Looking Forward to the New Year!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2022 is shaping up to become a better year than 2021! Many people have dealt with hardships brought on by the pandemic this past year. It has impacted peoples’ employment, living situations, and their day-to-day lives.

Looking out at the horizon, many people have reasons they are excited for 2022. Some of our participants have expressed what they are looking forward to most this next year. Anne is excited to see her favorite shows on her new TV and is actively seeking employment. Michael, Jason, and Bob are looking forward to finding new affordable housing. Sharon & Derrick have talked about what a joy it has been to look after their grandson Jasiah. Derrick has said that looking after a young child has “given them a source of responsibility” and loves watching him, hoping to spend the next year making sure Jasiah is well provided for and looking to fix up his own car as well. David has been thankful for his employment opportunity and has been keeping a great work ethic.

The Dignity Center is proud of the progress participants have made this year and will be happy to help out more individuals in 2022. Thank you to everyone who has contributed towards the organization’s success and providing those in need with the right resources to improve their lives!
Pride of Minnesota Donation Drive
My name is Conner DeJong and I have been volunteering with The Dignity Center this past semester as part of my university’s Community Engagement Learning program. My work with The Dignity Center has consisted of conducting interviews with participants and volunteers alike to gain an understanding of how the organization has impacted and improved their lives. Through my time getting to know various people here, I have gained a much more well rounded perspective of the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness and having difficulty in the workforce. I have also seen the joy on people’s faces when developments happen in their life such as gaining a new job or finding a place to call home.

These participants bring so much enthusiasm back to The Dignity Center and show thankfulness for the help and resources provided to them. It has been an absolute joy having discussions with people of different backgrounds and ways of life during my time here. I am also incredibly grateful for another group I am a member of: the Pride of Minnesota Marching Band! I ran a donation drive with the marching band to provide more winter clothing for participants at The Dignity Center. The band brought together hats, scarves, gloves and jackets to help those who may need them. I am proud to be a member of the band and to have had the opportunity to volunteer at The Dignity Center!
The Dignity Center is a ministry of Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church.
LOCATION AND HOURS
The Dignity Center is located at 425 Groveland Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403 | 612-435-1315
Visit us Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 9 a.m. to noon