Perspectives, Inc.

Traumatic experiences, such as homelessness, trauma, addiction, and poverty affect children both socially and emotionally. With your help, Perspectives can help these children overcome these challenges and create a brighter future for them.

Together, we're Building a Brighter Future where kids can find...

HEALING

Being exposed to traumatic experiences, such as homelessness, trauma, addiction, and poverty, a mother’s chances of replicating that same cycle of trauma with her child(ren) are incredibly high. The foundation of our Early Connections Program is a trauma-informed framework that works with children to recover from the trauma they've experienced. The Conscious Discipline curriculum provides a trauma-informed and culturally responsive environment that facilitates resiliency and self-confidence. All aspects of our routines and environment include intentional social-emotional learning opportunities and support for developing pro-social skills and empathy as well as conflict resolution.   

*100% of children demonstrated social-emotional progression (Winter/Spring 2020/21 TS Gold Assessment.)

EDUCATION

Our Children's Programs use the research-based Creative Curriculum and TS Gold Developmental Assessments to embed activities into the classroom routines that foster growth by providing opportunities for exploration and child initiation. Children are provided with individualized instruction to help ensure they have the skills necessary to enter school ready to thrive in kindergarten and beyond. 

*86% of children demonstrated significant growth across several domains (Comparison between Winter 2020 and Spring 2021 TS Gold Assessment.)

NUTRITION

Children are actively involved in the meal planning and cooking process, through our Kids Cafe, empowering them to make healthier eating choices by increasing their knowledge of nutritious foods. Parents are invited to share meals with children in our dining hall. Meals are prepared from scratch by our Kids Cafe Chef, who works with a registered dietitian to design and implement diverse, healthy menu options representing a variety of cultures, geographic locations, and a multitude of cooking styles. Meals are offered in multiple venues such as picnic-style, family-style, and celebratory environments to increase engagement and excitement about healthy eating. 

CREATIVITY

Our Early Connections Program uses a play-based, research-driven curriculum that provides opportunities for exploration and discovery as a way of learning. Our program promotes confidence, creativity, and facilitates the development of critical thinking skills through developmentally appropriate, child-initiated activities, and thoughtfully chosen educational materials. Our Kids Connection partners with over 20 community organizations to create opportunities for youth to discover their passions and full potential. Partnerships include St. Paul Parks and Recreation, Wilderness Inquiry, Stages Theater, and Free Arts Minnesota. 

* 100% of children will have an ongoing assessment of their needs and growth development every quarter.

CONNECTION

Our children’s programs are strengthened by a dedicated corps of volunteers that are a daily part of our children’s programs along with creating special family engagement events such as our summer Basketball in the Park series, graduations, and holiday celebrations.

*80% of parents/guardians engage in children’s social-emotional growth.

RESILIENCE

Kids Connection teaching approaches and environment strengthen resiliency and social connections by targeting emotion regulation, pro-social behavior, and executive function. Through the use of research-based resources such as Conscious Discipline and Second Step Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum combined with a variety of enrichment opportunities, children are given tools to succeed in school, career, and relationships. 

*85% of students will demonstrate improved social competencies and behaviors.