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Monthly Skill Focus
January: Exploring Education Pathways
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January's theme is all about Education Pathways. This month, we focus on understanding our clients' post-high school aspirations and exposing them to various options and career paths. Our goal is to educate them about these pathways, providing a stronger understanding of what each entails.
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For example, some clients aspire to become professional athletes and seek college scholarships. We guide them on how to pursue these opportunities and create backup plans in case their primary goals don't materialize. Another client is interested in a career in education and has already researched schools and costs. We support them by teaching essential aspects of college life, such as navigating the FAFSA, balancing work and school, and managing their time effectively.
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Additionally, we help our clients explore alternative education options, such as attending technical schools or completing general education requirements at community colleges before transferring to a four-year institution. These strategies can be cost-effective and provide a solid foundation for their chosen careers.
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Through these activities and discussions, we aim to equip our clients with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their futures. January is dedicated to teaching and empowering them to explore and pursue their education and career goals with confidence, ensuring they are aware of all their options.
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Connect & Stay Connected
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Know someone who should know more about us? Share this newsletter with them and send them our way. We would love to connect!
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Follow us on our socials!
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Upcoming Events:
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- Dine Out Give Back at Lowbrow Bar - March 24th, 2025. Treat yourself to a Monday night out. When you do, 10% of all proceeds go to support our cause. Check out their menu Here.
- Open House - Planning stage. Will include a Silent Auction. Stay tuned!
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Success of 2024 & Beyond
Reflecting on 2024: Our First Year of Impact
As we wrapped up 2024, we are proud to reflect on our first year of serving clients at House-Raising. Since starting in June, we've made significant strides in supporting at-risk youth and those involved in the legal system. Here are some highlights and statistics from our inaugural year:
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- Average Class Attendance: 86%
- Demographics: 100% Black Indigenous Person of Color (BIPOC), age range 13-17
- Engagement: 50% of our clients are involved in the legal system, while the other 50% are at risk of involvement
- Self-Referrals: 100% of our clients self-referred to our program
- Inclusivity: 34% of our clients identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community
- Referral Sources: We received referrals from various locations across the Twin Cities metro area, including Saint Paul, Minneapolis, Brooklyn Park, and Fridley
Throughout the year, we hosted our first guest speaker who taught about internet safety and AI use, completed our first pottery class (see the attached picture of the pottery created), and supported clients in pursuing extracurricular activities such as choir concerts, theater roles and sports. These activities helped build confidence and provided valuable experiences for our clients.
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We also welcomed two new volunteers who have been instrumental in supporting administrative tasks, board activities, and curriculum development. Additionally, House-Raising engaged in 14 community events, either through our own planning or by participating as vendors. We've built connections with communities, community members, the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, the Minneapolis FBI, and other nonprofits.
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Looking Ahead: Plans for 2025
As we move into 2025, we have exciting plans to continue and expand our impact:
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- CPR and First Aid Certification: In January, we will provide space for clients to become CPR and First Aid certified, helping them pursue careers and interests in sports and education.
- Guest Speakers and Community Outings: With input from our clients, we are planning to invite more guest speakers and organize community outings such as stargazing, bowling, pottery classes, attending sporting events, and volunteering.
- Community Engagement: We plan to re-attend previous community events and fundraising opportunities while expanding our list of events to participate in.
- First Program Graduate: We are in the early phases of planning for our first successful graduate from the program in June.
- Anti-Bullying Project: We will support a client's project to raise funds for anti-bullying initiatives.
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We are excited about the future and grateful for the support of our community. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of at-risk youth.
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Diving Deeper
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Our Holistic Program and Future Initiatives
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At House-Raising, we believe in a comprehensive approach to supporting at-risk youth. Our year-long Holistic Program is designed to address various aspects of our clients' lives, providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive. This program includes monthly themes that focus on essential life skills, such as Education Pathways, Conflict Management, and Self-Discovery.
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Looking ahead, we are excited to introduce two new programs that will further enhance our support for youth:
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Traditional Diversion Program: This program aims to provide an alternative to the traditional justice system for at-risk youth who might not need the intensive services offered by our Holistic Program. It focuses on restorative practices and community involvement, providing a quick reset to help youth get back on a positive path.
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8-Week Anger Management Program: This program will offer targeted support for youth struggling with anger and emotional regulation. Through structured sessions and practical strategies, we aim to help participants develop healthier ways to manage their emotions and interactions.
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These upcoming programs are currently in the planning stages, and we look forward to sharing more details as they become available. Stay tuned for updates on these exciting initiatives!
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A Call to Action
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Apprenticeships
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We are actively seeking community businesses in the arts or trades willing to provide apprenticeship opportunities for our clients.
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Volunteer
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We are looking for additional volunteers who can dedicate their time to support various areas of our work. If you're passionate about our mission and want to get involved, please reach out!
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Board Opportunity
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We have a vacant seat and 4 new seats on our board. If you have a passion for our mission and the skills to contribute, we’d love to hear from you.
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Your donations, no matter how big or small, make a significant impact. Donate Now to to support our mission. Or consider becoming a monthly donor. Our small group of monthly donors have been a driving force in allowing us to continue our work.
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