Letter to the Community
Dear Friends: Our elected leaders have extremely difficult jobs this year, with tax revenues down substantially. The funding and service choices facing our cities, counties and the state are extraordinary.
But, as you know, during difficult economic times, the most vulnerable of our neighbors suffer the most. We are making progress in our public-private work to end homelessness in Minnesota. Now is the time to stay the course and keep moving forward.
Avenues relies on county, state and federal contracts and grants for half of its budget, or about $350,000 annually. The other half comes from private and corporate foundations, individuals and congregations.
In action this winter, the Minnesota Legislature and Hennepin County will consider their funding of homeless and runaway youth programs.
While just 5% of our budget, the Minnesota Legislature's continued funding of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act and the Transitional Housing Program is extremely important. Also vital to Avenues' programs is Hennepin County's continued financial support through our services contract, which provides 15% of our budget.
What can you do? Let your legislators and county commissioner know you believe in the services provided by Avenues and our partner agencies. Encourage them to maintain our government's investment in the future of the youth we serve.
Thank you. |
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Deborah Loon
Interim Executive Director
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Highlighted Staff Profile:
Cassie Garrett, Case Manager
Cassie began working at Avenues for Homeless Youth as a youth counselor in 2006 and recently became a case manager. She supports our youth as they develop and pursue their personal goals for employment, education, housing, mental and physical health.
What is something you want other people to know?
The youth at Avenues are very bright and full of potential. Avenues gives them stability and encouragement so they can achieve thier personal goals.
What is something that has changed over the last few years at Avenues?
Our clients are staying longer now, which gives us more time to work with them and assure they will be successful when they leave.
What is a goal you hope to accomplish in life?
I am currently in college to pursue psychology. My goal is to continue working with youth and families because this is the work that truly fulfills me on many levels.
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| How You Can Help
Avenues Discussions and Presentations
Are you involved with a community, church or employee group? Is your group eager to hear about issues facing homeless youth in their own community? Are you interested in making a difference?
If so, Avenues offers presentations and discussions on issues surrounding homeless youth and the programs we offer at Avenues for Homeless Youth. These presentations are perfect for churches, community groups, schools or employee groups. The goal is to spread the word about Avenues for Homeless Youth and create new advocates for homeless youth.
If you are interested in having a presentation and group discussion on the topic of homeless youth, contact Heather Rist -- heather@avenuesforyouth.org or 612-522-1690.
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| Thanks!
Thank you to our supporters during the month of January!
Organizations -- PFund Foundation, Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless, Twice the Gift Shop - Pohlad Family Foundation
Individuals -- Tim Baldoni, Mark Clark, Eric Gilseth, Janet Kampf, Joan Kennedy, Owen Marciano, Venu and Seema Pothini, Sam Rybeck, Barbara Schubring, Paul and Sally Schumacher
In-Kind Donations -- Don Brewer and Tom Mootz
Volunteers -- Don Brewer, Avenues Board of Directors, 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 short-term beds and 1 emergency bed for youth ages 15 to 21. Youth receive basic needs, including three meals per day, personal hygiene supplies, clothing, bus passes and 24 x 7 caring of Avenues staff. 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 Rocki Simoes: 612.522.1690 or hosthome@avenuesforyouth.org.
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News/Updates
Avenues Celebrates Black History Month
February is Black History Month. In celebration, Avenues is teaming up with Oak Park Neighborhood Center for a Black History celebration and open mic poetry-slam night.
This event is an opportunity for youth and community members to share their poetry with an audience. If you are interested in sharing a poem, you can sign up at the door.
Come for the soul food. Come for the poetry slam. Come to celebrate Black History Month.
When: Thursday, February 19
Dinner: 6-7 pm
Open Mic: 7-8 pm
Where:Oak Park
Neighborhood Center
1701 Oak Park Ave.N.
Minneapolis,MN 55411
Who: Avenues friends, neighbors
and supporters
Youth
We are proud to announce that four of Avenues' youth will move into transitional housing this month.
Each month Avenues hosts a youth move-out party to celebrate this next step in their lives. We supply them with a few essential items for their new homes and a Target Gift card.
If you are interested in helping with "move-out" items for our youth, contact Heather Rist -
MN Rollergirls Bouts Benefit Avenues
Minnesota Rollergirls (roller derby) selected Avenues as its charity for the remainder of its season. A percentage of ticket sales from each 'bout' (game) go directly to Avenues for Homeless Youth.
Some of us at Avenues were lucky to attend their recent game - Fallen Angels - on Saturday, January 24. What a great family event! Roy Wilkins Auditorium was sold out with adoring fans who enjoyed the bouts and the halftime band.
Upcoming bouts will be on February 29, March 21 and April 11.
Thanks to the MN Rollergirls for their support. For more information on the Minnesota Rollergirls,
Super Clean Volunteers
 Thank you to the volunteers of Spirit of Hope United Methodist Church for coming to Avenues to "super clean" the house on February 3.
From left (top row first): Duane Nelson, Jan Nelson, Leann Cozad, Gene Miller, Barbara Kuenne and Gloria Peck.
GLBT Host
Home Program seeks hosts
The GLBT Host Home Program is looking for people interested in becoming hosts. For more information contact, Raquel (Rocki) Simoes, 612-522-1690 or hosthome@avenuesforyouth.org
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Immediate Wish List
- New sheet sets
- New pillows
- Target gift cards
- $10 bus passes
To view our regularly updated wish list, click on the link below to be directed to the "How You Can Help" page on our website and then click on the wish list link on the right. View Our Full Wish List | |
