April 28, 2022

Avoiding Scammers: learn to protect yourself and your money

Paul Talbot, Investigator, Anoka County Attorney's office and Travis Volk, Lead Detective for Fridley Police Department presented on different scams that target seniors, different tactics and strategies scammers use and what to do when you've been scammed

November 17, 2020

Building an Alliance: Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Makes a Difference

Shauna Feine, Senior Training Coordinator for Proof Alliance presented on common myths surrounding drinking during pregnancy, common symptoms associated with FASD and interventions and strategies to support individuals and families impacted. We also heard from mothers of children with FASD who shared stories of facing stigma, building resilience and finding hope.

February 7, 2019

Putting Compassion Into Action

Jaime McKenzie, Senior Program Manager for Social Responsibility at UnitedHealthcare spoke about how UnitedHealthcare is doing good in the commununity with their Do good. Live Well initiative and the effects of how volunteering is good for you.

February 15, 2018

Innovative and Collaborative Programs Engaging Youth in Anoka County

Five panelists presented on the different programs offered to youth in Anoka County. 

February 16, 2017

The Heroin/Opioid Addiction Crisis: A Community Response

Sheriff James Stuart, Sherriff of Anoka County, spoke about the opioid addiction crisis in Anoka County. He was joined by James Stuart, FBI Counsel Jeffery Van Nest & The Jakes Sake Foundation. They spoke about what is being done locally to address this crisis.

November 4, 2021

Restorative Practices: Turning Harm into Healing

Brandon Wait, LSC, Executive Director, Paladin High School presented on Trauma and how it can impact behavior. He also provided tips on ways to apply restorative practices. 

Sam Bahr, MA, Lead Therapist, Lee Carlson Center presented on Trauma from a mental health lens.

Maria Guidarelli, MSW, LGSW at Main Street Family Services, Leader- Connect Elk River presented on her teen group-Connect-which focuses on reducing the impact of ACES by fostering connections to supportive adults and giving teens a sense of belonging

October 24, 2019

Secondary Trauma: Building Resilience in Times of High Stress

Dave Mathews, licensed therapist and program manager with People Incorporated presented on Secondary Trauma. Attendees learned what Secondary Trauma is, awareness and signs that may indicate someone is struggling with the impact of Secondary Trauma and tools for building personal resiliency. Renee Rosenberg, EMS Operations Supervisor and Joan Mellor, Director External Affairs with Allina Health Emergency Medical Services spoke about what Allina is doing to help their first responders deal with secondary trauma. 

October 4, 2018

Homelessness: Realities & Resources

Johnna Krantz, Program Director of Stepping Stone Emergency Housing & Chair of Heading Home Anoka, Michele Reid, Housing Program Coordinator with Anoka County, Sue Rosendahl, Lead Social Worker with The Salvation Army and Tnanita Hatley, Youth Support Program Manager with the YMCA presented on the realities of homelessness in Anoka County and provided information on resources available.

October 5, 2017

Domestic Violence: Myths & Realities

Connie Moore, Executive Director of Alexander House and Jess Cheney, Community Education Coordinator at Alexandra House spoke about domestic violence.

September 27, 2016

Restorative Justice Practices: Transforming our Community

Nancy Riestenberg, Restorative Justice Specialist, presented on how Restorative Justice practices in the Education setting can help serve as transferable skills in healing our community.  This event was held at the City of Fridley Municipal Center

May 13, 2021

Overcoming Isolation: Caring for ourselves and the seniors in our lives

Jill Agyekum, Coordinator for the Anoka County Family Caregiver Connection presented on Overcoming Isolation and provided self care tips. 

Patty Nelson, True North Health Coaching led a laughing yoga session

Matthew Lindberg, Lee Carlson Center for Mental Health & Well-being lead a session on Mindfulness

May 2, 2019

Hunger in Minnesota

Coleen Moriarty, Executive Director, Hunger Solutions spoke on what progress Hunger Solutions is doing to end hunger in Minnesota. Four panelists from Anoka County - Annabelle Budde, Executive Director of NACE Food Shelf, Jeff Lundgren, Executive Director of North Metro Pediatrics, Sonja Traisci, Anoka County Economic Assistance, and Jessica Jasurda, Homeless Liaison with Anoka-Hennepin Schools also spoke about what their organizations are doing to fight hunger in Anoka County.

May 3, 2018

Religious Differences, Common Bonds

John Emery, Speaker for the Islamic Resource Group, Asma Mohammed Nizami, Program Manager for the Reviving The Islamic Sisterhood for Empowerment (RISE) and Kausar Hussain, Board President, Islamic Center of Minnesota presented on the basic tentants of Islam and the religious practices performed by practicing Muslims.

May 18, 2017

School Based Mental Health in MN: What We've Learned and Where We're Going

Dr. Mark Sander, Director of School Mental Health, Hennepin County and Minneapolis Public Schools spoke about how the school mental health movement in Minnesota is impacting students and families in the Anoka County Community