The pain of the recent shooting in Minneapolis hits close to home for all of us at Families Rising. As an organization rooted in Minnesota, we grieve alongside the families and neighbors whose lives have been upended by this preventable, inexcusable tragedy. No parent should fear for their child’s safety, and no child should carry this kind of trauma. We remain committed to working toward communities where every young person has the safety to thrive.
At the same time, we know that many caregivers and children in Minneapolis are feeling confusion, fear, and deep sadness. Families Rising’s mission has always been to ensure families have resources, connection, and reassurance they are not alone.
In this moment, the following supports may be especially helpful:
- Families Rising Minnesota support groups: Whether you join one of our in-person gatherings or participate in a virtual meet-up, you’ll find a space to listen, share, and be supported by other Minnesota adoptive and foster caregivers. Many of our staff are caregivers themselves, trained to guide with lived experience and compassion, with programming tailored to the needs of Minnesota families.
- Families Rising parenting resources: Our library of tools and guides covers topics like grief and loss, school success, and caregiver self-care. These materials are carefully curated to empower you with practical strategies during difficult times.
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network resources: NCTSN’s fact sheets and related resources offer information for coping after mass violence and trauma, and can help caregivers and children better process overwhelming experiences.
For more than 50 years, Families Rising has walked alongside Minnesota families in moments of joy and hardship. We’ve seen firsthand the resilience of this community, and we believe in its capacity to heal. That healing won’t happen overnight, but it doesn’t have to happen alone. By leaning on each other and sharing resources, we can shape a future where Minnesota’s children and families are safe and supported.