Washburn Center for Children

08/22/2025

"I’m only here because my grandma made me come here.”

When Brandon Jones was a public school counselor in Minneapolis, he heard those words regularly from a 12-year-old Black male student who wore a tough exterior amid a dysfunctional home life. But after three or four months of therapy sessions, Jones says, the young man stopped mentioning it.

“I remember I asked him, ‘Why are you still coming here? Because your grandma wants you to come here?’ He was like, ‘No, I come here because I like you,’” says Jones, who wears jeans and Jordan sneakers just like his young clients do.

https://childmind.org/article/meeting-the-mental-health-needs-of-black-adolescent-boys/"

08/21/2025

Save the date! NAMI Walks Minnesota on Saturday, September 27! Start thinking of your clever sign ideas and slip on those walking shoes and head to Minnehaha Regional Park!

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., you'll find community resources, a 5k, food and picnics and more - all in support of the mental health in our communities. Join our team today and get ready for a day of fun!

https://www.namiwalks.org/teams/73152

08/17/2025

We get it done for America by removing barriers. meeting families with quality mental health care when and where they need it. On , we want to hear from you: Has Washburn Center for Children made a difference in your life? Share your story using and help show lawmakers why nonprofits matter. NonporfitsGetItDone.org

08/16/2025

Join Washburn Center's committed, innovative team and find a role that will help you grow in your career and support kids and families on their healing journey! Check out openings and apply today at

Job openings at Washburn Center for Children

08/12/2025

Celebrating 50 years of Medica Health Plans' commitment to community! Today, our team joined Medica in marking this incredible milestone and to lift the critical need in children's mental health. With Medica’s generous support, even more Twin Cities youth and families have access to compassionate, timely mental health care in schools—where and when it’s needed.

A huge thank you to the Medica team for boosting our annual backpack drive with heartfelt handwritten notes of encouragement for students returning to school. Together, we’re helping scholars head into the classroom with confidence and care!

08/11/2025

Minnesota State Fair is on the horizon which means back to school is around the corner! Make sure your kids are all set to soar this year academically, socially and developmentally.

Our innovative youth testing program is helping families gain insights about what young scholars need to be successful. These testing services help caregivers make gameplans with school staff to map out the school year. Take the first step to unlock your child's potential - call (612) 400-6395 today to learn about the testing packages or visit washburn.org/testing

08/05/2025

You've still got time to help more kids return to school with a running start! Our annual school supply drive is in full swing, and our communities are stepping up with items like backpacks, notebooks and more. Check out our wishlist and donate before the end of the week! https://www.myregistry.com/organization/bekah-kirby-minneapolis-mn/4851021/giftlist

08/01/2025

Today, it's inevitable: kids are going to use the internet. August's Community Forum gave encouraging insights to keep them safe. While pitfalls are ever-present for youth in the digital landscape, there is some positive news for caregivers:

• Get a head start & set boundaries before kids get access
• Stay tuned & keep an eye on what they are doing and how it makes them feel
• Turn the eye-catching notifications off!

Leaning in to your kids interests and learning helps you guide your child as they grow into healthy, safe tech usage.

07/30/2025

There's still time to save your seat for the Training Institute's next Community Forum this Friday, August 1! The Internet is Here to Stay: Positives and Pitfalls for our Children is a timely and informative training designed to help parents, educators, and caregivers navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. Sign up here: https://www.washburntraininginstitute.org/visitor_catalog_class/show/1714854/August-2025-Washburn-Community-Forum

07/29/2025

We are grateful to share a legacy of Cadwallader Washburn with General Mills - and having a heart for community. We couldn't agree more that the generosity of this community is deeper than space. When we invest in the children of this community, we heal for a stronger future.

07/28/2025

Sharing quick success story we heard from our testing team:

At the urging of their pediatrician, mom Francine was looking for answers to why her 10-year-old was suddenly having difficulty in school, transitions and learning after a long-successful elementary experience up to that point. Our testing program quickly illuminated changes that had gone on in her life. Francine learned the right ways for her and for school staff to support her kid to get their family's stability back on track.

Get this type of support moving for your family. Call our testing program today! (612) 400-6395

07/26/2025

"Everyone, regardless of team, cares a ton about helping the kids. That's the difference-maker for me when I think about my job here." -staff member of 5 years

Join Washburn Center's team and make a difference for kids every single day. Grow your skills and contribute to a mission that heals! See openings on both our clinical and administrative teams by visiting https://jobs.lever.co/washburn