Past Events

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.

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 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