Building A Better, Kinder and Safer Community

(Family fun makes Minnesota Nice a Reality)

Read the paper or watch the news- we live in a society that seems at times to lack civil discourse.   What has happened to our communities that makes it so easy to criticize others and avoid those whose viewpoints differ from ours?  More importantly, what can we do to change this?  We struggle to help our children grow up feeling safe and cared for when they are out in the community.

Right here in Rice County, the answers are at our fingertips.  It starts with participating in community-building events that bring our entire community together.  I had an opportunity to witness this on Saturday, June 1 when I attended the Pride in the Park event in Northfield on behalf of Ruth’s House.  I witnessed parents and their children enjoying the day together, listening to music, and focusing on how we come together as a loving and supportive community.

On July 13 Faribault will be leading the way with the International Festival.  This event will also be a family-friendly event.  It provides another great opportunity to involve your children in a community event that reinforces kindness and acceptance along with family fun.

Other wonderful community events include a concert series in Central Park in Faribault (free and open to the public), the Faribault Pet Parade, and Fun Friday in Central Park.  Northfield offers a summer concert series and the Third Thursday events downtown as well as the famous Jesse James Day events.  These are just a few of the events that have been planned right here in Rice County that make it possible for families to have fun and enjoy a strong sense of community.  Participating in these community events reinforces a message of acceptance and inclusion to our children.

On August 23rd Ruth’s House will be celebrating our 20th anniversary with a family event at Apple Creek Orchard in Faribault.   We are celebrating 20 years of achieving our mission to provide a safe home and supportive services for women and children in crisis.  This community-wide event will include hay rides through the orchard, games, food, and lots of live music and it will be free to attend.  The event is being planned as a family event celebrating the families that Ruth’s House has served over the last 20 years and the families that we will serve in the future.

Attend Ruth’s House 20th Anniversary event and the other community events in Rice County to help us build our community spirit.

To learn more about the Ruth’s House Anniversary event go to https://ruthshousemn.org/20anniversary/

Susan Stout

Ruth’s House Outreach Coordinator