“It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth;
you made both summer and winter.”
Psalm 74:17
Our Lord has given us summer to enjoy. As we conclude the school year and move into our summer programs at Hospitality House Youth Development, we are grateful for the warmer weather and the opportunity to share God’s creation with our youth through a variety of field trips and other fun outdoor activities.
End of School Program Celebration!
On Friday, June 6, we wrapped up the school year in true HHYD style, with laughter, games, and unforgettable memories. Youth enjoyed a day full of celebration, from bouncing around in the inflatable house to playing football and even pieing their favorite staff in the face. Here’s to a year of growth and a summer of fun ahead!
Staff Training Week!
Fueling up for impact… one bite, one laugh at a time! From June 9–13, the Hospitality House team came together for a week of training, teamwork, and togetherness, the perfect recipe for a powerful summer ahead. More than coworkers, we’re a community united in purpose. The week wrapped up with our Summer Sports Family Orientation Night on Thursday, where we connected with families, shared laughs, and set the tone for a fun-filled season. Our staff is energized and excited to welcome you to summer programming at HHYD!
Celebrating Juneteenth: Freedom, Faith, and Forward Together
The pictures are of the winners of 2025 Miss Juneteenth Minnesota State Pageant. They stopped by for photos, spoke with all of the classes, and read to the younger children.
Juneteenth marks a pivotal moment in American history. June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas finally received word of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It is a day that reminds us that while justice may be delayed, it is never forgotten.
At Hospitality House, we carry this legacy forward by nurturing the spiritual, intellectual, and physical growth of inner-city youth and their families. Our work is rooted in the same values that Juneteenth represents freedom, hope, dignity, and transformation through faith and community. Each child we uplift and each family we support is part of the ongoing story of progress and purpose.
As we reflect on our shared history, we are reminded of God’s promise: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36 (NIV)
Let Juneteenth be more than a day of remembrance it is a call to continue building a future filled with opportunity, justice, and love for our neighbors.
Together, we remember. Together, we rise.
To learn more about the meaning and history of Juneteenth, visit:
http://www.juneteenth.com/
Board Spotlight
My name is Ken Schelper and I joined the Board of Hospitality House Youth Development (HHYD) in 2013 and have served as Treasurer and Vice Chair.
I am a retired executive of Davanni’s Pizza and Hot Hoagies which my brother started with school friends in 1975. After helping part-time, I joined full-time as a General Manager in 1976 and eventually became Vice President. During my time with Davanni’s I also served for many years on the MN Restaurant Association and the Hospitality MN Board. I was elected president of the MN Restaurant Association in 2001 and later was named to the MN Restaurant Hall-Of-Fame.
I attended Edina High School, graduated from the University of MN and I served in military intelligence during the Vietnam War.
I was introduced to HHYD through a long time friend and began volunteering in the late 1990s. My hope for HHYD is that its legacy will continue to impact the youth and their families in North Minneapolis.
I am married to my wife Becky, a father to three daughters and sons-in-law, and grandpa to 4 grandchildren. I attend River Valley Church in Minnetonka and enjoy participating in various fitness classes.
RSVP for our Women’s Luncheon
Ladies, you’re invited! Join us for our Women’s Luncheon on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. An afternoon of inspiration, connection, and community. We’re thrilled to welcome our very own Education Manager, Khadijah Lamah, as our featured speaker, sharing words to uplift and empower.
Come enjoy great food, meaningful conversation, and the strength of women coming together with purpose.
Register or support the event by donating using the links below. We can’t wait to see you there!
Calling all Alumni!
If you spent ANY amount of time involved with Hospitality House Youth Development as a student/member, athlete, staff/teacher, board member or volunteer over the last 65 years, we are proud to call you an alumni! We want to keep you in the loop on various upcoming alumni events celebrating our 65th anniversary in 2025 and filling out this contact form allows us to do that.
Please fill out this short contact form and pass it on to other alumni!
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:
- Development Director
- Program Director
- Accounting | Bookkeeping
- Teen Lead
- (Part-Time) Floating Teacher
- (Seasonal) Teacher Assistant
If you or anyone you know might be interested, please share this link to the job descriptions: https://hhyd.org/jobs
Site Visits
Interested in a Site Visit? Contact Walter Cox, Development Officer wcox@hhyd.org or 612.522.4485
Upcoming Events
July 29, 2025 – Women’s Luncheon
2025 Spring Breakfast Sponsors: Impact, Green Wealth Management Group, Cornwell Companies LLC, Lotus Restaurant Minneapolis, Traditional Capital Bank, Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON), Parallel Retail Group
