360 Communities

Violence prevention and intervention programs include Lewis House domestic and sexual violence shelters, sexual assault services, community advocacy, and educational services. 360 Communities intervened to prevent violence and promote healthy relationships with 2,133 individuals, including 231 people who stayed in the Lewis House shelters, more than half of whom were children. Trained advocates provided emotional support, safety planning, court advocacy, and referrals for other resources. Community advocates are located in 10 law enforcement agencies, providing on-site services & resources to people experiencing violence. Violence prevention advocates give presentations, provide training, and host community engagement events to educate our community about domestic and sexual violence. 5,694 community members benefited from this work.

Three student success programs ensure children arrive at school ready to learn. The Child Care Aware program works with childcare providers, parents, and other community organizations to promote the availability, affordability, and quality of childcare services in Dakota County. Child Care Aware equipped 250 childcare providers with skills that improved childhood development for about 10,378 children. The Partners for Success program employs family support workers in 20 schools and five school districts to partner with educators and families. Family support workers implement effective home-based strategies to increase parental involvement, improve academic performance, and connect families to community resources. Partners for Success supported 1,114 K-12 students toward on-time graduation, helping 25 students graduate from high school. The Housing for Success program helps families identified by school districts as experiencing housing instability to identify and overcome their barriers to safe housing. Housing for Success stably housed 45 families, including 60 adults and 103 children.