Rice County, Minnesota offers a rich network of services for families with young children — from prenatal care and breastfeeding support to early childhood education, food assistance, housing, and crisis intervention. This guide tells you exactly who to call and what they can help with , organized by need. Many services are available in English, Spanish, and Somali.
How to Contact Libraries, Museums & Recreation for Family Activities & Classes
Enrich your child’s early years with free or discounted programs, classes, and outings:
Organization Services Phone Buckham Memorial Library – Faribault Family programs, storytime (507) 334-2089 Northfield Public Library Family programs, storytime (507) 645-6606 Northfield Area YMCA Family fitness, swim, youth programs (507) 645-0088 Faribault Community Center Sports, activities, recreation (507) 334-2064 MN Children’s Museum (WIC card discount) Interactive play exhibits (651) 225-6000 MN Science Museum (WIC card discount) Science exhibits for families (651) 221-9444 MN Zoo (WIC card discount – mnzoo.org/us/freetoexplore ) Family visits (952) 431-9200
How to Contact Community & Adult Education for Classes
Community Education programs offer affordable classes for all ages — including parent/child classes, enrichment, and family activities:
School District Website Phone Faribault ce.faribault.k12.mn.us (507) 333-6011 Lonsdale (Tri-City United) tcu2905.us (507) 364-8107 Morristown (WEM Schools) wem.k12.mn.us/communityeducation (507) 362-4403 Northfield northfieldschools.org/communityeducation (507) 664-3649
How to Contact Early Childhood Programs for Child Development & School Readiness
These programs help your child develop socially, emotionally, and academically from birth through kindergarten:
Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)
Location Phone Faribault (507) 333-6460 Lonsdale (Tri-City United) (507) 364-8116 Morristown (WEM Schools) (507) 362-4403 New Prague (952) 758-1700 Northfield (507) 664-3754
Early Childhood Special Education (Ages 3 – Kindergarten)
Location Phone Faribault (507) 333-6455 For the Deaf & Hard of Hearing (507) 384-6600 Lonsdale (Tri-City United) (507) 364-8116 Morristown (WEM Schools) (507) 362-4439 Northfield (507) 645-1243
Early Childhood Screening (Ages 3–5)
Location Phone Faribault (507) 333-6460 Kenyon (507) 824-2211 Medford (507) 451-5250 Lonsdale (Tri-City United) (507) 364-8119 Morristown (WEM Schools) (507) 362-4439 New Prague (952) 758-1700 Northfield (507) 645-1200
Help Me Grow – Early Intervention (Birth – Age 5)
Location Phone Faribault / Northfield (507) 333-6804 Lonsdale (Tri-City United) (866) 693-4769 Morristown (WEM Schools) (507) 835-2246
Head Start (Birth–3 Home Visiting / 3–5 Preschool)
Location Phone Faribault / Northfield 1-800-277-8418 Ext. 156 Tri Valley Opportunity Council (Elysian) (507) 267-4373
Additional Early Childhood Resources
How to Contact Car Seat Safety Services for Car Seat Information
Ensure your child rides safely. Rice County Public Health offers car seat checks and education in multiple languages:
Contact Phone Rice County Public Health (English) (507) 332-6111 Rice County Public Health (Spanish) (507) 332-5940 or (507) 332-5926 Rice County Public Health (Somali) (507) 332-6053
Online Resources:
How to Contact Child Protection for Safety Concerns
If you suspect child abuse or neglect, report it immediately:
Contact Phone Rice County Social Services (507) 332-6115 After Hours 1-800-422-1286 Emergencies 911
How to Contact Childbirth & Breastfeeding Resources for Pregnancy & Postpartum Support
Organization Services Phone Amma Parenting Childbirth education (952) 962-2229 Baby Stop – Faribault For families with infants 0–12 weeks (507) 333-6460 Baby Talk – Northfield For families with infants 0–12 weeks (507) 664-3750 La Leche League International Breastfeeding support 1-800-525-3243 Northfield Birth Center Tours Email babyclasses@northfieldhospitals.org — Rice County Public Health Certified Lactation Counselors (507) 332-6111 WIC – Breastfeeding Education Nutrition & breastfeeding support (507) 332-5906
Free Text-Based Parenting Programs
Program How to Sign Up Text4baby Text BABY (or BEBE for Spanish) to 511411 — free weekly pregnancy & baby tips Think Small Parent Powered Text Text LMC to 70138 — 3 free messages/week with developmental tips (LMC ESP for Spanish, LMC SOM for Somali)
How to Contact Community Services for Housing, Financial Help & General Support
Organization Services Phone American Red Cross Disaster assistance, military assistance, swim classes (507) 334-8471 Big Brothers/Big Sisters Youth mentor program (507) 334-0258 Community Action Center – Faribault Food shelf, clothing, financial aid — 1400 Cannon Circle, Suite #8 (507) 664-3550 Community Action Center – Northfield 1651 Jefferson Parkway, Suite HS-200 (507) 664-3550 Exchange Club Center for Family Unity In-home parent mentoring (507) 455-1190 Healthy Community Initiative Supporting children, youth & families (507) 664-3524 Hope Center Relationship violence support (507) 332-0882 HRA – Section 8 Housing Housing vouchers (507) 333-3787 Rice County Social Services Case management, financial assistance, mental health, child care assistance (507) 332-6115 Rice County Social Services – 24hr Emergency Emergency line 1-800-422-1286 Rice County Habitat for Humanity Affordable housing program (507) 323-5167 Salvation Army 1-night hotel vouchers (507) 333-1336 Sarah’s House Transitional housing (post-inpatient treatment) (507) 332-2236 St. Vincent DePaul – Faribault Food, clothing, assistance (Mon, Wed, Fri) (507) 334-2100 Three Rivers CAP Budget counseling, energy assistance, Head Start, weatherization (507) 316-0610 or 1-800-277-8418 United Way Finances, health, education — dial 211 (507) 334-0660 USDA Rural Development Housing assistance 2-1-1 or 1-800-543-7709 Vocational Rehabilitation Services Employment support (507) 497-1223 Work Force Center – Faribault Career training, work support (507) 333-2088
How to Contact Health Services for Medical Care, Immunizations & Special Needs
Organization Services Phone Bridge to Benefits Online eligibility screening for public programs (651) 227-6121 Child & Teen Check-Ups (MA Program) Health check-ups, Birth–21 (507) 332-6111 Family Voices of MN Parent networking for children with special health needs (866) 334-8444 HealthFinders – Faribault Health & dental care for uninsured (507) 323-8100 HealthFinders – Northfield Health & dental care for uninsured (507) 646-8964 MCSHN (MN Children with Special Health Needs) State resource 1-800-728-5420 MinnesotaCare Health coverage via mnsure.org 1-800-657-3672 MN Family Planning Program Family planning services 1-888-702-9968 MN Hands and Voices Support for families with deaf/HOH children 1-866-346-4543 Pacer Support for families with children with disabilities pacer.org Poison Control Center 24/7 poison emergencies 1-800-222-1222 Portico Healthnet Free help with health coverage applications 1-866-489-4899 Quit Partner Free tobacco cessation counseling 1-800-784-8669 Rice County Public Health Vaccines for uninsured/underinsured (507) 332-6111 Southern Heights Dental Clinic Dental care (507) 334-6433 Three Rivers CAP Health & assistance programs (507) 316-0610 or 1-800-277-8418
Medical Clinics
Clinic Phone Allina Health Clinic – Faribault (507) 334-3921 Allina Health Urgent Care – Faribault (507) 262-8890 Mayo Health System – Faribault (507) 333-3300 Mayo Health System – Owatonna (507) 686-6229 Northfield Hospital & Clinics (507) 646-1494 Northfield Hospital Urgent Care (507) 646-6700 Northfield Hospital Women’s Health (507) 646-1478 Northfield Hospital & Clinic – Faribault (507) 334-1601
How to Contact Crisis Intervention for Immediate Help
If you or someone you love is in crisis, these resources are available now:
Resource How to Reach Them Phone 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988 Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741 crisistextline.org Fast Tracker MN Find mental health & substance use resources fasttrackermn.org HCI Local Mental Health Resources Resource list hci-mn.org/resources Hope Center 24-Hour Safe Line Relationship violence 1-800-607-2330 Minnesota Warmline Non-crisis mental health support (9AM–9PM daily) (651) 288-0400 or 855-Warmline; Text “Support” to 85511 NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Information & support 1-800-950-6264 National Maternal Mental Health Hotline Call or text 1-833-943-5746 Pregnancy Postpartum Support MN Call or text (612) 787-PPSM Rice County Social Services 24-Hour Crisis Line Emergency crisis line 1-800-422-1286 South Central Mobile Crisis Team Mental health crisis, 24/7 (877) 399-3040
How to Contact Homeless Coordinated Access Sites for Shelter & Housing
Population Served Organization Phone Individuals & Families with Children Three Rivers CAP / Community Action Center (507) 316-0610 or 1-800-277-8418 Individuals & Families (alternate) Community Action Center (507) 664-3550 Military Veterans MN Assistance Council for Veterans (507) 345-8258 Youth Northfield Union of Youth (The Key) (507) 663-0715 Victims of Domestic/Sexual Violence Hope Center 24-Hour Safe Line 1-800-607-2330 Women & Families with Children Ruth’s House of Hope (507) 332-2236
How to Contact Chemical Dependency Services for Substance Use Help
Organization Services Phone Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting locator (507) 645-6282 Faribault Fountain Center Treatment (507) 334-6413 MOST – Rice County Mobile Opioid Support Team Mobile crisis response (507) 299-0204 Narcotics Anonymous Meeting locator na.org/meetingsearch Omada Behavioral Health – Northfield Outpatient treatment (507) 664-9407 Rice County Family Recovery Support (CAC) Family recovery support (507) 664-3550
How to Contact Legal Aid for Free Legal Help
Organization Services Phone LawHelpMN Legal information & referrals (877) 696-6529 Refugee & Immigrant Helpline Immigration legal help 1-800-814-4806 SMRLS (Southern MN Regional Legal Services) Free civil legal services (651) 222-5863
How to Contact Childcare Providers for Licensed Daycare
Resource Contact Rice County Licensed Childcare Providers List ricecountymn.gov/352/Childcare — (507) 332-6115Child Care Aware of MN Statewide childcare search
How to Contact Nutrition & Food Assistance for Feeding Your Family
Organization Services Phone Community Café – Faribault Free fellowship meal (Tuesdays 4:14–5:30pm, 101 NW 6th St) — Food Shelf – Community Action Center Food & diapers — Faribault & Northfield locations (507) 664-3550 Lonsdale Food Shelf 7525 Garfield Ave (507) 744-5399 St. Vincent de Paul Food Shelf 617 3rd Ave NW, Faribault (Mon, Wed, Fri) (507) 334-2100 Hunger Solutions Search for a food shelf near you hungersolutions.org Rice County Extension – Health & Nutrition Nutrition education (507) 332-6109 SNAP Benefits – Rice County Social Services Food assistance (food stamps) (507) 332-6115 WIC (Women, Infants, Children) Nutrition, breastfeeding, diapers (507) 332-5906
How to Contact Parenting Education for Support & Classes
Organization Services Phone Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) Parent/child classes — see locations above Various Parents Forever Online courses for separating/divorcing parents extension.umn.edu/family/parents-forever Rice County Family Home Visiting Pregnancy, new mom/baby, ongoing parenting support (507) 332-6111 Parent Child+ Home visits 2x/week for families with children 16 months–2.5 years (507) 291-2822 Waano Education & support for parents of children Pre-K–12th grade (763) 313-9078
How to Contact Reproductive Health Services for Family Planning
Organization Services Phone MN Family Planning & STD Hotline Confidential info & referrals 1-800-783-2287 MN Family Planning Program Family planning services 1-888-702-9968 Northfield Women’s Center Women’s health (507) 645-7638 Planned Parenthood – Apple Valley Reproductive health services (952) 890-0940 LifeCare Center – Faribault Pregnancy options & helpline (507) 332-7644 Rice County Public Health Family Planning Family planning & STI testing (507) 332-6111
How to Contact Social Services for Financial & Family Assistance
Rice County Social Services — (507) 332-6115
Services include:
Medical Assistance
Aid to Families with Dependent Children
SNAP (Food Stamps)
Child Support
Child Protection
Daycare Assistance
Adoption Services
Foster Care
Counseling
24-Hour Emergency: 1-800-422-1286Website: ricecountymn.gov/340/Social-Services
How to Contact Support Groups for Peer Connection
Group Who It’s For Contact Al-Anon Family Groups Friends & family of problem drinkers al-anon.org Hope Center Survivors of domestic & sexual violence (adults, youth, friends, family) (507) 332-0882 IRIS (Infants Remembered in Silence) Families who lost a child in early pregnancy or early childhood (507) 334-4748 New Moms Network 6-week support group, meets in Northfield (507) 645-5687 NAMI Free peer-led group for adults (18+) with mental illness (651) 645-2948 or 1-888-NAMI-HELPS
How to Contact Thrift Stores & Donation Centers for Used Clothing, Diapers & Furniture
Organization Items Available Phone Fashions on Central – Faribault Used clothing (507) 334-9242 Goodwill Clothing, household items (507) 334-2893 MN Cloth Diaper Bank Cloth diapers (612) 460-5266 Northfield Community Action Center Clothes Closet Used clothing (507) 645-1389 St. Vincent DePaul Clothing, furniture, household (Mon, Wed, Fri) (507) 334-2100 Used a Bit Shoppe Used items (507) 645-1399
Quick Tips for Rice County Families
Start with Rice County Social Services at (507) 332-6115 — they handle medical assistance, food stamps, child support, childcare assistance, and more under one roof.Call United Way (dial 211) if you’re unsure where to turn — they’ll connect you to the right resource.For mental health crises , call 988 or the South Central Mobile Crisis Team at (877) 399-3040 (24/7).For relationship violence , the Hope Center 24-Hour Safe Line is 1-800-607-2330.Sign up for free parenting texts — text BABY to 511411 (Text4baby) or LMC to 70138 (Think Small) for weekly developmental tips.Language support is available — many Rice County services offer Spanish and Somali language options. Just ask when you call.
This resource guide is based on the Family Resource List published by Rice County Public Health Nursing Services (updated 8/12/2026). For additions, corrections, or updates, contact Ilwad Salex at (507) 333-3818 or ilwad.salex@ricecountymn.gov .
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