Thank you Twin Cities United Way for kicking off our back to school drive.
This month Johnson & Johnson donated shampoo and conditioner to Avenues that stocked our supplies for a couple months! Thank you.
Join The Dream Makers Society
Did you know Avenues has a giving society? Dream Makers are a group of individuals, families, faith groups, civic groups and businesses that commit to donate at least $1,000 for two years to Avenues for Youth. They provide an essential foundation of support, especially during uncertain times like now. Dream Makers enjoy a number of benefits from hearing Avenues news first to coffee with our Executive Director.
This month Avenues celebrated a young mom, R, who was one of the first youth in our Young Families, Our Future program. R and her son left the program two years ago but have stayed close to Ms. Elaine, the program manager, in aftercare. We're excited to share that R recently got a new job as a Community Engagement Support Specialist, a high paying career that she loves. In addition to the high wage, her employer is paying for her to go back to school in graphic design.
R is also a passionate herbalist and selfcare enthusiast. She owns a business on the side creating natural products and selfcare supplies. The pandemic has actually bolstered her business sales, and her and her now three year old son are thriving.
R plans on continuing to stay in contact with Ms. Elaine. The Young Families, Our Future program supports youth-led families who are experiencing homelessness. Avenues helps the family find an apartment and provides supports like childcare resources, education and career training, and classes around healthy relationships and parenting. The program supports twelve families at a time.
Back To School Supplies Needed
Avenues youth are going back to school this fall. Though the majority of our youth are attending school virtually, they still need essential supplies to kick them off to the right start. We don't have enough essentials for all of our youth yet.
You can support a youth going back to school by shopping our Amazon School Wish List. Your gift will mail directly to Avenues and you can even select Avenues for Youth as your Amazon Smile organization.
As our neighbors continue to navigate COVID-19, the economy and returning to school, you or someone you know may need supports. We've linked several resources below to help our community navigate available resources.
Housing Assistance
Minnesotans in need of mortgage or rent payment assistance can now apply for support through the Cares Act. The COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program provides housing payments intended to prevent eviction, homelessness and maintain housing stability for eligible renters and homeowners. Learn more about the program and eligibility here.
Hennepin County residents can also apply for mortgage and rent support through Hennenpin County. Funds are available for low income and higher income households. Learn more here.
For you experiencing homelessness or housing instability, Avenues' and our partners' bed availability can be found at www.ysnmn.org.
Food Assistance
In the wake of the Twin Cities unrest, several popup food shelves and free meal distribution centers have emerged in the Twin Cities and suburbs. For our neighbors in need of food assistance and children's meals for social distanced learning, check out the resources in your community here.
Emergency Funds and Childcare Assistance
Bridge to Benefits has an online screening tool to help you identify what supports you need and what you're eligible for. Supports include SNAP, WIC, School Meal Program, Minnesota Health Care Programs, Energy Assistance, and Child Care Assistance. Learn more about other financial supports here.
Local artist and business owner T Lee is donating $20 of the “Shelter Each Other” pendant sales to Avenues – just select Avenues for Youth upon check out! “Shelter Each Other” pendants are limited edition and support local service providers (and a local business!) including Avenues for Youth. Check them out here.
