Main Street Family Services

FRC Office Hours- Liberty
2025-12-18 13:30 - 16:30, 2025-12-22 13:30 - 16:30, 2025-12-29 13:30 - 16:30, 2026-01-05 13:30 - 16:30, 2026-01-08 13:30 - 16:30, 2026-01-12 13:30 - 16:30, 2026-01-15 13:30 - 16:30, 2026-01-19 08:00 - 17:00 UTC and 5 more dates | Liberty Elementary, 17901 205th Ave NW, Big Lake, MN, 55309, United States
The Main Street Family Resource Center is a welcoming and supportive hub dedicated to strengthening families and building a healthier, more connected community. We provide free access to essential resources, services, and programs that meet the unique needs of families in our area. From basic needs support like food, housing, and clothing assistance to parenting classes, mental health services, and peer support groups, we’re here to help families thrive. Whether you’re seeking guidance, connection, or opportunities for growth, the Family Resource Center is a place where all families are valued and supported—every step of the way!
The Family Resource Center is located in the ECFE/Community Education office in Rm. 103. Individuals are asked to check in at the front reception area upon arrival. Office hours are Mondays/Thursday 1:30pm-4:30pm. Additional appointments are available upon request.
Families are also welcome to inquire on our website at the following LINK or by calling 612-473-1079.

Kinship Navigator Assistance
2025-12-18 13:30 - 16:30, 2026-01-15 13:30 - 17:30 | Liberty Elementary, 17901 205th Ave NW, Big Lake, MN, 55309, United States
Kinship Navigator Assistance

The Minnesota Kinship Navigator Program supports those caring for children of relatives or close family friends. The program connects caregivers with resources and services to support the children and themselves.

The kinship care program was created to support relatives and close family friends raising a child who isn’t their own. The program helps caregivers access legal, financial, emotional, and community support—whether they’re caring for the child informally, through child welfare, or with a legal arrangement.
The goal is to connect families to the services and support they need to thrive.
Kinship caregivers take on a big responsibility — and they shouldn’t have to do it alone. The program is here to help families:

Stay financially stable
Find trusted support in their communities
Get connected to services like health care, food, housing, and child care.

When: 3rd Thursdays from 1:30pm-4:30pm
Where: Main Street Family Resource Center- Big Lake
Liberty Elementary
17901 205th Ave NW, Big Lake, MN 55309

FRC Office Hours- Liberty
2025-12-22 13:30 - 16:30 | Main Street Family Services, 400 Jackson Ave NW Suite 106, Elk River, MN, 55330, United States

Noon Years Eve Celebration
2025-12-31 10:00 - 12:00 | Elk River Library, 13020 Orono Pkwy, Elk River, MN, 55330, United States
🎉✨ Noon Year’s Eve Family Celebration! ✨🎉

Say goodbye to 2024 and hello to 2025 — before bedtime! 🕛Join Main Street Family Resource Center at the Elk River Library on Tuesday, December 31st from 10:00am–12:00pm for a morning full of family fun and festive cheer!
🎨 Get creative with New Year’s crafts🎲 Enjoy games and activities for all ages🎵 Dance and sing along to fun music🎊 Join us for our 12:00pm Noon Countdown to ring in the new year with confetti and smiles!
This free, family-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate together, make new memories, and connect with other families in our community. Come ready to play, create, and celebrate!
The event is free but we ask families to register for this event as space is limited. Register below!
Noon Year’s Eve Celebration – Fill out form

Fun with First Steps
2026-01-07 10:00 - 13:00 | Main Street Family Services, 400 Jackson Ave NW Suite 106, Elk River, MN, 55330, United States
🎄✨ Fun with First Steps – Holiday Edition! ✨🎄
Join us on Wednesday, January 7th 10:00am-1:00pm at the Family Resource Center for some festive family fun!
Decorate CookiesSnowman Craft
This free event is hosted by First Steps, our friendly home visiting nurses who will be available to answer parenting and child development questions. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with other families and children in a fun, welcoming space.
Come create, play, and celebrate the season together!

Diaper Club
2026-01-07 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-02-04 13:00 - 16:00 | Main Street Family Services, 400 Jackson Ave NW Suite 106, Elk River, MN, 55330, United States
Join us once a month at the Family Resource Center for our Diaper Club — A supportive resource for families!

Location: Elk River Family Resource Center 400 Jackson Ave NW Elk River, MN 55330

*Note: Big Lake families can also request pick up from Liberty Elementary by sending a request in advance. Please email shari.ley@mainstreetfamilyservices.org for more information.
Other services available:Parenting supportFamily activitiesReferrals for community resourcesQuestions?Call us at 612-473-1079 or inquire on our website: www.mainstreetfamilyservices.org

Money Made Simple: A Budgeting and Debt Free Series
2026-01-14 13:00 - 16:00 | Main Street Family Services, 400 Jackson Ave NW Suite 106, Elk River, MN, 55330, United States
Money Made Simple: A Budgeting and Debt Free Series
Take control of your finances with confidence.Meet with financial advocate, Doug Anderson to learn a clear, step-by-step approach to paying off debt and building lasting financial stability. This class will help you create and stick to a budget, build an emergency fund, and plan for future goals like saving and retirement. You’ll also learn the seven baby steps toward financial stability—and for couples, gain tools to work as a team and resolve money disagreements.
January Budgeting SeriesWednesday, January 14th1:00–2:00 PM – Group Kickoff Session2:00–4:00 PM – One-on-One Support Available- Drop ins welcome!
Wednesdays, January 21st & 28th1:00–4:00 PM – One-on-One Budgeting Support- Drop ins welcome!
Register HERE

Economic Assistance Support
2026-01-15 13:30 - 16:30, 2026-02-05 13:30 - 16:30 | Liberty Elementary, 17901 205th Ave NW, Big Lake, MN, 55309, United States
Economic Assistance Program Support
Do you have questions about eligibility for the Sherburne County Economic Assistance Program, or do you need help with paperwork? Meet with the Economic Assistance Program Navigator one-on-one at the Family Resource Center.
1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 2:00pm-5:00pm at the Family Resource Center in Elk River.
1st and 3rd Thursday of the month from 1:30pm-4:30pm at the Family Resource Center in Big Lake.
Walk ins welcome or set up an appointment.
Contact Shari Ley at shari.ley@mainstreetfamilyservices.org or call 763-595-1420 to schedule a time to meet.
Please bring the following to your meeting:
Proof of Identity (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
Proof of Residency (driver’s license, bill, etc.)
Proof of Income (pay stubs, bank statements, etc.)
Other documentation which provides information regarding your income and financial status, including assets.

Money Made Simple: A Budgeting and Debt Free Series
2026-01-21 13:00 - 16:00 | Main Street Family Services, 400 Jackson Ave NW Suite 106, Elk River, MN, 55330, United States
Money Made Simple: A Budgeting and Debt Free Series
Take control of your finances with confidence.Meet with financial advocate, Doug Anderson to learn a clear, step-by-step approach to paying off debt and building lasting financial stability. This class will help you create and stick to a budget, build an emergency fund, and plan for future goals like saving and retirement. You’ll also learn the seven baby steps toward financial stability—and for couples, gain tools to work as a team and resolve money disagreements.
January Budgeting SeriesWednesday, January 14th1:00–2:00 PM – Group Kickoff Session2:00–4:00 PM – One-on-One Support Available (drop ins welcome!)
Wednesdays, January 21st & 28th1:00–4:00 PM – One-on-One Budgeting Support Available (drop ins welcome!)
Register HERE

Learn, Grow and Go Parenting Support Series, "Creating and Maintaining Family Connections"
2026-01-21 18:00 - 19:30 | Liberty Elementary, 17901 205th Ave NW, Big Lake, MN, 55309, United States
Join us for our Parenting Support Group: Learn, Grow & GoWednesday, January 21st • 6:00–7:30pm
Liberty Elementary Family Resource Center Room 103 (Big Lake)Free event • Free childcare provided (register below!)

This month, we’re diving into the topic of creating and maintaining family connections. Together, we’ll explore what connection really looks like in our homes—how everyday routines, meaningful moments, and simple habits can strengthen the bond between you and your child.
We’ll talk about common challenges families face today, such as busy schedules, stress, and technology, and discover practical, doable ways to improve communication, build trust, and help children feel valued and heard. Parents will leave with ideas they can use right away to bring more warmth, closeness, and calm into their family life.

Featuring Presenter: Julie SchultzJulie has served families since 1990 and brings over 31 years of experience in the social work field. Her background includes supporting adoptive families, serving as a school social worker, parenting educator with ECFE, and adoptive parent support group leader with NACAC. Julie brings a warm and practical approach to helping families grow stronger together.
We’d love to have you join us for an encouraging evening of learning, support, and connection with other parents!

To Reserve Childcare: Creating and Maintaining Family Connection – Fill out form

HHW Mental Health and Wellness Support Group
2026-01-22 18:30 - 19:30 | Main Street Family Services, 400 Jackson Ave NW Suite 106, Elk River, MN, 55330, United States
Hope in a Hopeless World
Mental Health & Wellness Support Group
Free, peer-led support groups open to adults living with mental health concerns or symptoms of mental illness. All groups are led by peers with firsthand experience living with mental health concerns.
2nd & 4th Thursday of every month from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Co-Facilitators: Job & Ryan
Location: Main Street Family Services 400 Jackson Ave NW, Elk River, MN 55330

Money Made Simple: A Budgeting and Debt Free Series
2026-01-28 13:00 - 16:00 | Main Street Family Services, 400 Jackson Ave NW Suite 106, Elk River, MN, 55330, United States
Money Made Simple: A Budgeting and Debt Free Series
Take control of your finances with confidence.Meet with financial advocate, Doug Anderson to learn a clear, step-by-step approach to paying off debt and building lasting financial stability. This class will help you create and stick to a budget, build an emergency fund, and plan for future goals like saving and retirement. You’ll also learn the seven baby steps toward financial stability—and for couples, gain tools to work as a team and resolve money disagreements.
January Budgeting SeriesWednesday, January 14th1:00–2:00 PM – Group Kickoff Session2:00–4:00 PM – One-on-One Support Available
Wednesdays, January 21st & 28th1:00–4:00 PM – One-on-One Budgeting Support
Register HERE

Parenting/Caregiver Book Club
2026-02-03 18:00 - 19:00 | Main Street Family Services, 400 Jackson Ave NW Suite 106, Elk River, MN, 55330, United States
Parent & Caregiver Book Club
Reading: Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy

Join us for a supportive and engaging book club for parents and caregivers as we read Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy—a refreshing, compassionate approach to parenting that focuses on raising humans, not just managing behavior.

This monthly gathering will offer space for reflection, discussion, and practical strategies you can use right away. Together, we’ll explore how to move from self-doubt and burnout to confidence, connection, and sturdy leadership at home.

About the Book:
In Good Inside, Dr. Becky challenges traditional parenting methods like reward charts and time-outs, offering a new framework rooted in emotional understanding and skill-building. Through real-life examples and actionable tools, the book addresses common challenges such as tantrums, sibling rivalry, separation anxiety, and more—helping parents raise resilient, confident kids while honoring their emotional needs.

Meeting Dates (1st Tuesdays):
Tuesday, February 3
Tuesday, March 3
Tuesday, April 7
Time: 6:00–7:00 PM

Who Should Attend:Parents and caregivers of children of all ages who are looking for encouragement, connection, and practical parenting tools.
Come as you are, share as much or as little as you’d like, and connect with other caregivers on this parenting journey.

The book can be purchased on Amazon at the following link HERE
*Scholarships are available for those in need.

Register below for childcare: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx…
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Fun with First Steps February Crafts
2026-02-04 10:00 - 13:00 | Main Street Family Services, 400 Jackson Ave NW Suite 106, Elk River, MN, 55330, United States
Join First Steps Central for a morning of crafts and connection! We will be making Valentine’s Cards and crafts together.

Drop-ins are welcome anytime between 10:00am-1:00pm!

Don’t forget to stop by the Family Resource Center for Diaper Club after crafts to access free diapers for your littles!
