Recent E-Newsletters

Hospitality House celebrates Black History month:Black history is American history A portrait of the Rev. Robert Hickman created about 1877. Hickman founded the first Baptist church in Minnesota. Born into slavery in 1831, the Rev. Robert Thomas Hickman led fellow slaves on a harrowing river journey to freedom in 1863. Details of his escape from Missouri to Minnesota remain murky, but various accounts all confirm that Hickman convinced as many as 75 fellow slaves — his self-described “pilgrims” — to board a raft or makeshift boat with him and head up river. Reports have it that the steamboat Northerner found them adrift and towed them to safety past jeering dockworkers, and a second group of escaped slaves joined them 10 days later. On Nov. 15, 1866, Hickman and his followers formally organized Pilgrim Baptist Church in St. Paul. Two white ministers led the church until 1877, after which Hickman became the congregation’s official minister in 1878. He died on Feb. 6, 1900. The church, at 732 W. Central Ave., hosts services every Sunday. Our 11U Minneapolis Park Board League Team is Currently Undefeated As they head into the playoffs, our boys in purple are undefeated! Staff & Board Retreat On

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. CORRECTION: Thanks To All Gift Donors and Volunteers We sincerely apologize that last month’s update included an incomplete list of our generous donors during Christmas With Dignity. We are so eternally grateful for their gifts that we want to acknowledge ALL of them and would never intend to forget anyone: BALLY SPORTS NORTH WISCONSINBLACK SHEEP PIZZACrossFit SISUDISCOVER CHURCHEAGLE BROOK CHURCHEDEN PRAIRIE COMMUNITY CHURCHEMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH – INVER GROVE HEIGHTSEXECUTIVE CONNECTIONSFORTE REAL ESTATE PARTNERSGOOD SHEPHERD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHHERITAGE CHRISTIAN ACADEMYHOLMES CORPLIBERTY PACKAGING – TWIN CITIESMACKIN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCESNORTHEAST BANKQ CONSULTING™RIVER VALLEY CHURCHSALVATION ARMY PLUS TOM & TRUDI CANFIELDSCHEELSST. JOAN OF ARC CHURCHTARGETTRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCHWESTGATE CHURCH Urban Learning Center Updates We took the students sliding at Theodore Worth Park and they had a blast on Friday 1/13 as part of our Fun Fridays. Weather was perfect. Snow was great and everyone had a wonderful time. Each day in chapel the kids join in prayer for each of their families’ communities and Hospitality House based on John 15:7. Here are some of our students enjoying their Loaves and Fishes bag dinners. They are great. And they really enjoy it every week! Life On Purpose Classes This answers the question

Our annual Christmas with Dignity event took place on Friday, December 9, 2022. We served 395 families and 1,157 kids. We are so grateful for the generosity of those who donated the funds, toys, or gift cards that enabled us to provide 2400 gifts for these families. We also had 175 volunteers work to make this event happen. Seeing smiles on the faces of the shoppers as they departed with their gifts assures us that their holiday season will be a bit brighter as they see evidence of God’s love and receive the support of their community. Thanks To All Gift Donors and Volunteers ChurchesDiscover ChurchEagle Brook ChurchEden Prairie Community ChurchEmanauel Lutheran Inver Grove Heights ChurchGood Shepherd Presbyterian ChurchSt. Joan Of Arc ChurchWestgate Church BusinessesBally Sports North Wisconsin (Formerly Fox)Black Sheep PizzaCrossfit SisuExecutive ConnectionsForte Real Estate PartnersLiberty Packaging – Twin CitiesMacklin PublishingNortheast BankQ Consulting™Salvation Army, Plus Tom & Trudi CanfieldScheelsTarget SchoolHeritage Christian Academy Super Student of the Month This past month 11 of our students did an excellent job in their classes and doing their work. We held a raffle and Jenesis a 4th grader in Ms. Durant’s class won a bike as one of the Super Students of the

Giving Thanks For Family In keeping with our annual tradition of bringing our youth and their families together during the holidays, the HHYD staff and Board served over 100 guests a meal on November 17th . Even on a snowy night we were able to fellowship, get to know one another, and build community while enjoying great food. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success! Gifts Are Needed For Christmas With Dignity Donors may drop off their new unwrapped gifts Tuesday-Thursday, December 6-8, 2022, at Hospitality House between 9:00am and 4:00pm for our upcoming Christmas With Dignity event on December 9. Teen gifts are the most needed. Gift Ideas We’re also accepting volunteers for the Christmas with Dignity Program. If you want to sign up to be part of CWD on Friday, December 9th and or a shift on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday during the week of the event, please contact Board Member Paula Larsen at paulaannelarsen@gmail.com Giving Tuesday Today is Giving Tuesday. Please join us in helping children and families in North Minneapolis thrive by donating today at www.hhyd.org/donate! On behalf of the board, staff, students, and families we serve – thank you for your

Fall Banquet 2022 Recap + Video Jesus said, “Who is my FAMILY… those who do the will of my Father.”Matthew 12:46-48 Family was the theme for this year’s Fall Banquet that brought together many new and familiar supporters to learn more about how we inspire, encourage, and develop the youth of North Minneapolis. Bethel Head Football Coach Steve Johnson shared an inspiring message about his family and being grateful. We honored our youth, ate great food, and enjoyed the blessing of fellowship with our HHYD family. If you were unable to attend our Fall Banquet, you can access the full event here. We are grateful for the 300+ guests who have contributed to HHYD through the Fall Banquet. These critical funds help our academic and athletic programs, community outreach, and further the development of our teen program. We would like to thank all who helped with the event including all who donated to our silent auction, our sponsors, Metropolitan Ballroom & Clubroom, our Board and Development Committee, and all staff. Teen Program Update At the Kickoff Event on October 10th, we had 24 parents and students attend. Parents seemed very interested in what was offered and wanted to learn how

On September 6, HHYD welcomed back the nearly 90 students who are enrolled in our Urban Learning Center program to date and we expect that number to increase over the next few weeks as school bus transportation issues are resolved. The students are excited about learning, and we have several new volunteer tutors who are assisting students with their homework. Donate Now The Summer Spot Results Are In We’ve analyzed the data from our Summer Spot pre and post tests to assess academic progress for the 118 students that were in the program, and they showed an 11% improvement in reading and a 16% improvement in math over the 8 week period. We are so proud of our youth for a job well done! RSVP for Fall Banquet Jesus said, “Who is my FAMILY… those who do the will of my Father.”Matthew 12:46-48 Our Annual Fall Banquet fundraiser is on Sunday evening, October 23, 2022, at the Metropolitan Ballroom & Clubroom in Golden Valley. Good news to double your gift, we have a challenge grant of $34,000 available for all new donors and all donations over $600. This year’s guest speaker is Bethel University’s Football Head Coach Steve Johnson and

Summer Spot Summer School Greatness This year 112 students were enrolled in our Summer Spot summer school program. In addition to making academic progress, our students had an opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities including cooking, swimming, fishing, rocket building, pickleball, and field trips to Sea Quest. It was a busy, fun-filled summer! VIEW FULL PHOTO GALLERY Chad Greenway Camp – Summer School Former Minnesota Viking Chad Greenway again hosted a football camp at Hutchinson High School on Friday, July 29. A busload of HHYD kids attended the camp to learn a variety of football skills including catching, kicking, passing, and running. They also learned teamwork and sportsmanship, while having the opportunity to meet other kids from around the state. Upon their return to HHYD they were treated to a meal from Starland Charities who also donated school supplies. We are so grateful for these partnerships and we look forward to participating again next summer. Dunwoody College Visit – Teen Program HHYD teens visited Dunwoody College of Technology‘s School of Design to learn more about the projects, machines, and activities that their students are involved with, as our teens begin to think about life beyond high school. We appreciate

We have over 100 students enrolled in our Summer Spot program that focuses on Academics in the morning and fun activities in the afternoon. View Full Photo Gallery ABOUT THE WOMEN’S LUNCHEON The fourth annual Women’s Luncheon was held June 29th at the Minikahda Club. We had 68 women plus 10 young girls attend this year. Guests were treated to a wonderful meal and heard an inspiring message from Annette Bittner. Annette is an alumna and 1991 Young Woman of the Year. She is also a singer, song writer, and artist. She currently serves as the Teen Program Director at HHYD. She talked about trusting the process. God brings different situations into our lives where we can choose to go through it or abandon it. When we allow God to prune us, it helps us mature. Like a plant being replanted in new soil, we have the opportunity for more growth. To date over $34,000 was raised during this event, exceeding the goal of $25,000. We are grateful to God, and everyone who attended. We are looking forward to hosting the event again next year. EMPLOYEE HIGHLIGHT Hi I’m Maddie Nimmo! I grew up in Somerset, Wisconsin and I currently

Jeremiah 32:17“O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!” June 21st marked the start of our ULC Summer Spot Program. We look forward to experiencing the great things God is doing in the lives of our youth. BUILDING BRIDGES THROUGH BASKETBALL On June 3rd HHYD Youth and Minneapolis Police participated in our annual basketball skills competition event to help build community. There were games, music, prizes, and food. HHYD’s partner RBC Wealth Management helped sponsor the event and everyone had a great time. Watch video highlights from the event: RSVP FOR THE WOMEN’S LUNCHEON Our Annual Women’s Luncheon theme is Hope. “Rejoice in your hope, be patient in affliction, be constant in prayer.”Romans 12:12 The date is set for next Wednesday, June 29 at The Minikahda Club featuring guest speaker Annette Bittner. EMPLOYEE HIGHLIGHT Hospitality House welcomes recent graduate David Flores Grajeda! David is the Eight Grade teacher and he also works in the Teen Program. He was raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and he now resides in South Minneapolis. Interestingly, his parents are from Guatemala so David and his sister are the first generation