CHRISTMAS WITH DIGNITY
Making Spirits Bright! Our Christmas with Dignity event took place on Friday, December 10. We served over 375 families and 1,100 kids. Our hearts are filled with joy for all who donated toys, gift cards, and for those who volunteered to make this event happen. We are forever grateful. To learn more about Christmas with Dignity please watch our video. Merry Christmas!
HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR OUR STUDENTS
Our students received Christmas presents from The Starland Charities. Thank you so much for your generosity. Our students feel blessed!
STAFF HIGHLIGHT
As our vision statement reads, our desire at Hospitality House is to help our youth and families overcome by opening doors of opportunity. Nick Mingo knows what is it like to overcome and gives credit to God. He has been in our program since he was seven and is now 19. He has six brothers who all attended HH too! With help from teachers at his high school Nick recently earned his high school diploma this summer after completing several incomplete items and handling some difficult disappointments. This fall Nick started school at Normandale Community College. He is going against the grain as a lot of his peers did not continue their education. He worked hard to address scheduling, transportation and financial aid issues. Not only does Nick attend school, but he also works at HH with the K-2nd graders and the students enjoy him greatly! It has been great to watch Nick mature, become more responsible and grow in faith in Jesus Christ. We thank God, and all who support and pray for the staff, students and families of Hospitality House.
KTIS TOUR
When is the right time for students to start thinking about college? We think middle school is the perfect time to help our students begin thinking about their future plans and experience a college campus. On Friday, November 5 a group of middle school students and young adult staff went for a visit to KTIS Radio and the University of Northwestern St. Paul (UNWSP). On the agenda was a tour of 98.5 KTIS radio station, Praise Chapel, lunch, and tours of the campus, athletic facility and Mr. Victory’s (4th grade teacher and current student at UNWSP) dorm room. The group were treated like royalty as Mr. Brian Wright, Director of Development at KTIS hosted them throughout the day, snapping photos, blessing them with goodies from KTIS and the Admissions team of UNWSP. They even experienced a college prep presentation from their very own Ms. Annette Bittner, Teen Coordinator. The students were grateful to have Mr. Payton, (6th grade teacher in the after school program at HHYD and UNWSP alumni) pour mega–wisdom into them throughout the day. It was a full day, it was a day of memories. Thank you KTIS and UNWSP! -Hospitality House Youth Development – Teen Program
THANKSGIVING RETREAT
During Thanksgiving break, 11 students and a number of HHYD staff decided to use their time to seek God at a Fall Retreat. The theme was “Building Godly Character”. They went an hour out of the city to unplug from the busyness of life and social media. Students enjoyed themselves with free time to swim and play in the gym. The attendees had teachings during the day from teen staff and in the evening with guest speaker, Steve Fitzhugh, former Denver Broncos football player. The meals were good because the students commented saying “bussin’” as in bus. If you hear a young person say the food is “bussin’”, then you know it is good! Most importantly, five new students made a commitment to Christ. The retreat was worth it for that reason – mission accomplished! We are look forward to our next retreat in the spring with more students attending. Written by Annette Bittner, Teen Coordinator
RECENT SITE VISITS
November 1 Donna Dalton, Alice Mortenson – Mortenson Family Foundation
November 2 Robert Nelson, Sheldon Berquist – Gideon Bibles
November 8 & 9 Pro-Tec Design
November 23 McKinley Wright IV, Patrick Beverley and The Minnesota Timberwolves
Check out our video with the Minnesota Timberwolves
Interested in a Site Visit? Contact Walter Cox Development Officer and Grant Writer wcox@hhyd.org or 612.522.4485 ext. 19
VOLUNTEER
Want to get involved? Would you like to learn more? We are always looking for volunteers! 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 planning events? What is your God given talent you would like to share? We would love to hear from you! Contact Nancy Wurm, Development Officer and Communications Manager at nwurm@hhyd.org or 612.522.4485 ext. 13
UPCOMING EVENTS
Look for SAVE THE DATE information in the coming months about our annual fundraising events!
March 2022 Building Bridges Through Basketball
May 2022 Business Breakfast
June 2022 Women’s Luncheon
August 2022 Alumni Gathering
October 2022 Fall Banquet