YouthCARE 1974-2005
Celebrating 31 Years of Service to Youth in the Twin Cities

Go to Home

400 First Ave. No.
Suite 240
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Tel: 612/338-1233
Fax: 612/338-6904

  YouthCARE Mission, Location, Staff, History Activities Volunteer You can help Photos
 

Related Links:

Events And
News


Alumni News

Past News

Contact Us

 

YouthCARE
Past News

Board Member Sandy'Ci Moua Stars in "Dead City"

YouthCARE Board Member Sandy'Ci Moua stars as JEWEL JUPITER in "Dead City," a play by New York City playwright Sheila Callaghan and directed by Steve Busa at the Red Eye Theatre in Minneapolis.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press newspaper gave "Dead City" props: "Sandy'Ci Moua reveals some fine acting chops in quieter moments that make you ache for her character's dissolute hopelessness."

Purchase tickets online: directions & show times at www.redeyetheatre.org.


15th Annual "Play a City Course for City Kids" Golf Event
Everyone had a blast at YouthCARE's
15th Annual
"Play a City Course for City Kids" Golf Benefit on Tuesday, September 11, 2007!


Click here for 2007 Highlights!
Board Member, Gleason Glover's team with Dan "the Common Man" Cole



Visitor's Day at Camp Sunrise!
 
Camp Sunrise Junior Counselors Perform the "Zorita STOMP"
 

On Friday, August 24, 2007, YouthCARE celebrated with friends, family, and all of our amazing volunteers at the Annual Visitor's Day at Camp Sunrise.

Highlights & Festivities:

  • Nathan Dungan & Michelle Miller were awarded the 2007 Bruce A. Palmer Distinguished Volunteer Service Awards
  • Visitors toured Camp, met the 2007 Camp Sunrise Staff & Leadership Week Participants, and enjoyed the youth performances (Dance, Song, Spoken Word) and eggrolls!
  • Camp Sunrise Partners and Volunteers were recognized for their dedication!

Have a Great Trip Dan!

Dan Ettinger, YouthCARE's Development and Marketing Coordinator for over two years, is officially off on his cross-country adventure, biking from the West coast to the East coast over the next few months.

His fun energy will be missed in the YouthCARE office, but luckily we can all keep updated on his progress by checking out his website: www.jokesacrossamerica.net

We look forward to monitoring his progress and wish him all the best!


Alumni Camper Hired as New Camp Director

(from left to right: Noke Sivoravong, Jeff Xiong)

Congratulations to Jeff Xiong on his recent hire as the new Camp Sunrise Director. Jeff first got involved with YouthCARE as a camper at Camp Sunrise from 1996-1999. In 2005, after studying at the University of Minnesota - Morris with a focus in Organizational Management, Jeff came back to Camp Sunrise as a Head Counselor. Jeff is the youngest of 11 siblings, all but one of whom had also "grown up" within the Camp Sunrise program. Before being hired to be the new Camp Director, Jeff was also a very active volunteer.

Jeff is the second "Camper turned Camp Director" in Camp Sunrise history. Noke Sivoravong (Alumni Camper 1986, Junior Counselor 1987 and Camp Sunrise Staff 1988-2000) was the first to climb all the way to the top of the leadership ladder. In January of 2007, Noke was also elected to his first term on the YouthCARE Board of Directors.


The Young Women's Mentoring Program Unites to Celebrate the Holidays


(Hip Hop Santa asks Dazsha, 9 years old, what she wants for the holidays)

On December 21, 2006, over 50 girls and Youth Mentors from Little Earth in south Minneapolis, Glendale/Luxton Park in south east Minneapolis, and McDonough Town Homes in east St. Paul gathered to celebrate the holiday season.

Even "Hip Hop Santa" aka Jerry Steele (father of Alicia Steele, Adventure Girls Program Leader) showed up to help pass out presents and talk with the participants.

Keisha Blackman, YWMP Director commented, "Although it's important to keep the program community based, it's also really great to have opportunities for girls from different neighborhoods to get to know each other and make friends. We're looking forward to having more events like this one in 2007 in order to continue building bridges across communities."


YouthCARE Recognizes Four Retiring Board Members

(From left to right: Scott Kinkead, Patrick Sullivan, Michelle Miller, and Andy Luu)
On December 13, 2006, YouthCARE recognized the important contributions of YouthCARE's Board of Directors during its annual Holiday Board Meeting. At the top of the agenda was thanking Scott Kinkead, Patrick Sullivan, Michelle Miller, and Andy Luu for their long-term service to the organization. All four Board members are retiring after serving two 3 year terms on the Board. Their leadership, insight, and warm presence will be missed by all.

YouthCARE Participants Chosen to Represent the Voices of Minneapolis Youth


(From left to right: September Hubbard, Brittany Carr, and Pahoua Xiong)

Brittany Carr and Pahoua Xiong were recently appointed to the City of Minneapolis
Workforce Investment Act Youth Council. This council helps structure the Minneapolis Employment and Training Program - a program that both Brittany and Pahoua have participated in.

Brittany, 20 years old, and Pahoua, 16 years old, are the only two youth to sit on this important council.

Pahoua and Brittany replace Kou Xiong (also an alumni YouthCARE participant) who left the council after two years of service in order to attend college.



YouthCARE participants at the game

Click here for more info!

YouthCARE participant introducing Twins hero Tony Oliva

YouthCARE's "A Celebration of Urban Youth" was a huge success. The event raised over $71,000 and brought over 475 of YouthCARE's closest friends together to celebrate the youth that make YouthCARE's programs special.

For event highlights, pictures, videos, and more, click here.


YouthCARE Wins $10,000 Fan Appreciation Contest!
YouthCARE on the court at the Target Center
(from left to right: Chris Wright - President, Minnesota Timberwolves, Gleason Glover, Pahoua, Michel, and Katie Mattis - Senior Manager, Community Relations)
April 20, 2006

On April 17, 2006, YouthCARE was declared the winner of the 2006 Minnesota Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation Fan Appreciation Contest. From April 1 - April 16, Timberwolves fans and supporters had the opportunity to participate in an in-stadium and online poll and vote for their favorite of five local non-profits. In the end, YouthCARE received 41% of the vote (over 8,000 votes!).

Thank you to everyone who voted for YouthCARE and to those who encouraged friends, family members, and colleagues to do similarly. This is an amazing showing of community support and YouthCARE could not have won without each and every one of you. Over the past two weeks, we received so many stories about how people all over Minnesota, the United States, and the world were working together to get out the vote and support YouthCARE. Thank you so much!

 

Click here to watch the video of two YouthCARE participants and Board Secretary Gleason Glover accepting the $10,000 check during the Timberwolves' final home game of the 2005-06 season.


Josh Blue Wins!

YouthCARE alumni, Josh Blue, voted "Last Comic Standing"
Josh Blue at Camp Sunrise

In the News! -

*Click here to read about Josh's victory in the 8-10-06 Star Tribune.
*Click here to read an article about Josh Blue and YouthCARE in the 8-8-06 Star Tribune.

Josh Blue
, alumni Camp Sunrise camper, Assistant Counselor 1999-2000, and local comedian outlasted and outjoked his competition to win an exclusive NBC contract, his own comedy special on Bravo, and $50,000.

Josh was one of 12 finalists on NBC's "Last Comic Standing" reality television show. The show featured the comedians participating in weekly challenges and performances as well as the comical drama of 12 comedians living together on a houseboat.

Josh's humor was especially appreciated at YouthCARE's Camp Sunrise program. Josh, was loved by Camp Sunrise campers and staff for his sharp wit, positive spirit, and strong character.

Josh has been quoted as saying the reason he wanted to do Last Comic Standing was to “make people aware of the fact that people with disabilities can make an impact.”

YouTube.com Video - Click here to Watch Josh on "Last Comic Standing" Josh Blue on Last Comic Standing

YouthCARE Participant is Recognized by
Mayor R.T. Rybak
Mayor R.T. Rybak and Kou Xiong

On March 29, 2006, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak hosted the third of three community forums about the future of Minneapolis. During his speech entitled "Closing the Gaps," Rybak spoke about the high demand by urban youth for meaningful summer jobs and the impact that they can have on a young person's life. To illustrate this point, Rybak asked

Kou Xiong
, a current YouthCARE participant and leader to stand up. As Kou stood before the crowd, the Mayor made the following comments:
"Kou Xiong is a senior at South High School. When he began high school, Kou was a shy and introverted person. Then he went through the city's jobs program and worked at MIGIZI Communications as a Tech Intern, earning $5.15 per hour. There he learned computer, teamwork, communications and leadership skills. Next he worked at YouthCARE/Camp Sunrise. As a Counselor he learned how to work with other teenagers and adults and served as a role model. What he learned in the summer he applied to school work and activities. Now he is joining new clubs, trying new sports, tutoring students, and volunteering. Congratulations Kou and best of luck to you as you take your next step up to college."

Congratulations
to Kou and thank you to Mayor R.T. Rybak for recognizing the positive impact that YouthCARE and other summer youth employment programs have on the lives of local youth.

Click here for the full text of Mayor Rybak's speech.


YouthCARE Participants Testify at the State Legislature
Kou Xiong, State Representative Karen Clark, and Andre Walker at the Minnesota State Legislature

On March 9, Andre Walker and Kou Xiong testified at the Minnesota State Legislature about their involvement with YouthCARE and the importance of youth employment programs. Andre is an alumni Camp Sunrise and YouthLEAD participant and is an active volunteer. Kou is a current participant who has taken on leadership roles within Camp Sunrise and YouthLEAD.

Congratulations to Andre and Kou for speaking so eloquently about the critical need to fund these important youth employment programs.


Congratulations to Amanda Dionne (Current Youth Mentor) on her March 10, 2006 appointment by Governor Tim Pawlenty to the Minnesota Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee (JJAC)! Amanda, a junior at Cooper High School, is a current YouthCARE Youth Mentor in the Little Earth community in south Minneapolis. At school she is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, a tutor for at-risk youth, and a Link Crew leader. The Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee advises and makes recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature about issues, trends and practices related to the state's juvenile justice system. This is a tremendous and well deserved honor for Amanda!

2nd Annual "A Celebration of Urban Youth"

Youth Leaders
Recognized in Style


YouthCARE's 2nd Annual
"A Celebration of Urban Youth"
on May 17, 2007
was a great success!

 

 

 

Click here for highlights and photos from the event.

 

 

 


Josh Blue (Alumni Camp Sunrise Camper and Staff Member) and Shoua Lee (Alumni Youth Mentor)


Alumni Youth Mentor Millie Hernandez (right) embraces alumni staff member CC James.


Thank You Sarah Nurnberger!

Outgoing YouthLEAD Director Sarah Nurnberger
After more than 8 years of service to YouthCARE, Sarah Nurnberger has begun a new career path working as the Director of Development at the Sojourner Project. Sarah first got involved with YouthCARE in 1994 as a Counselor at Camp Sunrise. From 1999-2006, Sarah played an essential role at YouthCARE serving as YouthLEAD Director during the school year and Camp Sunrise Recruiter during the summer months. In addition, Sarah helped coordinate YouthCARE's volunteer program as well as many of YouthCARE's special events. Since leaving in August, Sarah has already volunteered many evenings helping to train the newly hired YouthLEAD staff. Thank you so much for all that you have given to YouthCARE over the years!

Click here for pictures taken at Sarah Nurnberger's and Sullmer's Farewell Picnic.


Thank You to Sarah Ullmer for 6 Years of Dedicated Service!

Outgoing Camp Sunrise Director Sarah Ullmer with Ger Vang
Sarah Ullmer (known affectionately as "Sullmer") will be leaving YouthCARE in June 2006 to pursue another "life passion" - to work in the areas of sustainable agriculture and organic gardening. Sullmer started her 6 year career with Camp Sunrise in 2000 as a Summer Program Director, was promoted to the full-time Camp Assistant Director position in 2001 and then to Camp Director in 2003. We are all grateful to Sullmer for her 6 years of very dedicated service to the organization, and for all that she has done for her co-workers, the volunteers and especially the campers and youth involved in Camp Sunrise. Thankfully Sullmer will still be around for the at least the next two months, playing a key role in providing Steph Moss with an orientation and training to her new Camp Director position and helping us plan and organize the 2006 Camp Sunrise Summer Program.

Keisha Blackman, new Program Director of the Young Women's Mentoring Program!


We are very excited
to announce the recent hiring of Keisha Blackman as the new Program Director of the Young Women's Mentoring Program! Keisha started her new position on March 13, 2006 and has been busy meeting all of the girls and young women involved in the program as she "learns the ropes" from former Program Director Chue Xiong and co-worker CC James.

Keisha comes to YouthCARE after having worked extensively with families and youth in Minneapolis for the past 7 years. Immediately prior to taking this position Keisha was a Parent Worker at the Southside Family Nurturing Center in the Little Earth neighborhood in south Minneapolis. Keisha grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from South High School in 1991. She attended college at Lincoln University in Missouri and the University of Minnesota with an emphasis in human services and business management. Keisha still lives in south Minneapolis with her 10 year old son (and best friend) Deonte.

Said Keisha, "I am grateful to YouthCARE for the opportunity to develop, lead and inspire young women in the community. Thank you."


YouthCARE Helps "Celebrate the Dream"
YouthCARE Community Service Stars pose with keynote speaker, Rev. Joseph Lowery

On January 15, 2006, the YouthCARE Community Service Stars helped honor the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by attending and volunteering at the Minneapolis Community & Technical College sponsored "Celebrate the Dream" event at the Basilica of St. Mary in
downtown Minneapolis.

In 2003, YouthCARE received the “Celebrate the Dream” Nonprofit Humanitarian Award for “outstanding contributions to the community reflective of the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr." Every year since, YouthCARE has provided opportunities for youth to participate and contribute through volunteerism to this annual community event.

YouthCARE Participants Voice Their Opinions at
Mayor Chris Coleman's "Second Shift" Summit

YouthCARE Community Service Stars pose with St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman

On Saturday, December 10, 2005 members of YouthCARE's Community Service Stars participated in St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman's "Second Shift" summit. The summit brought together over 300 people of many ages, races, backgrounds and areas of expertise to brainstorm effective ways to provide positive and meaningful after-school activities for St. Paul youth.

The CS Stars have been busy participating in a wide range of community service activities. Click here for photos of youth helping with the Meals on Wheels program and bagging groceries at CUB Foods to raise money for YouthCARE's positive after-school activities.



Aernie Burns and Julio Alaniz received YouthCARE's 2005 Bruce A. Palmer Distinguished Volunteer
Service Award. The Awards were presented to Aernie and Julio during the Annual Visitor's Day Celebration at Camp Sunrise on August 26, 2005.

A $10,000 contribution from the Blaine Lions Club allowed us to purchase a greatly needed 15 passenger van.

Young Women's Mentoring Program girls, Youth Mentors and Program staff meet with State Representative Neva Walker (back row - second from left) at the State Capitol in St. Paul, MN.

Young Women's Mentoring Program
2005 Youth Mentor Graduation Event
Friday, May 20, 2005

On Friday, May 20, 2005, over 80 people gathered at the St. Paul Travelers in downtown St. Paul to celebrate the accomplishments of the eight Youth Mentors graduating from the Young Women's Mentoring Program. Guests included family and friends of the graduating Youth Mentors; YouthCARE board members, staff and volunteers; program and organization donors; community partners and more!

The evening began with a welcome reception, including live musician Angie Oase and a Young Women's Mentoring Program photo slide show, followed by a terrific three-course dinner. The evening culminated in a program emceed by Kiki Allibalogun (alumni Youth Mentor), during which each 2005 Youth Mentor Graduate spoke about her experience working with the Young Women's Mentoring Program. Latilah Ross, spoken word artist, and Lea B. Olson, broadcast journalist, inspired the audience with their words. And Martha Vang (alumni Youth Mentor) challenged the graduates to "believe in themselves and make the lives of others better".

A highlight of the evening: the 2005 Youth Mentor graduates, with support from several YouthCARE Board Members, made a surprise donation of over $1,000 to the Young Women's Mentoring Program!

A special thank you to St. Paul Travelers and the St. Paul Travelers Foundation for hosting the event-we greatly appreciate the generous donation of the event space and the evening's wonderful dinner!

Thank you to all who attended the event and to all who support these incredible young leaders!

Camp Sunrise Annual Visitor's Day
Friday, August 26, 2005
Click Here to to view the Visitor's Day Newsletter
Click Here for a map to Camp Sunrise

13th Annual YouthCARE/Camp Sunrise Golf Event
"Play a City Course for City Kids"
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Francis A. Gross Golf Course
Click here for more information

Camp Sunrise Annual Volunteer
Work Day
Saturday, June 4, 2005
Click here for more information

Camp Sunrise Workdays

Thank you to the following incredible groups who helped to get Camp Sunrise ready for the 2005 Summer Program! These groups helped with tent set-up and repair, gardening, cleaning, maintenance, construction and many other pre-summer tasks. Their help was much needed and greatly appreciated!

Yoplait USA, General Mills Inc.
Wednesday, June 1, 2005

Go-gurt, a product created by Yoplait, was the inspiration of a dance performed last summer at Camp Sunrise. Appropriately, the dance was dubbed the "Go-gurt Dance". Thank you for not only inspiring us with your products but also inspiring us with your commitment and dedication to the hard work you put in for Camp Sunrise and the youth involved!

Xcel Energy Riverside Training Center
June 1-2, 2005

This spectacular group of individuals is best known around YouthCARE/Camp Sunrise as the "garden gate builders". Prior to their garden gate project, there existed an embarrassing dilapidated fence that did little to keep out small critters. Now camp staff and campers are enjoying the beautiful structure as well as the vegetables that are now able to grow (and not be eaten by critters beforehand). Thank you!

GE Commercial Finance
Saturday, June 4, 2005

Thank you GE employees for joining us at Camp Sunrise on our Annual Volunteer Workday! Not only were you willing to work hard, you were also willing to play some great teambuilding and cooperative games with our campers, staff and volunteers. We hope that you continue to partner with us in the future! Thank you very much!

Annual Volunteer Workday
Saturday, June 4, 2005

A huge thank you to all of the Camp Sunrise alumni campers, staff, and volunteers who showed up to help whip camp into shape! There was a lot to tackle and everyone pitched in willingly to get us ready for the 2005 Camp Sunrise Summer Program. Thank you for your continued involvement and support!

Don Woebkenberg Gets Clipped for Camp Sunrise

YouthCARE Board member Don Woebkenberg made good on his promise to have his head shaved if co-workers at Xcel Energy's King Plant could raise $500 for Camp Sunrise! Eric Zawislak (shown in photo) and Josh Mertz did even better, raising $719 from their Xcel co-workers, many of whom gathered over the lunch hour on 4/28/05 to watch Sarah Ullmer, Camp Director and others give Don a buzz job. Thanks Eric, Josh, Don and everyone who contributed

Young Women's Mentoring Program
Youth Mentor Graduation Event
Friday, May 20, 2005 4:30-7:00 PM
Congratulations Mentors!
Click here to see press release

Board Officers Elected for 2005

Board Chairperson: Sharon Radd

Vice Chairperson: Nathan Dungan

Treasurer: Liam Cavin

Secretary: Paul Mellblom

 

Page updated 12/27/07 .   Please report any problems to webmaster.