Letter to the Community
Thanks to the generosity of a number of Avenues' supporters, we reached our goal of raising $5,000 in individual contributions at the end of the last fiscal year. This is a 20% increase over the same appeal last year.
Of course, it's never too late to make a contribution to Avenues to support our programs and the youth we serve. You may contribute anytime by clicking on the link below or mailing a contribution directly.
We are working on our annual report for Avenues 2008-09 program and fiscal year, which ended June 30. Here's a preliminary snapshot of some statistics for you:
- During 2008-09, Avenues provided shelter, transitional housing and case management support to 146 homeless youth.
- Of those, 16 youth received housing and support through the GLBT Host Home Program and 75 were in the North Minneapolis Shelter and Transitional Housing Program.
- Another 55 homeless youth accessed our overnight emergency bed while waiting for housing to become available.
- Youth stay at Avenues as long as they need to while working on their goals and respecting community rules. The average length of stay in the North Minneapolis House during 2008-09 was 73 days; this figure excludes the overnight emergency bed.
While in our programs, all youth work with case managers to pursue their goals that will help them transition to an independent, stable adulthood. We are very focused on helping the youth attain education, employment health care and stable housing - key ingredients to making it in the adult world.
We will report more fully on Avenues' programs, outcomes and financials in our annual report soon. In the meantime, if you ever have questions or comments, I hope you will contact me.
Thanks for your support.
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Deborah Loon
Interim Executive Director
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Donate Personal Care Supplies
At Avenues we provide our youth with daily essentials, including personal care and hygiene supplies.
We are looking for individuals or groups to host collections of personal care supplies to benefit the youth at Avenues. Below is a list of items that are needed on a daily basis for the youth who stay here. - Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Combs, picks and brushes
- Face wash
- Body wash
- Razors
- Tampons
- Hair grease and other hair styling supplies
- Socks (men and women, no children sizes)
- Underwear (men and women)
Avenues also accepts new and gently used clothing appropriate for youth and young adults ages 16-21.
If you can donate items or would like to host a drive, contact Heather Rist -- heather@avenuesforyouth.org or 612-522-1690.
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| Thanks!
Thank you to our supporters during the month of July!
Foundations -- Butler Family Foundation, Pohlad Family Foundation, Turner Family Foundation
Organizations -- All God's Children Church, First Universalist Church
Individuals -- Donald and Karen Anderson, Tim Baldoni, Shannon Blowtorch, Kelly Brazil, David and Laura Clements, Julie Cornick, Jean-Marie Ebrahimi, Darrell Ellsworth, John and Jeanine Farrell, Kristin Garwick, Donna Hodgens, Kaitlin Johnson, Joan Kennedy, Natalie Levin, Tim and Roberta O'Hara, Jessica Rosenberg, Jane Tighe
In-Kind Donations -- Brian Gilligan, Sysco
Volunteers -- Don Brewer, Young Adult Ministry at All God's Children MCC - Nick Kunz, Danica Wagner, Thomas Hood, Avenues Board of Directors, GLBT Host Home Advisory Board, GLBT Host Home Program Hosts
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| About Us
Avenues for Homeless Youth provides shelter and transitional housing with 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 16 to 21. Youth receive basic needs and 24 x 7 caring of Avenues staff. While at Avenues, all youth work with case managers to 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.
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News/Updates
Young Adult Ministry volunteers at Avenues
Last Saturday, the Young Adult Ministry Group from All God's Children MCC volunteered at Avenues for Homeless Youth. The eager group of volunteers cleaned and organized the storage shed and super-cleaned the kitchen.
A special thanks to Nick Kunz, Danica Wagner and Thomas Hood.
Avenues offers presentations
Avenues offers presentations and discussions on issues surrounding homeless youth and the programs we offer at Avenues for Homeless Youth. These presentation are perfect for faith groups, community groups, schools or employee groups. The goal is to spread the word about youth homelessness and recruit new advocates for homeless youth.
If you are interested in having a presentation and/or group discussion on the topic of homeless youth, contact Heather Rist -- heather@avenuesforyouth.org or 612-522-1690.
National Night Out 2009
National Night Out 2009 was another great success in our neighborhood.
Avenues co-hosted National Night Out with Pillsbury United Communities in our neighborhood. We served dinner to over 260 people this year. The festivities included food, face-painting, a bouncing house, music, coloring, community resources, safety speakers, ethnic dancers and live music.
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
- Backpacks
- Target Gift Cards
- Bus passes in $10 increments
- Personal care items
- New Tupperwear (or similar)
View Our Full Wish List | |
