FAMILY PATHWAYS

Programs: Thrift store: the stores strengthen communities by providing livable wages for staff and valuable training for volunteers, while generating ongoing revenues that support family pathways programs and services. The stores build ecological awareness in the community by encouraging recycling efforts and promoting the reuse of clothing and household goods.

basic life services: basic life services operates nine food shelves and two food partnerships. Each food shelf is open extended hours, multiple days per week to help stabilize those who are struggling to make ends meet. Advocacy is offered to clients to help them connect with other available community resources. Of note in 2014, basic life services distributed 2. 8 million pounds of food and personal care items during 29,632 family appointments, built capacity to service more people in need, distributed supplemental summer lunch meals to 4,223 children and supplemental weekend meals to 156 children, provided 1,670 households with the fixings for a holiday meal, and held a weekly free community meal.

refuge network: domestic violence prevention program, the refuge network, serves over 2,100 people annually, providing crisis intervention, information and referral services, advocacy, court assistance, hospital & law enforcement response, support groups, community education, mediation, paralegal services, men's programs and emergency shelter. The refuge network's black dog hill shelter opened in 2009 and is the only shelter in an area of 5,600 square miles between the twin cities and duluth. Since opening, over 1,000 women and children escaping domestic violence have found safety in this gtcuw partner 15 bed facility.