Letter to the Community
Dear Friends: Greetings! As the summer is wrapping up I find myself reflecting on how eventful it was. There are a couple key thoughts that come to mind. At Avenues we have been throwing many "moving out parties," where we celebrate youth moving into their own housing. We relish the smiles on their faces, being so proud they made it through the storm.
Another great time was when Avenues youth and staff volunteered at Loaves and Fishes, serving food for the homeless and low-income. The youth respected every single mother, father and child, greeting them with a "Hello" and "Have a nice day." Then to see the look on the youths faces when they had to tell people "Sorry, we have nothing left to serve." You could see them thinking how they could make a difference in our community. That was a prideful moment for me, as an Avenues case manager, working with homeless youth who were willing to help others, rather than let their current situation be an excuse on why they don't or can't give back.
The Valleyfair field trip was another great day for Avenues youth. They returned home with so much appreciation, smiling ear to ear about the good times they had. Days like these make the house feel more like a family than a homeless shelter.
With all these activities and good times, I am also proud to say that over 80% of our youth are currently employed and/or enrolled in either high school or college.
All of our youth have obstacles, but they try not to let those obstacles stand in their way. The youth here are resourceful, finding as many different avenues as possible to achieve their goals. That is why the name of our organization is very fitting.
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Bryce Jones
Case Manager
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Highlighted Board of Directors Profile:
Erin Campbell
Erin Campbell is the Policy Coordinator to Senate Majority Leader Leader, Larry Pogemiller. Erin has been a member of Avenues' Board of Directors since October 2007.
How did you find out about Avenues?
When I decided to volunteer as a board member, I went through MAP for Nonprofits. I was ecstatic, given my personal interest in organizations serving homeless youth.
What made you want to get involved with the Board of Directors of this organization?
In college I did my internship with a community organizing group in Moorhead, the People Escaping Poverty Project. At PEPP, my focus became organizing around issues facing homeless youth is the Fargo-Moorhead area. This became a real passion of mine. The opportunity to become a board member at Avenues was a perfect fit. I am thankful there was a spot on the Avenues Board for me.
What is one thing you always tell people about Avenues for Homeless Youth?
When I talk about Avenues, I talk about the mission that Avenues is so proud of. I also talk about what a unique role Avenues plays in the community in meeting the needs of homeless youth in Minnesota. I make sure to mention the beds at Avenues are always full, and more needs to be done to fully meet the needs of this population.
What do you see for the future of homeless youth?
I think there are a number of exciting things happening related to homeless youth. There appears to be an increasing awareness of this issue, and more support from the community. Heading Home Hennepin and Heading Home Minnesota are doing great work related to long term solutions. From that work, I think we will see some real results.
I also think eventually there will be an increased focus on Greater Minnesota, where resources for homeless youth are few and far between. To really make some advancement in this area, I believe there will need to be some attention to this issue statewide.
The bottom line is that success related to improving the situations of homeless youth now and in the future is so closely related to the awareness and support of communities, in Minneapolis and around the state. I think that if we can continue to spread the word about places like Avenues and generate community support, we can do great things.
What is something about yourself that people might not know?
I am an avid outdoors person. I love backpacking, camping, hiking, fishing, canoeing, white water rafting and swimming.
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Thanks!
Thank you to our supporters during the month of August!
Individuals -- Joan Kennedy, Michael Kruckow and Ann M. Warner
In-Kind Donations -- Susan Anderson, Taylor Anderson, Danny Armstrong, Don Brewer & Tom Mootz, Bryanna Cook, Edina Realty Marketing Department, Minnesota Association for Justice, MnAJ Women Trial Lawyers, Erin Moore, Pediatric Home Services, Pizza Luce, Cecilia & Lee Stanton, Jaqueline White & Marcus Waterbury Volunteers -- Don Brewer, Avenues Board of Directors and the GLBT Host Home Advisory Council
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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 receives Brian Coyle Leadership Award 
The award will be presented to the GLBT Host Home Program at the Human Rights Campaign Dinner on Saturday, September 13th. The Brian Coyle Leadership Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Twin Cities Steering Committee of the Human Right Campaign. This award recognizes exceptional contributions to the cause of GLBT equality by an individual or organization. If you are interested in supporting the HRC and attending the Twin Cities HRC Gala Dinner on September 13th please visit: Twin Cities HRC Gala DinnerSpecial thanks to Avenues board member, Brian Gilligan, for nominating the GLBT Host Home Program for this award.
Sidewalks Saving Lives
Intergenerational Art & Public Health HIV/AIDS Prevention Initiative
 Saturday, September 27
9am - 6pm
Youth ages 10 to 20 will work with local artists to design and paint 10 sidewalks in North Minneapolis with HIV/AIDS prevention messages. The art will be focused and grounded in the ABC of HIV/AIDS prevention: A= Be Abstinent, B= Be Faithful & Be Tested, C= Correct & Consistent Condom Use.
The sidewalk in front of Avenues for Homeless Youth is one of the chosen locations for this project. Aaron Kupcho and Eli Esters, case manager and youth counselor at Avenues, will be the lead artists at this location. A tent with food and information on prevention will be provided at each sidewalk location. Come out and see the artwork being created from 12:30pm to 5pm.
There will be a follow up to this project at Homewood Studios in March 2009.
Avenues for Homeless Youth
1708 Oak Park Ave. North
Minneapolis, MN 55411
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Immediate Wish List
- 2 camp cots (adult size)
- 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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