A Letter from Dianne Haulcy

As I prepare to transition from my role as President and CEO of The Family Partnership, I am filled with a mixture of gratitude and anticipation for the future. I am honored to announce that I will be stepping into a new role as Assistant Commissioner of the new Department of Children, Youth and Families. I am excited that this new position will allow me to work on systems change for children and families at a statewide level – changes I am hoping will benefit the families and children we serve at TFP.  This decision was not made lightly, and I am confident that TFP is in a strong position to continue its vital work in our communities. 

Reflecting on my tenure over the past two years, I am most thankful for the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated and excellent staff. The relationships I’ve built with families, community members, donors, volunteers, and partner organizations have been deeply rewarding. Together, we have achieved significant milestones that have strengthened TFP’s impact and reach. 

One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is the growth in TFP’s national profile. This past June, I had the privilege of representing TFP as a member of the Children’s Home Society of America (CHSA) at a White House briefing focused on whole-family wellbeing. TFP is Minnesota’s singular representative with CSHA. This visit was particularly significant for TFP as it marked our first engagement with national policy. During the briefing, we shared the experiences of families and communities from the Twin Cities and beyond, highlighting innovations that prevent family disruption, strengthen the workforce, and support thriving at both household and community levels. 

Another notable achievement was my testimony before Minnesota State legislators during the historic spring 2023 session, in support of executive function interventions for early childhood. Our advocacy led to a $300,000 appropriation resulting in the launch of pilot sites across the state beginning this fall. This funding supports the expansion of EGG Toolkit, which helps 3- to 5-year-old children, educators, and caregivers to build executive function and self-regulation skills during the critical early years. The expansion will include eight early education programs across urban, rural, and suburban Minnesota. These pilots will build on learnings from previous implementations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Texas, demonstrating the positive impact of the EGG Toolkit on children and parents/caregivers. 

I am also proud of the collaborative effort that has gone into developing TFP’s strategic plan for the next five years. This plan, crafted with input from leadership, staff, board members, program participants, and the Prouty Project, will guide us as we continue to address the needs of children and families in the Twin Cities who face the greatest barriers to success due to racial and economic injustice. Our strategic plan, which will be finalized and announced in the fall, builds on TFP’s 146-year legacy and incorporates our commitment to 2Gen approaches, brain science innovations, and equity. At the heart of our work is a vision of healing and wellbeing across generations in our community. 

As I step into my new role, I have full confidence in TFP’s mission and direction. The work of building strong families, vital communities, and better futures for children is more important than ever. I will remain a steadfast friend and supporter of TFP, cheering on the organization’s continued success and the incredible impact it has on the lives of so many. 

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the entire TFP community. To the staff, thank you for your unwavering dedication and excellence. To the families and community members, thank you for your trust and collaboration. To our donors, volunteers, and partner organizations, your support has been invaluable in driving our mission forward. Together, we have made significant strides, and I am confident that even greater achievements lie ahead for TFP. 

As I bid farewell as President and CEO, I am excited for the future and the new opportunities that await both TFP and myself. The journey we’ve embarked on together has been transformative, and I am grateful for every moment. Let us continue to work together to create a world where this generation heals so every child and family in the next can thrive. 

With heartfelt appreciation, 

Dianne Haulcy