Family Resources Guide

There are many resources available within the community to support families. Public Health is also available to assist you with connections to these resources or for specific needs of your family.

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Family Health Services offered by Otter Tail County

  • Nursing Visits
    Both short and long-term nursing visits are available free of charge. Nurse home visitors are specially trained in child development; child and parent health; baby feeding, soothing, and sleep; and parenting support.

  • Parent Support Outreach Program (PSOP)
    A short-term program to help families experiencing struggles or hardships. The voluntary service helps connect families to a variety of supports, including financial, parenting, and healthcare.

  • Breastfeeding Resources
    Trained nurses can answer your questions over the phone or provide in-person consultations to help you meet your goals. Online resources are also available.

  • Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
    A health and nutrition program that provides a variety of healthy foods. WIC staff can answer nutrition and breastfeeding questions and refer families to other resources.

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Community Partners

  • MAHUBE-OTWA Community Action
    Provides connection to multiple services within the county, including Head Start, child care, and family health services. They can assist with accessing resources, such as financial assistance, tax preparation, medical insurance, and food supports.

  • United Way
    Provides free and confidential health and human services information for people in Minnesota. Connects families with local resources.

  • Health Resources Center
    Free services offered include pregnancy tests, first trimester ultrasounds, life coaching, STD testing and treatment, prenatal and parenting education to earn rewards to shop at their in-house boutique or gift cards for local stores.

  • Someplace Safe
    Someplace Safe works to create safer communities in West Central Minnesota by providing high quality crime victim services and supervised parenting time.

  • West Central Minnesota Communities Action
    Connections to resources for Head Start, financial assistance, housing, energy programs, and more.

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Assistance and Support

children sitting around child care provider

Child Development and Safety

  • Help Me Connect
    A resource portal for expecting and parenting families with young children, and those working with them.

  • Car and Booster Seat Safety
    The Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety provides information on car seat laws, choosing the correct car seat, and installation.

  • Just in Time Parenting
    Just in Time Parenting is a free parenting newsletter that is delivered by email and is specific to a child's age and needs.

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Clubs and Activities

  • Fergus Falls YMCA
    Camps, childcare, and activity opportunities for families. Scholarships available.

  • Otter Cove Children's Museum
    Supports children's development through exhibits, imaginative play, and early childhood classes. Access to Play scholarships available.

  • Boys & Girls Club of the Perham Area
    Programs provided include before school, after school, full-day summer care, teen nights/events, year-round preschool, and various outreach events. Scholarships are available.

  • Early Childhood Family Education
    Classes and programs are offered through school districts where families learn and play together. Preschool screenings are also completed through local districts. Refer to your district website or contact your local school for more information.