2-GEN APPROACH

2GEN APPROACH
2Gen approaches recognize whole family units – as families define themselves – to consider the variety of pathways for promoting positive, pragmatic, and effective outcomes for everyone. We work with families as experts and meaningfully engage parents and caregivers in designing policies and programs that affect them in order to develop holistic, integrated, and equity-focused solutions. Read more

2-GEN OVERVIEW VIDEO
Ascend, in partnership with the Kresge Foundation, recently released, Advancing Children and Families Together: The Two-Generation Framework Overview. The short video aims to onboard those newer to the 2-Gen approach and be used as a resource for the field in its continuous growth. Watch Video

2-GEN PRINCIPLES TO PRACTICE [TOOL]
There is growing agreement that in order to serve families well, systems, policies, programs, practice, and
research must take into account the reality of the inextricable link between the wellbeing of parents and the
wellbeing of children. The “two-generation” approach considers both parent and child and puts elements
necessary for a thriving family at the center of efforts: education, post secondary and career pathways,
economic assets, health and well-being. Designed for Minnesota program managers, this tool will generate conversation as well as tangible changes to day to day work to bring 2-Gen principles into practice. Download

2-GEN SOCIAL GRAPHICS
Ascend uses two graphics to convey the 2-Gen approach to breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty for families: the 2-Gen continuum and the 2-Gen core components.  Learn more

ELEVATE VOICES
Ascend’s learnings have demonstrated the critical role parents and those with lived experiences play in shaping effective policies, programs, and initiatives that work to support family outcomes and alleviate poverty. Far too often, the decision-makers are not those with lived experiences, who are regularly sidelined.

The overarching goal is to improve family outcomes by identifying intersections between family-centered principles and existing practices, programs, and partnerships to create opportunities for improvement or innovation. One example is an afterschool program that might see an opportunity to help build social capital for families by creating space to foster stronger connections between parents and youth in your program. Another example might be practices that cut across multiple programs, such as intake.

In foundational sessions, we balance giving information, practicing tools, and giving members time to work together to develop their 2Gen approach, independently and collectively. We are exploring and practicing action steps for empathic research, where we listen to understand program users’ or potential users’ perspectives and lived experiences. The study will teach us what motivations, decisions, thoughts, and emotions drive their goals. From here, we can identify themes and key improvement opportunities.

Using the ’empathic interview’ model, members will conduct at least six interviews with 3-4 individuals or families, including those underrepresented in other feedback loops. Members’ design questions unique to their program focused on the Family Centered Guiding Principles and asset- or person-first language while concentrating on person-first vs. program. Two staff or staff and volunteers are needed to conduct the interviews. One will host the conversation, and the other will take notes. The upcoming session will further explore insights to identify themes and opportunities.

To request an interview guide and notetaking materials, email kimberly@uwlakes.org.

FAMILY CENTERED COACHING
Family-Centered Coaching is a set of strategies, tools, and resources that help human service organizations reinvent how they engage with families experiencing poverty. Family-Centered Coaching offers coaches, managers, and organizations a path to create and sustain robust holistic services and programs. By deciding to partner with families to address their needs and make progress on their goals, this partnership increases the likelihood of long term success for everyone involved.  Learn more

IMPROVING ACCESS TO SERVICES BY LISTENING TO FAMILIES IN MINNESOTA
Jovon Perry is Director of Economic Assistance and Employment Supports Division in the Child and Family Services Administration for the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Host Dr. Sherri Killins Stewart talks with Jovon about how she’s received and responded to concrete feedback from families about how they can better access state services. Plus, the importance of being generous with other leaders who are willing to build towards equity in early childhood systems. Listen to podcast

MINNESOTA WHOLE FAMILY SYSTEMS INITIATIVE
Minnesota Whole Family Systems Initiative is a partnership among state agencies, local organizations, families and communities to create system change across government. Whole Family System Initiative’s vision is to enable and support whole family approaches and responses to families’ challenges that encompass all aspects of their lives, including well-being, family preservation, housing, childcare, health and economic stability. Learn more

PEOPLE-FIRST LANGUAGE GUIDE
Inclusive language conveys respect to all people, promotes belonging, and seeks to disrupt the social norms perpetuating injustice. Inclusive language avoids bias, steers clear of words and sayings that give offense or cause harm, and affirms multiple aspects of human identity. When organizations adopt inclusive language practices, it makes a difference both inside and out. Internally, it helps create a space where people can bring their full selves to the work of the organization, unlocking the potential of diverse teams. Externally, inclusive language models demonstrate a commitment to fairness, inclusion, and accessibility. Read more

TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES:
Established in 1974, Arrowhead Transit operates as the primary provider of public transportation in the Arrowhead Region of Minnesota. As the largest rural public transportation system in the state, they are committed to delivering reliable services to residents across 10 counties in Northeastern Minnesota: Aitkin, Itasca, Koochiching, St. Louis, Lake, Cook, Carlton, Pine, Chisago, and Isanti. To schedule a bus ride in Itasca County or our designated trips call 1-800-862-0175 and choosing option 4. They also provide medical transportation services through their Volunteer Driver program. Visit their website for more information about rides or becoming a volunteer driver.

ElderCircle provides Assisted Transportation programming, where volunteer drivers transport individuals aged 60 and older in Itasca and the Hibbing-Virginia areas of St. Louis County to medical appointments anywhere in Minnesota. This vital service ensures access to essential healthcare and supports seniors in maintaining their independence, staying connected to their community, and enhancing their overall quality of life. Visit their website for more information about scheduling a ride or becoming a volunteer driver.

The goMARTI (Minnesota’s Autonomous Rural Transit Initiative) offers free, on-demand rides to Grand Rapids residents and visitors onboard self-driving shuttles. Although the vehicles are considered self-driving, there will be an autonomous vehicle operator onboard at all times who verifies the safe operation of the vehicle and aids passengers as needed. goMARTI consists of a fleet of five Toyota Sienna Autono-MaaS vehicles, with three of those being ADA-compliant and wheelchair accessible. Additional accessibility features include audio cues for passengers who are visually impaired. Riders between 13-18 can be booked with permission from the rider’s parent or legal guardian. To  book a ride download May Mobility App or dial 2-1-1.  Direct questions and service suggestions to hello@gomarti.com.