FREE Flu & Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic 2-18-25

Flu & Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic

Get vaccinated and save lives!

When: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 | 12pm – 4pm

Where: Pillsbury United Communities – Brian Coyle Center, Community Room 1 | 420 15th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55454

Flu Vaccines are available for anyone age 6 months and older.

Covid-19 Vaccines are available for anyone age 6 months and older.

Interpreters will be available.

Minneapolis Community Connections Conference

2025 Community Connections Conference

FREE EVENT

When: Saturday, February 8 at 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Where: Minneapolis Convention Center, First Floor, Hall E

1301 2nd Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55404

Participation is Power!

Speak:

  • Get involved in City decisions 
  • Advise City leaders 

Act:

  • Vote
  • Join a board
  • Make change in your neighborhood 

Grow:

  • Jobs
  • Internships
  • Health
  • Housing
  • Renters’ rights
  • Immigration
  • Community safety
  • Environmental justice
  • Community resources
  • Food, music and dance

Get a FREE bus pass to the event: MinneapolisMN.gov/ccc

English 2025 Community Connections Conference

Spanish Community Connections Conference 2025

Somali Community Connections Conference 2025

Oromo Community Connections Conference 2025

Hmong Community Connections Conference 2025

Lao Community Connections Conference 2025

Youth Day at the Capitol (YDAC) with Pillsbury United Communities

Youth Day at the Capital 2025

Pillsbury United Communities is a sponsoring partner for 2025 Youth Day at the Capitol. 30 PUC high schoolers will attend civic engagement workshops and meet with their state representatives and senators about issues important to them.

Get ready for an unforgettable day at the Capitol, where you’ll have the chance to meet and interview government officials who help shape your communities. This is your opportunity to ask tough questions and dive deep into the issues that matter most to you. It’s not just a field trip—it’s a chance to make your voice heard and see how you can use your people skills to hold government accountable and make a difference. This day will be packed with valuable insights, inspiration, and an unforgettable experience that you can take with you into your future as an engaged citizen!

Who: Interns (KRSM, Food Systems, Teen Tech, North News), Cedar-Riverside Youth Council members, FANS Scholars

What: Learn how to become politically active around issues important to you and meet the State Representative for your community.

When: Tuesday, February 25. Depart from your location (Brian Coyle, Waite House, North Market and Oak Park) around 8am. Your youth leader will confirm the exact time. We will be riding in the agency vans and returning between 2:30-4:00. We are awaiting the confirmation times of afternoon meetings with our representatives and that will determine the time we leave.

Where: Minnesota State Capitol and Minnesota History Center

Northside Group + Van (Oak Park + North Market)

Lead Staff: Tirzah Sanchez Christopher (North News + FANS Scholars) and Beatriz Ruiz (Food Systems)

Phillips Group + Van (Waite House)

Lead Staff: Cristeta Boarini (KRSM) and Lillian Biolo Thompson (FANS Scholars)

Cedar-Riverside Group + Van (Brian Coyle)

Lead Staff: Fardowza Ali (Teen Tech + FANS)

Lunch provided. Jimmy John’s: pork-free and vegetarian options available, please notify your staff of dietary needs or preferences.

Join WorkWell MN Day at the Capitol on Feb.12

All workforce development organization staff and stakeholders are invited to participate in advocating for employment programs and resources in person at the capitol at WorkWell MN Day at the Capitol on Feb.12.

2025 legislative priorities include 1) workforce program continuity, 2) flexibility in programming to meet job seekers’ needs, and 3) training incentives for job seekers.

The event will meet at 1 p.m. to create small groups and organize talking points before legislative visits.

  • 1 p.m. – Meet to organize, review talking points, and hear from speakers. Meet at the Veterans Service Building (across the mall from the Capitol).
  • 2– 4 p.m. – Legislative visits to House and Senate offices in small groups

Register by Feb. 5 at www.workwellmn.org/day-at-the-capitol

You can also sign up for Advocacy Training, which will take place on Feb. 5 from 12-1 p.m. The training covers policy priorities and how to hold an effective legislative visit. Join this virtual training on Wednesday, Feb 5. Register for Advocacy Training here.

For more questions, contact Deanna Gulliford at dgulliford@gesmn.org or 612-799-2902 or go to www.WorkWellMN.org.

Press Forward Minnesota announces inaugural grantees, including North News

Pillsbury United Communities’ North News was recently selected as one of 13 organizations to receive an inaugural grant from Press Forward Minnesota. The funding will support North News’ efforts to champion grassroots community journalism and youth training in North Minneapolis while expanding digital content to make news more accessible on mobile platforms.

Press Forward Minnesota is a collaborative initiative that brings together funders, media organizations, and community partners and will award a total of $520,000 to the 13 organizations. These grants support smaller news organizations that provide hyperlocal, original reporting to communities across the state, focusing on meeting the needs of communities of color, linguistically diverse communities, low-wealth rural communities, and others not adequately served, reached,​ or represented.

Selected through a rigorous process, the chosen organizations represent diverse media outlets that serve communities across the state, from the Iron Range to the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Each grantee will receive a one-year, $40,000 grant.

The other grantees are:
Access Press, Ltd.: Growing capacity and strategy to expand perspectives and geographic coverage to serve Minnesota’s disability community.
BLCK Press: Launching digital reporting to amplify and serve the voices of Black Minnesotans.
Eden Prairie Local News: Expanding coverage of economic developments, business dynamics, and their impact on Eden Prairie’s diverse communities, including Somali and South Asian residents.
Hmong Broadcasting Company LLC: Expanding Uncover More Good on 3HmongTV, a program fostering awareness, civic engagement, and cultural pride through conversations on critical issues affecting Hmong and Southeast Asian communities.
Iron Range Today: Laying the groundwork to fill regional news gaps in northern​ Minnesota by funding a part-time position, freelance reporters, training, and essential equipment to thrive in the digital news landscape.
Lakeland News: Strengthening connections across its 7,500-square-mile viewing area and ensuring robust infrastructure to uphold its values of excellence, innovation, integrity, and respect to serve residents of north central Minnesota.
Minnesota Women’s Press: Expanding Greater Minnesota outreach and accelerating content development with a new membership model and director while continuing award-winning journalism on gender-based violence, systemic inequities, and solutions-driven storytelling.
Mshale Communications, Inc.: Amplifying the voices of African immigrant communities in Minnesota through data-driven journalism to highlight the critical issues, trends, and disparities affecting these communities, ensuring that their perspectives are fully represented in local media.
Project Optimist (in partnership with St. Cloud Somali Community Radio): Collaborating with St. Cloud Somali Community Radio to share solutions-focused stories about the Somali community in Central Minnesota.
Root River Current, Inc.: Strengthening operations, resources, and storytelling capacity to expand coverage, enhance audience engagement, and fulfill its commitment to “Building Community Through Storytelling.” in southeast Minnesota.
Steele County Times: Hiring a full-time reporter to address underserved coverage areas in southern Minnesota and meet growing community demand to ensure fair representation of underrepresented groups.
ThreeSixty Journalism at the University of St. Thomas: Empowering diverse high school students through training and workshops in journalism and multimedia storytelling.

“We are incredibly excited to support these outstanding organizations that are vital to the health​ and well-being of their communities,” said May Yang, senior manager of policy and partnerships​ at the Minnesota Council on Foundations, who serves as the staff lead for Press Forward​ Minnesota. “These grants will help them expand their reach, innovate their reporting, and better​ serve their audiences.”

“McKnight is thrilled to see 13 innovative newsrooms from across the state included in the first round of Press Forward Minnesota funding, ” said Tim Murphy, program officer at the McKnight​ Foundation. “These organizations are providing a vital service, helping to inform and connect​ diverse communities that have been affected by the local news crisis. At the same time, we​ know local journalism needs more support from more funders, businesses, and readers alike, to​ match the scale of the challenge. We look forward to building on this important first step to​ strengthen a local news ecosystem that serves all Minnesotans”.

Press Forward Minnesota is one of the inaugural chapters of Press Forward, a national movement to strengthen communities by reinvigorating local news. This grant program represents one of the many ways the initiative supports local journalism and ensures that all Minnesotans can access the information they need to be informed and engaged citizens.

Press Forward Minnesota has received funding commitments from The McKnight Foundation,​ Bush Foundation, the Glen Nelson Center at American Public Media Group, the MacArthur Foundation, and the Taylor Family Farms Foundation.

Pillsbury House + Theatre Presents Drag Story Hour MN’s new series – ‘Love Rising’

Join three best friends Doña Pepa, Sid Sity and Old Man Zimmer as they perform stories, songs and dance together in an interactive program for children and caretakers.

Get ready for a storytime like no other! As part of their 2025 Maker’s Series, Pillsbury House + Theatre is thrilled to present “Love Rising,” three new storytime adventures brought to life by the fabulous Drag Story Hour MN team. With songs, books, and puppets galore, they’ll whisk you away to the Boundary Waters, sparking curiosity and wonder along the way. Each episode is packed with tales of friendship, catchy tunes, and a dash of puppet magic—all celebrating the beauty of nature and the joy of discovery. Don’t miss out on the fun!

Pillsbury House + Theatre Performance dates:

  • Episode 1: February 22, 2025
  • Episode 2: April 26, 2025
  • Episode 3: May 31, 2025

Program Schedule:

10:00 AM – Art Activities in the Lobby
11:00 AM – Interactive Show with Doña Pepa, Sid Sity, Old Man Zimmer, and their puppet friends

“Love Rising” brings the fun of Drag Story Hour together with the magic of theatrical storytelling to create an unforgettable adventure for early learners (ages birth to 10). Bursting with nature, friendship, and a touch of enchantment, each episode takes the audience to the Boundary Waters for a journey of discovery, growth, and connection—with the environment and each other. Need a breather? Sensory toys will be ready and waiting. Best of all, this event is free and open to everyone, so come join the excitement!

In Episode 1, the trio sets off on an important mission to help animals in the wilderness, only to stumble upon an incredible discovery that changes everything. In Episode 2, the magic begins to grow, and the trio welcomes a new friend into their adventure. By Episode 3, it’s time to celebrate the power of friendship as their magical companion takes flight, spreading wonder far and wide.

 

 

The performers bring their own unique flair to the story. Doña Pepa, a Caribbean diva, lights up the stage with her love for dancing, nature, and sparkles. Old Man Zimmer adds warmth and wisdom as a thoughtful storyteller with a passion for books, gardening, and puppetry. Meanwhile, Sid Sity brings a creative spark with their love of music, sequins, and uplifting their friends. Together, they create a delightful, immersive experience for everyone to enjoy!

 

 

 

Drag Story Hour MN celebrates diverse, creative, and healthy gender expressions for children and their caring adults. Through storytelling, song, and art, the program fosters empathy, imagination, and community connection. For more information follow us on Instagram @dragstoryhourmn and Facebook @dragstoryhour.

Acknowledgements:

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund – and by the generous support of Pillsbury House + Theatre and our community partners.

About Pillsbury House + House

From the Makers Series to Chicago Avenue Project and Naked Stages, PILLSBURY HOUSE + THEATRE brings audiences closer—to the edge, to the actors, to affordable adventurous theatre, to fellow audience members, and to a strong, vibrant community. Now in its 33rd year, the theatre continues to inspire enduring change towards a just society. An integral part of Pillsbury United Communities, one of the largest human services organizations in the state, Pillsbury House + Theatre demonstrates that the highest quality art is an integral part of all healthy communities, winning community trust, accolades and awards across the metro and nationally. Learn more about our programs at opportunities at www.pillsburyhouseandtheatre.org.

2025 FANS Scholars Career Fair to take place on Feb. 5

High school students interested in connecting with schools, training programs, and employers, as well as exploring career and job opportunities and education paths, are invited to attend PUC’s Fans Scholars Career Fair.

The event occurs on Feb. 5 from 4:30-6 p.m. at the Brian Coyle Center, 420 15th Ave. S., Minneapolis. Dinner and raffle prizes will be provided; the career fair is for high school students only.

Pillsbury United Communities has sponsored FANS (Furthering Achievement through a Network of Support), a free college, career, and life preparatory program for high school students for over 30 years. Inquiries can be sent to JulieG@pillsburyunited.org.

Severe cold warming spaces in the Twin Cities

As Minnesota continues to experience fluctuating winter temperatures from mild to frigid, Hennepin County is encouraging those in need to utilize warming spaces during the bitter cold snaps. When temperatures or wind chills reach dangerously low levels, the warming centers listed below will be open during designated hours to provide a safe refuge. All are welcome to seek shelter. For more info, call the Hennepin Shelter Hotline at 612-204-8200.

Daytime

 

Catholic Charities Opportunity Center
Walk-in at 740 E 17th St, Minneapolis
Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Services:  meals, showers, laundry, mail, computer lab,  and storage lockers

Hope Avenue Twin Cities
Walk-in at 1229 Logan Ave, Minneapolis
Open every day, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Services:  meals, showers, clothing closet, haircuts,  AA group, mats

Hennepin County Government Center
300 6th Street South Minneapolis, 612-348-3000
Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., excluding certain holidays.
*The skyway is open until 8 p.m.
No services offered

Minneapolis Central Library
300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, 612-543-8000
Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Providing indoor heated space and time-limited computer access. No services offered
All Hennepin County libraries are available as warming centers.
Visit hclib.org/locations for hours and locations.

Peace House Community
1816 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, 612-870-7263
Weekdays, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Hot lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day

Steps of Strategy
1803 Bryant Avenue N, Minneapolis
Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Lunch 12:30 p.m., Dinner 9 p.m.
Case management, laundry, showers, clothing closet

Youthlink (ages 16-24 only)
41 12th Street North, Minneapolis, 612-252-1200
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Metro Transit bus routes 4, 6, 9, 12

Nighttime

 

American Indian Community Development Center (AICDC) KOLA and A3 drop-in centers
Walk-in at 1600 E 19th St, Minneapolis
Open every day, 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
50 spots on a first-come, first-served basis
Services: meals, showers, hygiene supplies

Winter overnight shelter beds
Call the Hennepin Shelter Hotline at 612-204-8200 to reserve a shelter bed. During the severe cold, 85 additional shelter beds are made available.
Services: Meals, showers, hygiene supplies

 

Find clothing, food, public restrooms, and other resources at hennepin.us/waypoint.

 

Free flu & COVID-19 vaccine clinic 1-17-25

Community members are encouraged to strengthen their defenses against illnesses this winter at this free flu & COVID-19 vaccine clinic, which is made possible through a partnership with PUC and M Health Fairview! The clinic occurs on Friday, January 17, from 12-4 pm at the Brian Coyle Center, 420 15th Ave. S, Minneapolis (Community Room 1).
Flu vaccines are available for anyone ages 6 months and older; COVID-19 vaccines are available for people aged 5 or older. Interpreters will be available.
This is a free vaccine clinic; no incentives or gift cards will be provided. For more info, contact Fowzia at 612-302-3438 or Aliazar at 612-876-9326.

Make your voice heard at Pizza & Parks

Mississippi Park Connection (MPC) is hosting Pizza & Parks, a community gathering aimed at helping inform Devin Brown, community programs director, and proud Northsider, about the types of adult and family-centered activities community members would like to see and participate in at North Mississippi Regional Park.

As the philanthropic partner to the National Park Service, MPC is dedicated to more than just fundraising—the organization seeks to strengthen the community’s lasting connection to the Mississippi River.

The event occurs on January 28 at 5:30 pm, at 4900 N. Mississippi Dr., Minneapolis. For planning purposes, please RSVP. If you have any questions or cannot attend but still have suggestions, email Devin Brown directly at Dbrown@parkconnection.org.

Creating Together: A free family art workshop

The Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery offers this free event for children (ages 2-8) and their guardians to explore creativity, practice early development skills, and strengthen their bonds through collaborative art activities.

Guardians will gain valuable techniques to support their child’s growth, while children will have the opportunity to build confidence and express themselves through art. Led by youth programmer Sabrina Ford, this event promises a fun and enriching experience for both children and their caregivers.

The event takes place on January 25, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery, located at 1256 N. Penn Ave., Minneapolis, fourth floor. There’s free parking on the ramp. For more info, visit maahmg.org.

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