cope and learn. Self-care tips will also be shared for teachers and caregivers. Register here for this upcoming webinar.
FOUNDATION FOR EDEN PRAIRIE SCHOOLS VIRTUAL RED & BLACK GALA: 3.13.21
Please join the Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools (FEPS) on Saturday, March 13, 2021 for its Virtual Red & Black Gala. The online event starts at 6:45 p.m. with Tom Butler, Fox9 News Anchor, sharing one of his favorite craft cocktail recipes and then will shift into a virtual game night focused on local trivia with prizes awarded. During the event, participants also will hear remarks from special honorees, and celebrate the 2021 Legacy Awards. The FEPS Legacy Awards were created in 2008 to honor teachers and school staff who have dedicated their careers to the success of their students, and recognize volunteers, alumni and community leaders who tirelessly work to keep our schools great. During the event, winners will be announced and all nominees will be recognized. “The Red & Black Gala is an opportunity for our community to come together in support of our Eden Prairie students,” said Lisa Sisinni, FEPS executive director. “Dollars raised reach Eden Prairie students of all ages and allow us to support our earliest learners as they prepare for kindergarten, provide STEM tools to enhance 21st century learning, and ensure we meet the social and emotional needs of our students. We invite the community to join us and be reminded of what makes our community and school district great.” In addition to the gala, the community also can support Eden Prairie students by bidding in the online silent auction. With items ranging from tickets and family passes to golf outings and gift cards, you are bound to find something that fits your interests and budget. The silent auction is open for bidding March 6th through 14th. New items are added daily and can be viewed anytime by visiting https://www.biddingforgood.com/feps, so check back often. To attend the Red & Black Gala and show your support for the amazing students, teachers and staff of our district, order your ticket today at https://www.biddingforgood.com/feps.
PROP COVID-19 PROCEDURES AND UPCOMING EMPTY BOWLS EVENT
PROP of Eden Prairie is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy food shelf for all. ALL PROP services ARE available at this time and conducted via phone. For example, in food operations clients now call in to order and pick up their food (prepared and perishable) that same day outside of PROP doors. To learn more about PROP’s COVID procedures, please view this video.
 
Want to help? Help keep the food shelf stocked by checking out the most needed food items, updated weekly at www.propfood.org, and donating! (For everyone’s safety, when you are dropping off food donations, please stay in your car and CALL our main office line at 952-937-9120 from the PROP parking lot. We will provide further instructions.)
 
Another way to support PROP? Participate in the 9th Annual Empty Bowls! This popular event returns as a virtual week-long event February 22-27 to raise awareness and funding to combat hunger in Eden Prairie and Chanhassen. "Every day, hundreds of our neighbors struggle to put food on their table. Food insecurity is one of the early indicators of family economic crisis and PROP's Empty Bowls event has always epitomized neighbors helping neighbors," says PROP's Executive Director, Janet Palmer.  
 
There’s something for everyone to enjoy during the Empty Bowls event!
  1. Take Home Bowl Kits -- make your very own bowls with a super easy, fun and beautiful Clay Bowl Kit from the EP Art Center. 
  2. Enjoy your soup, your way -- Enjoy soup (and anything else) at our "Restaurant of the Day"!
  3. Live Stream Benefit Concert -- Friday, February 26, 7pm. Enjoy a cozy evening of rich vocals and superb harmonies with "Food for the Soul" featuring the veteran stage and studio musicians of '2 Girls & A Boyd'. 
  4. Virtual BINGO Event -- February 27, 3-5pm. Classic games of BINGO all from the comfort of your own home!
  5. Random Acts of Kindness -- Surprise and delight someone today with a random act of kindness. Find a list of ideas at propfood.org.
  6. PROP's Virtual Open House -- Find out how a food shelf works and what your support really means! Schedule your personal tour by emailing [email protected] 
All proceeds from the virtual events go to PROP to help people in need. To sign up for an event or learn more, visit www.propfood.org .
COMMUNITY RESOURCE NAVIGATOR PROGRAM
Do you enjoy helping others and sharing knowledge with your family, friends, and neighbors? Eden Prairie Schools Family Resources Program has created a new way to share helpful information with community members through word of mouth communication. We are looking for a diverse group of Eden Prairie residents to become Community Resource Navigators. As a Navigator, you would participate in three trainings throughout 2021 to learn all about local programs and services. Then you will share this information with your specific cultural, linguistic, or neighborhood groups. To thank you, each Navigator can receive up to $225 in Target gift cards for participating. Learn more about becoming a Community Resources Navigator by contacting Reta Johnson at [email protected] or 952-975-7030.  
AFRICAN-AMERICAN CONNECTIONS SUPPORT GROUP
On Thursdays from 6:00-7:30 p.m., the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will be having a weekly support group for people in the African American community who live with a mental illness. The group is led by trained peer facilitators and is free to attend. To register, call 763-301-9940 or sign up here.
HUMAN RIGHTS AWARDS NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN
The Human Rights and Diversity Commission's Human Rights Awards are now accepting nominations through February 28, 2021. These awards are given to an outstanding individual, non-profit organization, youth and business who has worked to create an inclusive community spirit through actions, activities or programs. Visit the Human Rights Awards for more information or to nominate a candidate.
EVERY MEAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Every Meal has many upcoming openings for volunteer shifts to pack food bags. Social distancing and health and safety practices are in place. To sign up, visit volunteer with Every Meal. Every Meal provides Eden Prairie Schools with food bags for students through their weekend food support program. During the pandemic, Every Meal is currently providing 200,000 meals a month across 33 school districts to support students facing food insecurity.
Eden Prairie Schools | Community Education | 952.975.6940 | [email protected]