By Melanie Stegner

news@pctribune.com

Community Partners Drop-In Center in Glenwood is a safe haven for adults. It’s a place of acceptance, support, advocacy and self-empowerment. The façade of the building does not show the warmth that is inside. 

When you walk in the doors, you are greeted by the smiling face of Melanie Hanson. She’s overseen the drop-in center for two years. She has a background in mental health in a residential setting. “You’re safe here, no one is judging you,” stated Hanson. 

The center hosts a variety of meetings and activities that give their visitors the chance to develop new skills. There are art projects, movies, snacks, beverages, comfy rooms with seating and computers with internet access. They host bingo, card parties, specialized classes (right now they are hosting an American Sign Language class every other week), coffee groups, even pizza parties.

The mission of the center is to promote mental health education and awareness, and to help provide support for the mental health needs of the community to the best of their ability. Hanson feels that “a strong community creates more happiness and acceptance.”

Community Partners is run by a governing board that meets quarterly. They receive a grant from Region 4 and are eligible to receive funds from Western Prairie Human Services on a per project basis. 

“We always accept donations, whether it’s activity items, snacks or monetary,” Hanson said. “Some of the people who come through our doors are hungry, looking for housing or just needing to talk.” 

The center is open to everyone whether they need help, or they want to help. Something as easy as coloring with a person can lead to just the right inspiration to change a life, Hanson said. 

Recently Hanson coordinated a trip to the Sea Life Aquarium at the Mall of America. There is currently a plan in the works for a picnic, she said.  

Community Partners Drop-In Center is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. It is located at 125 East Minnesota Avenue in Glenwood. You can contact the center by calling (320)634-0888 or visiting their website communitypartnersdropin.org.