Together Improving Care

The National Council for Behavioral Health made a commitment to health and human service organizations, state and local governments, and school districts to create and sustain trauma-informed systems of care and trauma-informed best practices.  They have worked with schools and counties across the country to assist them in becoming trauma-informed in the programs they offer their communities/clients.  The NCBH believes they have much to contribute to leadership and the workforce in the area of trauma-informed care. We are glad to be working with them to address this compelling public health issue. In January 2018, the NCBH collaborated with Sourcewell to provide training, support, and guidance as Region 5 is a target area of implementation of Trauma-Informed Care.  Organizations involved include:  Freshwater, Brainerd, Little Falls, and Crosby/Ironton School Districts, along with teams from Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd and Wadena County Social Services.

The original Freshwater team consisted of these staff members:

Cari Grenier - Assessment & Program Specialist
Dale Williams - School Social Worker
Jena Osberg - Level 4 Site Manager
Jamie Wothe - Program Specialist  
Jody Fischer - Early Childhood Instructor  
Kevin Johnson - School Psychologist
Leah Bloemendaal - Staples ALC Instructor
Lori Murdock - Director of Special Education
Sheri Johnson - Early Childhood Instructor

The team chose to adopt the title “Together Improving Care” (t.i.c.) as we progressed under this paradigm within FED.  The t.i.c. team was involved in training at Sourcewell, including a 2 day kickoff training, a mid-year meeting, and a Summit meeting.  Ongoing activities consist of monthly meetings, webinars, Organizational Self-Assessment (OSA), Performance Monitoring Tool (PMT), and coaching and cohort calls with our National representative.  The team’s emphasis is on the workforce being trauma-sensitive, educated and responsive, as well as the provision of trauma-informed, evidence-based, and emerging best practices.  Our goal within FED is to provide training, communication, strategies to implement, and policy/handbook changes.

Reach out to any of the t.i.c. members with questions, ideas, or concerns you might have throughout the year.  We are excited to continue the journey with you, in the formation of Freshwater into a trauma sensitive organization! 

2022 - 2023 Guidelines and Team Members

Our Vision

A compassionate community that builds relationships and empowers individuals.