The Otter Tail County Board has approved acceptance of $882,860 in state funds to renovate space for two community-run Family Resource Centers, officials said. The Minnesota Department of Education awarded $500,000 for The Bridge in Pelican Rapids and $382,860 for the New York Mills City Center, with the county applying on behalf of the two communities. Renovations are required to be completed by Dec. 31, 2026.

The funding decision marks a tangible investment in local infrastructure for family-focused services. By remodeling existing community spaces, the grants aim to create or improve facilities where families can access supports, meet with service providers, and participate in locally governed programs. The projects are being carried out locally, with each community managing its center to meet residents’ needs.

For Pelican Rapids and New York Mills, the grant represents both a fiscal boost and an opportunity to expand how supports are organized and delivered. Community-run Family Resource Centers often function as hubs that connect families to early childhood services, parenting resources, and community agencies. In rural counties such as Otter Tail, improving physical space can reduce barriers to access for families who travel long distances for services, increase the capacity for outreach, and strengthen neighborhood-level coordination of supports.

Public health and social equity considerations underscore the local significance of these renovations. Well-designed family resource spaces can contribute to preventive health, stable child development, and reduced stress for parents by enabling easier connections to education, mental health, and social services. When communities have control over programming and space, residents can better shape services to reflect local needs and cultural context, an important factor in addressing longstanding disparities.

The county’s role in applying for and accepting the funds highlights the partnership between local government and community organizations. Using county authorization to secure state resources can streamline grant administration and ensure compliance with state timelines and reporting requirements. The Dec. 31, 2026 deadline gives communities a clear timeframe to plan construction, accessibility improvements, and the operational steps needed to open or enhance centers.

Next steps for both sites will include detailed project planning, contracting for construction or renovation, and coordinating with community stakeholders to align space changes with program goals. As these projects move forward, residents and local providers will have opportunities to participate in planning to ensure the centers meet local needs.

The investment reflects a broader emphasis on community-based infrastructure that supports families and young children. For Otter Tail County residents, the remodeled centers at The Bridge and the New York Mills City Center could mean increased local access to supports that promote health, resilience, and equitable opportunity for families across the county.