Welcome to Children First

In the spring of 1993, St. Louis Park, Minnesota, began transforming how the community viewed its young people. Children First was born out of a partnership among the education, faith, city, health and business communities.

The focus of this partnership?

To encourage everyone in the community to find ways that make sense to them to help in the healthy development of our infants, children and teens.

Focus on an Asset
#38 - Self-Esteem Did you know 50% of St. Louis Park young people report having a high self-esteem and boys are more likely to have this asset than girls? It is important when praising young people to avoid false praise and acknowledge them for specific things they have worked hard accomplishing. View all of the 40 Assets »
Asset Builder Spotlight
When asked how asset building has affected Pastor Carl’s life, he responds, “As I think about it, I grew up in a home of Asset Builders. My mother was the PTA president for our school in Florida, and my father was a chef. Between the two of them, many assets were developed among us, as well as our friends in the neighborhood.” more...

Focus on an Asset

#38 - Self-Esteem

Did you know 50% of St. Louis Park young people report having a high self-esteem and boys are more likely to have this asset than girls? It is important when praising young people to avoid false praise and acknowledge them for specific things they have worked hard accomplishing.

View all of the 40 Assets »

Asset Builder Spotlight

When asked how asset building has affected Pastor Carl’s life, he responds, “As I think about it, I grew up in a home of Asset Builders. My mother was the PTA president for our school in Florida, and my father was a chef. Between the two of them, many assets were developed among us, as well as our friends in the neighborhood.”

more...

40 Assets Art Exhibit - 2009

Enjoy a special exhibit of 40 paintings by 40 local organizations each depicting one of the 40 assets. The paintings were created by 100 artists ages 4 years through senior citizens. They are on display through the month of July at the Starbucks at Excelsior & Grand. The project was coordinated by four Girl Scouts, Ali, Jenna, Kelsey & Mariah, for their Silver Award. Funding for the project was provided by a grant from the St. Louis Park Arts & Culture Grant, a collaborative partnership of the City of St. Louis Park, St. Louis Park Friends of the Arts and the St. Louis Park Community Foundation.

For more info on the project click on the what's new tab at the right or the photo gallery tab to see photos from the Children First Ice Cream Social where the artwork made its debut.

In The News- Spring 2008

Tom Harmening and Peggy Rick from St. Louis Park talked with Esme Murphy about the super heroes coloring book on WCCO TV's Sunday morning show.
Watch the show here...

Community Honors Everyday Caped Crusaders

Some caped crusaders took center stage as a group of ordinary folks were thanked for the extraordinary things they do for children in St. Louis Park.
Read and watch more here...