PRC PATHWAYS

FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES

We had a busy month in May! We want to thank everyone for the opportunities to share information about the Seibel Visitation and Exchange Center during Supervisory Visitation Month. We had a number of people ask questions about our facility and program and what we do. Thank you to those that donated for treats and prizes: Hy-Vee, SPAM Museum, Sweet Reads, Steve’s Pizza, Godfather’s, Papa Murphy’s and Hot Off the Press.

We have Diaper Drives and Basic Needs Drives happening this summer! In the month of July, Sterling Bank of Austin will be hosting a Basic Needs Pantry Drive. Drop off Shampoo, Conditioner, soap, washcloths, toothpaste, shaving cream, etc. at Sterling Bank in one of the bins. In the month of August, St. John’s Lutheran Church will be hosting a Basic Needs Drive and Austin Congregational Church will be hosting a Diaper Drive. Diaper Sizes of Newborn, 1, 2, 4, and 6 are needed as well as wipes. You can also drop off donations at the Parenting Resource Center or donate online. Just click on our Amazon Wish List on our Website.

Have your children outgrown their clothes? We are looking for the following sizes: 3T, 4T, Youth XL. These sizes need both boys and girls tops and bottoms. We also need Girl Bottoms-size Medium (8-10) and Boy Bottoms-size Large (10-12). We also accept NEW packages of socks and underwear for all sizes 3T-Youth XL. All donated clothing MUST be laundered before it is donated to the Parenting Resource Center.

Contact Amber Mattson, Family Support Services Coordinator, if you have any questions. (familyservices@prc-austinmn.org)

WELCOME CENTER

Thank You for Joining Us at the World Refugee Day Inviting Table!

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our partners, volunteers, and community members who joined us for the recent World Refugee Day Inviting Table. Your presence and support made this celebration of culture, connection, and community truly meaningful.

A special thanks to the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council and to the voters of Minnesota, whose support through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, made possible by a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, helped bring this event to life.

One of the highlights of the evening was a vibrant and moving performance by the Karen and Karenni Mix Dance Group, who shared their rich cultural traditions through dance. We also enjoyed connecting with one another over delicious food and meaningful conversation.

Save the Date: Next Inviting Table – September 2025

We hope you’ll join us again this fall for a special Inviting Table in partnership with APEX Austin, as we celebrate 25 years of serving the community! This event will be part of the City of Austin’s Welcoming Week, which runs September 12–21, 2025.

Welcoming Week is a time for our local government and community organizations to come together and honor the spirit of inclusion and belonging alongside our newest neighbors. Keep an eye out in early September for the full schedule of Welcoming Week events.

If your business or organization is interested in hosting an event during Welcoming Week, please reach out to our Program Coordinator at:
📧 welcome.ctr@prc-austinmn.org

Coming in July: South Sudan Independence Day Celebration July 12 starting at 3pm

We’re excited to announce that the Welcome Center is partnering with South Sudan Women and Children’s Global Outreach to host a celebration in honor of South Sudan Independence Day!

📍 Community Action Building
🎶 Join us for an afternoon of food, music, and meaningful connections as we celebrate freedom and community together.

Thank you for being a part of this growing and welcoming community. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!

With gratitude,
— The Welcome Center of Austin Team

PREVENTION

APAC

In June, the Austin Positive Action Coalition (APAC) held the first Responsible Beverage Server Training of the year, educating local servers of alcohol and THC-infused spirits about the dangers of over serving and underage drinking, and strategies to maximize prevention efforts in their establishments.

Also, two prevention team members attended the Montana Summer Institute, learning data-based strategies for increasing capacity and strengthening community through the framework of the Science of the Positive.

The next APAC meeting is scheduled for July 30th from 12 – 1 p.m. at the Community Action Building in Austin. There is also an online option available for those unable to attend in-person. We look forward to continuing our important discussions and initiatives to improve and strengthen prevention efforts within the community.

STAND

Our youth coalition members performed outreach and prevention education during Austin’s 4th Ave. Fest, and provided free face painting for children and their families to help celebrate!

If you’re interested in learning more or becoming a member of APAC or STAND, please reach out to us at dfc@prc-austinmn.org.