“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23
Conflict Resolution with our teens:
Conflict Resolution /Lesson 1
Stacey, our new Program Director, is courageously tackling significant issues that have plagued North Minneapolis, including Conflict Resolution. The detrimental effects of unmanaged conflicts, often due to lack of training, have tragically led to the premature loss of young lives. Stacey has initiated a series with our Teens, equipping them with practical ways to navigate and resolve conflicts, thereby addressing a crucial need in our community.
Purpose of the first lesson:
There are different ways we (humanity) respond to conflict. Most of the time, we avoid dealing with issues positively. We are told indirectly and modeled that conflict is a negative thing. The purpose of this lesson was to abolish the myth, help the Teens reflect on how conflict resolution has been modeled for them, and give them some concrete ways of dealing with it. Students were given a list that explained the different approaches to conflict and some focus questions that asked how their environment (school, friends, family structure, and pop culture) influences them in dealing with conflict. This is our opening lesson, and students are excited about the content we will continue to share throughout the summer!
This program is a significant stride towards realizing Charles’s (HHYD Executive Director) vision for HHYD. It’s a beacon of hope, promising a future where our community is equipped with the necessary skills to resolve conflicts peacefully and constructively.
Give Today to support this important Ministry.
What’s Cooking at Hospitality House Youth Development:
This summer, our students are engaged in a series of activities, including academics, art, camps, and cooking. Here are 3rd graders preparing their personal pizzas for cooking in the oven. They loved it!
Give Today to support this important Ministry.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes Camp:
2024 FCA Camp at North High School Football field. About 50 students and staff attended the week long event put on by local FCA crew.
Church Spotlight:
June 24-26: The Praying Pelicans brought in Duluth Gospel Tabernacle, and they spent three days cleaning, planting gardens, weeding, tutoring children, and playing with them. As if that wasn’t enough, they also delivered flyers to the houses in the neighborhood and painted. Last but not least, they ministered to the children with a skit about helping and lifting one another up. Because the majority of the group was young people, they ended the mission trip by playing a friendly game of basketball, which was bonding for the children.
Quote from the Youth volunteers:
- “It’s Cool to work with kids. They are teachable, and I can see they care. It’s good to see. People are stuck on their opinions.”
- “I saw that the children are eager to grow.”
- “Kids are open; it’s good to know I had a purpose of being here.”
- “Children are the closest to God.”
- “I had fun doing things that aren’t fun to do, like cleaning closets.”
- “The kids are lively, energetic and happy we are here.”
- “Math is super hard for some of them, but they keep trying even when they fail.”
Adult volunteers:
- “I sat with the 6th graders, and they didn’t need me to. I played a card game with them; I just wanted them to be themselves.”
- “Although we don’t come from an area with the same struggles as these children, we can learn and benefit from being like them.”
A big shoutout to our amazing friends from River Valley’s Crosstown campus for joining us on Saturday, July 13, 2024, and generously serving at the Hub!
Community Partner Spotlight:
BUILD YOUR OWN CITY: No one would ever think that construction and children go together. HHYD and JE Dunn Construction have forged a unique partnership since early 2023. This year, they are supporting our Summer Spot program, bringing their love of construction and children together. Each Monday in July, students will learn what goes into building a city and then build their ideal city from cardboard, cereal boxes, toilet and paper towel rolls, etc. Thanks to this innovative collaboration, it’s exciting to introduce our children to a world of possibilities in a future career.
We had three groups of children who mapped out their view of their city and then presented it to the class. Stay tuned for the final project next month.
Feeding the Community: Street EATS2 has been stopping by HHYD for many years, delivering delicious food that is also healthy for our children.
Employee Spotlight
Melinda Brown
Family and Community Liaison
My name is Melinda Brown. I grew up in North Minneapolis. I currently live in Roseville with my husband and 14-year-old son. Together, we have two children and two grandchildren. I’m thrilled to share that one of my grandchildren was born on June 28th, 2024. Children are a blessing!
I started as a Teacher at HHYD on March 4, 2024, but within a month, I transitioned to the Family and Community Liaison position. What I look forward to the most in my job is building lifelong relationships with our youth, working more closely with our families, and connecting the community to HHYD.
What is the best piece of advice I have received? Ummm… well, over the years, I’m sure there has been a LOT, too much even to say! But the best advice I would give teens is to be kind to themselves and give yourself some grace. Also, it’s okay to say no and change your mind.
My favorite chapter in the Bible is 1 Corinthians 13; if you haven’t read this chapter, I highly recommend it. It’s a beautiful reflection of love and kindness, which are values I hold dear. Two of my favorite quotes that are not from the Bible, but I believe align with the chapter, are, ” You must be the change you want to see in the world,” Gandhi, and “It’s not what you say; it’s how you say it.” Albert Mehrabian. These quotes, like the chapter, emphasize the importance of love, kindness, and the power of our actions and words.
What am I looking forward to doing this summer? We have a week off in August, so I look forward to uninterrupted family time, indulging in my love for cooking and finding new recipes. In addition to cooking and being with my family, I like to travel, watch television, and watch my son play basketball. Family is everything, and that’s why I believe in what HHYD does in the community; my position as Family and Community Liaison is vital, and I don’t take it lightly.
Would you or someone you know like to work at HHYD?
Did you know Hospitality House Youth Development is hiring? HHYD is always looking for high-quality candidates to join our team.
If you or anyone you know might be interested, please share this link to the job descriptions: https://hhyd.org/job-opportunities/
Site Visits
Interested in a Site Visit? Contact Clara (Missie) Mothershed, Development Director cmothershed@hhyd.org or 612.522.4485
Volunteer
Hospitality House Youth Development is looking for new volunteers. What God-given talent would you like to share?
- Tutor a student in math or reading
- Coach a basketball or baseball team
- Plan events
- Invite a group from your church, company or organization
We would love to hear from you! Call 612.522.4485 or apply online today.
Upcoming Events
Love in Action
Thursday, July 25, 2024
11:30am-1:00pm, Edina Country Club
Guest Speaker: Keonna Moses
October 2024 – Annual Fall Banquet
December 13, 2024 – Christmas with Dignity
Thank you to our Sponsors
Spring Business Sponsors: Cornell Companies LLC, RYAN, GREEN Wealth Management Group, NORTHEAST BANK, SCHEELS, Impact Power to Connect, TRADITION Capital Bank, Genesis Trading LTD, Salvation Army, and LOTUS Restaurant Minneapolis.
