Sojourner

For over 40 years, Sojourner Project has provided life-saving and life-changing services to those victimized by domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse. Sojourner’s services are free, confidential, and offered in more than 17 communities in western Hennepin County. Through comprehensive safety planning, emergency shelter, advocate support and violence prevention education, we support opportunities for increased hope, safety, and stability.

YMCA Youth in Government

Raising good citizens doesn't happen by chance. Just like we teach children to brush their teeth, eat healthy foods, exercise and get enough sleep, we also need to help them develop the knowledge, skills and motivation to participate in civic life. Every year, students across Minnesota gather at Youth in Government (YIG) to understand, discuss and debate the important issues facing their communities, experience first-hand how government works, and use their voice to advocate for issues that are important to them and their community. YIG is an experience like none other – a fun and immersive four days where students find a place to belong and leave inspired to take action that transforms our world into a better, more just place. We welcome students of all backgrounds, opinions and regions of the state.

Thumbs Up

THUMBS UP was founded in 2014 by Katie Shatusky, Jessica Hackenmueller and Jody Kreuser in honor of two great men, Robert “Bob” Schmit and Charles “Chuck” Dahlheimer, who like many others took their lives after living in silence from a mental illness. THUMBS UP is all about EMBRACING those who are struggling and breaking the stigma around mental health. Connecting, supporting and encouraging one another to talk about their feelings and challenges and to “KEEP MOVING FORWARD”. We are dedicated to educating and teaching about mental illness, the warning signs of suicide, what you can to do help others who struggle and community awareness initiatives. 

MISSION STATEMENT: We value LIFE, and we ASPIRE to help others in our COMMUNITY by talking about MENTAL HEALTH.

Minority Business Growth Alliance (MBGA)

The Minority Business Growth Alliance (MBGA) is a grass-roots organization that helps minority-owned businesses develop new and critical capabilities to grow. We are an alliance of professionals, corporations and non-profits, providing pro-bono strategic guidance and execution support to BIPOC Business Owners. We build greater understanding and appreciation across cultures by making personal and professional connections that break down systemic racism and reduce barriers for minority owners to succeed.