urbanventures

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Falling In Love, Again

What does Valentine’s day have to do with breaking cycles of poverty? More than you might think.  

Urban Ventures’ Siempre Padres program knows that healthy homes are a key component to better outcomes for children. Children in homes with a healthy parent dynamic are less likely to experience behavioral issues, less likely to drop out of high school, and more likely to continue their education after high school. This belief is highlighted through the annual couples retreats, designed to nurture the relationships at the heart of our community's families.

 “Many of our families aren’t investing in their relationship,” explains Myrna Garcia, a Family Support Specialist with the program. “What they don’t realize is that when they grow as a couple, it helps the whole family, it helps everyone.” Myrna goes on to explain that many couples put all of their focus on the roof over the head and food on the table. “But they don’t realize their children need more. Their children need to see love.”

This retreat, held twice a year, provides a vital space for couples to step away from the pressures of daily life, offering them the tools to strengthen their bond and, by extension, enhance the well-being of their children.

Facilitated by experts in family dynamics and relationship building, the retreat delves into the topics like maintaining romance, prioritizing time as a couple, and fostering open communication. These elements are crucial for cultivating love and respect within a relationship, which in turn creates a positive, nurturing environment for children. Research has consistently shown that children from stable, two-parent homes are more likely to succeed academically and socially.

Moreover, the retreat addresses the critical need for healing family trauma. Many parents carry the weight of their unmet needs from childhood, which can hinder their ability to fully support their children. By focusing on education, communication, and healthy relationships, parents are empowered to break this cycle, setting a positive example for their children to follow.

The transformative day culminates in a special evening where the program space is transformed into a date-night restaurant, allowing couples to enjoy a rare night out. “Some of the couples tell us it was the first time they had a time like this,” Myrna shares, adding, “They don’t have the time because they are working 2 or 3 jobs. Or they don’t have the money to hire a babysitter so they can go out. We are happy to give them some precious time together.”

Another highlight of the retreats is a time of sharing vows. Around 70% of participating couples are not married, and for most of them it is the first time they’ve put pen to paper to explain the promises they are making to one another. It is a beautiful moment of re-committing to each other and a shared future, often accompanied by tears of joy.

Over half the couples who attend find the experience so transformative that they commit to getting married. One of the participants, Areli, shared, “We had been living together for 17 years, raising our children together. But attending the classes helped us decide to get legally married and demonstrate to our children what a healthy, committed relationship looks like."

At Urban Ventures, Valentine's Day is more than a celebration of romantic love; it's a reminder of the power of strong, healthy relationships to uplift entire communities. Through initiatives like Siempre Padres, we're not just investing in the immediate well-being of families but planting the seeds for generational change and prosperity.

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Will you be our Valentine? Programs like Urban Ventures are only possible with your support. Make a donation today so we can continue serving Minneapolis families.

#south minneapolis #minneapolis #mpls #community #news #urban ventures #cradle to career #couples #marriage #family #healthy relationships

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#minneapolis #urban ventures #mpls #south minneapolis #education #cradle to career #trades #women in trades #trade school #vocational training #vocational education #career devleopment

[urbanventures]

#minneapolis #urban ventures #mpls #south minneapolis #education #community #stories #story #violence prevention #reduce violence #firearms #community development #cradle to career

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Merry Christmas from Urban Ventures

Dear friend,

The Christmas season, with its joy and cheer, is one of my favorite times at Urban Ventures. Our campus buzzes with a special sense of hope and delight: children at the Cornwell Early Learning Center decorate for the holiday, students in our Reading Plus program receive new books, and families in our neighborhood and programs gather to celebrate together.

Yet, the essence of this season lies in understanding the full Christmas story. We are privileged to know Jesus’ life beyond his birth – stories of healing, radical love, and the expansion of heaven’s gates. His life, culminating in a death that wasn’t an end but a crucial step in his divine mission, gives us every reason for great joy.

However, if we only knew of Jesus’ birth, we might see it as tragic. Born on a journey to resource-strapped parents in a setting far from ideal, his arrival was unnoticed by most in Bethlehem. If it were today, we might sing carols about a birth in an alley amid an indifferent city’s bustle. Jesus’ entrance into the world was under challenging, stressful, and seemingly impossible conditions.

This Christmas, the dichotomy of celebration and struggle seems particularly poignant. In our work at Urban Ventures, we constantly witness the tension between the overwhelming challenges our neighbors face and their extraordinary hope and resilience.

This year marks our 30th anniversary. Reflecting on a generation of supporting South Minneapolis families, we’ve served over 100,000 people, aiding them in their pursuit of better lives. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to make a real impact in our community.

Yet, much remains to be done. Our neighbors still confront significant challenges. But, in these needs, we find opportunities to continue our mission and love our neighbors wholeheartedly.

We’re celebrating our progress too. Our literacy intervention program is expanding, aiming to serve twice as many students. Our violence prevention initiatives are setting new standards for cities nationwide. And soon, Urban Ventures will launch its inaugural vocational training program, offering high school seniors paid training in trades alongside life skills coaching.

All these achievements, and much more, are possible thanks to your support. While the transformations on Lake St. might not be immediately apparent to all, you recognize God’s work here and have joined our mission to spread joy, celebration, and hope throughout our community.

Thank you for supporting Urban Ventures. May you and your loved ones have a blessed Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and a joyous holiday season.

With thanks,

Dave & the Urban Ventures team

#south minneapolis #mpls #minneapolis #urban ventures #community #christmas #christmas letter

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Staff Memo: Books for Looks

Dear team, 

I wanted to share some photos from an event we had last week. 

Last Friday, Reading Plus and friends turned our very own Hub space into a salon. We hosted current and former Reading Plus middle schoolers, inviting them to come book shopping while getting a new look from one of our talented stylists. 

The event was full of energy, fun and connection. It was so good to reconnect with some former R+ students and hear about how they are doing!

Special thanks to Kiara (a mother of one of our R+ students) for styling so many students' hair. This event was Kiara's idea and she worked hard to make it a reality!

Also, a shout out goes to Andrena for taking Kiara's idea and putting legs on it. Andrena set the stage, from creating the barber shop atmosphere to ensuring everyone went home with a fun photo of their style!  

It is an honor to get to do this important work. The students we get to tutor and connect with are amazing. They put in hours every single week to become better readers. They are motivated, smart and extremely hard-working. They are my heroes! So it is only right to take opportunities to CELEBRATE them. 

Kendra Peterson, M.Ed 

Reading Plus Director 

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Staff Memos are glimpses into the day-to-day life of Urban Ventures, as shared by our program team. When the team sends an update to the rest of urban Ventures, we share them here in our Staff Memos series.

#minneapolis #urban ventures #mpls #south minneapolis #staff memo #community #literacy #books #reading #stylist #hair stylist #education

[urbanventures]

An Educational Crisis

As the year draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on the profound challenges and opportunities facing our community, especially in the realm of education. New research is confirming what we have already experienced in our neighborhood: we are in an educational crisis. 

A recent story perhaps summed it best when they said:

The evidence is now in, and it is startling. The school closures that took 50 million children out of classrooms at the start of the pandemic may prove to be the most damaging disruption in the history of American education. It also set student progress in math and reading back by two decades and widened the achievement gap that separates poor and wealthy children.

The Stark Reality of Learning Loss

The closure of schools, essential to combat the pandemic, has led to a startling educational crisis. Studies show that student progress in essential skills like math and reading has been set back by decades. This setback is not just a temporary challenge; it has long-term implications for the economic future and well-being of this generation.

Urban Ventures stands at the forefront of addressing this crisis. We understand that reversing these learning setbacks requires a substantial, sustained, and strategic effort. With the federal aid set to expire in 2024, the time to act is now, and your support is crucial.

Our Role in Bridging the Educational Divide

Urban Ventures has been tirelessly working to provide high-quality educational support to students most affected by learning loss. Even before the pandemic, our focus has been on catching students up to grade level and preparing them for ongoing success in their academic journey. We offer a range of programs, both in and out of the classroom, all designed to accelerate learning and close the educational gap. The need for these programs is now greater than ever. 

$1,200 Cover the cost of one participant for a year, providing educational support. $600 A semester of support for one student. $300 Supports essential learning materials and resources for multiple students. $100 Contributes towards a month of tutoring.

Every donation, regardless of the amount, brings us closer to our goal of ensuring that no child is left behind in their education.

Join Us in This Critical Mission

Your generosity can help reverse the trends of educational decline and build a brighter future for our children. Together, we can ensure that our students not only catch up but excel in their educational journeys, leading to more and better opportunities in the future. 

Please consider making a donation today. Your contribution will directly impact the lives of students in our community, providing them with the resources and support they need to overcome this unprecedented educational challenge.

Thank you for your continued support and belief in our mission. Together, we can make a difference.

Warmest thanks,  the Urban Ventures team

[urbanventures]

Multiple ways to support Urban Ventures this holiday season

Looking for ways to support Urban Ventures in addition to donating? You're in luck. There are a lot of year-end options that offer a good time, and a good way to invest in our city.

URBAN VENTURES COFFEE

Did you know UV has its very own coffee company? All of the proceeds go to fund our programs. Not only that, but Urban Ventures Coffee also provides opportunities for college and high school students to get hands-on experience running a small business.

You can always order delicious coffee and tasty treats, but around Christmas you can also order special giftboxes. These giftboxes are a perfect way to introduce friends and family to the work Urban Ventures is doing! ORDER YOUR GIFTBOX OR COFFEE HERE

GLOW FESTIVAL - Through Dec 31

Urban Ventures is grateful to be one of the community partners for GLOW festival, an annual event at CHS field in Saint Paul. Bring your family out for a fun time at the festival and know that $1 from each ticket is going to fund local nonprofits like Urban Ventures. You can even use the code "GLOWGIVES" to save on registration. More information at glowholiday.com

PINT NIGHT AT BRICKSWORTH - Dec 4

Bricksworth Beer Co. invites you to one of the newest additions in the North Loop, their second location. Come by after work on Monday, December 4 for pizza, wings, and drinks. $1 from each pint will be donated directly to Urban Ventures. Bricksworth - North Loop 305 5th Ave. North, Suite 105 Minneapolis

We are grateful for the many partners and creative ways to continue supporting the work in our city.

#mpls #urban ventures #minneapolis #south minneapolis #dogood

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#minneapolis #urban ventures #mpls #news #south minneapolis #community #stories #athletics #wellness #UV #cradel to career

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UV Highlight Reel - Welcome Back

Take a spin around our campus to see all the program Urban Ventures offers in our cradle-to-career model. This video was featured as a part of our 30th Anniversary Celebration.

#minneapolis #urban ventures #news #south minneapolis #events #mpls #education #community #cradel to career #stories #videos #UV30 #Youtube

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Story of Transformation - Areli

At our 30th Anniversary Celebration, Urban Ventures Participant Areli shared about her family's work to break negative cycles and create a brighter future for her family. Watch above or read below to hear how Urban Ventures comes alongside families as they work to be who God created them to be.

Good evening! It’s been said that the best gift a person can receive from others is their time, also thank you for being here to celebrate.

I am originally from a beautiful town in Mexico, but my parents, like so many others, had little work opportunities there, and so they made the difficult decision to move their family here to the United States.  That is how, as a teenager, I became an immigrant. My parents dedicated themselves to working very hard. I will always be grateful to them for teaching me from an early age what it means to have a strong work ethic. 

But I also remember wishing they would be home more. I felt alone in trying to figure out life. I started a relationship, and was blessed with my first daughter. I knew early on as a mother that I wanted to give her a different childhood than the one I had. My parents did the best they could with what they had, but my home growing up was filled with abuse, negativity, and a lack of affection.

Today, I am a mom of three beautiful children. But I was not a beautiful mom at first.

I started raising my children the same way I was raised, continuing the patterns I was trying to break. 

I remember being harsh with one of my children because that was how I was taught to discipline. But at the same time, I was apologizing to them, because I knew how much it hurt me as a child to be treated so harshly. 

I was afraid my children would feel alone, or feel like I didn’t love them enough.

I felt guilty and helpless because I knew that history was repeating itself and I didn't know how to make a change. And that's why I want to apologize to my children – they are here tonight. I love you, and I am sorry.

This cycle continued for many years. I had mostly given up hope. But one day, I heard a wonderful woman from Urban Ventures talking about how to be a better parent. She did it with so much love and passion. It was how I wanted to be as a parent. It was what I had been searching for.

This woman, Myrna Garcia, invited me to her class on Wednesday nights. The timing felt impossible for me and my partner, Luis. We both worked at night. But when we talked about our greatest priorities, we decided to make the sacrifice. We came to class from 6 to 8pm and then went to work until 3am. Believe me, this was a sacrifice. But it was worth it!

Little by little, I learned that parents can be physically present but emotionally absent. This is what I had become. The class helped me see a path where I didn’t see one before. I believed I could become the parent I wanted to be.

But it wasn’t just the class, this great place had something for everyone in our family. When Urban Ventures says that they have programs for every age, I can confirm that it is true.

My youngest youngest son is a student here. He is in the Cornwell Early Learning Center. My middle child has mentors here. And my oldest daughter… she works for Urban Ventures! She is also the first in the family to go to college! 

I asked my partner, Luis, what has been a positive thing about being part of Urban Ventures. He answered quickly. GETTING MARRIED. We had been living together for 17 years, raising children together. But, attending the classes helped us decide to get legally married and demonstrate what a healthy, committed, relationship looks like to our children.

Thanks to Urban Ventures I have been able to break negative cycles in my family. We have created a better story for my children.

I know I still have a lot to learn, but I also know that I am not alone in the process. I have Urban Ventures by my side. And so does my family.

There are many people out there trying to find an opportunity to transform their lives and the generations to come. Like me, they are searching for how to be the people they know they can be. With your help, they can have that opportunity with this beautiful organization. 

Thank you/Gracias 

#minneapolis #urban ventures #south minneapolis #education #community #mpls #stories #story #UV30 #Youtube

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Pack Food with UV

Urban Ventures is thrilled to partner with Cristo Rey, Loaves & Fishes, MAD DADs, and Lake Street Works to host a Mobile Food pack event. 

We have space for over 500 volunteers to help us pack 100,000 meals to feed individuals and families in need. 

Minneapolis Food Pack Event August 15 & 16 (multiple shifts available) COLIN POWELL CENTER 2924 Fourth Ave S, Minneapolis CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR A SHIFT

#minneapolis #events #feed the hungry #urban ventures #south minneapolis #cristo rey #loaves and fishes #news #MADDADs #lake street works #volutneer #volunteerism #serve the city

[urbanventures]

Alarming Decline: National Scores Drop for Middle School Students

A troubling trend has emerged as the latest assessment results show a concerning decline in student test scores across the nation. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) report for the previous year highlights a significant drop in average scores for reading and mathematics.

The NAEP report reveals that the average scores for 13-year-old students dropped by 4 points in reading and a substantial 9 points in mathematics compared to the previous assessment. What is especially concerning is that students who were already struggling in their studies saw even greater decreases in their scores. In other words, students who were already behind their peers fell even further behind.

Another disheartening finding is that fewer students are finding joy in reading. Reading for pleasure is not only important for academic success but also for personal growth. Declines in reading for fun can have lasting effects on their overall literacy skills and enjoyment of learning.

The decline in scores was not equal for all students. Those in under-resourced communities faced more significant challenges, with a more noticeable decline in their scores compared to students in wealthier areas. For the first time since Urban Ventures was founded, the achievement gap is widening. This inequality highlights the urgency of providing targeted assistance and ensuring fair access to resources for all students, regardless of their background.

This report further emphasizes the necessity for targeted support to help students catch up and succeed. Thankfully, with the right interventions, students have the potential to reverse the downward trend and make remarkable progress. For instance, students enrolled in Urban Ventures' Reading Plus program tend to progress at twice the speed of their peers.

Likewise, through Summer Ventures, students dedicate their mornings to developing their reading, writing, and math skills. By continuing their studies during the summer, students can avoid the detrimental "Summer Slide" and start the next school year ahead instead of lagging behind.

While the national trends are troubling, they also underscore the dire need for the services provided by Urban Ventures. These services are only made possible with your support. By lending a helping hand, we can provide access to the right interventions for the right students at a critical time. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of students, ensuring they have the tools and support they need to succeed.

Donate today so we can continue serving kids in our neighborhood

#education #achievement gap #minneapolis #south minnepaolis #test scores #reading #writing #math #report card

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FREE Baseball Clinic with the Twins

Urban Ventures is partnering with the Minnesota Twins to bring a FREE Baseball Clinic to our neighborhood on Saturday, July 8. 

Kids 6-12 years old are invited to experience the JOY of baseball alongside Twins staff. They can practice hitting, throwing, and fielding. Any skill level, great for beginners!

Saturday, July 8 | 9am - 11am  @ Urban Ventures | 2924 Fourth Ave S, Minneapolis

Click here to register for this free event

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Urban Ventures y los Minnesota Twins traerán una Clínica de Béisbol GRATUITA a nuestro vecindario el sábado 8 de julio.

Los niños de 6 a 12 años están invitados a experimentar la ALEGRÍA del béisbol junto con el personal de los Twins. Pueden practicar golpear, lanzar y fildear. ¡Cualquier nivel de habilidad, ideal para principiantes!

sábado 8 de julio | 9 a. m. - 11 a. m. @ Empresas Urbanas | 2924 Fourth Ave S, Minneapolis

Haga clic aquí para registrarse en este evento gratuito

#minneapolis #south minneapolis #free #free event #baseball #baseball clinic #twins #minnesota twins #urban ventures #family event #family #events for kids

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#photography #camera #recycle #refurbish #minneapolis #south minneapolis #urban ventures #mpls #cradle-to-career #education #donate

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The coming months may be some of the most important in our students' academic life. This video from Horizons National explains why summer is a make or break season for kids in our neighborhood. 

The challenge is bleak but there are also clear reasons for hope. We can make a difference by providing much-needed interventions at the most important time. Last year, every student in Urban Ventures summer program made measurable academic gains!

The transformation happening in our community is fueled by Urban Ventures supporters. We can't do this without you.

THANK YOU for supporting our work to combat summer slide! Your gifts have helped us prepare for a great summer ahead.

If you wish to make an additional gift, there is still a need! We can quickly deploy your gift to help students this summer.

Click here to make a special gift

#south minneapolis #mpls #education #minneapolis #urban ventures #cradle to career #summer slide #achievement gap #Youtube

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Gaining Credit in the Community

“Once I started working here, I realized that it’s very different than what I had been learning in school,” shares Nathalie Lopez. She’s referring to Urban Ventures’ youth mentoring program and her role as an Urban Ventures intern. It’s not that what she’s learning is incorrect, just that the practical application hasn’t matched what she expected. Her experience working with teenagers at Urban Ventures has complemented her education as a Social Work and Psychology major at North Central University.

“Taking this role let me put things into practice. If I hadn’t been here serving these kids, I probably would have forgotten a lot of what I was learning.” Instead, each week she has the chance to apply the skills and techniques she’s discussing in the classroom. “I have a better understanding of what I’m doing and learning, way more than I would have just in a classroom.” Nathalie is one of nine students with paid internships at Urban Ventures. The internship program exists to give real-world experience to university students in their field of study. The program was  made possible by Eagle Brook Church’s “Making a Difference” campaign.

In 2022, those experiences included small business through Urban Ventures Coffee, education and  social work in academic support and youth mentoring programs, agriculture and nutrition on the farm, and development and event planning alongside the Advancement department.  

In addition to the hands-on experience, interns receive supplemental trainings on topics like professional etiquette and financial planning. “I’ve learned a lot about organization and time management,” shares Nathalie. “I’ve always liked being organized, but I’ve learned more about making a plan and creating systems to get things done.”

The program has created a win-win for interns and Urban Ventures, building confidence and improving programs at the same time. Nathalie has begun transferring even more knowledge from her schooling to her internship. “I’ve been able to use what I’m learning in class to suggest changes to our program. It’s been working really well.”

While Nathalie doesn’t know what the future holds (she graduates this month), she’s confident  she will be better at whatever she does next because of her time in the internship program. “The work we do carries a big weight. Without experience, you can get into a job and be unprepared for the responsibility. That can cause big problems for the people you’re serving. I feel more prepared than if I hadn’t had this experience.”

#minneapolis #urbanventures #news #stories #south minneapolis #mpls #cradle-to-career #intern #internship #internships #career devleopment #resume building

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Preparing the Launchpad

Urban Ventures expands College & Career opportunities through new partnerships and programs for high school students

A group of high school students spills out of an Urban Ventures van. “Welcome,” a friendly voice greets, “we’re glad you’re here.” The students, gathered from Washburn High School, are on a college visit at Augsburg University. “I’ll show you around,” the tour guide invites, “Hopefully, you can see yourself here.” Touring colleges is just one of the initiatives of the recently expanded College & Career Center at Urban Ventures. As UV continues strengthening cradle-to-career services for local students, the past year brought an enhanced focus on  teenagers  about to finish high school.

The work began by forming greater partnerships with nearby high schools. “The schools have a lot of people who say they want to partner,” says Jason Thompson, the College and Career Center director. “But usually that means they want the school to fit into what they’re already doing. Urban Ventures was able to come in and say, ‘We opened this center for you. What do you need? How can we support what you’re doing?”

The response confirmed the need in the under- resourced schools. Jason continues, “The guidance counselors in our nearby high schools are amazing, but I was surprised to learn there are only two or three counselors for 1,600 students. They’d say, ‘The main thing the kids need is more people caring about their future.’”

All of the nearest high schools now have a “UV Club.” Each month, Jason and other Urban Ventures staff members come to teach a career-centered class. Students explore college and trade school options, take part in mock job interviews, get feedback on building and writing a good resume, and receive support in applying for financial aid.

The UV Club is also a great chance to network. Jason explains, “When a kid says they want to go into business, I tell them, ‘Urban Ventures is connected to many major corporations in town, I can get you a meeting to learn from one of their executives.’ Or if they are interested in Finance, we can connect them with our financial firm partners. They’re learning it’s not just what you know but who you know. Once that networking light bulb clicks on, the students start asking to set up meetings or come by our office to figure out the next steps.”

Students are also invited to learn about other Urban Ventures programs. Through the College and Career Center, students have begun participating in other programs like music and athletics. Jason recounts a recent tour of the Urban Ventures campus, “The teachers thought there would be maybe ten kids. Another forty signed up to come along. It went from a small group to needing a bus.”

With partnerships in place at five nearby high schools, and an existing network of universities and businesses to work with, the Urban Ventures College and Career Center is creating a strong launchpad for students considering their future after high school.

“Our goal is for every high school student in Urban Ventures programs to have a post-secondary education plan and to support them in pursuing that plan. But not just UV kids, Our hope is that we can help hundreds of other students not just dream about college, but provide the plan and support they need to get there.”

#cradle-to-career #education #minneapolis #south minneapolis #mpls #post secondary education #pse #college prep #college preparation #break the cycle #empowerment #opportunity