Letter to the Community
Dear Friends: We send this brief e-newsletter each month to give you a glimpse in the work of Avenues for Homeless Youth. We hope you enjoy it and forward it to others. Your ongoing support of our work is vital, and that includes helping us make new connections in the community to expand our support.
If you have comments or suggestions, please contact me at deb@avenuesforyouth.org.
Thanks and best wishes.
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Deborah Loon
Interim Executive Director
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In the Community
Avenues' youth get out in the community and give back to the community
 The monthly calendar at Avenues now includes two community activities for the youth - (1) to get out and experience the richness of our community and (2) to give back to our community. The two activities are paired, so youth who wish to participate are involved in both each month.
A trip to Valleyfair was the first such "getting out" activity, and wow was it fun! The youth who went to Valleyfair also "gave back" by serving a meal at Loaves and Fishes or doing litter cleanup in our neighborhood.
Upcoming events will include trips to the Science Museum of Minnesota, the bowling alley, a movie theater and a live performance during the holiday season.
Avenues welcomes sponsors for these special events. Contact Heather Rist if you want more information. 612-522-1690 or heather@avenuesforyouth.org.
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Highlighted Youth Profile: Deborah
Deborah is 18 years old and is currently working at the Mall of America this summer.
What are your favorite things to do in the summer?
"Go swimming, make fun activities to go do with other youth, stay cool, make projects for myself and work on art or poetry."
What makes you happy?
"To be focused on my personal goals. Follow through with whatever I have in line for myself and to go shopping."
While being at Avenues, what have you learned?
"I have learned that you must stay in your place. You're whole life could be about following someones rules. I learned that you should never take anything from anybody, consequences could become your responisbility."
What are some of your daily struggles?
"To stay motivated in my goals and to make the right choices because I know that sometimes everyone can make bad choices."
In 5 years, where do you see yourself?
"Working, going to school, still have my own place, be finished with at least one of my degrees and be in a stable situation."
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How You Can Help
It's all about CONNECTIONS
What connections can you bring to Avenues? If the community supporting Avenues for Homeless Youth shared its resources with us, think of the wonders that could be done.
All you have to do is share your connections! If you know someone who works for a foundation, is in community relations at a corporation, owns their own company, is involved with his or her church or has many connections and resources, please let us know.
You never know what could come from one single phone call or email with resources. At Avenues we like to say any connection is a good connection.
If you have resources or connections for Avenues, please contact: Heather Rist, Development Coordinator at 612.522.1690 or via email at heather@avenuesforyouth.org.
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Thanks!
Thank you to our supporters during the month of July!
Organizations -- AHS Foundation, The Beverly Foundation, Patrick and Aimee Butler Family Foundation and Turner Family Foundation
Individuals -- Laura & David Clements, Jean-Marie Ebrahimi, Kelly Jeanetta & Dan Willenbring, Joan Kennedy, Rollie & Ella Loon, Tim & Roberta O'Hara
"In Memory Of" -- Chu Li Stevens by anonymous donor
Volunteers/In-Kind Donations -- Don Brewer, August Hunter, Tom Mootz and Pediatric Home Services
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About Us
Avenues for Homeless Youth provides emergency shelter, short term housing and support services for homeless youth in a safe and nurturing environment. Through such service, Avenues seeks to help youth achieve their personal goals and find a positive transition into young adulthood.
At its North Minneapolis house, Avenues has 15 shelter beds and 1 emergency bed for youth ages 15 to 21. Youth receive basic needs services, including three meals per day, personal hygiene supplies, clothing and bus passes. While at Avenues, all youth work with our case managers to develop and pursue their individual goals of education, employment, housing, mental health and physical wellness.
Avenues also operates the GLBT Host Home Program, a community-based program that provides safe, supportive homes for homeless gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth. For more information on the GLBT Host Home Program contact Raquel (Rocki) Simoes: 612.522.1690, hosthome@avenuesforyouth.org
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News / Updates GLBT Host Home Program Informational SessionsIf
you or someone you know wants to learn more about the GLBT Host Home
Program and being a host, plan to attend one of four informational
sessions during August. Go to the GLBT Host Home Page for more information on these sessions.
GLBT Host Home Program Brochure
National Night Out 2008
Building Community and Coming Together Against Crime for 25 Years.
August 5th, 2008
National Night Out is a yearly event that involves all segments of the community in building a healthier, safer community while generating support for anti-crime programs and strengthening police/community relations on the first Tuesday of August. National Night Out is a festival where neighbors get to meet each other. The Oak Park Avenue Neighborhood will hold National Night Out at 1701 Oak Park Avenues from 5 to 7pm. The event will consist of music, face painting, food, grab bags, a resource table and much much more.
Each city or neighborhood usually has their own National Night Out. Look online for more information on National Night Out around you.
City of Minneapolis - National Night Out
2nd Annual
Youth Connect Connecting Youth to Services!
 Monday, August 11th, 2008
Noon to 5pm
This is a free event for any youth that could use assistance with employment, education, housing and health services. There will also be hot food, entertainment and a children's play area. Avenues will be at the event with a resource table.
St. Mary's
Greek Orthodox Church
3450 Irving Ave. S
Minneapolis, MN 55408
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Immediate Wish List
- Dress pants (men & women)
- Dress shirts (men & women)
- Dress shoes (men & women)
- Bus passes/tokens in $10 increments
- Deodorant (Male & Female)
- Tampons
- Towels and washcloths
- Boxers (L, XL, XXL) & Female Underwear (L, XL, XXL)
- Back Packs
- Hair Grease
- Conditioner and Shampoo
- Hair binders, picks and brushes
View Our Full Wish List
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 "We Couldn't Live at Home" Exhibit May 3 - October 6, 2008 Minnesota History Center 345 Kellogg Blvd. W Saint Paul, MN The exhibit showcases the life and stories of youth who have lived at 1708 Oak Park Avenue North since 1933. MHS "We Couldn't Live at Home" exhibit |
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