Brian Coyle | Pillsbury United Communities

Elizabeth Brisbin

February 7, 2025

Minneapolis 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

Elizabeth Brisbin

February 4, 2025

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

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.

samd@pillsburyunited.org

January 15, 2025

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.

samd@pillsburyunited.org

November 27, 2024

FANS Scholars visit the Bell Museum

On Wednesday, November 20, over 30 FANS scholars visited the Bell Museum to learn about careers in biology, museum science, astronomy, paleontology, and art.

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.

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

samd@pillsburyunited.org

October 31, 2024

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.

samd@pillsburyunited.org

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.

samd@pillsburyunited.org

October 30, 2024

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.

Becca Tripp

July 17, 2024

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.

Becca Tripp

March 23, 2022

Support Foodshare Month!

At Pillsbury United Communities, we are working to create a long-term solution to food insecurity while meeting the most urgent needs of community. In 2021, we gave away close to 2 million pounds of fresh produce and nutritious ingredients tailored to the unique cultural tastes of our East African, Latin, and Indigenous neighbors. We couldn’t do it without your support. All donations to our food shelves through April 10 will receive a partial match from our partners at Minnesota FoodShare.

To make a monetary donation, visit:

https://pillsburyunited.org/foodshare22/

samd@pillsburyunited.org

August 26, 2021

A look back at summer 2021

Young women displaying their summer work at Brian Coyle Center

For Pillsbury United Communities, 2021 was a summer to remember! After last year’s summer programs were forced to operate remotely due to COVID-19, we were so pleased to reconnect with our young folks in-person for summer 2021.

This year, 145 young people in middle school and high school completed paid summer internships through Pillsbury United programs—our largest ever class of interns! Our young folks explored new opportunities in technology, business, media production, and more. (For photos from some of our summer activities, take a look at a couple of recent albums on our Facebook page.)

Read on to learn more about our summer internship cohorts—and the dedicated youth program leaders who made it all possible.

Amplified Youth Storytelling at Brian Coyle Center

Emery

Jose

Our Amplified Youth Storytelling cohort was based out of the Best Buy Teen Tech Center at Brian Coyle Center. Under the guidance of our experienced youth mentors, 16 interns learned audio production and podcasting skills. Special thanks to The Clubhouse Network and the city of Minneapolis’ Step Up program for partnering with us to offer this unique opportunity.

This cohort was led by Emery and Jose. Emery recently completed his term with Public Allies Twin Cities, through which he served as Content Specialist at the Teen Tech Center. Jose also works with our Coyle youth programs as our Pathways Coordinator, helping young people plan for college and a career.

Arts & Agriculture at Waite House

Angelica and Ebony, summer cohort leaders

Angelica (left) and Ebony (right)

Our Arts & Agriculture youth group at Waite House led 12 interns in exploring the intersections of food, art, culture, and social justice—connecting to the land by working hands-on at our Pillsbury United Farms, and sharing their experience through the visual and performing arts.

Our cohort leaders were Angelica and Ebony—both artists and activists. Angelica is a performance artist who has previously led our youth spoken-word and tutoring groups. Ebony is a visual artist and an alumna of our youth programs, returning to Pillsbury United this summer after graduating from Clark Atlanta University.

Cinematography & Business at Brian Coyle Center

Sisco

Gonkama

Based out of the Best Buy Teen Tech Center at Brian Coyle Center, our Cinematography & Business cohort provided opportunities for 16 interns to explore filmmaking, editing, scoring, and sound design—while also learning to make a business plan to support their activities as independent artists and creators. The cohort also participated in a site-visit to the Institute of Production and Recording to learn from working professionals in the field of media production.

The cohort was led by Gonkama and Sisco, two youth leaders who are deeply rooted in the Cedar Riverside community. Gonkama is a seasoned youth worker and recent IT grad with experience in hip-hop production. Sisco is a graduate of our Coyle youth programs and a professional filmmaker and photographer.

Cyber Seniors at Brian Coyle Center

Kenya

Hassan

This unique cohort focused on intergenerational engagement between young folks and community elders living in Cedar Riverside. Our six youth interns partnered with volunteers from Best Buy to work with Cedar Riverside community elders and assist them with technical support. Through twice-weekly clinics at Currie Park in English, Somali, and Oromo, these young folks stepped up—helping our elders install apps, configure webcams, and other essential tools to stay connected in the post-COVID world.

Our cohort was led by Hassan and Kenya, two very talented undergrads. Hassan joined us this summer after many years of participation in youth programs at Brian Coyle Center. Kenya was brought on through the ServeMinnesota emergency response program.

Girls & Femmes in STEM at Brian Coyle Center

Fardowza

Idil

Our Girls & Femmes in STEM cohort at Brian Coyle Center offered a unique eight-week course in a variety of science and technology-related topics, including astronomy, coding, biodiversity, food science, medicine, and digital art. Our cohort members also took part in a biodiversity field trip to Cedar Creek with a University of Minnesota professor, tested the new flight simulator at the Best Buy Teen Center, and participated in Scrubs Camp at Augsburg University.

The cohort was led by Idil and Fardowza, both of whom are studying STEM fields at the University of Minnesota. Idil is a Page Scholar, and she is currently majoring in microbiology and cell biology. Fardowza is a graduate of Sisterhood Boutique, majoring in computer science.

Healthy Living at Waite House

Ivonne

Young folks in our summer Healthy Living cohort at Waite House enjoyed a wide range of activities to support their physical and mental health. This included cycling and bike maintenance with Bici Xicas, a local biking collective; group therapy sessions, in partnership with counselors at Tubman; and tennis at Fred Wells Tennis & Education Center at Fort Snelling.

This cohort was led by Ivonne, a senior at Augsburg University studying political science and an alumna of our youth programs at Pillsbury House + Theatre. Ivonne also managed our 22 off-site interns, including partnerships with Roots for the Home Team and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s Growing Good program.

KRSM Radio

Michel.Be

Our biggest cohort of the summer was at KRSM Radio, broadcasting out of Waite House in the Phillips community. Our interns explored on-air hosting, radio DJing, journalism, and audio production in our brand new youth recording studio. KRSM also partnered with ThreeSixty Journalism, MPR News and MIGIZI to plan and engage BIPOC youth for MPR’s Radio Camp. Click here to see some of their finished projects.

Our cohort was led by Michel.Be, a professional DJ, our agency-wide youth media manager, and a longtime alum of our youth programs at Pillsbury House + Theatre. They were supported by Minneapolis Community Education, who offered a full-time staff coordinator to assist with facilitating this summer’s internships—our thanks to KJ for their invaluable assistance!

Sisterhood Boutique

Ugbad, Kidist, Zikki, youth program leaders

Ugbad (left), Kidist (center), Zikki (right)

Based out of the Cedar Riverside community, our team at Sisterhood Boutique led a cohort of 24 young women—giving them direct experience in managing a fashion consignment boutique, plus ongoing development of their business and leadership skills. Highlights include a site-visit to local apparel brand sota clothing, as well as a week at Augsburg University Scrubs Camp.

The cohort was led by a trio of long-time Sisterhood Boutique leaders and alumni. Zikki is a co-founder of Sisterhood from its very first class, and Kidist is a former Sisterhood intern; both are now leading programs at Sisterhood. Ugbad is a Sisterhood grad and currently an undergrad in phlebotomy at the U of M—a passion she discovered on a Sisterhood field trip.

samd@pillsburyunited.org

July 13, 2021

Our impact in 2020

2020 was not normal. Two pandemics bore down on our community, bringing hardship we could hardly have imagined. One was a virus that isolated, sickened, and killed. The other was the plague of systemic racism, embodied in the horrendous murder of George Floyd and the anguished fury it unleashed.

These tragedies shook our community to its core and hit many of us painfully close to home. Some lost livelihoods. Some lost loved ones. Others lost trust in institutions that were supposed to protect them. Many were retraumatized by continued examples of systemic racism.

The pain continues to reverberate. We will be picking up the pieces for years.

Although no one saw the trials of 2020 coming, Pillsbury United was prepared to rise to the moment. Across our agency, staff moved quickly and fearlessly to ease suffering, rebuild, and respond to the crisis with compassion, imagination, and hope.

In 2020, we…

Distributed over one million pounds of food and household essentials via our Brian Coyle Center and Waite House food shelves.
Disbursed $540,828 in housing relief to neighbors impacted by COVID-19.
Provided 121 young people with paid, virtual internships at our neighborhood centers and social enterprises.
Supported 160 immigrant women with advocacy services via the Immigrant Women’s Advocacy Program.
Connected 341 unhoused young people with housing, employment, and other services via Full Cycle.

And that’s only a snapshot of the work we accomplished last year. Out of a crisis, a more just society can emerge. This is what justice looks like.

Learn more about the magnitude of our impact in 2020—and the broad community support that made it possible—by viewing our 2020 annual report.