Eden Prairie Schools Community Education
Family Resources Program Newsletter-March 2021
It has been a little over a year now since the onset of Covid-19 in the United States. I remember thinking we all would just work from home for a couple of weeks, if our jobs allowed, and then return back to normal. We soon realized that Covid-19 would change so much of our lives and cost so much for so many people.

Many families that we see and work with have needed help and support the past year more then they ever have before. There has also been many families that have needed help and resources that have never had to reach out for support before.

Thank you for helping so many of your clients, students, families, co-workers, neighbors, and friends over the past year. My hope is that you have realized the importance of taking care of yourself as well, and how that allows you to better care for others. We may never be back to "normal," but when the time comes, we will have so much more of a deep appreciation for birthday parties, dinner out with friends, seeing a movie, hugging extended family, going to a concert, and even attending an actual work meeting face to face.
Reta Johnson, MSW
Community Resources Specialist
Eden Prairie Schools
Phone #952-975-7030
MYHEALTH CHILDREN'S DENTAL CLINIC: 4.7.21
A low cost dental care clinic will be offered at 15 8th Avenue South in Hopkins on April 7th 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 CITY OF EDEN PRAIRE RECYCLING DROP-OFF EVENT: 4.17.21
The City of Eden Prairie is providing several recycling opportunities for residents in 2021. The first recycling event of the year will be held at Eden Prairie Yard Waste Site located at 9811 Flying Cloud Drive on Saturday, April 17th from 8:30 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. At this event, residents will be able to recycle appliances, tires, power equipment, electronics, propane tanks and exercise equipment. This event is only open to Eden Prairie residents with valid ID for proof of residency. Residents should review this appliance, electronics, power equipment price list for accepted items and fees for each item.
NAMI GAME NIGHT: 4.30.21
Looking for a family-friendly, entertaining way to spend a Friday night? Then put the FUN back in FUNdraising with NAMI Minnesota on Friday, April 30th from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. for Game Night, presented by HealthPartners, an online event to support NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).
 

The evening will include a warm welcome from Sue Abderholden (NAMI Minnesota's Executive Director), a greeting from HealthPartners (Game Night's Presenting Sponsor), a mental health-themed scavenger hunt, a trivia contest, and a creative game that involves small group competition. Game show-themed costumes (or even just a silly hat) are encouraged but not required!

Tickets for Game Night are $25 per household (click here to register). Please reach out to [email protected] for more information.
EDEN PRAIRIE SCHOOLS FAMILY RESOURCES PROGRAM
The goal of the Family Resources Program is to connect Eden Prairie students, families, and residents to resources in and around our community. The Family Resources Specialist can answer questions about what services, activities, and programs are provided locally and by whom. The Family Resources Program also facilitates resource sharing by providing a community resource database, EP calendar of events, and monthly newsletter. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Family Resources Specialist Reta Johnson at 952-975-7030 or [email protected].
 
To learn more about all the Family Resources Program has to offer, please view this short video.

LOCAL YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS
Every child in Eden Prairie should have access to enriching activities. Our community has multiple programs to ensure children from low-income families can participate in art classes, sports, summer camps, music lessons, or other extracurriculars this summer and all year long. Below are links to programs offering discounts or scholarships to youth in need in Eden Prairie: 
HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARIES ELIMINATE ALL PAST AND FUTURE LATE FEES
As of March 10th, all Hennepin County Libraries (including Eden Prairie) have eliminated late fees from all accounts. There will be no fines for overdue books going forward. However, if a book is permanently lost, a replacement fee will be required. The elimination of late fees is to promote greater access to resources and equity for all patrons.
The Prop Shop (15195 Martin Dr.) has some urgent needs this month for their family services sector that allows families in need to access free clothing, necessities, and household items once a month. Right now, The Prop Shop could use girls and boys tennis shoes (toddler and youth sizes), girls and boys pajamas (2T-18), girls and boys spring jackets (2T to 18), boys spring tops (size 6-18), and activities for kids such as basketballs, soccer balls, board games, and craft project kits. If you are able to donate, you can do so during the no-contact drop-off donation hours of Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Eden Prairie Schools | Community Education | 952.975.6940 | [email protected]