Family Services Collaborative of the Lakes Area

When children are at risk, the welfare of an entire community suffers. That’s where the Family Services Collaborative comes in.

The Family Services Collaborative of the Lakes Area (FSCLA) is a unique network that brings together schools, community organizations, and local government agencies to collaboratively address the health, educational, developmental and family-related needs of children from birth through high school. We have served thousands of children and families across the communities of Brainerd, Crosby-Ironton, and Pequot Lakes and continue to provide resources that strengthen communities.

Backed by research and a data driven approach, our team works in early childhood centers, homes, and schools on three priorities: Promoting the mental health and well-bring of children and youth; supporting health growth and social emotional development of children and youth; and strengthening resilience and protective factors of families, schools, and communities.

We emphasize an early identification and intervention approach to address challenges before they grow and impact other areas of a child’s life. From providing skills-training to children and families, to assisting in crisis situations, to connecting families with resources, we have effectively served thousands of children and families for nearly 25 years.

Our Mission:

Empowering children and families by increasing equitable access to person-centered services and resources to support physical and mental health, improving academic outcomes and enhancing community wellness.

Our Vision:

We envision a future where every young person succeeds in education, families are well-supported to meet their physical and mental health needs, and employers find abundant talent locally.

We want to THANK Community Giving and the Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation for their donation of $7000 for the Family Services Collaborative of the Lakes Area and community partners to build capacity to enhance strategies to prevent and reduce truancies in youth.