Will Heller

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

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

In this April edition of our report to PUC, check out the change to the services offered on Wednesdays at the Brian Coyle Center, a story and lesson about legal tools to care for loved ones, and the clinic’s statistics from March!

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. Previously Wednesdays at the Brian Coyle Center were devoted to housing issues. Now, it is available for any legal-type. Thursday is still reserved for immigration issues only. Folks with housing issues can now come to the clinic Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday to receive help:

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

Earlier this year, a Somali woman came into the Legal Clinic at the Brian Coyle Center. She is the mother and caretaker of her adult daughter who has a developmental disability. She is also the primary caretaker of her daughter’s son, who is 3 years old. She had been taking care of both of them for years, but there were things she could not do to help them without legal help. For instance, she wasn’t allowed to make important medical decisions for her daughter in case of an emergency.

Understandably this woman believed she needed guardianship of her daughter and custody of her grandson. Those options involve long and complicated legal processes. Fortunately, her daughter welcomed her mother’s support. That meant the daughter could sign three important documents: a Power of Attorney (POA) and Healthcare Directive (HCD) for herself and a Delegation of Parenting Authority (DOPA) for her son.

Now the daughter’s wishes to be taken care of and have her mom take care of her son are being met! This was all possible without complicated and time-intensive court processes.

It is good to know that guardianship is only for extreme situations. Less intrusive options (like powers of attorney and healthcare directives) are often enough to provide care for someone who needs extra support. To learn more about guardianships and the less intense alternatives check out these websites:

You can also schedule an appointment at the Brian Coyle Clinic!

A Look at the Numbers

In March the Brian Coyle Center Legal Clinic opened 35 new cases and closed 18 cases. During that same time, Waite House opened 9 new cases and closed 6 cases. It is normal for the Brian Coyle Clinic to have more cases each month because it is open more days a week.

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

2026 Women’s Night Out, Hosted by the Immigrant Women’s Advocacy Project

Mark your Calendars for the 2026 Immigrant Women’s Advocacy Project Women’s Night Out!

Join us for an evening of good food, traditional dancing, and more as we celebrate women’s health & wellness!

  • Massages
  • Awards Ceremony for the Sewing Class
  • Activities for Kids!

Saturday, May 2nd, 2026
5pm – 7pm
Doors open at 4:30pm

Brian Coyle Center
20 15th Ave. S,
Minneapolis, MN 55454

Click Here to RSVP

Will Heller

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

A graphic with the text that says "Community Clinic Updates, March 2026." The background is a stylized collage that depict Waite House and Brian Coyle Center. The Pillsbury United Communities and Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid Logos are included on the bottom of the graphic.

This is the first monthly letter coming out of the Pillsbury United Communities (PUC) supported legal clinics! Mid Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA) partners with the Brian Coyle Center and Waite House to provide a host of free legal services to low-income and elderly clients. Each month we will share the work we are doing, some numbers, and helpful resources for the community.

Brian Coyle Center Legal Clinic

Legal Aid’s Legal Clinic at the Brian Coyle Center (420 15th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55454) has grown to offer nearly every service that Legal Aid has to offer. Here is how that breaks down every week:

Monday and Tuesday 9 AM – 3 PM (General)

  • Guardianship
  • Divorce
  • Custody
  • Public Benefits
  • Consumer Issues
  • Criminal Expungement
  • Landlord / Tenant
  • And More!

Wednesday 9 AM – 3 PM (Housing)

  • Evictions
  • Eviction Expungements
  • Damaged or Unsafe Housing
  • Housing subsidy problems
  • 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 much needed 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 also welcomed.

A Story and a Lesson

Ahmed was facing a collection action, and sought our help at the Brian Coyle Center. We carefully reviewed his financial situation and saw he was receiving Medical Assistance—a “needs-based” public benefit. Fortunately for Ahmed, Minnesota exempts anyone receiving needs-based assistance from collection. We informed Ahmed of his rights and offered to help assert these exemptions. If you (or someone you know) cannot afford to pay a debt and is facing collection, come into the Brian Coyle Center Legal Clinic to see if your income is protected. You can learn more here: https://www.lawhelpmn.org/

A Look at the Numbers

In February the Brian Coyle Center Legal Clinic opened 22 new cases and closed 25 cases. During that same time, Waite House opened 7 new cases and closed 15 cases. It is normal for the Brian Coyle Clinic to have more cases each month because it is open more days a week.

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

PUC Interns Participate in Youth Day at the Capitol

On March 3rd, 2026, the Minnesota State Capitol was abuzz with activity as over 600 youth from across the state of Minnesota gathered for the annual “Youth Day at the Capitol” (YDAC).

Interns heard from political advocates at various points in their journey – from a high school board representative to Minnesota’s Secretary of State Steve Simon.

Interns had the opportunity to meet with Sen. Bobby Joe Champion and Legislative Aide Saynab Jama. North News interns asked Champion questions that pertain to their reporting for the April print edition and Brian Coyle youth heard from Saynab about her work in the White House under President Biden and her role serving on the Health Committee at the MN State Legislature.

This event marked the first time many youth visited the State capitol.

Will Heller

PUC Offers Parent Education Class In Partnership With MPS Early Childhood Family Education

Join MPS Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) and Pillsbury United Communities for a parent education class this spring!

Dates: April 8 – June 10
Time: 12pm – 2pm
Location: Brian Coyle Center
420 15th Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55454

Wednesdays from 12-2 pm for parents with children birth to age 5 (not attending kindergarten yet).

Parents are required to attend the class with their child. Classes are free to attend, and lunch will be provided for children. Activities and games will also be available for children while ECFE facilitates parent discussion. A class field trip to the Minnesota Zoo is being planned!

To register, contact Jennifer Weber (Coach Weber) at 763-464-2790 or [email protected]

Will Heller

Support Your Local Food Shelf: The Minnesota Food Share March Campaign

This March, Pillsbury United Communities is partnering with Minnesota FoodShare to support local food shelves across our state.

Every day, families in our own community are forced to make impossible choices: pay the rent or buy groceries, keep the lights on, or put food on the table. No one should have to choose between food and other basic necessities, yet this is the heartbreaking reality for far too many Minnesotans.

You can make a meaningful difference. With your support, we can ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and no parent has to skip meals so their family can eat. Your generosity helps provide fresh produce, nutritious meals, and essential pantry staples to households who may otherwise go without.

A gift of any size creates real impact:

  • 10 dollars can provide a week’s worth of healthy snacks for a child
  • 25 dollars can supply fresh groceries to a family in crisis
  • 50 dollars can stock a pantry with essentials for an entire month

Your compassion helps restore dignity, stability, and hope. Together, we can build a community where every family has the nourishment they need to thrive.

Please consider making your gift today. Your kindness today can change someone’s tomorrow.

Support Your Local Food Shelf

 

Will Heller

North News Interns Interview Minneapolis Fire Chief Rucker

The February 2026 edition of North News featured a special story — one that was written by the interns.

A team of eleven intern contributors came together to profile Minneapolis Fire Department Interim Chief Melanie Rucker, a North Minneapolis native and trailblazer who became the first Black woman chief in Minneapolis. It was a fitting match: young journalists telling the story of a leader who has dedicated her career to opening doors for the next generation.

Read the Full Story Here.

Melanie Rucker stands in front of a retired firetruck at the MN Firefighters Museum on Jan. 7. Photo by MJ Smith

Will Heller

PUC Hosts College and Career Fair at Brian Coyle Center

On February 4th, 2026, PUC hosted our annual College + Career Fair for 80+ high school students to promote career exploration, higher-education, leadership trainings and summer employment opportunities.

Thank you to all of the organizations that tabled at this event:

Higher Education

  • St. Kate’s
  • Augsburg
  • Dunwoody
  • Minneapolis College
  • University of Minnesota

Training/Career Exploration/Employment

  • Minneapolis Fire Department
  • Tree Trust
  • Step-Up
  • MPS Community Education
  • Twin Cities Medical Training

Youth Civic Engagement

  • Be That Neighbor
  • City of Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board
  • Cedar-Riverside Athletics + Enrichment

PUC

  • Full Cycle
  • PUC Career Pathways
  • North News
  • Sisterhood Boutique

Will Heller

Pillsbury United Communities Announces Job Posting for President & Chief Executive Officer

The President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the chief executive leader and public ambassador of PUC. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO holds full P&L responsibility for a multi-site, multi-revenue-stream organization and leads strategy, financial performance, operations, fundraising, and external relations.

View the Full Job Posting

Will Heller

Natural Hair Care Institute Now Offering Up To $1,800 in Supportive Services for Students

The Natural Hair Care Institute is now offering up to $1,800 in supportive services to students! Supportive services can include rent, grocery, transportation, and childcare support. For more information, and to enroll, visit: www.nhci.education or email Autumn at [email protected]

Founded in 2022, the Natural Hair Care Institute is a non-profit, natural hair care institution that educates, motivates and prepares students for a career in natural hair care and hair braiding. During the program, students gain:

  • An advanced curriculum in natural haircare and braiding
  • Hands-on training on working with all hair textures
  • Support and supervision from knowledgeable staff
  • Assistance with securing clients and job placement after the program
  • Business building skills and customer service skills

Program Requirements:

  • Must be able to stand for 6-8 hours per day to do hair
  • Must commit to a 32-hour onsite training schedule Monday-Thursday, for 19 weeks

Eligibility:

  • Must be a resident of Minneapolis (proof of residency required: State ID, lease or utility bill with MPLS address)
  • Adult program – open to people ages 18-24
  • Meet income limits – these vary by number in household and are updated annually

Want to learn more? We are hosting an Open House at Natural Hair Care Institute for prospective students:

Friday, March 13
2:00-3:30pm
Natural Hair Care Institute
2909 Bryant Ave. S #104
Minneapolis, MN 55408

Learn more about the Natural Hair Care training and certification, meet the staff, tour the space and learn about the PUC scholarship for 18-24 year olds residing in Minneapolis.

Will Heller

A Freedom Fighter in Our Own Backyard: Spike Moss

“They had to deal with my history, didn’t they,” Spike Moss said as people approached him with thanks and congratulations. Photo by Azhae’la Hanson, North News

When we talk about civil rights leaders, we often think of distant figures from history books. But some of the most important freedom fighters are still here, still organizing, still demanding justice in our own community. Spike Moss is one of them.

Moss stood with fellow civil rights leader Mahmoud El-Kati, left, after the unveiling. Photo by Azhae’la Hanson, North News 

In 1966, after a Black girl was beaten by police with batons, north Minneapolis erupted in its first rebellion. Out of that pain came The Way Opportunities Unlimited, one of the first community centers built by and for the Black community in Minneapolis. Moss became its youngest director, creating space where young people could gather, organize, and be free. He spent decades fighting to desegregate Metro Transit, the fire department, and the police force at a time when those institutions refused to hire Black workers. Moss describes himself not as an activist but as a freedom fighter. The distinction matters. Freedom, justice, equality in that order. When Attorney General Keith Ellison announced the Derek Chauvin verdict in 2021, he said his mind was on Spike Moss, the first person who ever taught him “that you can organize, work and actually fight for justice and actually win some accountability.”

Last year, Plymouth Avenue between Newton and Lyndale was renamed Spike Moss Way, making him the first living man to have a street named after him in Minneapolis. The location is significant. It’s where The Way once stood before the Fourth Precinct Police Station was built in its place. The irony is not lost on anyone, especially Moss.

Across Minneapolis right now, the economic impact of aggressive immigration enforcement is being felt in every neighborhood. Families are facing impossible choices between paying bills and buying food. Workers are staying home rather than risk going out, losing income they desperately need. Small businesses that anchor our communities are seeing their customer base shrink. The financial strain is real and it’s urgent.

Support the Rapid Response Fund

Yet in the face of this hardship, we’re witnessing the power of community in action. People are organizing to support each other in ways that would make the leaders we’ve honored this month proud. Our Rapid Response Fund exists to meet this moment, providing emergency assistance with food, housing costs, and utilities to families who need help right now. Every dollar goes directly to keeping our neighbors stable during this difficult time.

Moss’s decades of work offer a blueprint for this moment. Local organizing matters. Building community institutions matters. Standing up for each other matters, even when it’s uncomfortable, even when the challenges feel overwhelming.

Your donation to the Rapid Response Fund puts that principle into action. It ensures that a family can afford groceries this week. It means a parent doesn’t have to choose between rent and utilities. It means our neighbors know they’re not alone.

Throughout this month, we’ve shared stories of leaders who acted despite fear. Thurgood Marshall used the law as a weapon for justice. Angela Davis transformed imprisonment into a lifelong fight for freedom. John Lewis put his body on the line for what was right. Martin Luther King Jr. showed us that love can dismantle oppression. Stokely Carmichael taught us that true liberation means building our own power. And Spike Moss reminds us that the work continues right here, in our own city, every single day.

These leaders didn’t wait for permission to fight for what was right. They didn’t let fear stop them. They built movements, supported each other, and refused to accept injustice as inevitable. The work they started is not finished. It lives in every person who chooses courage over comfort, solidarity over silence, action over despair.

Stand with your community. Act despite fear. Build the world we deserve.

Give to the Rapid Response Fund Today

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