A local nonprofit’s mission of fostering healthy parent-child relationships

Parenting with Grace, Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in Buffalo dedicated to supporting families through a variety of programs aimed at fostering healthy parent-child relationships with a focus on ensuring child well-being. The organization offers services such as supervised visitation, parenting education, and support groups.     

Parenting with Grace opened its doors in October 2023. Founder and Executive Director Chrystal Fischer shared that she was motivated through personal experience of having to drive to Minneapolis for supervised visits with her daughter’s father in 2010. Living in Monticello, Chrystal stated, “The closest one was on the edge of St. Paul and Minneapolis. We did supervised visits every Saturday for a year driving to Minneapolis. Going through a divorce, bad weather, tight funds, and transitioning through a lot of trauma, it just compounded that trauma. I just couldn’t believe that there was nothing in Wright County.” 

In March 2022, Fischer attended a Christian Women’s conference, “While I was there, it just kept coming back to me that I needed to do this. I kept hearing [internally] that I need to do this. Now is the time. It’s time.”

After receiving nonprofit status the following month in April, Chrystal spent the next year-and-a-half learning from other visitation programs in the state, along with networking, and participating in mentorship. “It was this year-and-a-half of learning and networking, joining chambers, and going to city council meetings, talking about what I wanted to do.” 

Fischer understands the importance of long-term success for family stability and the emotional health of children. “The supervised visits are such a need, but are just a band-aid in a time of need. Usually, when someone first hears about supervised visits it’s when a judge court orders it. [Supervised visits] can be ordered because of substance abuse, domestic violence, neglect, and sometimes mental health conditions that can pose possible harm. I felt we needed more. We needed some trauma prevention and to help support the families so that when they are done with supervised visits, they’re not coming back here. I always tell my clients, when you leave, I don’t want to see you again. I want you to be successful and be the great parent I know you can be.”

Parenting with Grace is a member of the Supervised Visitation Network (SVN), an international network that sets standards for keeping kids safe. Staff at Parenting with Grace consists of volunteers who have completed SVN training, dedicated to ensuring child safety, and working with families to develop, maintain, and foster healthy relationships. 

Funding and Resources

Funding to support daily operations is challenging. Parenting with Grace receives no state aid, relying on fundraising efforts and a small sliding-fee payment schedule for classes. Local fundraising efforts can give a much-needed boost to non-profit groups but are difficult to sustain in the long-run. “There’s local support, the Lions Club and 100 Women Who Care, which has been amazing, but they can’t keep supporting us.” 

Fischer works to advocate at the local and legislative level to educate communities on the importance of funding and why it’s needed. Chrystal hopes more locations can open in the future, but it ultimately comes down to funding. “We want to make it affordable for families. Grace is for everyone.” 

Education Programs

Parenting with Grace offers educational programs to enhance parenting skills and knowledge. All classes are open to the community and do not require a referral. 

Connected Parenting covers topics such as child development, positive discipline techniques, and understanding adverse childhood experiences. It aims to equip parents with strategies to foster positive parent-child interactions. 

The Anger Management program assists parents in developing effective strategies to manage anger, thereby promoting healthier family dynamics. 

Support groups help provide parents with a platform to share experiences and gain mutual support. The Circle of Parents group offers a friendly and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to exchange ideas, support, information, and resources. 

Not A Number is a program that educates participants about human trafficking and exploitation, empowering them with knowledge and strategies to stay safe. 

Community Engagement and Events

Bingo at the Monticello American Legion and summer golf tournaments at area courses are just a few of the fundraising events hosted by Parenting with Grace. 

On Friday, May 2, the organization will host its “Groovin’ 70’s Gala” at River City Extreme in Monticello, focused on raising awareness and funding to support their programs. Tickets are on sale until April 25 and available through the organization’s website. The gala also includes an online auction. 

Parenting with Grace, Inc. continues to be a vital resource for Wright County area families by providing essential services that promote healthy family relationships and child development.

Editor’s Note:

For more information about Parenting with Grace, including classes, programs, and events, visit www.parentingwithgrace.org.