Big Lake Parent Advisory Committee Meeting
2026-05-06 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | Main Street Family Services, 400 Jackson Ave NW Suite 106, Elk River, MN, 55330, United States
What is the Parent Advisory Committee?
The Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) is a group of parents and caregivers from the community. As a member of our PAC, you’ll play a crucial role in voicing the needs and experiences of parents and caregivers in our programs. You’ll be collaborating with our dedicated team to enhance our offerings and ensure that we’re meeting the needs of families in our community.
What Will You Do?
Key responsibilities of the Parent Advisory Committee members:

Advocate for Families: You’ll be the bridge between the Family Resource Center staff and families, helping to share resources and support services effectively.
Provide Resources: Identify and organize helpful resources, like workshops or counseling services, that can benefit families
Develop Outreach: You’ll get to develop strategies to engage families, raise awareness about our resources, and encourage everyone to participate in programs and events.
Plan Events that inform and support families. This will be a big part of your role, ensuring everything aligns with our mission.
Lead Volunteers: You’ll recruit, train, and supervise volunteers who want to help out with various programs and activities
Evaluate Program: Track family participation and feedback that will help us improve the program.

What is the Time Commitment?
1 meeting per month (2 hours)

Dinner and Childcare provided!

What Skills Do You Bring?

Empathy and Compassion: You truly want to help families from all walks of life.
Cultural Sensitivity: You can connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Problem Solving: You’re creative and resourceful when tackling challenges.
Flexibility: You can adapt to change and help occasionally on evenings and weekends.

Elk River Parent Advisory Committee Meeting
2026-05-06 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-06-24 17:00 - 19:00 | Main Street Family Services, 400 Jackson Ave NW Suite 106, Elk River, MN, 55330, United States

Learn, Grow and Go Parent Support Group- "Raising Resilient Kids: Discipline that Connects"
2026-05-07 18:00 - 19:30 | Liberty Elementary, 17901 205th Ave NW, Big Lake, MN, 55309, United States
Raising Resilient Children: Discipline that Connects

Join us for a supportive parent workshop focused on building strong relationships while guiding children with confidence and consistency. Learn practical, real-life strategies to respond to big emotions, set clear limits with care, and strengthen connection so children can grow resilient and secure. Connect with other parents, share experiences, and leave with tools you can use right away at home.

RSVP for Childcare: https://forms.office.com/r/QCDefgK3Xr

HHW Mental Health and Wellness Support Group
2026-05-14 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-05-28 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-06-11 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-06-25 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

Economic Assistance Support
2026-05-19 14:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-02 14:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-16 14:00 - 17:00 | Main Street Family Services, 400 Jackson Ave NW Suite 106, Elk River, MN, 55330, 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.

Free Drop in Therapy
2026-05-20 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-06-17 10:00 - 13:00 | Main Street Family Services, 400 Jackson Ave NW Suite 106, Elk River, MN, 55330, United States
Are you or someone you know struggling with mental health stability, stress or feelings of overwhelm? Main Street Family Services is offering free drop-in therapy. Drop in therapy services are completely free and confidential and no appointment is necessary. A licensed Main Street Family Services Therapist will be available on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 10:00am-1:00pm.

Kinship Navigator Assistance
2026-05-21 13:30 - 16:30 | 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

Wild West 5K Fundraiser
2026-05-23 09:00 - 11:00 | Grams Regional Park, Zimmerman, MN
Please join us for this year’s Wild West 5K, where runners and walkers alike will be supporting healthy minds, healthy bodies, and healthy communities.
This year, Zimmerman Cross Country joins forces with Main Street Family Services, a mental health and wellness organization, to provide resources and opportunities for our youth athletes while promoting physical and mental health awareness and well-being for all.

Together, we’re blazing trails to help student athletes achieve their goals and become confident leaders. We are also on the trail to derail the stigma surrounding mental health, so we can prevail in opening the door to honest conversations, meaningful support, and a community where everyone can thrive. So please join us for this hoedown of fun as we come together to run, walk, and support healthy minds, healthy bodies, and a stronger community!
DETAILS: The Wild West 5K takes place Saturday, May 23rd, during Zimmerman’s Wild West Celebration, on a scenic trail that weaves through Grams Regional Park and along the blue waters of Lake Fremont.

The 5K begins at 9:00 AM, followed by the Kids Fun Run (½ mile) at 10:00 AM. Both races will start at the Grams Regional Park Pavilion, with a water station located near the halfway point. Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome!

PRIZES: After the races, stick around for our AWESOME prize drawing, where participants will have a chance to win some great prizes. Raffle tickets will also be sold for a second drawing featuring larger prizes—you must be present to win. Then keep the fun going by joining the festivities at Zimmerman’s Wild West Days, including the parade at High Noon!

AWARDS: Awards will be given to the top male and female finishers in each category, 0-29, 30-49, 50+. Ribbons will be given to all Kid Fun Run participants. *No chip timing.

REGISTRATION: Pre-register by May 22nd @ 12PM. RACE DAY REGISTRATION and PACKET PICKUP will begin at 8:00AM. The first 200 registrants will receive a t-shirt. Register early to guarantee your choice in size.

COST: 5K race: $35 Kids Fun Run: $15 with T-shirt, $5 w/o T-shirt In case of cancelation due to inclement weather, no refunds will be given.

For more details and registration: https://runsignup.com/Race/MN/Zimmerman/ZimmermanWildWest5K

The Great Summer Reading Challenge Begins!
2026-06-01 08:00 - 17:00 | MN
📚✨ The Great Summer Reading Challenge is Here! ✨📚
June 1st- August 20th, 2026
Turn your summer reading into something exciting and unforgettable!
Families are invited to join The Great Summer Reading Challenge, where reading leads to real-life rewards. Participants track their reading all summer long—books, read-alouds, and more all count!
🎉 When the reading goal is complete, participants earn FREE tickets to a local event, concert, or theater experience! 🎟️
We have flexible goals for all ages and abilities:
👶 Ages 2–4: Caregiver Led Reading- 30 Books or 300 Minutes📖 Ages 5–8: 20 Books or 400 Minutes📘 Ages 9–12: 12 Books or 700 Minutes📚 Ages 13–17: 6 Books or 900 Minutes💙 Adapted options available for all learners
👉 Sign up and learn more here: The Great Summer Reading Challenge – Fill out form
Let’s make this a summer of reading and adventures! 🌞📖🎭

Parenting Book Club "Good Inside"
2026-06-02 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): You can jump in at anytime, the conversation is casual and supportive!

Tuesday, May 5th

Ch. 10-14

Tuesday, June 2nd

Ch. 15-19

Tuesday, July 7th

CH. 20-24

Tuesday, August 4th

Ch. 25-29

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…

Fun with First Steps
2026-06-03 10:00 - 13:00 | Main Street Family Services, 400 Jackson Ave NW Suite 106, Elk River, MN, 55330, United States

Big Lake Parent Advisory Committee Meeting
2026-06-10 17:00 - 19:00 | Liberty Elementary, 17901 205th Ave NW, Big Lake, MN, 55309, United States

Park Pals Playdates
2026-06-13 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-27 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-11 10:00 - 12:00 | John Weicht Lions Park, 1104 Lions Park Dr, Elk River, MN, 55330, United States
Park Pals is a fun, welcoming playdate hosted by the Family Resource Center where children and families can come together to enjoy time at the park. Kids can play, explore, and make new friends while parents and caregivers connect with other families in a relaxed, supportive environment. Park Pals is a great opportunity to build community, share experiences, and create new connections while enjoying outdoor play together!
When: Saturdays, June 13th, June 27th, July 11th, July 25th, August 8th, August 22nd
10:00am-1:00pm
Location: 1104 Lions Park Dr, Elk River, MN 55330
Drop in, play and connect!

Stroller Moms
2026-06-15 09:00 - 10:00 | Montissippi County Park, 2801 Broadway W., Monticello, MN, 55362
A Stroller Moms Walking Group is a relaxed, welcoming way for moms to get out of the house, build connections, and enjoy some exercise together during the summer months.
This group brings moms and their little ones together for casual walks through local parks—strollers in tow! It’s designed to create space for meaningful conversation, shared experiences, and mutual support while getting fresh air! Whether you’re a new mom or have multiple kiddos, it’s a great opportunity to meet others in a similar season of life.
Each meet-up offers:
A friendly, judgment-free space to connect with other moms
Light physical activity that’s accessible for all fitness levels
Opportunities to share parenting wins, challenges, and resources
Time for kids to enjoy the outdoors alongside their caregivers
Register for this free event so we know that you are coming! Drop ins are welcome!
https://forms.office.com/r/AfUZS16Dqd
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Big Lake Food Shelf Produce Drop
2026-06-15 15:30 - 17:00 | Lions Park, 21960 Co Rd 5, Big Lake, MN 55309, Big Lake, MN, 55309, United States
Join the Family Resource Center at the Big Lake Produce Drop sponsored by the Big Lake Food Shelf. A FREE event where you can access free produce, veggies and more!
Lions Park in Big Lake
June 13th 3:30pm-5:00pm

Big Lake Family Camp
2026-06-17 13:00 - 15:00 | John Weicht Lions Park, 1104 Lions Park Dr, Elk River, MN, 55330, United States
Families are invited to join us for our Big Lake Family Camp!
Dates: Wednesdays: June 17th, July 8th, July 22nd, August 5th
Location: Lions Park, Big Lake
This welcoming, family-centered program offers a variety of engaging experiences designed for both children and caregivers to enjoy together. Sessions will include hands-on crafts, fun and interactive STEM activities, outdoor games, and additional opportunities for creativity, exploration, and connection!
Children ages 0–12 are encouraged to attend with a parent or guardian.
Registration is required by May 15. Families can sign up here: 2026 FRC Family Camp Big Lake – Fill out form

Deliberate Dads Woodworking Craft Event
2026-06-17 18:00 - 19:00 | Liberty Elementary, 17901 205th Ave NW, Big Lake, MN, 55309, United States
Deliberate Dads
Woodworking Event

Dads and kids (ages 3–12) will work side-by-side to create a simple wooden planter—assembling, painting, and planting seeds together. No experience needed—just come ready to build, connect, and have fun!

Wednesday, June 17th 6:00–7:00 PMFREE Event!

Build more than just a project—create lasting memories together.
Register to reserve your spot: https://forms.office.com/r/bVsdq0L1Nf

What is Deliberate Dads?
Deliberate Dads is an ongoing program designed to support, encourage, and empower fathers and father figures to build stronger, more intentional relationships with their children. Through hands-on activities, shared experiences, and a welcoming community environment, dads are given opportunities to connect, learn, and grow alongside their kids.

Paws for Reading
2026-06-22 10:00 - 11:00 | John Weicht Lions Park, 1104 Lions Park Dr, Elk River, MN, 55330, United States
The Family Resource Center (FRC) is partnering with First Steps and You’re Not Alone Service Dogs for a special “Paws for Reading” event designed to encourage literacy, connection, and fun!

Bring the kids out to enjoy stories, cuddles with trained service dogs, reading and a craft/snack!

Monday, June 22nd 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Lion John Weicht Park1104 Lions Park Dr, Elk River, MN 55330

All ages welcome. Come read, relax, and connect with community!

Elk River Family Camp
2026-06-24 13:00 - 15:00 | Handke Center, 1170 Main St NW, Elk River, MN, 55330
Families are invited to join us for our Elk River Family Camp!
Dates: Wednesdays: June 24th, July 15th, July 29th, August 12th 1:00pm-3:00pm
Location: Handke Center, Elk River
Cost: $10 Per Family/Per Session
This welcoming, family-centered program offers a variety of engaging experiences designed for both children and caregivers to enjoy together. Sessions will include hands-on crafts, fun and interactive STEM activities, outdoor games, and additional opportunities for creativity, exploration, and connection!
Children ages 0–12 are encouraged to attend with a parent or guardian.
Registration is required by May 15. Families can register online at Elk River Community Ed. Register HERE

Spud Fest Family Night
2026-06-25 16:30 - 18:00 | Independance Elementary, 601 Minnesota Ave, Big Lake, Minnesota, 55309
