Partnering
together
to help
Westonka
kids and
families.
Who we are
Westonka Healthy Community Collaborative is a task force made up of several community organizations and leaders that share a common goal: make the Westonka community and schools an encouraging and prosperous place for at-risk kids and families.
The Westonka School District and community organizations deliver countless services and fulfill many needs, but—as with all communities—there are gaps of care or focus.
That’s where we come in, our sole mission is to find these gaps and work collaboratively to make sure at-risk kids get the support and education they need to thrive.
The Executive Committee
Christopher Anderson / Executivedirector@wecanmn.org
Emily Rustman / rustmane@westonka.k12.mn.us
Nicole Barnes / nicole.barnes@parknicollet.com
Tyler Gustafson / tyler.gustafson@hennepin.us
Sarah Grimm / grimms@westonka.12.mn.us
Scott Lhotka / lhotkas@westonka.k12.mn.us
What we do
We develop and/or fund innovative programs and services for families with kids that need extra support. These are mainly focused on:
• Mental health for children and their families
• Educational and academic success
• Programs for at-risk children
Watch a video about WHCC by LMCC-TV
Our initiatives
Through the granting of funds, Westonka Healthy Community Collaborative helps make these possible:
Sojourner’s SafeU Program at the High School
Educates for the prevention of domestic violence and provides services to victims of dating violence & sexual assault
Growing Through Grief Program
Gives children and teens a safe space where they can share their feelings, get expert counseling and realize they’re not alone
After-School Activity Bus
Allows kids to partake in homework clubs, sports and extra-curricular activities
Positive Community Coordinator
Professional that visits classrooms in elementary schools to encourage positive behavior and teaches kids how to relate to each other
WeCAN Ready to Learn Program
Provides school supplies and backpacks to children in grades K-12
WeCAN Kids Food Program
Fills a gap in food support for school-age children over major school breaks
Kids Core Counselor In Training Program
Children gain valuable work experience and skills by working along professional staff, learning the ropes of school-age child care
Licensed Chemical Counselor at the high school from Relate Counseling
Partners
Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health
Western Communities Action Network (WeCAN)
Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County
Westonka Community Education and Services
Early Childhood Family Education
Mound Westonka High School Counselors
Grandview Middle School Counselors
Pastors from the faith community
Hennepin County Library system
Relate Counseling
How it works
Westonka Healthy Community Collaborative receives federal funds generated through the Local Collaborative Time Study (LCTS), an entitlement program that captures dollars from Medical Assistance and Foster Care Assistance. The funds are designated for use in early intervention and prevention services in Minnesota.
Funding comes from the Federal, State, and County government, and not from the school district.
Funding requests must be turned in
by Feb. 5 for the following school year.
Contact Us
To learn more the Westonka Healthy Community Collaborative or to learn about opportunities to make a difference in your community, please fill out the form below.
Our Office
5901 Sunnyfield Rd E Minnetrista, MN 55364
