Elizabeth Brisbin

Thanksgiving meals and turkey giveaway events across Minnesota

Whether you need a holiday meal or want to lend a helping hand, various organizations across the Twin Cities metro area are hosting giveaways to ensure everyone has food for Thanksgiving. From free turkeys to full meal packages, check out the list below for locations and times to help make this holiday season brighter for those in need. All meals are offered while supplies last.

Don’t Shoot Guns, Shoot Hoops 100 Turkeys Giveaway
When: Nov. 20 · 11 am
What: Don’t Shoot Guns, Shoot Hoops will give out 100 turkeys at George Floyd Square while supplies last.
Where: 38th & Chicago Ave. S., Mpls.
More info: www.facebook.com/waitehouse 

Pillsbury United Communities Community Dinner
When: Nov. 21 · 5-7 pm
What: This event offers food, music, games, and a fun opportunity to connect with neighbors, families, and friends.
Where: Waite House, 2323 11th Ave., S., Mpls., MN, 55404; dining room (2nd floor)
More info: www.facebook.com/waitehouse 

River Heights Thanksgiving Giveaway
When: Nov. 22 · 7:30 pm; Saturday, Nov. 23 ·12:30 pm
What: River Heights is hosting an annual giveaway where community members can get what they need for a Thanksgiving meal. Gently used clothing will also be offered. No registration is required.
Where: River Heights, 6070 Cahill Ave., Inver Grove Heights
More info: bit.ly/RiverHeightsThanksgivingGiveaway

Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
When: Nov. 23 · 10 am – 12 pm
What: This annual, free drive-through giveaway returns to offer families a turkey on a first-come, first-served basis. No registration is needed.
Where: 810 W. 31st St., Mpls.
More info: www.joycommunityservice.org

Life Center Thanksgiving Outreach
When: Nov. 23 · 12 pm
What: Life Center’s annual Thanksgiving outreach event offers community members a hot Thanksgiving meal and 200+ frozen turkeys.
Where: 1812 Park Ave., Mpls.
More info: bit.ly/ThanksgivingOutreach2024

Tru Breed MC’s 14th Annual Turkey Giveaway
When: Nov. 23 · 1 pm
What: Tru Breed Motorcycle Club is once again giving back to the community with a turkey giveaway (while supplies last).
Where: Folwell Park, 1615 N. Dowling Ave., Mpls.
More info: https://bit.ly/3OdYA3z

FOCUS Minnesota Thanksgiving Dinner
When: Nov. 24 · 5-6:30 pm
What: Community members are invited to enjoy a dine-in or take-out Thanksgiving dinner.
Where: 550 Rice St., St. Paul
More info: www.facebook.com/FOCUSMN

Thanksgiving Distribution Registration
When: Nov. 26 · 9 am – 12 pm
What: Registration for Union Gospel Missio’s Thanksgiving food distribution is full, but leftover food will be offered after distribution day on a first-come-first-served basis starting at 9 am.
Where: Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities – Men’s Campus, 435 University Ave. E., St. Paul
More info: secure.qgiv.com/for/thanks20

White Bear Area Food Shelf Thanksgiving’s Give A Gobble
When: Nov. 26 ·  2 pm
What: Registration is full, but all unclaimed meals will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis without prior registration beginning at 2 pm.
Where: 1884 Whitaker St., White Bear Lake
More info: whitebearfoodshelf.org/2024

Loaves & Fishes Community Meals
When: Nov. 27 (times listed below)
What: Dine-in and to-go community meals
Where:

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church (to-go meal)
1390 Larpenteur Ave. E., Saint Paul
5:30 – 6:30 pm

Saint Paul Opportunity Center (to-go meal)
422 Dorothy Day Place, St. Paul
4:30 – 5:15 pm

True Foundation Church (dine-in and to-go meal)
5840 Lilac Dr. N., Brooklyn Center
5:30 – 6:30 pm

More info: loavesandfishesmn.org

Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities
When: Nov. 28 · 11:30 am –1 pm
What: Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities will offer a special dinner for Mission residents and community members.
Where: Men’s Campus – 435 University Ave. E., St. Paul
More info: bit.ly/UGMTCThanksgiving

Daily Work and Shobi’s Table Gratitude Feast Free Thanksgiving Meal
When: Nov. 28 · 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
What: Enjoy traditional Thanksgiving food and additional dishes for cross-cultural inclusion.
Where: Christ On Capitol Hill, 105 University Ave. W., St. Paul
More info: Facebook or email [email protected]

8th Annual Community Thanksgiving Meal
When: Nov. 28 · 12-3 pm
What: This community meal is not just for those in need but for anyone without a place to go on Thanksgiving Day. Come share in a delicious, free meal with your neighbors.
Where: Fellowship Church, 707 Commerce Dr., Woodbury
More info: bit.ly/FellowshipChurchThanksgiving

Third Annual Buffalo Community Thanksgiving Meal
When: Nov. 28 · 12- 5 pm
What: Hope Community welcomes a free traditional Thanksgiving meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, rolls, and pie. All are welcome.
Where: 206 2nd Ave., Northeast Buffalo
More info: bit.ly/ThirdAnnualBuffaloThanksgiving 

StartAnew Thanksgiving Dinner
When: Nov. 28 · 1:30-4:30 pm
What: StartANew’s annual dinner is open to all. Bring family and friends; registration is not required.
Where: 1119 Morgan Ave. N., Mpls.
More info: 612-389-0008 or bit.ly/StartAnewThanksgiving

Discounted Groceries
Fare For All
$35 Thanksgiving Holiday Pack
No registration required
More info: For locations, call 763-450-3860 or thefoodgroupmn.org/groceries/pack

Elizabeth Brisbin

FANS Scholars attend Duluth college tour

Ten FANS Scholars from the Brian Coyle Center and Waite House recently attended a Duluth college tour over MEA. The students also visited the College of St. Scholastica and UMD.

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. Students who have completed the FANS Scholars program can receive a small scholarship to assist with college expenses and have their FANS Advocate support them through college graduation. Since its inception, FANS Scholars have received over $1,000,000 in scholarships to assist with college expenses.

Click on the photos below to see more highlights from the trip.

Elizabeth Brisbin

Brian Coyle Center volunteers join ‘Get Out The Vote’ efforts

On September 25, more than 25 volunteers from Pillsbury United Communities’ Brian Coyle Center, Centro Tyrone Guzman, the Minnesota Immigrant Movement (MIM),  and Hispanic Advocacy and Community Empowerment through Research (HACER) gathered for a three-hour, door-knocking canvassing in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood. See the photos below.

 

Also, on October 23, phone-banking volunteers gathered at PUC’s Waite House Center to reach out to voters.

 

Elizabeth Brisbin

Brian Coyle Center Food Shelf selected as 2025 SEED Recipient

Pillsbury United Community’s Brian Coyle Center Food Shelf has been selected as a recipient of the Seward Co-op 2025 SEED program. Since 2011, Seward’s SEED program has allowed customers to “round up” their grocery bills to support organizations that align with Seward’s mission of promoting a healthy community.

Located in the heart of Minneapolis’s Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, the Brian Coyle Center Food Shelf offers nutritious and culturally affirming food to Black, Brown, low-income, and immigrant households. It will be the featured SEED recipient in March 2025.

Other 2025 SEED recipients include Southside Foodshare, Daryeel Youth Services, RECLAIM, Little Earth Residents Association, Twin Cities Food Justice, Dream of Wild Health, and Avenues for Youth.

 

Elizabeth Brisbin

Remembering Bob Frawley

It is with profound respect and admiration that we honor the legacy of Bob Frawley, the first Director of the Brian Coyle Center and founder of the FANS Ultra Race. Bob’s impact during his  15-year tenure with Pillsbury United Communities – rooted in his unwavering commitment to community development, opportunities for young people to succeed, and social justice – are immeasurable.

Bob’s journey in Pillsbury United Communities began in 1988 when he founded FANS (Furthering Achievement Through a Network of Support). This initiative, which he directed until 2000, established the annual FANS Ultra Race, a fundraiser for scholarships for young people to attend college that continues to this day.

From 1991 to 1993, Bob directed the Currie Center, predecessor to the Brian Coyle Center. He then served as the first Director of the Brian Coyle Center in Cedar Riverside from 1993 until 1998, playing a crucial role in its buildout and establishment. His leadership and vision were instrumental in creating the vibrant hub that continues to serve as a cornerstone of critical community infrastructure. Bob’s leadership extended to his role as Director of Waite House, where he mentored so many community members and future PUC leaders. He was also instrumental in creating PUC’s affiliate program which supported the development of emerging, culturally specific nonprofits.

After leaving Pillsbury United Communities, Bob continued to support the FANS Ultra Race each year as a racer and fundraiser. He also dedicated himself to supporting smaller Immigrant led non-profits as a grant writer and strategic consultant. His core work was focused on empowering these organizations to realize their missions, serve their communities and achieve sustainability.

Bob touched countless lives, and his impact is best reflected in the words of those who had the privilege of working with him:

Amano Dube, Senior Directior of Community Development at the Brian Coyle Center
“I have known Bob since early 2000 when I was literally a volunteer for Oromo Community of MN which was located in a very small corner across from Brian Coyle Center. Bob touched the lives of so many immigrant communities in the twin cities. He is probably the main reason for so many new American social services organizations to exist and succeed in serving their communities. He is super smart, methodical, articulate and fearless. He understands how to navigate and extract resources from the philanthropic communities to benefit the communities in need. He left the lasting impact on the lives of so many. May his soul rest in peace!”

Noel Raymond, Senior Director of Narrative, Arts & Culture at Pillsbury House + Theatre
“When I started at PUC, I was initially afraid of Bob – he was intensely focused, exacting in his assessment of results, extraordinarily productive, and super disciplined when it came to finances. As I began to work with him on evaluation initiatives, fundraising strategy and program development, I came to so appreciate all of these qualities and I set about adopting them in my own work. Despite my initial fear, Bob was an incredibly generous and patient mentor and made me truly feel seen and successful. I came to understand that this was his super power – he quietly and diligently mentored so many. I am honored to have known him and to be part of his lasting legacy.”

To make a donation in honor of Bob Frawley, visit here. All donations will be directed to the FANS Scholarship fund, as requested by Bob and his family.

Elizabeth Brisbin

North High Scholarship Response 12/20/23

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

We hope this message finds you well. At Pillsbury United Communities (PUC), we are committed to supporting your child’s educational journey, and we understand the vital role scholarships play in this process. Recently, we’ve received feedback about difficulties in accessing the North High Scholarship funds. We want to clear up any confusion and provide clear guidance to ease the process. 

Steps to Receive the North High Scholarship: To ensure a smooth scholarship disbursement, please follow these steps: 

  1. Obtain a Student Statement: Ask your school’s financial aid office for a copy of your student statement. 
  2. Submit Required Information to PUC: Email the student statement to Gary Ly at [email protected].
    Please include:     
  • Student’s Name 
  • Student’s Email 
  • Student ID or Social Security Number 
  • Statement with the balance due to the student’s account 
  • Address of the School’s Financial Aid or Bursar’s Office where the payment should be sent 

PUC will coordinate directly with your academic institution to apply your scholarship towards your balance. 

Additional Support for Post-secondary Planning: If your student is still considering their post-secondary options, PUC offers college and career counseling services. To access this support, please contact Gary Ly at [email protected] or 651-252-4649 during business hours. 

Extended Deadline for Scholarship Application: We acknowledge the community’s need for more time to apply for the scholarship. Therefore, we are extending the application deadline to June 30th, 2024. 

Holiday Closure Notice: Please be aware that the PUC offices will be closed from December 25th to January 1st. During this period, responses may be delayed. We will resume regular operations on January 2nd. 

We appreciate your understanding and patience as we strive to assist each student effectively. Our goal is to make the scholarship process as accessible and supportive as possible. If you have any further concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. 

Thank you for your continued partnership in advancing your child’s education. 

Warm regards, 

Cinnamon Pelly 

President, CEO of Pillsbury United Communities 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Can the check be cut directly to me? No. The check will only be distributed to an educational institution for eligible expenses. 

Can I give the $10,000 to someone else? No. The award is unique to you. Your classmates are all awarded the same amount and are not transferable to other classmates, friends or family members. 

What are the eligible expenses? Tuition, registration fees, room and board. Books and technology purchased only through the school. As noted, the institution will invoice Pillsbury directly for any fees incurred for you. 

 Do I have to spend all the money at once? No, but all funds must be utilized by June 30, 2024. 

 I graduated in summer ’23. Can I access the scholarship funds? Currently, the funds are specifically for students who graduated in 2022. 

Elizabeth Brisbin

A Series of Immersive Cultural Events

September was a month of celebration of food and culture at the Brian Coyle Center thanks to “We Are Cedar Riverside”, an event series that invited any and all people from across the city to attend cultural immersion workshops hosted at the community center. The event included a series of workshops based around Somali, Oromo, and Native American cultures – three cultures that heavily populate the neighborhood of Cedar Riverside. The series also included Brian Coyle’s annual Multicultural Dinner, which hosted over 700 people and featured food from local restaurants and performances.  

Things kicked off with the Somali Cultural Immersion Workshop on September 9th. Members who attended were provided a rich history of the country of Somalia and its people by a representative from The Somali Museum of Minnesota. Artifacts and textiles from the museum were included in the presentation to show off the country’s beautiful art. After the event, participants were given a feast of Somali foods and flavors provided by local vendors.  

At the Oromo Cultural Immersion Workshop, Dr. Hussien Kedir Kelil of African Economic Development Solutions (AEDS) led a highly informative lecture on Oromia and what life is like for the Oromo people. Dr. Kelil is a PhD holder and an Associate Professor of Policy and Leadership and is a prominent and exceedingly respected influential personality among the Oromo people His presentation illustrated how Ethiopia is widely regarded as a unique and incredible place. The crowd was captivated to learn that Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee. Spectators got to try Ethiopian cuisine after the event and engaged in discussions about what they had learned.

The Native American Cultural Immersion Workshop wrapped up the series with a presentation from Jennifer Webber an Oklahoma Choctaw Tribal descendant as well as our Youth Operations Manager at Pillsbury United Communities, and Dancina Warner, a member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate. Their presentation focused on the history, culture and current events of the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) and Dakota Tribes located in the state of Minnesota. It provided exposure to the culture, spirituality, and communities so that audience members could listen to their experiences and feel more educated.  

One of the most anticipated events of the series and of the year was the Multicultural Dinner. This beautiful Fall evening took place on September 21st and consisted of food, performances, and cultural celebration. Lines of food were set up in Brian Coyle’s gymnasium for community members to walk through and dish up a variety of different cuisines. Once their plates were full, they transitioned outside towards rows of tables which were set up to drive conversation and discussion. Performers representing Somali, Native American, Ecuadorian, and Oromo cultures got up on stage to dance while groups gathered by the stage to enjoy. The evening concluded with lots of warm smiles, full bellies, and a rejuvenated sense of community among neighbors.  

Thank you to everyone who came and participated in this year’s workshops and dinner. Events like these are so special when we get to share them with members of our community. Thank you to all the volunteers who put forth their time and energy to serve plates, greet faces, and decorate Brian Coyle Center. Lastly, thank you to our sponsors who helped put on this event and make this year’s annual tradition one of the best it’s ever been.  

Elizabeth Brisbin

“Our Stories Our Lake Street” Showcase

On Friday, August 18th, seven of our youth interns voiced their concerns and advocated for change in their community during the “Our Stories Our Lake Street” Showcase at Urban Ventures in Minneapolis. The event was a partnership between Pillsbury United Communities and the Minnesota Humanities Center to celebrate youth voices from in and around East Lake Street.

Our youth interns put in time and effort over the summer to research issues in their community, interview locals, and craft speeches and to create a final film that encapsulated their perspectives. With the mentorship of their youth leader, Kay Carvajal Moran, they created a piece of work that reflected their beliefs and findings. The efforts of their work were on full display during the event. 

The evening started with a social hour as party-goers chatted with the numerous vendors in attendance. Tables were set up for jewelry, fruit, artwork, and more. A food truck occupied the street right outside of the entrance. One of the wildest attractions of the showcase were two piñatas just outside of the building. Both were quickly raided for their sweet treats by the children in an exciting frenzy.

After all the fun festivities, the crowd gathered at the stage to welcome the interns who were ready to present their work. Each intern began with a prepared speech that talked about the different issues citizens face on and around Lake Street. To cater to the audience, a mix of English and Spanish were used. The issues they spoke on ranged from drug and alcohol abuse, housing insecurity, food access, education, etc. It was clear that their time spent on these topics either taught them new things or reinforced what they already felt.

Following their powerful words was what had originally been a set time to screen their film. Due to unforeseen technical issues, the attendees were not able to complete their screening. In lieu of this, however, members of the audience were invited to the stage to share their own words, speeches, or poetry in a moment of impromptu magic. Everyone in attendance left the event feeling assured with the future of Minneapolis being in these students’ hands.

Elizabeth Brisbin

North Market 5-year Anniversary

After half a decade of service, the people of North Minneapolis came together for a celebration of food, health, and community. The North Market 5-year anniversary was held on August 19th in the parking lot just outside of the store. Dozens of people were in attendance and partook in the festivities. 

Market-goers at the event were given a free tote bag, yard sign, and meal ticket for a Quince Mpls Mkt breakfast burrito or Wendy’s House of Soul roll. Alongside these attractions was a host of numerous local businesses selling their wares. Books, jewelry, and artwork filled the lot as more and people roamed from tent to tent. Twin Cities Skaters also set up camp and lent out free roller skates to anyone looking to ride. 

The morning wrapped up with a live dance fitness Afrokaribe class hosted by North Market’s Coach Val. Val and her class enjoyed the sun as their music and dance spread an infectious jitterbug to all those around. Her’s, along with a number of other classes and programs are held each week inside North Market’s Community Room and Conference Room. 

The support of the shoppers, class students, and donors helped make North Market’s first five years so special. The anniversary celebration showcased that they continue to support a non-profit that puts priority on neighborhood needs, provides great food and services for fair prices, and continues to be there for the community of North Minneapolis.

Elizabeth Brisbin

The Natural Hair Care Institute

Continuing its mission to co-creates enduring change toward a just society, Pillsbury United Communities began a partnership with Natural Hair Care Institute (NHCI) this summer. This organization is the first natural hair training program and trade school in the Twin Cities. Founded in September 2022, the NHCI aspires to be the premier provider of dynamic and innovative programs of natural hair care education and services in Minneapolis.

The NHCI helps train people to care for a career in natural hair care and braiding. They do this by providing up-to-date training with all types of hair textures in their state-of-the-art facilities. Upon completing the 8-week training program, students earn a Minnesota Office of Higher Education-recognized certificate. Techniques taught during the program include extending, locking or braiding of hair by hand and much more.

In order to help cover the cost of attending the program, PUC is offering financial assistance to through its Youth Employment Program. People between the ages of 16-24 and who qualify for various criteria can receive aid to help put them through this program. The NHCI just began its most recent cohort on July 18th and students will be hard at work studying to make the most out of their education. The next cohort does not begin until November 13th of this year and applications are now open for that period.

Through Pillsbury United Communities, students will ultimately receive case management services from a Career Counselor including: goal-setting, support services, gift card incentives and job placement.

Here are some resources

In July, PUC’s Community Voice Intern, Alanee sat down with NHCI’s Founder Kemi to discuss the school and the program’s curriculum.

Natural Hair Care Institute Multimedia Campaign

Additionally, Kemi joined KRSM’s Andrea Pierre on her show ‘The Narrative’ to discuss the program and the upcoming cohort. Watch the video below.

Elizabeth Brisbin

The 2023 PUC Summer Youth Showcase

Rather than enjoying time by the lake or playing video games inside, this summer was spent by our youth interns working vigorously at various social enterprises of Pillsbury United Communities. These students spent a large part of their time working as journalists, theater tech interns, radio hosts, film crews, fashion designers, and horticulture workers. To celebrate the work they’ve done, PUC held a very special celebration at Pillsbury House + Theatre on Thursday, August 3rd with the culmination of these interns’ work on display.

The event began just outside the venue where “inside out cars” were on display thanks to the creative theater tech interns. Inside was a booth with a spectacular sound system set up by KRSM Radio. The KRSM interns maintained a live broadcast of the event throughout the night where people of all ages could go live on the air and give a shout out at the event.

Located on the second floor was a hot sauce competition led by the Growing Good interns which, as many could attest, was incredibly spicy. Beside them was a strategically placed cucumber water stand to help combat the heat of the contest. In addition to that was a free produce table where community members received free vegetables grown by the Food Systems interns. North News and the East Lake Street Cohort had displays across from them with storyboards and photos of the amazing work they had done this summer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, a film screening was projected in the theater. The films were directed, shot, and edited entirely by the students and focused on some of the harsher aspects of life in Minneapolis. Following the film screenings was a fashion show put on by interns at Sisterhood Boutique. Unlike some fashion shows, the models walking were the interns themselves who had designed and crafted pieces of clothes using up-cycled materials as a commentary on the fast fashion industry.

Many thanks to the wonderful community members who came and supported our youth interns. An additional thanks to our parters Best Buy Teen Tech Center and the University of Minnesota. This night was a showcase in how investing in our youth can lead to monumental change for a just society.

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