FEBRUARY 2026
PRC PATHWAYS
Your monthly guide to Family Support, Community Resources, and Positive Action!
As February begins, we’re excited to share the latest program updates, uplifting stories, and opportunities to stay connected and involved. Thank you for being part of the work to support and strengthen our community.
OUR CORE PILLARS
FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES
January has been a busy month for Family Services. There have been some great opportunities to meet with community partners to assess the needs in our community for parent education. I have met with Austin’s Community Ed Coordinator Teri Wermager and Nina Blazevic, the Lead worker at DHS to better understand where our focus should be in creating parenting classes. We had the DHS workers complete a survey so we could find out what topics they think their families could benefit from. I have been in touch with Drew Szyszkowski, Inmate Programs and Services representative from the Mower County Jail. We will be discussing getting parenting classes for inmates in the very near future.
On January 17th we participated in the Pre-school Showcase sponsored by Austin Aspires. We gave every child/family a book, they could play Roll-A-Snowman and we sent home a Build a Snowman Kit. In addition to Austin Aspires, there were 7 preschools and 13 other organizations/programs involved.
Everyone I have talked to is very excited about getting classes started in the community. The need is great and we are excited to get things started. We will be offering a “Parenting Your Pre-Schoolers”, a four session Parent/Child class, in Lyle, starting February 16. Raising Resilient Kids regarding elementary kids will be offered in Grand Meadow and Lyle in March.
SEIBEL CENTER
As we begin a new year, The Seibel Center reflects the dedication, professionalism, and care demonstrated by supervised visitation providers and partners over the past year. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone in our community whose commitment and collaboration continue to support the safety and well-being of the children and families we serve.
Over the past year, our center navigated increasingly complex family dynamics while maintaining safe, neutral, and structured environments. The Seibel Center remains committed to ethical practices and established standards that prioritize child safety, neutrality, and respect for all parties. Neutrality does not mean overlooking concerning behaviors, including abuse or violence, but responding in an informed and professional manner.
Ongoing training, collaboration, and shared engagement are essential to this work. Together, these efforts strengthen our collective ability to support families during challenging transitions.
As we move forward, The Seibel Center reaffirms its commitment to high-quality supervised visitation and exchange services and to the professionals who make this work possible.
We wish you a safe, healthy, and productive year ahead.
The Seibel Center Team
WELCOME CENTER
The start of the year has brought a steady increase in families visiting the Welcome Center for support. Recently, our team has helped many community members complete job applications, apply for medical assistance and food support, and navigate important forms and online processes.
Even during quieter event months, daily support services remain active as families work toward stability and new opportunities in the year ahead. Our staff continues to connect individuals with resources and provide assistance so community members can access the services they need.
An update regarding our February Inviting Table event can be found at the end of this newsletter.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call the Welcome Center at 507-437-8330
PREVENTION
As the new Prevention program takes shape, January’s focus has been on establishing initiatives and programs that promote health and help alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) prevention efforts for families and youth across Mower County. Also, the Prevention team has been researching and applying for various federal, state, and local funding opportunities. Securing these funds is crucial to the long-term success of not only the program, but to ensuring a healthy, safe, and drug-free Mower County.
The Austin Positive Action Coalition (APAC) continues to meet monthly. At the most recent meeting, the coalition discussed the Prevention program and how it and APAC can work together to foster positive change in our communities. If you would like to be part of this process, the next meeting is scheduled for February 25th 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. Or, if you’d prefer to share your insights directly with the PRC, email dfc@prc-austinmn.org.
Students Taking a New Direction (STAND), a group of youth coalition members, celebrated Dia de Reyes (Three Kings Day) with a traditional Rosca de Reyes. They also crafted recruitment posters and began establishing an activities and events calendar for the rest of the school year. Two STAND groups operate in the Austin area (one at Austin High School and one at Ellis Middle School). To find meeting dates, locations, and times, please reach out at the address below.
If you’re interested in submitting health/prevention initiative ideas,
learning more about APAC or STAND, or becoming a member? Want to start a STAND group in your community? We can help! Reach out to us at dfc@prc-austinmn.org.
With Gratitude and Looking Ahead
We want to inform our community that our February Inviting Table event, which was planned as a Lunar New Year celebration, has been canceled. This decision was not made lightly, but due to current circumstances, we felt it was the best choice at this time.
We are incredibly grateful to the donors and partners who supported this event. Although the gathering will not take place, your generous support will help strengthen future PRC events and initiatives that continue creating welcoming spaces for our community.
Thank you for your understanding and for your continued support. We look forward to celebrating together at a future event.
-The PRC Team
