Urban Ventures

Students in our Cornwell Early Learning Center enjoyed a PE class courtesy of UV's Athletic Director, Coach Aaron. Turns out preschoolers have a lot of energy to burn.

Good things happen when you start healthy habits early. (And it's always fun to see our programs working together from Cradle-to-Career)

Where does a young artist go to get real stage time?

Urban Ventures Music and Arts hosts Open Mic night once a month at the Hub. Students perform, the community shows up to listen.

Tonight, 6pm at the Hub (3016 4th Ave S). Come cheer them on.

$100,000 matched. $200,000 raised. Ahead of schedule.
When we asked you to stand Side by Side with families in South Minneapolis, you showed up. And because you did, every dollar went twice as far.

This summer, that generosity is fueling Venture X, our youth mentoring program, which will welcome its largest group of students yet. Students will build plans for life after high school, go on trips that broaden their perspective, and spend time with mentors and small groups where real healing happens.

Our Youth Mentoring Director Israel put it simply: "The storm came, the earth shook, and now we're dealing with the aftermath." He is also grateful for the summer ahead, because more time with students means more room to walk alongside them through it.

Thank you for making that possible. The work continues, and no one has to do it alone.

Puppies and ice cream. That's how we close out an all-staff meeting around here. It's been a hard season, and our staff shows up for this community every single day. It was good to end our time together earlier this week with a little bit of joy.

Thanks to the Rescue Network for the fluffy snuggles and Lil' Dipper for the frozen treats.

One of the unique strengths of Urban Ventures is how our strategically broad model of programming works together. Moments like this are where it clicks.

Families in our Siempre Padres parenting program recently visited Lake Street Works to learn more about careers in construction trades. Through our cradle-to-career model we get to come around entire families, at any stage of life.

Black history isn't reserved for one month.

Earlier this month, Urban Ventures' Music and Arts Program hosted the Black History Talent Show in partnership with Cargill's Ebony Council. Over 20 acts took the stage: singers, dancers, drummers, guitarists, accordion players, and poets, each inspired by the rich history of Black Americans.

Some of these kids have been with the program since first grade. Watching them perform in front of a room full of neighbors cheering them on was something else.

"There's something special about being in a room full of people who are for you," said program coordinator Ashley.

We're grateful to Cargill's Ebony Council for making it possible. And we're proud of every kid who got on the stage.

Barbers and Bouncy Houses for Dia del Niño!

Last weekend, Urban Ventures hosted a community event for Dia del Niño, celebrating our youngest neighbors and highlighting the importance of helping children thrive.

Kids and their families came out for a fund day of play and learning, with crafts, face-painting, free haircuts, and more. The gym was filled with laughing and delight, a great reminder about this special and stage of life.

Thank you for coming alongside our neighbors.

The Side by Side campaign is our path forward to rebuilding resilience in South Minneapolis. We can’t do this work without your sustained support.

Join us: urbanventures.org/side-by-side