Healthy Community Initiative

09/08/2026

Since 1992, Healthy Community Initiative (HCI) has created meaningful change in Rice County, Minnesota, through deep community partnership. HCI has a unique ability to bring people and systems together to identify needs and solutions, secure funding, inspire alignment to realize a shared vision, and measure results.
Learn how is reaching thousands of children, youth, and families with programs that support health, education, and career success at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1WFrlkjeSU

09/08/2026

At Healthy Community Initiative, we believe every young person deserves the partnerships and support they need to thrive, not just get by.

Learn more about how we're building thriving youth and thriving communities across Northfield and Faribault: https://pir.org/for-orgs/org-in-action/building-healthy-communities-together/

In every community, there are young people whose potential is visible long before their opportunity is. Bridging the gap between those two things, potential and opportunity, is where Healthy Community Initiative (HCI) has spent more than three decades quietly working. In Rice County, Minnesota, that...

09/07/2026

HCI offices are closed for Labor Day today, September 7.

09/05/2026

Register now for September and October youth sports! There are plenty of opportunities to stay active through Northfield Public Schools Community Education, Northfield Skating School, Northfield Hockey Association, and Northfield Wrestling. And mark your calendars for Saturday, Oct. 3, the final "Try Hockey for Free" event before the season begins at the brand new arena!

See the full list at northfieldsports.org/09-26

09/04/2026

September is ! This month we celebrate the strength, resilience, and determination of student parents who are balancing classes, caregiving, and their education every single day. To all the student parents out there – you are seen, you are valued, and you inspire us!

If you're balancing textbooks and bedtime stories, the NCCC is here for you, providing free childcare during in-person classes and creating accessible paths for you to reach your postsecondary goals.

Minnesota Office of Higher Education

08/31/2026

Every August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day brings a global community together to take action on overdose. Overdose continues to affect every community, but it CAN be prevented. We know how to reduce risk and keep people safe. By speaking openly, learning from one another, and treating each other with care and respect, we build a world where fewer lives are lost. This year, the theme is “25 years on. Still needed.” Because while this day is still needed, it doesn’t have to be forever.

Learning how to administer Narcan and carrying it regularly can save a life. Learn more about what you can do to prevent an opioid overdose by joining us for an upcoming Narcan training: September 16, October 5, and November 17 at St. Olaf. Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevBfRXWJq9QMKMnK_UlJFegDssg2kAjPcAA4b48zt8w0-jdA/viewform

08/30/2026

TORCH is hiring a part-time STEAM Success Coach to work with Northfield High School students for the 2026-2027 school year!

Under HCI, the TORCH program is looking to add a STEAM Success Coach to the team to expand its ability to provide math and science support to students. The new STEAM Success Coach will provide academic advising and homework help, particularly in the areas of math, science, and liberal arts, and continue TORCH’s successful partnership with Riverland Community College’s PSEO (Post-Secondary Enrollment Options) program.

TORCH is a collaborative program between Northfield High School, HCI, and other community partners that aims to increase graduation rates and overall student success. TORCH works with more than 500 Northfield youth in grades 6-12 each year, providing academic advising, tutoring, postsecondary access, career exploration, and connections with a variety of opportunities and resources.

Learn more and apply: https://app.trinethire.com/companies/127015-healthy-community-initiative/jobs/123907-steam-success-coach

08/28/2026

Come work with us at the NCCC! We are hiring a Student Services Coordinator to join our team part-time and help students navigate and explore postsecondary opportunities.

The mission of The NCCC: Navigating Coaching for College and Careers is to provide individualized student supports that promote postsecondary success and lead to meaningful, family-sustaining careers. The Student Services Coordinators establish rapport and develop positive working relationships with NCCC students, helping them navigate the postsecondary systems and working to overcome any barriers that might prevent them from accomplishing their educational goals.

This position will work primarily in Faribault, with some regular hours in Northfield to support students as they are attending classes.

Learn more and apply: https://app.trinethire.com/companies/127015-healthy-community-initiative/jobs/123901-student-services-coordinator-navigating-coaching-for-college-careers

08/27/2026

Thanks to everyone at for supporting Healthy Community Initiative's work to advance education, health and career outcomes for all young people in Rice County!

08/26/2026

Growing Up Healthy hosted multiple “Evenings in the Park” events this summer at six different locations! Staff gathered with community members and Growing Up Healthy participants in Northfield and Faribault to share resources, provide enrichment activities, and work together to support families in our communities. We are grateful for our local partners, including Carleton College, HealthFinders Collaborative, Sharing Our Roots, Community Action Center - Faribault, Faribault Public Schools, and the City of Faribault, Minnesota - City Government, who all came out to make these events a success!