As an intermediary whose mission is to ensure increase equity with and for Minnesota’s indigenous, low-income, and racially diverse youth; we know that factors outside of the traditional out-of-school time program contribute to youth success. Our initiatives under Health & Safety address some of these factors including the negative impact of over-policing our youth and the risk that hunger poses to communities across the state.

Within the area of Health & Safety, Youthprise’s goals are to:

• Increase access to nutritious meals
• Increase access to health education opportunities
• Increase access to physical activities
• Decrease negative interactions between youth and police
• Increase alternatives to confinement
• Increase access to restorative practices as an alternative to formal system processings

Better Together Hennepin

Better Together Hennepin focuses on four key supports that research shows all young people need in order to wait until they are adults to become parents: comprehensive sexuality education, accessible reproductive health services, connections to caring adults, and healthy youth development opportunities. BTH works to address the particular factors that affect teen sexual behavior, pregnancy and childbearing; these are generally known as sexual risk and protective factors.

General Operating

General Operating grants provide funding to Minnesota based youth-serving non-profit organizations. The funding is focused on providing support for mission-related core functions that enhance organizational or programmatic operations. In alignment with our mission, Youthprise values organizations that are committed to dismantling structures of oppression that hinder the ability of youth to lead healthy and vibrant lives.

Nutrition

The Nutrition Program’s goal is to promote the health and safety of young people by meeting basic needs and holistically addressing health concerns that impact youth in our communities. Year-round meals are provided to youth at trusted locations in the community, where youth are not only encouraged to participate in programming but also have the space to provide input into their menus. The Youthprise Nutrition Program provides meals at public libraries, recreation centers, faith communities, schools, and local youth-serving nonprofits.

Policy

Youthprise seeks to be active on a range of policy issues that impact Minnesota youth, especially those that face barriers to accessing quality learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Youthprise’s public policy functions are 1) Educating elected officials and stakeholders in the youth development field; 2) Advocating for policy change at the state, federal and local levels; 3) Engaging Youthprise partners (youth, communities of color, youth-serving organizations, intermediaries) in the policy process; and 4) Lobbying to influence specific legislation.

Ramsey County Partnerships

The Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative is based upon eight core interconnected strategies that address the primary reasons why youth are unnecessarily or inappropriately securely detained in correctional facilities. The model if implemented with high fidelity, safely reduces the use of secure detention while also reducing racial and ethnic disparities.

United For Action

United for Action (UFA) is a student-led Saint Paul-based effort focused on addressing youth and family homelessness.

• Our 2017 Annual Report story on Better Together Hennepin
• Our 2018 Annual Report story on how Banyan Community Center builds intergenerational community
• The blog posts celebrating our Nutrition Program’s One-Millionth Meal and Fifth Year of Operation

Plug into our work however you’re able! Here are nine suggestions to get you started:

1. Donate to Youthprise to show your support;
2. Join our mailing list to learn about upcoming opportunities;
3. Follow Youthprise on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter;
4. Volunteer to contribute your time and skills or join a committee;
5. Sign up to become a Nutrition partner site;
6. Apply for funding through one of our current or upcoming RPFs;
7. Contact your representatives and spread the word about our Policy priorities;
8. Keep an eye on the work of the UFA and listen to those who struggle with housing stability;
9. Or contact us to ask questions, build a partnership, or learn more!