Military Family Support

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YSB gives families the tools they need to support their children

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“When I was deployed, I didn’t worry about myself. I had a team, I had resources, I’m good. What worried me is not knowing how my family is doing back home. Do they have what they need?”

Eric Ahlgren

USA (Ret), Cargill employee

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Helping and supporting military families of deployed service members.

This program is a direct response to the needs of Military Families

Our Military Family Support Program is a direct response to needs identified by the Minnesota Army National Guard and Minnesota Air National Guard to assist the families of deployed service members. These military families are confronting all of the obstacles faced by every family, plus all of the stresses and difficulties around extended and repeated deployments. Our Military Family Support Program provides education, resources, and practical tools that parents and caregivers can use during deployments, and afterward.

A deployment can elicit strong emotions in family members, especially children. Stress and anxiety are common. Reunion after a deployment can be just as difficult for children. Excitement and stress often mix together, for the families and for the returning soldiers. Our Military Family Support Program provides education, resources, and practical tools that parents and caregivers can use during deployments, and afterward.

YSB Provided Support

Our presentations may include an educational session focusing on helping parents learn what changes they may see in their children during the deployment, as well as teaching parents how to help their children manage difficult emotions that arise as a result of the deployment experience.

We also may show a screening of a documentary film, followed by an expert panel discussion, and an interactive question and answer session with families in the audience. The better parents understand how deployments can affect their children, the more prepared they can be to handle the challenges.

As a result of participating in our program, parents may choose to seek more specific help for their children. Youth Service Bureau provides outpatient, family-based mental health therapy at our locations in Stillwater, Woodbury, and Cottage Grove, MN. We receive payment from clients’ medical insurers, including TriCare. We will work with families to find a payment option that meets their needs and makes sure they can receive care at no cost to them.

MEET OUR Coordinator

Madison Bonniwell, Administrative Assistant/Military Family Support Coordinator

madison.bonniwell@ysb.net

Madison Bonniwell brings over a decade of administrative experience, including work with the Minnesota Air National Guard where she managed training documentation and logistics for large teams. She now ensures smooth office operations at YSB’s Woodbury site, supports front desk needs, and coordinates programming for military families.

She holds an Associate's degree from Century College and actively participates in Yellow Ribbon events supporting military families.
Fun Fact: Madison once traveled to Puerto Rico for hurricane recovery efforts, distributing resources and rebuilding communities.

Military Family Support Resources

ChildCareAware

Military One Source

Our Family Kids

Military Impacted Schools Association

Sesame Street for Military Families

National Military Family Association

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"YSB has been an invaluable partner in helping us address significant issues related to chemical use among students. Research studies show that risk, harm, and death from illicit substances among youth are rising. Partnering with YSB gives our school both proactive and reactive measures to address chemical issues with our students and is a vital component of how we provide a measure of safety to our students in today's challenging world."

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"The needs of our students grow more complex every day; trauma, social media addiction, anxiety, depression, chemical use, risky behaviors. Schools are challenged to meet these ongoing needs with limited resources. YSB partners with us and provides the resources to support our students and families in the Stillwater Area community".

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“For years, I have been an advocate of the notion that “it takes a village” to raise confident & capable youth. YSB is one of those partners in the village of our community that offer services our youth and families need to navigate the challenges of life. We are fortunate to have dedicated staff from YSB to meet people in our community where they are and to help them get to where they want to be.”

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"I learned to make better choices, and that even small actions without intention could lead to something serious and bad happening."

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"I have personally attended several programs associated with district 834 schools and have always walked away with a positive learning experience......and an opportunity to engage my kids who were also in attendance. Be proactive, stay informed. "

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"I have stopped participating in drugs on my own and I'm proud of the will power I have to hold myself from bad decisions, along with the help of outside people like my therapist and big sister."

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"I'm proud that I was able to talk about my bad choice and then discuss better ways to handle the situation and better prepared for the future."

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"We appreciate very much your willingness to participate in the Yellow Ribbon events. Your work makes an important difference for the soldiers, their families, and especially their children. Thank you!"

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"As a parent, I enjoyed the diversion class! It’s wonderful to see you teaching the kids meaningful lessons and positive values in life. "

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Cottage Grove

7064 W Point Douglas Rd
Suite #201
Cottage Grove, MN 55016
651-458-5224

Stillwater

6120 Oren Avenue N
Stillwater, MN 55082
651-439-8800

Woodbury

7876 Hudson Rd
Suite #1
Woodbury, MN 55125
651-735-9534

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