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HOPE 4 Youth ENews | July 2016
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I want to thank you - on behalf of the youth, staff, volunteers and Board of Directors of HOPE 4 Youth - for being an important part of our community. Each day here I am reminded of the power of a strong community and that it takes all of us, working together, to change the lives of youth who have nowhere else to turn, no safe place to lay their head at night.
HOPE Place is well on its way and into the first phase of construction. We have cut the concrete, laid the pipes, filled in with new concrete and will soon start framing up the walls, putting in the electrical work, and new windows are on order. We are staying under budget so far, but we still need to raise a good chunk of money to be able to finish the project and open our doors in November.
Do you belong to a club or civic group? Our goal for HOPE Place was to raise a total of $55,000 from civic groups for construction. We have already raised $17,000 but need another $38,000. Are there 38 civic groups or clubs out there that would donate $1,000 to this housing project for homeless youth? Invite us in to speak at a monthly meeting and let us tell you about the naming opportunities. The Spring Lake Park Lions got to name the foyer with their gift of $15,000.
Are you a member of a church that may want to help build HOPE Place? We set a goal to raise $16,500 from our church partners and we have already raised $4,400, but still need $12,100. Arrange for us to come in to speak and pass the plate for HOPE Place or hold a fundraiser to raise money towards that goal.
Do you work for or own a corporation that may want to raise or donate money for HOPE Place? We set a goal to raise $116,000 from corporations and businesses and have already raised $52,500. Who wants to help us shrink the remaining amount of $63,500 to reach our goal?
Lastly, individuals and families can play a huge role in building HOPE Place. By joining the Founders Circle and being 1 of only 100 featured just inside the door of the building, your gift of $500 (which can be pledged and $100 monthly payments made) will help us reach our goal from individuals. We need to raise $110,000 from individual donations and already have $27,500. Can you help us shrink the remaining $82,500 by making a gift or a pledge today?
As I have said before, this project will take many hands, many hearts and many resources to be built and open. I believe in our community and have no reason to think we can't make it happen. Our homeless young people are counting on us - please reach out to us today and invite us to speak, make your pledge or tell someone else who may be able to help. Click on the green button below to take action now.
It is you - your support and commitment - that will make this possible. We are inspired by you and we are deeply grateful.
Lisa Jacobson
Executive Director
ljacobson@hope4youthmn.org
763.323.2066, ext. 107
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In This Issue
"Home By Thanksgiving"
The Home Depot Gift Card Drive
The New HOPE4YouthMn.org is Here!
Introducing Sara Kemp, our new Director of Programs and Properties
HOPE 4 Youth Program Highlights
The Darkest Night of Your Life 4K
GALA 4 HOPE
Community Partner Spotlight: Medtronic Project 6
HOPE 4 Youth: How We Help
"Thanks Stranger"
Volunteer Spotlight: Margaret Crowe
Upcoming Events
July Community Partners
Needs List
In the News
Staff and Board of Directors
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The Home Depot Gift Card Drive
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HOPE 4 Youth is partnering with The Home Depot as we work to transform the building in Coon Rapids from a former dance studio to a home for 12 young people at any one time.
You can help us create this home – transitional living facility – by donating The Home Depot gift cards so that we can purchase construction materials. We still need another $1,670 in gift cards to meet our goal.
You can donate individual gift cards or coordinate a drive to collect them through your civic group, church, school, work and neighborhood. Thank you in advance for your support!
Questions? Contact Lisa Jacobson, Executive Director, at ljacobson@hope4youthmn.org or 763.323.2066, ext. 107.
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The New HOPE4YouthMN.org is Here!
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It is with great excitement that we unveil the new HOPE 4 Youth website to you! More than a mere face-lift, the website underwent a full transformation from top to bottom. You'll notice a new look, fresh content and a more user-friendly navigation.
We think that the website is fabulous. Don't just take our word for it though, check it out for yourself HOPE4YouthMN.org.
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Introducing Sara Kemp, our new Director of Programs & Properties
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We would like to introduce, Sara Kemp, our new Director of Programs and Properties. As Director of Programs and Properties, Sara will directly oversee the programs and both properties of HOPE 4 Youth including the Drop-In Center and HOPE Place, our new transitional housing scheduled to open in the fall of 2016.
Sara has spent her career working with and overseeing homeless prevention and housing programs in Hennepin County, as well as, having been on the front lines as a Case Manager and Lead Case Manager. She most recently worked at Beacon Housing with their Families Moving Forward program. Sara is looking forward to being part of the HOPE 4 Youth family and helping the young people we serve overcome the barriers that they face so that they can leave their title of homelessness in the past.
Sara resides in the greater metro area with her husband of 20 years and two teenage daughters, who are the joys of her life. In her free time, she loves to travel, cook and read. She also loves anything with peanut butter on it and chips and salsa. When you stop by her office to say hello, you’ll find her walls covered in affirmations - her favorite is “actions speak louder than words.”
We are excited to have Sara on the HOPE 4 Youth team!
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HOPE 4 Youth Program Highlights
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- This month we said goodbye to Kristan Clow, our program supervisor. Due to the growth of HOPE 4 Youth in the coming months with the addition of HOPE Place, we made the decision to re-organize the Program department. The position of Program Supervisor, held by Kristan, was eliminated with this reorganization. Kristan played an integral role in the growth of HOPE 4 Youth and we want to thank her for everything she has done!
- HOPE 4 Youth and ACBC Food Shelf have been partnering to offer young people (ages 24 and under) a chance to access their services on the first Saturday of every month from 1-3 p.m. at ACBC (2615 9th Ave S, Anoka). The Youth Food Shelf Day provides them access to a variety of nutritious foods that help supplement what they receive from our food pantry. Any young person who can't make it, can also shop on Monday/Wednesday from noon-3 p.m. or Tuesday/ Thursday 6:30-8:30 p.m.
- We want to recognize the Anoka County WorkForce Center for their efforts working with the youth at the Drop-In Center on job skills and employment opportunities. Jenilee Drilling, Senior Vocational Counselor, has done a fabulous job connecting with the youth and engaging them in the programs so they can have successful careers in the future.
- We held our first Q & A session for expectant mothers at the Drop-In Center in July. Several mothers attended the discussion and received expert information from an Anoka County Public Health Nurse and a Licensed Child Care Provider. Due to the interest in the class, it will be expanding next month to include any youth who is a parent. There will be additional resources available to them as well.
- Hardees in Anoka has been working with HOPE 4 Youth to help the young people find a job. Youth are able to interview at Hardees every Wednesday from 3-5 p.m. They must contact our case managers before interviewing for an application.
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Kristan and Donations Volunteers
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On any given night, there are 4,000 homeless youth in Minnesota and many of them are in the north metro suburbs including all of Anoka County. When the darkness of night sets in, these youth are staying in shelters, couch-hopping or sleeping on the streets. HOPE 4 Youth is raising awareness of the plight of these young people by bringing the community together for "The Darkest Night of Your Life 4K."
What: 4K Run/Walk
When: Friday, September 30, two waves 9:30 p.m. or 10:30 p.m.; participant chooses their wave
Where: Bunker Hills Golf Club, 12800 Bunker Prairie Road NW, Coon Rapids, Mn
Cost: Early registration $30 (includes long-sleeve shirt). On-site registration $40 (long-sleeve shirt not guaranteed).
*Luminarias will help light the course, sponsored by the Minnesota ESA.
Register Online Today!
Each participant is asked to raise pledges (beyond the $30 registration fee) from their family, friends and co-workers. It is easy and we have helpful tips for you in the 4K Fundraising Guide. Prizes will be awarded for the top individual and team fundraisers.
Cash and in-kind sponsorship opportunities are available for your business, civic group, running organization or congregation.
Questions? Contact Lisa Jacobson, Executive Director, at ljacobson@hope4youthmn.org or 763.323.2066, ext. 107.
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You are invited to the fourth annual GALA 4 HOPE, a fundraiser benefiting HOPE 4 Youth. With your help we are “Building Tomorrows” for young people experiencing homelessness and those who are at-risk of becoming homeless in the north metro Twin Cities including all of Anoka County and parts of Hennepin County.
When: Saturday, October 8, Social 5:30 p.m. / Dinner 7 p.m.
Where: Marriott Northwest – Northland Ballroom in Brooklyn Park, Minn.
There are many opportunities to support the young people we serve at the GALA. You can sponsor a table, sponsor a game, and purchase tickets to attend. You can also make a donation to the silent and live auctions. It is our wish to have many items of interest for our guests. Suggestions include: themed gift baskets, gift cards, electronics, sporting event tickets or donated services. Ticket and sponsorship opportunities are below:
Sponsor Opportunities
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Don’t miss the chance to win former Governor Arne Carlson’s 2004 Cadillac DeVille DHS – 79,000 miles! There will only be 1,000 tickets sold – $20 per ticket – and the winning ticket will be drawn at the GALA. You do not need to be in attendance to win. Tickets can also be purchased at HOPE 4 Youth or by contacting the GALA Committee.
We look forward to seeing you at the GALA!
Questions? Contact Brenda Senden, GALA Committee Co-Chair, sendebre@gmail.com or 763.323.2940.
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Community Partner Spotlight: Medtronic Project 6
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Medtronic employees had the Drop-In Center sparkling after they deep cleaned in early July. The fabulous crew on the left volunteered as part of Medtronic’s Project 6 – a global philanthropy program that encourages employees to make a difference in the local communities where they live and work.
Not only did they spend more than three hours cleaning, but they also donated backpacks filled with basic items that the young people who visit the Drop-In Center are in need of. We want to thank the entire crew for their hard work as well as Jody and Cindy for making the arrangements!
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HOPE 4 Youth: How We Help
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Every day, we see 30-40 young people (ages 23 and under) come through our Drop-In Center doors. We work hard to help these youth by providing them with their most basic needs such as:
· A hot, nutritious meal
· Food from our food pantry
· Basic hygiene products
· Clothes from our clothing closets
· A hot shower
· Laundry facilities
Then we help put them on a path to their future by:
· Securing housing
· Finding jobs
· Finishing school
· Accessing health and wellness services
When the doors of the Drop-In Center close, many of the youth find themselves couch-hopping or back on the streets. The only way to change this is to provide long-term housing solutions. In late 2016, we plan to open HOPE Place, the first transitional living program for youth in Anoka County. Twelve young
people at a time will finally have a place to call home
while they develop the skills necessary to become
a healthy, productive adult.
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I could’ve given this to many
But you stuck out to me
I do not own a single penny
This pen and paper was even free
I gave this to you
Because I knew you were kind
I’ve waited for you
But I’ve taken my sweet time
The time has come and I’m finally sure
That you’re the only one
Who gets to read these words
Thanks for going the extra mile
Just to make another smile
And I wish my gift possessed more worth
Than a stranger’s opinion
Who has no place on this earth
But writing this poem was the least I could do
For meeting someone as special and unique as you.
- A young person who visited the Drop-In Center wrote this and kept it in his pocket, waiting for the right time to give it to someone. He chose to give it to HOPE 4 Youth on his first visit because we took the time to show him we cared.
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July Volunteer Spotlight: Margaret Crowe
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Margaret Crowe loves being a volunteer with HOPE 4 Youth and is inspired by all the other wonderful volunteers who share the same mission to provide necessary pathways to end youth homelessness. Margaret has been the Meal Program Coordinator for more than seven months and is responsible for ensuring that there is a hot, nutritious meal every evening for the young people we serve – maintaining a calendar and sign-ups by other volunteers.
Margaret first became involved as a volunteer when she provided a meal once a month at the Drop-In Center. She decided to become more involved because each time she was at the Drop-In Center she witnessed something extraordinary happening. “It is amazing how much the kids appreciate a hot meal and the companionship of others,” she said. “I leave always in awe and thankful that they have such an amazing safe place to visit and help them with their needs to thrive.”
When she is not volunteering for HOPE 4 Youth, Margaret works at a downtown law firm – for the past 33 years – and is also an instructor at the Minneapolis Community Technical College. She currently lives in Andover with her two boys and beloved dog, Jasmine.
She adds, “I’ve been a volunteer at the Center since its inception, and honestly, I consider it a privilege. The kids that come through the doors teach me so much and are so very appreciative. It is a very rewarding experience knowing I’ve made a difference. I cherish the opportunity.”
We thank your dedication to HOPE 4 Youth, Margaret, and all that you do for the youth.
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Upcoming Events
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Heartland Tire Classic Golf Tournament
Aug. 15 at 12:30 p.m.
Edinburgh USA Golf Course in Brooklyn Park
The Golf Tournament is an annual fundraiser for HOPE Place. For more information, visit
heartlandtireclassic.com
- Pizza Ranch Fundraiser
Aug. 15 from 5-8 p.m.
Pizza Ranch in Andover
This Community Impact Fundraiser donates 10% of the proceeds from the evening as well as all of the tips back to HOPE 4 Youth. For more information, contact Cheri Halek, Community Engagement Manager, at
chalek@hope4youthmn.org.
- The Darkest Night of Your Life 4K
Sept. 30 at 9:30 and 10:30 p.m.; participants choose their wave.
Bunker Hills Golf Club in Coon Rapids
The 4K is a run/walk benefiting HOPE 4 Youth. Register today!
- GALA 4 HOPE
Oct. 8 at 5:30 p.m.
Marriott Northwest in Brooklyn Park
The Gala 4 HOPE is an annual fundraiser benefiting HOPE 4 Youth. To purchase a ticket, sponsor a table and/or make a donation, contact the GALA Committee at 763.232.2940 or complete the form for online registration.
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We are in need of items for the young people we serve as well as those that provide budget-relief for our operations. Our current needs can be found
here.
You can also directly access our Wish List, go to
www.smile.amazon.com
, (enter HOPE 4 Youth as the organization you support), then click on the top right where it says “LISTS”, then “FIND A LIST” and type in HOPE 4 Youth.
Thank you for your continued support.
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HOPE 4 Youth I
n the News
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HOPE 4 Youth Staff
Lisa Jacobson, Executive Director
Cheri Halek, Community Engagement Manager
Sara Kemp,
Director of Programs & Properties
Heather Rickbeil, Donor Development Manager
Jane Schipper, Finance Manager
Kristin VanHeel, Marketing & Comm. Director
Naomi M., Case Manager
Eddie R., Case Manager
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HOPE 4 Youth Board of Directors
Brian Swanson, Chairman,
Vice President of Quality and Enterprise Excellence at NACS, Inc.
Bridget Barr, Business Analytics Specialist at Meritain Health and Aetna Company
Paul Ekstrom, President at The Paul Ekstrom Realty Team (Keller Williams Classic Realty)
Paula Rak, Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo
James Stuart, Anoka County Sheriff
John Sitarz, Senior Financial Services Rep. at Principal Financial Group
Anita Tuch, Vice President of Operations at Medtronic Neuromodulation, PLC
Susan VanVoorhis, Assoc. Vice President & Univ. Reg. at University of Minnesota
Katherine Wagoner, Director of Membership Engagement at Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless
Sue Woodard, President and CEO at Vantage Production
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763.323.2066
2665 4th Avenue North | Suite 40
Anoka, Minnesota 55303
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