about us
We work to clear the path for family success.
For more than 146 years, we’ve successfully partnered with families and individuals to remove barriers and clear the path for success for those who have experienced deep poverty and trauma.
Our Beliefs, Purposes and Pursuits
At The Family Partnership, we are on a mission to build strong families, vital communities, and better futures for children.
We envision a Twin Cities where all children and families, regardless of income or origins, reach their full potential. The Family Partnership will be the leader in closing opportunity and achievement gaps for children and families living in poverty by providing high impact, multicultural services, building powerful community partnerships and changing public policy.
Who We Are
The Family Partnership was founded in 1878 as the Minneapolis Humane Society to protect and serve children that were being abused or exploited. Along with a few name changes, our work has continually transformed to anticipate and address the evolving needs of families and individuals, many of whom are the most vulnerable in our community.
We have helped over a million people clear the path for success, and maintained hope for families through world wars, pandemics, the Great Depression and social unrest.
Who We Serve
Every year we serve thousands of children and families who strive to transform their lives.
- 46% are children, teens and young adults (Ages 0-18)
- 88% live in low-income households
- 86% of the people we serve are Black, Indigenous, and people of color
How We Are Different
Our use of a two-generation (2Gen) approach and evidence-based practices puts us at the forefront of breaking intergenerational cycles of poverty, adversity, and trauma.
Our Theory of Change
Our whole family approach promotes child and family well-being across generations to increase economic security, educational success and overall healthy development. We believe that families, no matter what their form, are the foundation of strong communities and we are here to partner with them on their journey.
Based on the Ascend Aspen Institute Two-Generation Graphic.
Latest Updates and Resources
Explore the latest news from our team, gather insights and gain access to resources.
Committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to sustained actions to advance equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in our organization and society.
We know that systemic inequities, especially based on race, pose real and significant barriers to people and communities working to reach their full potential. The Family Partnership strives to develop, model and influence policies and systems to ensure that diversity, inclusion, justice and equity flourish in our organization, city, state and country.
Our two locations sit on Dakota, Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) and other Tribal nations’ land. We honor the wisdom and contributions of our indigenous elders, past and present, and seek to build trust and mutual respect through our actions
Advancing Change and Community Impact
Since The Family Partnership’s founding in 1878, we have served more than one million people.
Our work, to protect and advocate for vulnerable children and families, has evolved with the changing needs of the community. We have influenced crucial policy reforms and originated new community programs. We focus on a whole family approach to improving health and well-being.