Winona, Minn — Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center (HVMHC) is proud to celebrate its 60th anniversary this year—marking six decades of delivering compassionate, community-centered mental health care across southeastern Minnesota. Among its many impactful services, the Children's Community Based Services Program exemplifies the organization's enduring commitment to empowering children, families, and communities through innovative, accessible care.
Since its inception in 2011, the Children's Community Based Services Program has expanded dramatically. What began with a small, dedicated team—just four therapists, one skills provider, and two case managers—has grown into a regional network of professionals serving five counties.
Today, the program includes:
- 10 school-linked therapists
- 9 case managers
- 8 skills providers
- Services embedded in 28 schools, as well as in homes and online
This expansion has not only increased the program's reach but has also deepened its impact by integrating care into the places children live and learn.
"We've seen incredible growth over the past decade, not just in numbers, but in how we connect with children and families," said Jennifer Whetstone, Children's Community Based Clinical Director at HVMHC. "Our staff meet kids where they are—whether that's in school, at home, or online—and we focus on building relationships that support long-term success."
A Holistic Approach to Youth Mental Health
The Children's Community Based Services Program offers a comprehensive suite of supports, tailored to the needs of each child and family:
- Children's Therapeutic Services and Supports (CTSS): A flexible set of rehabilitative mental health services for children and youth (ages 0–21), CTSS includes therapy, skills training, and crisis assistance.
- School-Linked Behavioral Health Programs: These programs place mental health professionals directly in school buildings, eliminating barriers like transportation, insurance limitations, stigma, and long wait times.
- Early Childhood Services: Designed for children from birth to age five, these services emphasize early intervention and help strengthen caregiver-child relationships.
- Case Management: For children with serious mental health needs, case managers coordinate services across healthcare, education, recreation, and other areas—ensuring families have the resources they need.
Why School-Based Services Matter
Schools are often the first place where mental health challenges are identified. HVMHC's school-linked services ensure children can access care in a familiar, trusted environment—minimizing disruption and maximizing engagement.
"When we bring mental health support into schools, we remove obstacles for families and create real opportunities for healing and growth," Whetstone added. "It's about meeting needs early and often and building trust within the community."
"We have had the opportunity to partner with dozens of schools in the five counties we serve to enhance access to services," Continued Whetstone. Schools and County Collaboratives also provide additional funding to ensure comprehensive collaboration to provide wraparound services to youth and their families.
About Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center:
HVMHC, established in 1965, is a certified Behavioral Health Clinic dedicated to providing comprehensive community mental health and substance use services across Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Wabasha, and Winona counties. The organization offers a wide range of services including a 24/7 mobile crisis unit, Adult and Children Community-Based Care, Housing with Supports, Peer Support Networks, Psychiatric Services, Outpatient Therapy and more.
To schedule an appointment for services through HVMHC, individuals can call 1-800-657-6777 or visit www.hvmhc.org/contact/make-an-appointment. As a nonprofit, HVMHC relies on donations to support its programs and expand access to care. To contribute, visit https://www.hvmhc.org/donate/ and help make a difference.
SE MN mobile crisis unit overseen by HVMHC is available 24-hours a day in Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Wabasha, and Winona counties at: 1-844-CRISIS2 or 1-800-274-7472.
