The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners authorized the acceptance of $882,860 in Multi-Purpose Community Facility Projects Grant funding from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). This investment will support the renovation of spaces at locations in New York Mills City Center ($382,860) and The Bridge ($500,000) in Pelican Rapids to allow for the establishment of Family Resource Centers.

“We are thankful to receive this funding,” said County Commissioner Bob Lahman. “This makes a major difference in seeing that these Family Resource Centers are up and running in our county.”

These investments in community development resulted from partnerships with community organizations. While Otter Tail County applied for grant funds on behalf of the communities, the funding goes directly to remodeling the New York Mills and Pelican Rapids facilities. The county will not own or operate these Family Resource Centers, ensuring they remain community-driven initiatives that respond to local needs.

The Family Resource Center initiative represents extensive community planning and assessment that began in 2023 with funding from the Sauer Family Foundation. Informed by a comprehensive Community Needs Assessment in 2024 and strategic planning completed in March 2025, the county is now able to begin the work of Family Resource in the communities of Pelican Rapids and New York Mills. The grant requires that facility renovations be finalized by December 31, 2026.

The new Family Resource Centers will serve as community-engaged hubs designed to strengthen relationships, enhance parenting skills, and foster the healthy development of children, youth, and families.