On Friday, February 18, Hospitality House celebrated Black History Night! Our students showcased a variety of their talents honoring Black history and culture. From a reading of the poem “The Miracle Friendship” by Maya Angelou to the singing of the “National Black Anthem” along with a video of the I Have A Dream speech our students exuded pride, excellence and respect for their heritage and for being children of God. A special video tribute to Dr. Foster was made during the celebration as Black History Night was always one of her favorite events with the students and staff. Thank you Dr. Foster for all you did for nurturing and developing the youth and the ULC program at Hospitality House. Thank you to all staff and board members who made the event possible. Without your help, time and dedication the success of the evening would not have been possible. The Black History Night program can be viewed here.
The students decorated the classroom doors to honor notable Black History figures in the different areas of sports, entertainment, education, science and music to name a few.
FINANCIAL LITERACY CLASS
On Thursday, February 3, our students had their second financial literacy class with financial advisors Jay Robinson from Schwab Advisor Servicers and Eric Forstrom from US Bank. They reviewed budgeting and spoke on the value of money. They discussed the difference between a want and a need, making sacrifices to get what you want with finances, and how to weigh those differences out.
STAFF HIGHLIGHT
We are pleased to welcome alumni Matt Kirk to the Hospitality House team as the fifth grade teacher and teen specialist. “I’m looking forward to the growth in the students I work with and being a beacon of light in the community.”, Kirk said. He attended Bethel University and earned a degree in social work. When asked what advice he would give students he said, “Question everything. It is okay to have questions; it is a part of your humanity. I don’t like to tell my students what to think about things or what to believe.” Kirk resides in Mounds View with his cat Higgs who is more like a roommate! We are excited to have you join the team Matt!
RECENT SITE VISITS
Jessica McVay and Kita McVay of the McVay Foundation, and Vicki Underland-Rosow
Interested in a Site Visit? Contact Walter Cox Development Officer and Grant Writer wcox@hhyd.org or 612.522.4485 ext. 19
VOLUNTEER
Hospitality House is looking for new volunteers. Would you like to get involved? Do you or do you belong to a church, company or other organization that would like to learn more? Want to mentor a student in math or reading? Are you good at coaching? Do you like to write or make phone calls? Do you like to help plan events? What is your God given talent you would like to share? We would love to hear from you! Contact Matt Kirk, Volunteer Coordinator at mkirk@hhyd.org or 612.389.1396
SAVE THE DATE
Our Annual Business Breakfast theme is Hope “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.” Romans 15:13 The date is set for Thursday, May 19 at the Edina Country Club featuring guest speaker Chad Greenway.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Building Bridges Through Basketball – March TBA
Business Breakfast – Thursday, May 19
Women’s Luncheon – June
Alumni Gathering – August
Fall Banquet – October
Christmas with Dignity – December