Insight News

Send Community Calendar information to us by: email, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , by fax: 612-588-2031, by phone: (612) 588-1313 or by mail: 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411, Attn: Natalie Benz. Free or low cost events preferred.

Events

Tapestry FUNdamentals of Dance-African-based movement May 17, 24, and 31
Tapestry Folkdance Center will be hosting FUNdamentals of Dance: African-based movement with Patricia Brown teaching. 7–8:30pm $8 general, $6 members, $5 students, free admission to kids under 13 (must be supervised by an adult). 3748 Minnehaha Ave Mpls, MN 55406 www.tapestryfolkdance.org

Wanting to build your summer paddling, mountain biking and trail running skills? May – June
Join the City of Lakes Tri-Club!  Using Minneapolis' chain of lakes and one-of-a-kind trail network in Theodore Wirth Park, participants will learn from expert instructors the many ways to have fun during a Minneapolis summer.  Stay active and expand your recreational horizons.  Club meets Wed. 5/23-6/20, 6–8pm. http://www.loppet.org/adult-programming/loppet-tri-club/

AchieveMpls Presents Our City, Our Schools Community Forum May 17
Free event Thur. May 17 from 6pm – 7:30pm at Brian Coyle Center meeting room, 420 15th Avenue South, Minneapolis. Open to the public, Discuss the City of Minneapolis Census Bureau research behind the missing 80%, and the 27% of MPS students who report not being connected with a caring adult outside their family. RSVP to Regan Smith at 612-455-1535 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Sabathani Community Engagement Meeting Regarding Hennepin County Regional Services Partnership May 17
Community Engagement Meeting to discuss the Hennepin County Regional Service Center will be held on Thursday, May 17, 2012 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM in Room D1 and D2 on the 3rd floor of Sabathani Community Center. Refreshments will be served. For more info www.sabathani.org.

High-energy performance “Wake Up” Final Community Performance May 17 & 18
A 45-minute, high-energy performance of spoken word, dance, poetry and hip-hop, as well as a call to action by a group of St. Paul Students based on themes ranging from race and education to LBGT rights and global awareness, while addressing stress and despair commonly felt by today’s youth.  It is a call to reclaim education and build young leaders in the community. Central High School, 7:30 pm Tickets $5.00 For more info contact Jan Mandell at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 651.210.9635

FUTURE PRESENCE 5 Art-a-Whirl 2012 Art show & Music Showcase May 18 – 20
Group-show featuring features work by established and internationally recognized talent alongside emerging and new works by local artists. Music, refreshments and beverages will be provided. FUTURE PRESENCE Gallery 1126 2nd Street NE. MPLS, MN 55413. Fri. May 18 6pm till Midnight, Sat. May 19 1pm till Midnight, Sun. May 20 Noon–5pm.    

Opening Reception for the artwork of Co-Owner/ Operator, Mike Menasco May 18
A series of Music themed paintings. Opening Reception 5pm–10pm Fri. May 18
1618 Central Ave NE #115(Thorp Building right behind Diamonds Coffee shop).

Dayton Avenue Church hosts Pentecost exaltation May 19
As part of their 2012 Arts and Culture Series, Dayton Avenue Presbyterian Church (DAPC) will host their third annual Pentecost Celebration. The concert will be held at 3pm  Sat. May 19, at DAPC, 217 Mackubin Street in St. Paul. Free and open to the public. For more info contact Dayton Avenue Presbyterian Church 651.227.7389 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  

Gospel Choirs United presents: 38th Annual Concert “The Lord Reigneth” May 20
Concert will be held at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church located at 451 Central Avenue West, St. Paul, MN 5:30pm. For tickets and additional information please visit www.gospelchoirsunited.com or call 612.730.3215 or 651.291.7623.

24th Annual Dandelion Day Celebration at the historic Ard Godfrey House  May 20
Dandelion Day celebrates Harriet Godfrey’s introduction of dandelion seeds to the St. Anthony Falls area. Tours and activities involving dandelions. Free admission but donations welcome. Sun, May 20 from 1pm–4pm. For further info call 612.813.5300.

Me? Go Back to School?? Encore Career Education Fair May 21
Encore Career Education Fair, sponsored by SHiFT and the Twin Cities Adult Education Alliance on Monday, May 21from 4¬ – 7pm at Minnesota State University, Mankato at Edina. 7700 France Avenue South in Edina, just north of 494. Participation is free.

Stuart Pimsler Dance & Theater Launches New Community Connections Program  “Temporary Shelter – Tales From The Minneapolis Tornado” May 22
A new Community Connections Program engaging Near North residents in series of conversations and workshops focusing on the May 22, 2011 tornado. Those interested contact SPDT via phone 763.521.7738 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to schedule an interview or attend one of our Story Sharing Workshops Saturday May 19 from 12:30 –2pm at the Sunner Library or from 3 – 4:30 at the North Regional Library.

Energy Assistance Clinic for Minneapolis Senior Citizens May 22 & 23
Apply for Energy Assistance on site, discuss their Energy Assistance needs with an Energy Assistance professional, and talk to representatives from utility providers XCEL and Center Point Energy about additional Energy Assistance Program resources. Prizes and giveaways for Minneapolis seniors and refreshments. Held at Community Action of Mpls. 2104 Park Avenue South Mpls. Again Tue May 22 & Wed May 23 10am – 4pm. For more info 612.335.5837 or www.campls.org.

Multicultural Marketing Conference May 23
Speakers and panelists discussing “Proven Ways to Build Your Brand in the Multicultural Economy.”  The keynote speaker is Maria Rodas, multicultural marketing manager, General Mills, Golden Valley. Event takes place at Metropolitan State’s Saint Paul Campus, 700 East Seventh St. May 23 from 8 –4pm. Registration fee is $195 per person, or $100 per person for nonprofit organization attendees.  Fee includes all seminars, breakfast and lunch.  For more information and to register for the conference, visit www.aguilarproductions.com.

5th Annual Fakoly Dance & Drum Project  May 23 – 27
Master drummer Fode Bangoura will be hosting his 5th Annual Fakoly Dance & Drum Project! 5 days of daily drum and dance classes taught by Master Drummers and Dancers from West Africa. @ Cowles Center for Performing Arts 528 Hennepin Ave. Mpls., MN. The workshop will culminate in a Guest Artist performance Sat. May 26 at The Heart of the Beast Theater. More info: www.duniyadrumanddance.org

Art of Dance Studio presents 10th Annual Dance Recital ”Dance Masquerade” May 27
Tap, ballet, Afro-modern, hip-hop and jazz dances. You will see dancers ranging in age from 3 – 56, girls, boys, women and men. Sat. May 26 and Sun. May 27 at Bloomington Kennedy High School 9701 Nicollet Avenue, Bloomington. Doors open at 2pm. Show at 3pm.Tickets $12/person in advance through Wednesday, May 23 and $15/person at door, purchase tickets at the dance studio which is located at 1213 Washington Avenue North, MplsQuestions and more info call the studio at 612-339-1128.

Loppet Tri-Club May 23 – June 20
Perfect your paddling strokes, mountain bike maneuvers and trail running skills with this five week course. Get to know the water and trails before the Tri-Loppet.Boats provided for the Tri Club, but must have own bike and running shoes.Club runs Wed, 6:30 – 8pm, May 23 – June 20. Cost: $50. Contact Ingrid at 612.604.5334 for more info.

African Nights 2012, African’s in the Snow June 1 & 2
Two evenings of African inspired performance as well as refreshments, trivia, and prizes, hosted by Ms. Kenna and Auntie Beverly as the storyteller. Diverse lineup of local artists sharing their work around the theme “Africans in the Snow.” Performances by spoken word artist IBé, Voice of Culture Drum and Dance, and vocalist Paul Maybon, among others. 8pm Patrick’s Cabaret 3010 Minnehaha Ave S Mpls MN 55406 $10 general admission
$15 V.I.A. advance tickets at www.voiceofculturedance.com

Women Vessel Ministries Fellowship: “Royal Bride” June 9
Workshops for women, door prizes, prayer, testimonies,  healing, uncovering issues that women face. Light breakfast and lunch will be served. Sat. June 9, Registration 8am – 8:45am and program 9am – 3pm at 245 Ruth Suite 107 St. Paul, Mn  55119. Women of all Races and Ethnicities are encouraged to attend. White attire requested. Suggested donation of $10.00 Limited to 40 spaces. Please RSVP BY: May 18, 2012. Please contact Maisha Barrett This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 651-815-2896 or Jennifer Lewis-Watson This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 651-734-8575 for more information.

Supernatural the stage play- June 9 and 10
Directed by William Johnson, Supernatural, is an enchanting and amusing stage play centered around Guardian Angels. Sat. June 9, 7:30pm and Sun June 10, 3pm at the Empowerment Center, 5801 John Martin Drive, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430. Tickets $20.00 and can be purchased at www.afterworkprogram.com or 312.488.9311.

MPR presents Tying the Knot: Songs for Our Fathers June 16
Emmy-winning actor T. Mychael Rambo curates and hosts an evening’s celebration of the unbreakable bonds that connect the richness of African-American culture to the vital and universal role of fathers and fatherhood in our communities. Sat. June 16 8pm at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul. Tickets $32 and MPR members receive a discount. For tickets call MPR box office at 651.290.1200.

2012 Juneteenth Festival “Building the Future” - June 16
Juneteenth celebrates the freedom of African Americans. The festivities take place from 10am-6:30pm Sat June 16 at North Mississippi Regional Park 5114 North Mississippi Drive in Minneapolis.  Community venders, groups, and planners are invited to participate in the festival. Contact Mary Pargo at 612-238-3733 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration June 16
12:30pm to 1pm: Exotic Animals Petting Zoo Creative Creatures Live Animals Presents: Noah’s Ark. 1:30pm to 2:30pm: African Exhibit Bi-Okoto African Drumming & Dancing. 3pm to 4pm: Free Ice Cream for Kids. 4pm to 6pm Step Show and other Activities 6pmto 10pm DJ in the Park.Autographs by Yeremiah Bell Formally of the Miami Dolphins. 4pm Gospel Celebration.

Khalid Al-Amin Basketball Summer Camp 2012 June 25 – 29
Co-Ed grades 4 – 8 at North Community High School 1500 James Ave N. Mpls. Details and to register visit www.el-aminbasketball.com

It’s the BIG FIVE for Live on the Drive! June 14, July 12, Aug 9
Celebrate by packing a picnic, bringing your family and inviting your friends to the fabulous fifth anniversary summer concerts on June 14, July 12 and Aug 9. The free concerts are held from 6 to 8pm on Victory Memorial Drive at 34th Avenue North in Minneapolis. For further information, call 612-588-1155 or see  www.clevelandneighborhood.org

Free Classes for Adults - Ongoing
The Minnesota Literacy Council, a non-profit organization, has free classes for adults at our Lake Street Learning Center at 2700 East Lake Street, 2nd floor, above Denny's. For classes and more info, visit: http://www.mnliteracy.org/

Foster Care Programs - Ongoing
Volunteers of America-Minnesota is looking for parents to provide care for youth in one of our two foster care programs. We have kids of all ages in need of a stable home with dedicated parents who appreciate the difficulties of childhood! Volunteers of America provides foster parents with friendly training, 24 hour support and a monthly stipend. Stop by an information meeting and learn more about making a difference in the life of a child! Meetings are held Fridays from 10:00-11:30 and the fourth Monday of every month from 6:00-7:30. Sessions are held at the VOA office: 7625 Metro Blvd, Mpls, MN 55439 Contact Heather Thornton at 952-945-4064 for more information, or to RSVP. Also, visit us online at www.voafostercare.org

North High School Computer Labs Open to the Public - Tue.'s
Adults and students may check email, search the internet, search job websites, compose documents on Microsoft Word or Excel and even contact their child’s teachers or access their student’s grades through the Parent Portal. No appointments are needed. The North High computer lab will be open Tue.'s from 6–8pm thru Apr. 17. 1500 James Ave. N. Mpls, MN.

FREE Fitness Classes - Tue. Wed. Thurs.
Featuring: Cardiovascular work out by Annice, The Diva - Tue. 6-7pm.  
Muscle conditioning exercise in addition to cardiovascular -  by  Georgia, Ms Smooth - Wed. 6-7pm. Pilates by Angela, No Mercer - Thur. 6-7pm. Located: 310 E. 38th Street, 2nd Floor gym, Minneapolis. Registration Fee: $25 for the entire season (Sept. thru May 31).

Community of Lights - Ongoing
The community of lights is a Community Health Action Team that stems from the Cultural Wellness Center and Allina's Back Yard Initiative. The objective of this multi-year project is to improve the health of community members through promoting self-sufficiency and creativity.  The communities of Light Co-operative members are community residents who have designed, assembled and are now selling community produced solar lanterns and portable solar generators. These Solar lanterns and solar generators will be available for purchase and demonstration at the Midtown Global Market every Fri. and Sat. from 10am–7pm at the Midtown Global Market starting on Jan. 6 & 7.

Free Lead Paint Testing
If you meet the following criteria, you may be eligible to receive new windows through a Hennepin County grant program:
• Home built before 1978
• A child (5 or under) lives in or frequently visits your home
• Live in Hennepin County
• Meet certain income qualifications
Sustainable Resources Center have partnered with the National Center for Healthy Housing to bring a national perspective to our efforts in Minnesota. SRC will be working with public, private and nonprofit organizations throughout the State to develop the plan. This is a great opportunity to encourage and support the creation of healthy homes for all! Call Sustainable Resources Center at 612-872-3281 to schedule a free home visit! Communication available in Spanish, Somali, and Hmong. http://www.src-mn.org/

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program (MFPP)
MFPP provides free counseling for Minneapolis homeowners struggling to pay their mortgages (and referrals for clients outside of our service area).  Located in the Minneapolis Urban League building at 2100 Plymouth Ave N, call 612-331-4090 and select option 3 to speak with a MFPP representative and set up an appointment.

A Special Job Search Program for Veterans - Wed's
Facilitators: Capt. Dave Recker, USN (Ret) and Sp/5 Stan Brown, USA (Ret). Christ Presbyterian Church, in the Parlor 6901 Normandale Road, Edina. Wed's at 1pm.
For more information about this workshop, call 952-943-0718, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Black Parent Group - Mondays
free weekly support group for parents of any race raising African American children. Mondays at 7-830PM located at: Washington Tech Middle School 1495 Rice St. Saint Paul. Please visit the website: www.theblackparentgroup.com or send an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

African Dance w/ Whitney Every Tuesday & Wednesday
•Tue. 7:00pm - 8:30pm $12 Patricks Cabaret 3010 Minnehaha Ave. S. Mpls.
•Wed. 7:00pm - 8:30pm $13 Zenon School of Dance (4th Floor) Hennepin center for the Arts 528 Hennepin Ave. Mpls.

Impact the life of a child: Become a literacy tutor with RSVP
RSVP of the Greater Twin Cities is accepting applications from people 55 and over who are interested in tutoring youth, either in the classroom or in an after school program format.  RSVP places people in volunteer tutoring positions with organizations in their own neighborhoods. You can make a difference in a child’s life for as little as one hour a week. The RSVP program, sponsored locally by Volunteers of America of Minnesota, provides benefits and support to people 55 and over. For more information call Mary Jane Horton, RSVP Literacy Coordinator, at 952-945-4163 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Senior Companions Make a Difference - Ongoing
Are you interested in visiting homebound or isolated elders in their homes and helping with transportation for appointments or errands?  If so, the Senior Companion Program would like to match you with people in the community who need a little extra help to stay in their homes. Senior Companion volunteers earn a tax-free stipend, mileage reimbursement, training and liability insurance while serving. Volunteers must be 55 or older and serve 15 hours a week. For more information, contact Kate Neuhaus with the Senior Companion Program of Lutheran Social Service at 651-310-9447 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Free Internet Access - Ongoing
Access internet, check email, look for housing, type up resumes, jobsearch, practice typing, learn Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. M-F 11am-2pm and 5pm-7pm. At Sabathani Community Center Room 324 310 E 38th St Mpls, MN 55409.

Youth Business Club Develops Entrepreneurial Skills - Ongoing
Kids learn with support and guidance from community. The Selby Avenue Youth Business Club is open to youth ages 9-16 who are interested in starting their own or learning more about business.  The group meets the first and third Saturday of ever month from 9:30 am to noon at Golden Thyme Cafe on Selby and Milton. For more information, interested parties can visit http://selbyareacdc.org/Saybcindex.html , e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or contact at: 615-964-0710.

Wanted: Community-minded book lovers - Ongoing
One in seven U.S. adults lack the literacy skills necessary to enjoy great books, help their children with homework, or understand medication labels. But you can change this by volunteering with the Minnesota Literacy Council. With only two or three hours a week, your love of reading can create a stronger community.  Tutor an adult learner, assist in an adult classroom, or teach a basic English or GED class. We have locations throughout the Twin Cities area, flexible scheduling and training to help you get started. Contact Allison at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 651-645-2277, Ext 219 or visit us on the web at www.themlc.org

Hazelden Offers Free Educational Opportunity - Ongoing
Concerned about someone’s alcohol or drug use? Addressing Concerns Together (ACT), Hazelden's new outreach program, can help. Join us for a free event to learn more about addiction, intervention, assessment, and treatment. Hazelden’s St. Paul campus, 680 Stewart Ave., St. Paul. 2nd and 4th Mon. of each month at 6pm. This is an open event and there is no need to register. If you have questions, please contact Hazelden at 800-257-7800

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer tutors are needed to teach Adult ESL & GED classes
One day per week at Sumner Library- 611 Van White Memorial Blvd.  Morning Classes: 10am-Noon & Evening Classes: 6:30-8:30 Monday-Thursday. No previous experience necessary; full training provided. Must be able to commit to a 3 month period. For more information, please call 612-377-5399 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Enthusiastic individuals needed to make a lasting difference in the life of an adult learner.
Help someone in your community learn English, prepare for the GED or increase their basic math, reading and computer skills. Ongoing training and support is provided through the Minnesota Literacy Council. For more volunteer information, go to www.theMLC.org or contact Allison Runchey at 651-645-2277 ext 219, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Volunteer: Coach to Success Mentoring Program
Volunteer to become a mentor with AAAC's mentoring program. Make a positive impact on the life of a young student in the Osseo Area School District #279. For more information, contact the African American Action Council, 6001 78th Avenue North, Brooklyn Park, MN. 763-503-0159.

Adult Literacy Tutors
For opportunities throughout the Metro area or Greater Minnesota, contact Allison at the Minnesota Literacy Council This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   or (651) 645-2277, Ext 219.

Jacobs Ladder Inc. & P.A.L. tutoring program
Certified teachers needed to volunteer with the Jacobs Ladder Inc. & P.A.L tutoring program. Contact Diashka B. Jackson, (763) 458-3440.

Volunteers Needed: American Cancer Society Hope Lodge
Contact Mary Wiles at (651) 255-8183 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it    for information or to volunteer.

Guild Incorporated
Guild Incorporated is a health and human services organization that exists to help people with mental illness lead quality lives. The Volunteer Service Program at Guild Incorporated offers: flexible scheduling, expense reimbursement, training, ongoing support and recognition of your efforts. For more information about volunteering, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at (651) 925-8465 or heck out www.guildincorporated.org. A variety of volunteer positions are available.

Become a Minneapolis Urban League volunteer or mentor
To become a Minneapolis Urban League classroom volunteer or to mentor a student, contact the Marketing Department at (612) 302-3143.

Basic Reading Tutor
Encouraging, enthusiastic volunteers needed to help adults learn to read! Spark a love of literature and partner with someone new by tutoring at one of the many convenient locations throughout the metro area. Ongoing training and support is provided by the Minnesota Literacy Council. Contact Allison for details: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 651.645.2277 x219, or visit www.themlc.org


Services

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program (MFPP)
MFPP provides free counseling for Minneapolis homeowners struggling to pay their mortgages (and referrals for clients outside of our service area).  Located in the Minneapolis Urban League building at 2100 Plymouth Ave N, call (612)331-4090 and select option 3 to speak with a MFPP representative and set up an appointment.

Need to read better?
Call us for free classes or tutoring near your home.
• Improve your reading or math
• Get ready for your GED
• Learn computer skills
• Study English as a Second Language
Minnesota Literacy Council’s Adult Literacy Hotline: 1-800-222-1990
www.theMLC.org/hotline

An Individualized Internet Course for Senior Adults
At last! Individualized instruction to help you find health information on the Internet. Free, ongoing classes and workshops held at these locations: Eastside Neighborhood Services 1700 2nd St. NE, Mpls. 55413 (612)-787-4020 or The Seniors' Place 1801 Central Ave. NE, Mpls. 55418 (612)-788-9186.

Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery
Serves all of Hennepin County, offering a 24-hour crisis hotline, crisis counseling, up to 72-hour overnight residential care, community referrals, parent education, parent support group, and a home visiting program. For more information or if you need services: (763) 591-0100. Services are accessed voluntarily by families through the Crisis Hotline.

Pillsbury Crisis Nursery - A program of Pillsbury United Communities
Serves all of Hennepin County, offering a 24-hour crisis hotline, crisis counseling, emergency day care, and limited 72-hour overnight home based care. For more information or if you need services:  (612) 302-3500. Services are accessed voluntarily by families through the Crisis Hotline.

Get help paying energy bills at the Minneapolis Urban League
If you are a Minneapolis resident living at or below 50% of the state median income, you are eligible for help paying home heating and electric bills. Pick up an application at the Community Action of Minneapolis, Energy Services Office Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm inside the Minneapolis Urban League, 2100 Plymouth Avenue N. Applications are available October 1- May 31. For more information, call Community Action of Minneapolis Energy Services at (612) 335-5837.

Homeless Intervention Services
Are you a Minneapolis resident who needs help finding housing? Call the Minneapolis Urban League’s In-take Line at (612) 827-9299. For more information about the services, contact the Minneapolis Urban League, Sharon Sayles Belton Community Services Center, 411 38th Avenue S., Minneapolis, (612) 827-5673.

City of St. Paul mortgage foreclosure prevention
Contact for free counseling to help you learn about the steps necessary to keep your home. 25 W Fourth St., 12th floor, St. Paul. (651) 266-6626.

NHS Refinance clinic
Call (612) 521-3581 for details, to register for the refinance information session or to schedule an individual appointment with a mortgage counselor.

Free Legal Services from Legal Aid Society
An attorney is available by appointment each Monday from 1:00–5:00 p.m. Call the Minneapolis Urban League at (612) 302-3100.

Free Drug Rehab Resource consultations
Call today 1-866-649-1594 or find out more at www.drugrehabresource.net. Don’t wait.

Programs

Help someone in your community learn English
Enthusiastic individuals needed to make a lasting difference in the life of an adult learner. Help someone in your community learn English, prepare for the GED or increase their basic math, reading and computer skills. Ongoing training and support is provided through the Minnesota Literacy Council. For more volunteer information, go to www.theMLC.org or contact Allison Runchey at 651-645-2277 ext 219, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

ACTS Mime Connection
A free Christian-based youth program is now available for the Twin Cities community for kids ages 6-18! We combine gospel mime, hip-hop, acting, and creative movement to gospel music. Join us for practice every Saturday from 11am-12:30pm at the Martin Luther King Rec. Center on 291 Mackubin Street in St. Paul. Call Jennifer Dodd 952-567-4099 for more information. Program offered by REACH Christian Connections.

Brooklyn Center Support Group for Families
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Minnesota (NAMI-MN) sponsors free support groups for families who have a relative with a mental illness. Led by trained facilitators who also have a family member with mental illness, the support groups help families develop better coping skills and find strength through sharing their experiences. A family support group meets in Brooklyn Center at 7:00 p.m., on the first Tuesday of the month. For information, call Bob at (763) 533-1729.

Thinking About Welcoming an Exchange Student?
AFS-USA, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, has been leading international high school student exchange for more than 60 years. Anyone interested in learning more about hosting or volunteering with AFS should visit www.afs.org/usa/hostfamily or call 1-800-AFS-INFO.