Will Heller

News & Updates from Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid’s Community Clinics: June 2026

Mid Minnesota Legal Aid (“MMLA”) partners with PUC to host in-person legal clinics at Brian Coyle and Waite House to provide a variety of free legal services to low-income and elderly clients.

In this June edition of our report to PUC check out a note about what kinds of public benefits issues we help with, a story and lesson about the power of the interconnected services offered at the Brian Coyle Center, and the clinic’s statistics from May!

Brian Coyle Center Legal Clinic

Legal Aid’s Legal Clinic at the Brian Coyle Center (420 15th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55454) offers nearly every legal service that Mid Minnesota Legal Aid offers. See a list of our services below.

One of the services listed is “Public Benefits.” Legal Aid lawyers are often called on to help people make appeals or challenge public benefits overpayments. But we do not help people apply for public benefits. For help applying to public benefit programs it is better to seek the help of a social worker or visit the Hennepin County workers at the Brian Coyle Center on Monday or Thursday each week!

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday 9 AM – 3 PM (General Civil)

  • Guardianship
  • Divorce
  • Custody
  • Evictions
  • Public Benefits
  • Consumer Issues
  • Criminal Expungement
  • Eviction Expungement
  • Damaged/Unsafe Housing
  • Section 8 Issues
  • Lost Security Deposits

Thursday 9 AM – 3 PM (Immigration)

  • Naturalization
  • Green Cards
  • Derivative Citizenship
  • Adjustment of Status
  • U/T Visa
  • VAWA

Waite House Legal Clinic

MMLA’s immigration legal clinic at Waite House (2323 11th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404) provides brief services and advice for immigration matters including: pro se asylum applications, pro se work card applications, and brief advice and consultations. It is open every Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointments can be made with the front desk staff at Waite House. Walk-ins are welcome, but they are not guaranteed to be seen—appointments are strongly preferred. All staff at the Waite House Legal Clinic speak Spanish and English.

A Story and a Lesson

The Brian Coyle Center is a great one-stop shop for the community because it has a so many services to offer people. For one recent client, the communication between Brian Coyle Center’s Legal Clinic and their on-sight Hennepin County workers made all the difference.

This Spring, an elderly disabled Ethiopian man came to the Brian Coyle Center. He is a kind and respectful man and had run into an issue with his health insurance card. For months he had not been able to use it to pay for medicine that he needed to ward off spells of dizziness. A couple of years ago he had fallen on ice and hit his head. Since then, he has needed this vital medicine.

The man from Ethiopia knew of the legal clinic because he had used it previously to help with a different matter. Frank met with him to try and figure out why he was not getting a new valid medical insurance card. Frank tried to contact the right agencies but got a bit lost in the trying to navigate Hennepin County’s many different programs. Fortunately, on Mondays and Thursdays, the Brian Coyle Center also has Hennepin County workers that speak Oromo and Somali.

The Hennepin County workers were able to cut through all the confusion and determine the issue quickly. The elderly man filled out an additional form, turned it in, and is now able to pay for his medicine with his insurance.

Lawyers can help with many issues but not all of them. It is best for everyone involved to consider what kind of worker can help best.

For initial benefits applications people should seek out a case worker. They can try calling Hennepin County Front Door (612-348-4111) to get connected with a social worker. If you need more information about your Hennepin County benefits or applications then come to the Brian Coyle Center on Mondays and Thursdays to talk with the on-sight Hennepin County workers. And if you have been denied a public benefit and want to appeal, then come to the Brian Coyle Center Legal Clinic for help!

A Look at the Numbers

In May the Brian Coyle Center Legal Clinic opened 18 new cases and closed 17 cases. During that same time, Waite House opened 10 cases and closed 7 cases! Both clinic sites saw a decrease in numbers. It is not clear why the numbers are lower. May 25th was memorial day and May 27th was Eid which may account for a few less people coming to the Brian Coyle Center. Even with lower numbers it is busy in the clinics. We are hard at work helping the clients that came in over the last few months!

Here are some graphs with each clinic’s monthly new and closed cases. New cases opened in the month are in blue. Cases closed in the month are in orange.

Will Heller

Office of Public Charter Schools Hosts Equity Framework Convening

On Tuesday, June 23, the Pillsbury United Communities Office of Public Charter Schools (PUC-OPCS) hosted its Equity Framework Convening, bringing together school leaders, charter school authorizers and team members for a meaningful workshop focused on equity in hiring and staff evaluation.

During the convening, PUC-OPCS also discussed the PUC Equity Framework and its role in guiding our shared work around equity, accountability, and continuous improvement across schools. Participants had the opportunity to reflect on how the framework connects to school practices, leadership decisions, staff development, and student outcomes.

Nautrie Jones from Empact presented on equity in hiring and staff evaluation, supporting participants in thinking more intentionally about how hiring and evaluation systems can be fair, transparent, growth-focused, and aligned with equitable school practices. The discussion encouraged schools to consider how equity can be embedded not only in student-facing work, but also in the systems and structures that shape hiring, evaluation, school culture, and organizational growth.

Learn More about PUC-OPCS

Will Heller

Pillsbury United Communities Names Signe V. Harriday as President & Chief Executive Officer

With a 25-year history serving PUC and its community, including most recently as Head of Social Enterprises, Harriday will lead the organization’s next chapter 

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Pillsbury United Communities (PUC) has named Signe V. Harriday its next President and Chief Executive Officer. A nationally recognized executive leader, Harriday brings more than 20 years of leadership experience and a 25-year relationship with PUC in a variety of roles, including most recently Head of Social Enterprises, as the organization enters a pivotal new chapter, with a renewed focus on capital and social enterprise initiatives, financial sustainability, community impact, and supporting the Minneapolis community in this critical moment in history. 

Harriday’s appointment follows a national search conducted by PUC’s Board of Directors, and reflects a strong alignment between her leadership, lived experience, and PUC’s mission to build a just society where everyone has access to opportunity and a voice in shaping their future. She will take on the role beginning July 1, 2026. 

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am proud to welcome Signe Harriday as PUC’s next President and CEO. She brings strategic insight, financial strength, and a deep commitment to equity. For more than two decades, she has demonstrated her belief in PUC’s mission through action. The Board is united in its excitement for the future she will help build for our staff, partners, and communities.” 

— Kaori Yamada, Chair, PUC Board of Directors 

“I know the urgent challenges we face and am ready to usher in the stability, vibrancy, and innovation we need to thrive and serve our community courageously.  I’m humbled and energized to lead the next chapter of PUC’s dynamic and bold legacy alongside our phenomenal community changemakers and builders.” –Harriday 

A Leader Built for This Moment 

Harriday currently serves as Head of Social Enterprises at PUC and Senior Artistic Producing Director at Pillsbury House + Theatre, which she first joined as an Associate Company Member in 2003. Over the course of two decades, she founded community organizations, cultivated artistic excellence, and facilitated countless workshops and trainings supporting leadership development and transformation. In 2021, she became Senior Artistic Producing Director where she helped provide artistic responses to the COVID pandemic and the murder of George Floyd while securing $3.2 million in multiyear funding. She recently led the $5.7 million Pillsbury Creative Commons project to completion, including creating a new home for KRSM 98.9 FM with fully-equipped studios to expand opportunities for local storytelling and the addition of a Scene Shop that serves as a laboratory and space for PCC’s Technical Arts Training program. She has overseen complex projects on behalf of PUC while advancing long-term financial sustainability. As she steps into the President & CEO role, she will focus on shaping PUC’s next strategic plan and expanding partnerships across the region. 

Beyond PUC, Harriday is Founder and President of ReStoryation Inc., which offers facilitation, speaking, teaching, and organizing services anchored in storytelling, and is co-founder of both the Million Artist Movement and The Fields at Rootsprings retreat.   

Her practice as a leader and an artist reflects PUC’s core values—Creativity, Justice, Resilience, Connection, and Kindness—and a consistent ability to turn bold vision into measurable results while centering equity and community partnership. 

“Signe Harriday is the leader PUC needs in this moment. Her deep knowledge of our organization, proven ability to build mission-driven institutions, and strong roots in our communities make her uniquely prepared to lead us forward. Throughout the search, it was clear that Signe not only understands PUC’s opportunities—she has helped shape them. We are confident her leadership will bring stability, growth, and renewed momentum at a critical and exciting time for our organization, and our community.” 

— Ali Lozoff, Search Committee Chair and Vice Chair, PUC Board of Directors

Rooted in Relationship, Ready to Lead 

Harriday holds an M.F.A. in Acting from the Institute for Advanced Theatre Training at the American Repertory Theatre and a B.A. Cum Laude in Psychology & Speech/Theatre from St. Olaf College. She is a Hermitage Artist Fellow, a New York Drama League Directing Fellow, and has led executive and professional development workshops nationally and internationally. 

About Pillsbury United Communities 

Pillsbury United Communities is a nationally recognized nonprofit rooted in Minneapolis neighborhoods and committed to building a just society where everyone has access to opportunity and a voice in shaping their future. Through community centers, social enterprises, arts and culture initiatives, and policy advocacy, PUC advances racial justice and community well-being for tens of thousands of residents each year. 

Media Contact – [email protected]
Pillsbury United Communities
3650 Fremont Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55412
www.pillsburyunited.org 

View the Press Release

Will Heller

Minnesota Paid Leave: What To Know, And How To Apply

Nobody should have to choose between financial stability and taking care of yourself or those closest to you. Minnesota Paid Leave is here to make sure you don’t have to.

What is Minnesota Paid Leave?

By offering payments and job protections that make it possible to care for yourself or a family member, Paid Leave helps you be there when it matters. Because no matter who you are, we all need time to take care of ourselves and the ones we love.

How does Minnesota Paid Leave work?

Individuals can apply for up to 12 weeks of either Medical Leave or Family Leave. If you need both types of leave, you can take up to 20 weeks.

Medical Leave: to care for your own serious health condition, including pregnancy-related medical care

Family Leave:

  • Bonding Leave: to bond with a child within 12 months of birth, adoption, or foster placement
  • Caring Leave: to care for a loved one with a serious health condition
  • Safety Leave: to respond to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking involving you or a family member
  • Military Family Leave: To support a family member called to active duty

How do I know if I qualify for Minnesota Paid Leave?

Use the Paid Leave Eligibility Quiz to find out if you apply.

You are covered by Minnesota Paid Leave if:

  1. You worked mostly in Minnesota last year (50% or more), or
  2. You live in Minnesota.

Most workers are covered, including:

  • Full-time and part-time workers
  • Most seasonal workers
  • Owner-officers who take a paycheck
  • Agricultural and Temporary workers
  • Religious and nonprofit workers
  • Student workers
  • Employed family members
  • First responders
  • Elected or appointed officials

The following workers are not covered, but can opt in:

  • Independent contractors
  • Self-employed individuals
  • Tribal Nations and workers

The following workers are not covered, and cannot opt in:

  • Federal government workers
  • Exempt seasonal hospitality workers
  • Railroad employees

How do I apply for Minnesota Paid Leave?

To learn more and apply, visit paidleave.mn.gov

Contact

Noel Raymond – Head of Staff, Senior Director of Arts & Culture
[email protected]
612-787-3620

Will Heller

Immigrant Women’s Advocacy Project Celebrates the Graduation of Halima Ainte

Members of the Immigrant Women’s Advocacy Project team and PUC leadership gathered to celebrate the graduation of Halima Ainte for completing her GED!
Halima, 70, has been volunteering with IWAP for the last 4 years, in addition to working as a dish washer at a local hospital – all while pursuing her GED with Minneapolis Adult Education. During her time with IWAP, she has been known for her care of the Brian Coyle community, her passion for supporting others, and her eagerness to connect those around her to the resources they need. Through her hard work and dedication, she has become a role model for so many women who think they can’t advance their lives.
We are so proud of Hamila and lucky to have her as such an active member of the PUC and Brian Coyle community!

Will Heller

Produce Distribution Begins at Oak Park

This week marked the beginning of Produce Distribution at Oak Park for 2026. The air was warm, and the sun was high as staff and volunteers from across Pillsbury United Communities gathered to unload pallets, stack boxes, and prepare fresh produce to be distributed to members of the surrounding community.

Our produce distribution program, in partnership with Second Harvest Heartland, is one of the ways that we serve the surrounding community, along with our Community Meals, which are served from 4-6pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays year-round.

Produce distribution at Oak Park takes place on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month from 4-6pm, with setup beginning at 2:30pm.

If you are interested in leaning more, including possible volunteer opportunities, contact Jacara Warfield, Community Development/Engagement Manager at Oak Park: [email protected]

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