Dear friends,

School's out, and soon our streets and playing fields and shops and bike trails and beaches and everywhere we come together as a community will be alive with kids of all ages. 
 
A time, a chance for all of us to come alive with them in all the ways that help them realize how much they matter. 
 
Imagine what could happen if we all took time to surround our kids - those we know and those we don't yet know - with the care and challenge and support and respect and connections that help them grow in summer. And not just in the inches that never cease to amaze us come fall.

Taking time to listen to our kids this summer - getting curious about what's on their minds - will help them feel known and valued. It might even surprise them. Expecting the best from our kids this summer, helping them take risks and responsibility and learn from mistakes or setbacks, will help them build confidence. Supporting them in navigating new ideas, new experiences and new relationships will broaden their horizons and skills for living. 

Setting limits that keep them safe and on track will show that we all care about what happens to them.

These things matter for kids. This is the work of a community worthy of the name. These are our kids. They have a claim - all of them - on the best in all of us. Let's take time to love our kids this summer.

LaDonna Hoy
Executive Director 




MISSION MOMENTS
J ust a taste of the amazing milestones and successes you make possible!

  • With the help of grant funding, the Neighborhood Program purchased books that feature African American and Muslim characters  - people who are often missing from books in our collection. The youth have been very excited to see themselves in books. Staff have noticed an uptick in reading time!


  • Recently, a family was able to purchase a car with help from Interfaith. Having two cars in their household opens up options for both parents to work, and the parent who has not been working is eager to put her MBA to good use.


  • With the help of one of our direct service staff members, a family was able to start family therapy to help with mental health struggles that two of the children face. Noticeable changes are already taking place in the lives of the children and the whole family.


Volunteer with kids this summer!



Do you have a passion for helping youth in our community succeed?
Interfaith Outreach needs LOTS of summer volunteers (9th grade and up) to make a difference in the lives of local K-6 youth. Support youth in our summer day camp, help with weekly library trips or inspire a love of reading and writing.

Interested? Email Liz at [email protected]. Thanks for spreading the word!  Learn more >

 

Resale Select Ladies Night



Thursday, June 15, 7-9 p.m.
1605 County Road 101 N, Plymouth

Calling all ladies - especially the shoppers and bargain hunters! We save some of our best merchandise to provide you with the finest shopping selection - not to mention free giveaways and refreshments!

Open to the public, all proceeds benefit families and kids at Interfaith Outreach, so you can feel good knowing your purchase helps others in our community. Share the Facebook event.

 

Thank you for your support this spring!



Caring for Kids Breakfast

Keynote speaker Mary Brainerd, CEO of HealthPartners, said, "This is the power of a united voice as we move forward in this extraordinarily important work!" Many thanks to volunteer co-chairs Anne Rodriguez and Nancy Bergstrom! This event raised $93,223. View photos.




Spring Prayer Breakfast

It was a packed crowd to hear recently retired Vikings player Chad Greenway speak passionately about his small town roots, career, family and - most importantly - his faith. Big thanks to volunteer chair Jonell Cella for her leadership! This event raised funds and awareness for Interfaith Outreach.  View photos.




Plant Sale

All were grateful for the sunshine and warmth this year! Shoppers enjoyed gorgeous annuals, perennials, heirloom veggies and garden boutique items. It wouldn't have been possible without the four volunteer chairs: Jackie Archbold, Joan Floren, Sandy Gilbert and Lisa Otten! This event raised $10,327.   View photos.



Orono Empty Bowls

Orono Public Schools' 13th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser was a success once again! Special thanks to local restaurant sponsors who provided the delicious soup meal. And thanks to the budding young artists who designed clay bowls for guests! This event raised $5,256 for the Interfaith Outreach and Maple Plain food shelves.  View photos.





Wayzata Empty Bowls

Wayzata Public Schools Empty Bowls  is an incredible tradition 25 years in the running! Heartfelt thanks to  Wayzata High School  students and staff for their artistic talent and generosity. This event raised $3,023. View photos.



Did you know?
  • Donors and volunteers make our no cost afternoon summer camp experience possible for more than 100 K-6 youth. Thank you! Watch a video to learn why combating summer slide is so important for our kids.
  • June's Volunteer Spotlight is Abby Waaraniemi, an outstanding young adult Homework Club volunteer. Meet Abby >
  • You can support local youth in their business service learning project by dining out for lunch Wednesday, June 21, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at Rock Elm Tavern in Plymouth.  Learn more >





Mission
The mission of Interfaith Outreach is to engage the heart and will of the community to respond to emergency needs and create opportunities for all to thrive.



Contact Us
1605 County Road 101 N
Plymouth MN 55447
763-489-7500
  
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Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners and the Interfaith Outreach Endowment Fund, which solely benefits Interfaith Outreach, are registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Gifts to either organization are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.