In his 2007 State of the City address, Mayor Ardell Brede declared 2007 the Year of the Family. This site is dedicated to this proclamation and serves as a resource for families of all descriptions to find the information they need to strive in Rochester, MN.

I am proclaiming 2007 as Rochester ·2007·Year of the Family with a theme “One Community. A family of Families.” Thanks to Breanna Bly and Sandy Keith who earlier had discussed the matter and concluded that many social issues could be solved if families could be strengthened. A steering community has been assembled with initial efforts focused on the possibility that one night per week, perhaps Monday, could be designated as “family night” with special movie nights, restaurant discounts, health club family night and the list is only limited by our creativity. We ask that the faith community, businesses, schools, recreation facilities, service clubs, etc. consider how they might support the “Year of the Family”.

Mother Teresa said,
I think today the world is upside down and suffering so much because there is so very little love in the home, and in family life. We have no time for our children, we have no time for each other, there is not time to enjoy each other.

The potential of this effort is unlimited and there is not any downside as even if just one family was strengthened we will have achieved success.

As we continue to build welcoming and inclusive community we invite all forms of families – religious, cultural, ethnic, extended, traditional and non-traditional, racial and yet to be defined families to participate. I am excited about the potential of this effort. I will be proclaiming the year on this Friday when we also will unveil the logo.

While this a specific focus I am aware of the tremendous work many organizations in Rochester already are doing to strengthen families. Together, with a year-long city-wide effort we can do more.