As part of a year long pilot for Hennepin County, Pillsbury United Communities took a look at some of the challenges faced by those receiving social services like food stamps, housing assistance, and health care. For some, ending the cycle of poverty is more difficult then the prospect of receiving increased benefits one area results in loosing benefits in another area. This what is called the benefits cliff.
Watch the video and learn more:
July 2, 2025 | Melody Hoffman, left, and Azhae’la Hanson at last week’s Minnesota SPJ Awards. Photo by J.D. Duggan
“Bringing home hardware
The staff of the North News received several industry honors at an awards banquet sponsored by the Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists on Thursday.
Azhae’la Hanson received first-place awards for feature and news photography. Her story on the closing of JJ Legacy School won for news, while a portfolio of her work from 2024, published in the December issue, won for feature.
Melody Hoffman, who recently joined Hanson to teach journalism to high school interns, was recognized for Best Newsletter for her work with Southwest Voices. Hoffman was instrumental in helping North News start the newsletter that you are currently reading.
Editor David Pierini received an honorable mention in the Journalist of the Year category. Pierini also placed second in feature writing for a story on the opening of the V3 Center and its mission to teach Northside youth how to swim.
North News would like to thank our readers for sharing their stories and trusting us to chronicle life in North Minneapolis. “
July 2, 2025 | North News is an Enterprise of Pillsbury United Communities
🎉 You’re Invited! 🎉
Cedar Riverside Community Health Fair
Thursday, August 21st, 2025
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Brian Coyle Center – 420 15th Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN
Join us for a fun-filled, family-friendly day focused on health, wellness, and community!
Whether you’re looking for helpful resources, free health services, or just a great time with neighbors, we’ve got something for everyone:
✨ FREE giveaways & activities including:
💉 Free health services on-site:
Don’t miss it – bring your family, friends, and neighbors!
📞 Questions? Contact us:
Awol Windissa: [email protected] | 612-876-9330
Aliazar Eliyas: [email protected] | 612-876-9326
🎉 You’re Invited! 🎉
Phillips Community Health Fair
📍 Waite House Center – 2323 11th Street S, Minneapolis
🗓️ Wednesday, August 6, 2025
⏰ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Join us for a day of health, fun, and connection at the Phillips Community Health Fair!
Bring the whole family and enjoy free services, exciting activities, and awesome giveaways — all in the heart of your neighborhood!
💥 What’s happening:
🎒 Backpack giveaway
🎨 Face painting & kids’ fun
✂️ Free haircuts
🩺 Health screenings
🧪 HIV & COVID-19 testing + vaccinations
🎶 Live DJ + music
💡 Health & wellness resources
🍎 And so much more!
Let’s come together for a healthier, stronger community.
📞 Questions? Contact us:
Awol Windissa: [email protected]
Esthefanie Odell: [email protected] | 612-876-9308
Dear Friends, Supporters and Community Advocates,
We want to inform you that Cinnamon Pelly has stepped down as CEO of Pillsbury United Communities, effective immediately, for personal reasons. We are grateful for Cinnamon’s service and leadership and wish her well in her next chapter.
To ensure a smooth transition and maintain organizational stability, the Board has appointed Anthony Washington, our CFO, as Interim CEO. Anthony’s experience and calm, focused leadership have already helped us make strong progress in shoring up our finances and operations. He will continue to guide the organization with support from the Board and senior leadership.
To further support the transition and organizational continuity, Pillsbury House + Theatre leaders Noël Raymond and Signe Harriday are joining the Executive Leadership Team as Interim Chief of Staff and Interim Head of Social Enterprises respectively. They join existing ELT members Denise Fosse (Chief Development Officer) and Robert Sanders (Director of Real Estate).
We know leadership changes can create uncertainty. Please know that this transition is being handled with care and urgency, and that we are committed to open, timely communication every step of the way. We are entering a new chapter—one shaped by accountability, renewal and a commitment to continue to work alongside communities in aspiration and through adversity. With strong interim leadership in place and a thoughtful search ahead, we are confident in the path forward.
In Solidarity,
Anthony Washington
Interim President & CEO
Support Pillsbury United Communities (PUC) participation in Open Your Heart’s 16th Annual Summer Challenge!
As of 2025, approximately 537,890 Minnesotans are facing hunger, with 34% of them being under the age of 18. Additionally, food insecurity is now reported to affect 1 in 5 households in Minnesota.
Open Your Heart’s Summer Challenge provides participating food shelves like us with a matched grant proportional to their fundraising activities throughout July. Click: [https://secure.givelively.org/donate/pillsbury-united-communities/2025-summer-challenge] and make a donation today!
For 16 years, Open Your Heart has provided the highly impactful Summer Challenge Grant to support food shelves like PUC across the state.
This funding helps raise awareness of hunger and provides us with additional funding during these slower summer months to continue meeting the needs of our community. At a time when food shelves face tremendous strain and the increased need for resources, funds through Summer Challenge have a tremendous impact on food shelves like us!
