Together with families and community we nurture children, build on family strengths, and find alternatives to violence.

Thank You!

We are grateful for the tremendous support that we have received at Southside Family Nurturing Center throughout the pandemic, losses, and civil unrest. The needs in our community are greater than ever. Thank you for staying with us, continuing our mission advancing equity in health and education. You abundant words, acts of kindness, in-kind, and monetary support have lifted us up, provided hope and encouragement, and ensured SSFNC’s ability to nurture children and families. Thank you!

Classroom Spotlight: The Bobcats

Southside resumed in-person Early Childhood Education August - October 2020 and again in Jan 2021 to today. Periodically we have switched to distance learning due to COVID cases and for community safety concerns.

SSFNC's Bobcat class of 4-5 year old children has been working on some really exciting stuff! Here is what they'd like to share with you:

We recently introduced an "explore table" where we set up materials related to the science theme for the children to explore during work time. We just wrapped up an awesome unit on ramps and inclined planes. During work time the children built their own ramps at the explore table and tested them using different sized and weighted balls. We also used cardboard, tape and blocks to build ramps during our activity time. Once we'd built the ramps we dipped marbles in paint and sent them down!
We just finished our study on the artist Faith Ringgold, who was famous for her story quilts. The children read about her life and her work. Then they presented in front of the class discussing her style and techniques. The study culminated in the children creating their own story quilts.
This month we began a unit that we are all super excited about which is gardening. The Bobcats will have their own plot in the garden this year. Collectively we've begun to plan what we would like to grow and what recipes we would like to try at harvest! Some seeds are started in our classroom and we are anxious to move them to the sunshine in our garden plot!

Starting May 10th, for three weeks, the Bobcats are piloting an extended school day for one additional hour. This is in response to parent requests. The extended school day assists with kindergarten readiness and student retention as some parents opt for full-day High-5 instead of keeping their children at SSFNC the year before they start kindergarten. We are happy to report that our retention of children and families this year has been exceptional!

2021 Heroes Award from the Constellation Fund

In February, SSFNC was recognized by the Constellation Fund with a 2021 "Heroes Award" and featured at a special virtual breakfast for our work to alleviate poverty by advancing education equity.

Southside is pleased to have been funded this year by The Constellation Fund. They are focused on "finding the stars and connecting the dots in the fight against poverty in the Twin Cities" and herald an evidence-driven approach to poverty alleviation.

Southside Meets Vital Food Need of Families in our Program

Since March 2020, SSFNC has been addressing food needs of our families with weekly deliveries of fresh, healthy groceries to families' homes.

Prior to COVID and civil unrest in the our community, 9 families demonstrated consistent food scarcity issues and 2 additional families had intermittent needs. 11 referrals were made to Hunger Solutions. Post-March 2020 (COVID and Civil Unrest), 80% of families demonstrate need and accept food support from Southside every week.

INVEST

SSFNC Volunteer Opportunities

Southside Family Nurturing Center seeks volunteers for the following opportunities:

Fundraising Expertise
Yard Work at our Center
Painting

If you are interested in volunteering, send an email with your phone number to dianecullumber@ssfnc.org. Be sure to include your specific volunteer interest.

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