Hailey Rose

Two Community Health Fairs, One Mission: Bringing Wellness Closer to Home

Access to healthcare extends beyond the four walls of the doctor’s office. Throughout the summer, PUC brings free health resources, screenings, education, and family-friendly activities directly into neighborhoods through three community health fairs. The opportunity to connect with local providers and learn about wellness resources spans across North Minneapolis and Cedar-Riverside. 

Brian Coyle Health Fair 

Friday, August 14th
10am – 2pm
420 15th Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454 

Oak Park Health Fair

Saturday, September 5th
11am – 3pm
1701 Oak Park Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55411

Hosted at Oak Park Center, this community health fair brings together healthcare providers, community organizations, and neighbors for a day dedicated to wellness, connection and fun! Attendees can experience: 

  • Free health screenings 
  • Lead testing for children 
  • Wellness resources 
  • Kids activities 
  • Bike giveaway 
  • Free food for the first 100 attendees 
  • Backpack giveaway (while supplies last) 

Whether you are looking to connect with local services or simply spend time with your community, this health fair offers something for all ages.  

Why Community Health Fairs Matter 

Good health begins with access. Access to care, information, and resources that help people thrive. Community health fairs work to remove barriers by bringing these services directly into neighborhoods, making it easier for residents to connect with healthcare providers, wellness programs, and organizations they can rely on long after the event ends. 

We believe these events can deliver more than a day of screenings and activities. They are an opportunity to strengthen connections, celebrate community, and ensure that individuals and families have the support they need to make informed decisions about their health. By meeting people where they are, we’re creating neighborhoods where everyone has the opportunity to live healthier, more connected lives.  

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

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]

Will Heller

PUC + Twins Fundraiser Event Featuring Postgame Concert by Ludacris

Join us for an exciting night at Target Field while also supporting Pillsbury United Communities! $10 from every ticket sold will go directly back to PUC, so share this link with your network and help us raise as much as we can! Tickets are reserved for Pillsbury United Communities supporters in Section 329.

Your Minnesota Twins take on the Colorado Rockies on Friday, June 26 at 7:10pm. Stick around after the game for the post-game concert featuring Ludacris!

Get Tickets

Photo by Paul Esch-Laurent on Unsplash

Will Heller

Urban Farming Internship at Oak Park Center

Registration is now open for the 2026 Urban Farming Internship at Oak Park Neighborhood Center! This internship is focused on urban agriculture, food systems, and community food access. Interns will work in the hoop house, help with produce distribution, care for and harvest crops for the community, and learn about food systems & food justice!

Interns will have the opportunity to learn, develop, and apply skills in:
  • Food systems
  • Gardening
  • Design
  • Creativity
  • Advocacy
This internship begins June 23rd and meets at the following times:
  • Tuesday: 11am to 3:30pm
  • Wednesday: 12pm to 6:30pm
1701 Oak Park Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55411.

Click Here to Register

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

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

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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