In 2025, the Heart of New Ulm (HONU) wrapped up its 17th year working to support a culture of wellness in New Ulm! For the last seven years, since 2019, HONU has operated as a community-owned health initiative being sustained through community partnership and funding.
This means that every year, HONU activities happen with the help of everyone in our community, including a volunteer Leadership Team and more than 70 volunteers who serve on seven action teams, representing more than 35 organizations.
The following is a look at just a few of the many 2025 accomplishments these action team volunteers helped realize. For more highlights, click on each of the team names below.
- South-Central Minnesota Mental Health and Wellness Conference: In partnership with Brown County Public Health and a variety of local sponsors, the team welcomed 200 attendees to a sold-out second annual conference.
- Anxious Generation Presentation: Parents and community members enjoyed a presentation to better understand how the “Internet Age” has profoundly reshaped childhood and adolescent experiences. Drawing on a book, “The Anxious Generation,” the speaker discussed how the prevalence of devices and unregulated Internet use affects mental health and overall wellbeing — especially in children and teens — and shared practical strategies to mitigate negative outcomes.
- Martin Luther College Health Chats: Through a series of free monthly lunchtime health chats, students were invited to learn from local mental health professionals, gain valuable insights and practical tips and improve their well-being.
- Partnerships with Local Restaurants for Healthier Team Meals and Game Concessions: The team partnered with Lola Catering to offer a new, healthier option to feed athletes with nutrient-dense food. Coaches from Martin Luther College and parent reps from local school teams are now able to conveniently order boxed meal orders at discounted prices.The team also partnered with Gutes Essen Deli & Catering at Oak Hills Living Center to offer schools and athletic associations new, healthier concession options. Both restaurants are partners in the Heart of New Ulm’s Healthy Restaurant Program.
Brown County Chemical Health Action Team
- Social Host Ordinance: After two years of planning, coordination and communication, the team proudly witnessed the Brown County Commissioners unanimously approve a Social Host Ordinance for all of Brown County. The team worked to develop the ordinance as part of an effort to discourage underage possession and consumption of alcohol, as studies indicate that such ordinances are among the most effective and recommended ways to reduce underage drinking.
Worksite Wellness Action Team and Community Health Challenge Action Team
- New Ulm Step into Spring Community Step Challenge: The team planned and coordinated the new six-week walking challenge as a fun way for people to work on their health and wellness. More than 240 people participated, which set a goal to work up to 10,000 steps per day, starting at 5,000 steps during Week 1 and increasing them by 1,000 each week.
Safe Routes to School Action Team (SRTS) and Coalition for Active, Safe and Healthy Streets (CASHS)
- SAFE.SMART. campaign: The Safe Routes to School Action Team launched a public safety campaign called “SEE.SAFE.SMART,” encouraging community members to SEE people biking and walking, act SAFE, and be SMART! Five different safety messages reminded everyone in New Ulm to be aware of and alert to people — especially kids — who are out walking and bicycling in the community. Each safety message featured photos of kids and adults from New Ulm and all of the schools in New Ulm participated in the campaign.
Thanks to all of the community volunteers who helped with the Heart of New Ulm’s work in 2025! If you’d like to volunteer in 2026, fill out the form here or email Kaitlin Gawrisch at kaitlin.gawrisch@allina.com