Shannon Fiecke of the Shakopee Valley News reports:
The room was abuzz as members of a cross-section of churches and nonprofits met, many for the first time, with local government leaders last week at Friendship Church in Shakopee.
They heard the story of a local teen, whose mother was incarcerated, struggling to find direction as she left the foster care system.
In need of dental work that Medical Assistance wouldn't provide, a social worker put out a request for help. A local dentist volunteered to fix an unsightly tooth, and asked the young woman to volunteer 20 to 25 hours at his office in exchange.
Besides the self-esteem boost from her improved appearance, the young woman has now applied to college, planning to major in dental hygiene.
Her story illustrates how a new collaborative called Families and Individuals Sharing Hope (FISH) is stepping in to meet needs that the government can't fulfill for Scott County families.
"We're in incredible awe of the work this network has done," said Scott County child-protection worker Suzanne Arntson, whose office has been energized by the involvement of local faith congregations.
For the past year, a leadership team has been collaborating to enable local charities and government agencies to work together to help people in need. They are creating an external website to advertise FISH, with an internal site where organizations can connect and trade information.
A wide range of charities and churches came together for the first time last Thursday in what will become a monthly meeting for them to meet one another and for learning sessions. Their first presentation focused on resources available for helping returning military personnel.
FISH is meant to draw on the strengths of each organization while also filling the gaps left by private agencies and county government. The timing seems perfect.
"We know people are running to the government more than ever," said Friendship Church Pastor Mike Golay.
Government workers and the CAP Agency are overwhelmed, he said, while faith organizations and nonprofits have an army of people wanting to help.
"FISH is about trying to bridge those to worlds," he said.
Churches hope to offer what government can't provide - in particular, mentorship and the personal touch of neighbors helping neighbors.
Although still in its infancy stage, FISH has already made a world of difference to a mother who fled an abusive relationship and landed in Scott County with two young children and nothing but the clothes on their backs.
A social worker got an apartment for them to live in and put out a request to the FISH network on a Thursday for further help. By Monday morning, the family was offered everything it needed - from professional clothes for mom to toys, diapers and formula for the children. A group of friends brought a truckload of household furniture.
"The community embraced her, when she wasn't even from here," Arnston said. "It brought the mom to tears, and she's asking how she can give back to the community."
Shannon Fiecke is a staff writer for the Shakopee Valley News. She can be reached at sfiecke@swpub.com.
Get involved:
Does your nonprofit or church want to join others in helping the community? Contact FISH Chairman David Cuthill at (952) 221-1139 for details.