Lakes Center for Youth and Families

06/17/2026

Our first For Young People event is officially in the books!

We had a great evening together at Taylors Falls Drive-In for dinner and mini golf. Youth had the chance to connect, laugh, play, and begin building the kind of safe, welcoming community FYP is all about.

This is just the beginning. For Young People is designed to give youth a place to belong, build positive relationships, try new activities, and connect with supportive adults and peers.

A huge thank you to everyone helping us launch this new program and make opportunities like this possible for youth in our community.

Upcoming events are listed at:
www.lakescenter.org/foryoungpeople

06/09/2026

Register at www.lakescenter.org/foryoungpeople

Looking for a safe, positive summer opportunity for your teen?

Lakes Center’s For Young People program is kicking off the summer with dinner and mini golf at the Taylors Falls Drive-In!

This is a great chance for youth to meet other students, have fun, and learn more about FYP, a free program that offers activities, peer support, mentoring, and connection for youth in our community.

⛳ Dinner and Mini Golf
📅 Tuesday, June 16
🕠 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 Taylors Falls Drive-In
572 Bench Street, Taylors Falls, MN 55084
👥 Youth entering grades 6–12
💲 Free
🚐 Transportation available for the first 10 youth who sign up

RSVP is required by June 15.

Register at:
www.lakescenter.org/foryoungpeople

See all upcoming FYP events and learn more at the link above.

05/22/2026

Meet Rachel Thoren, our Youth Outreach Specialist!

We’re excited to introduce Rachel and share more about the important work she’s doing with young people in our community. Rachel helps connect youth and families with support, resources, and encouragement when they need it most.

At Lakes Center for Youth and Families, we believe strong relationships can make a lasting difference — and Rachel brings warmth, care, and a heart for walking alongside youth as they navigate life’s challenges.

If you know a young person ages 12–18 who would benefit from having a mentor, please visit:

www.lc4yf.org/foryoungpeople

Take a moment to watch Rachel’s introduction and help us welcome her!

Meet Rachel Thoren Youth Outreach Specialist for Lakes Center

05/22/2026

Astra went to Space Camp. 🚀💗

Our Strong Start students had an unforgettable Ranger Space Camp adventure filled with travel, teamwork, hands-on learning, and big dreams for the future.

One of the best parts? Astra, the pink bird astronaut, joined the adventure and made her way into the photos.

Can you find Astra in every picture?

Drop a 🚀 in the comments if you found her in all of them.

Experiences like this help young people build confidence, explore new possibilities, and see themselves as capable of something bigger. Because of Lakes Center, young people have the connection, care, and opportunities they need to dream bigger.

05/22/2026

Thank you to the Forest Lake Lions for welcoming Lakes Center and giving Executive Director Tim Cryer the opportunity to share more about our work.

We are grateful for community leaders who care deeply about youth and families. It is always meaningful to share the incredible work our staff are doing every day to walk alongside young people during pivotal moments.

Thank you, Forest Lake Lions, for your hospitality and continued commitment to our community.

05/19/2026

A simple check in can make a bigger difference than you think.
Send the text. Ask the question. Make the call. Start the conversation.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s remind the young people in our lives that support starts with connection. Check in. Reach out.

05/15/2026

We love the work SPEAC, the Substance Prevention Education & Action Coalition, is doing to support students, families, and our community.

SPEAC is putting on a great community event called Stronger Together, and families are invited to attend for free.

Heather and Randy Bacchus will share a powerful message that combines science, real life experience, and heart to help families better understand the challenges teens are facing today, including the dangers of cannabis, while building stronger connections and support.

Come early for pizza from 5:30 to 6:30 PM, stay for the presentation from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, and enjoy door prizes, Q&A, and community resources.

Wednesday, May 27, 2026
6:30 to 8:00 PM
Forest Lake Area High School Media Center
Free and open to all families

Sensitive subjects will be discussed. Parental discretion is advised for students younger than seventh grade.

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd09ba5YH_FkEhVbUddHuuz0A2eQNllAuCfS9wwDu-k61n2cg/viewform

05/11/2026

A huge thank you to Empire Insurance Group, Inc. for hosting their Shred It for Youth event benefiting Lakes Center!

Thanks to their generosity and the support of everyone who came out to shred documents, Empire Insurance Group raised $1,112 to support local youth and families.

We are grateful for community partners who find creative ways to give back. This gift helps Lakes Center continue walking alongside young people and families through counseling, mentoring, school support, diversion, and community based programs.

Thank you, Empire Insurance Group, for supporting local youth and families!

05/11/2026

Sometimes life feels heavy, but no young person should have to carry it alone.
If you are struggling with stress, anxiety, sadness, or feeling overwhelmed, please know this: you are not alone.

Lakes Center is here to support youth and families with caring adults, counseling, and connection when it matters most.

05/05/2026

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we want every young person to hear this clearly: you matter.
Your feelings matter. Your story matters. Your life matters.

At Lakes Center, we believe every young person deserves support, connection, and someone who cares. If a young person in your life is struggling, know that help is available.