History

As a special project of the Miller-Dwan Foundation, Amberwing – Center for Youth & Family Well-Being was built with generous donations from people throughout the region. The Foundation continues to rely on ongoing philanthropic support to fund specialized Amberwing programming, maintain the facility and ensure that everyone has access to the mental health and chemical dependency care they deserve.

Recognizing a need

With youth in northern Minnesota and northern Wisconsin facing alarming rates of suicide, mental health and substance use problems, the Miller-Dwan Foundation brought together local advocates and mental health professionals to investigate the problem, seek solutions, and create a new approach to saving and transforming lives.

Understanding that the right environment and approach to care is a vital part of the healing process, the Miller-Dwan Foundation began fund raising in 2009. Their vision was clear: create a unique center that would offer integrated solutions for improving young lives and families in a safe haven that feels like home – a place where everyone can learn to think differently about mental wellness, so that more people could get the right help at the right time.

Creating a model for better mental health care

In 2012, this unique and innovative wellness center opened to provide state-of-the-art mental health and substance use services through Essentia Health for children, adolescents, young adults and their families.

Set in a restful wooded area, the center provides a friendly and welcoming environment for growth and healing and advances the mental health care standard in our region— thanks to a team of compassionate experts specially trained to employ evidence-based practices as well as innovative, holistic care. Designed in part for youth with serious emotional or behavioral challenges, or those dealing with alcohol or drug problems, Amberwing features daylong intensive programming and evening outpatient therapy, while the Family Resource Center provides support, education and assistance to the greater community.