Group enjoys respite in New Ulm

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Pact 4 -- a family services and children's collaborative for residents of Renville, Yellow Medicine, Kandiyohi and Meeker Counties is spending the weekend in New Ulm and finding it very enjoyable.

The women found New Ulm so enjoyable, they came into The Journal office Friday afternoon to tell us about it.

About a dozen mothers of children with complex mental health needs are staying at the Cottonwood Group Center at Flandrau State Park through Sunday.

The women visited the Glockenspiel, many downtown businesses, Schell's Brewery and Gardens, the Way of the Cross, the Brown County Museum, New Ulm City Cemetery, among other places.

"They're just relaxing, enjoying, sharing, supporting each other and making new friends," said Stewart native Kay Anderson, a Licensed Social Worker at the Kandiyohi County Family Service Department.

"We're really enjoying it here." Anderson said. "People have been so nice to us. These women usually don't get to sleep in. Now they can eat and sleep whenever they want to."

The public should be more aware that such programs exist, said Anderson.

Much of rural Minnesota lacks services for families dealing with mental illness, said Lia Nistler of Watkins.

"We're really grateful for Kay and all she did for us with this program," said Mary Sundin of Willmar.

The women particularly enjoyed Flandrau State Park and a variety of downtown businesses and restaurants downtown and on the edges of town.

While the women are bonding and discovering a new place, their children are staying with their husbands, families or other responsible adults.

Last year, the program sponsored a 3-day outing at St. Croix State Park along the St. Croix River east of Hinckley. The trips were financed through grants Anderson applied for and received through the Department of Children, Families and Learning (CFL).