YouthCARE
Past News

YouthCARE 2009 Summer Kickoff
Camp Sunrise	Young Women's Mentoring Program	YouthLEAD
Camp Sunrise is in full swing with Week 1 (Boys) starting on June 13, 2009. Camp will be in session for 10 weeks, ending on August 23, 2009. With ten alumni staff returning this year, Camp is sure to have a great summer! Campers from Minneapolis and St. Paul, 13-18 years old, will enjoy various activities including, canoeing, teambuilding, service projects (and a lot more) all within a multicultural environment!	The Young Women's Mentoring Program is beginning a new Summer Program! They will be conducting a Summer Day Camp several days out of the week at each three sites; Glendale Townhomes, Little Earth of the United Tribe and the McDonough Community Homes. The Summer Day Camp will focus on developing leadership, employment and self-sufficiency skills of girls between the ages of 7-13 years old.	The Community Service Stars (CS Stars) Summer Youth Employment Program is starting on June 22, 2009. A partnership with the City of Minneapolis, the CS Stars will employ 14 Minneapolis youth, 14-18 years old, for 8 weeks. The program has a green industry/eco-friendly living theme this summer.
If you are interested in volunteering with one or more of these programs please contact Danelle Hubbard at 612/338-1233 ext 10 or dhubbard@YouthCAREmn.org.

YouthCARE Celebrates Diversity & Equality

On January 19, 2009, 50 YouthCARE volunteers, staff, and youth came together in St. Paul, to march and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King's dream. YouthCARE was visually represented in the vast crowds by purple ski hats! Before the march there was a short program at Central High School's auditorium. The keynote speaker, Jeremiah Ellis, spoke about the importance of education. The crowd was entertained by many mulitcultural dancers and performers. The day ended with a march from Central High School to Concordia University. Click here to see great photos from the 2009 MLK Day March.

Annual Board and Staff Holiday Party
YouthCARE Board of Directors and YouthCARE staff put on their Annual Holiday Party. Thank you to Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle for hosting our event for the evening. Retiring Board Members, Nathan Dungan, Paul Mellblom, Sandy'Ci Moua, and Don Woebkenberg were all honored for their services on the Board for the past several years. The night was filled with fun, laughter, and great food!

YouthCARE Staff Retreat 2008
YouthCARE staff spent the day up at Camp Sunrise planning and brainstorming for the upcoming year. They enjoyed teambuilding, bonding and getting to know each other better.

YouthCARE's New Annual Report to the Community

YouthCARE's 2007 Annual Report to the Community is finished! Check out the stories of a few of YouthCARE's past and present youth leaders, Jeanie, Manny, Nick, Brittany, Jeff and Amanda, as well as highlights from the year. A Few Highlights from 2007: - YouthCARE became a new member of Community Shares of Minnesota. - Craig Luedemann elected to Chair the MN Council of Nonprofits Board. - 70% of the Camp Sunrise summer staff were former Camp Sunrise campers. - 10 Youth Mentors completed 12-months of leadership training and employment through the Young Women's Mentoring Program. - YouthLEAD's Lock-In event brought together over 125 youth from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Click Here to read more! YouthCARE also would like to thank graphic designer, Amanda Zoss and her company Zoss Design, for donating a significant amount of her time and energy to create the 2007 Annual Report to the Community. We are so grateful to have committed and talented volunteers like Amanda!

YouthCARE's Open House
Thank you to all who attended YouthCARE's Open House on Thursday, August 7, 2008! The Open House was a success with over 75 YouthCARE friends and supporters filling the new office with laughter, curiosity, and positive energy. Check out the pictures from the Open House event! Click here to see the generous foundations, businesses, and individuals who made it possible for YouthCARE to move into the new and improved office. If you missed the Open House, feel free to stop by to say hello and get a tour of the new space. Call the office at 612/338-1233 if you need directions.

Thank You to All Involved in YouthCARE's "Play a City Course for City Kids" Golf Event!

Every September, YouthCARE holds the "Play a City Course for City Kids" Golf Event. This year, we couldn't have asked for better weather! Participants had fun competing for first place and challenging themselves to contests along the way. Congratulations Jim Weidner and team for coming in first place and playing a great round of golf! We want to extend our gratitude to the volunteers, sponsors, and donors who helped make this event a success! For those who participated in the tournament, team photos will be mailed to the team captains in October. Click Here to see the event's generous sponsors.

YouthCARE Came Together to Celebrate Diversity & March for Equality on MLK Day

On January 21, 2008, 50 youth, volunteers, and staff came together in St. Paul to represent YouthCARE, to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King's dream, and to march for equality. "It was awesome to see all the youth get together and see how excited they were when they got to put on their purple T's. I agree with what Mayor Rybak said in his speech that we shouldn't just celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King's dream one day a year, we should celebrate it everyday!" - Millie Click here to see the great photos from the 2008 MLK Day march.

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.

"Person of the Month" Craig Luedemann

October 2007 YouthCARE's Executive Director, Craig Luedemann, was recently recognized in the African News Journal as Person of the Month! "Craig has dedicated his life to helping inner city youth and this is a tradition that every one of us should consider; giving back to the community which we all feel so proud of." Congratulations Craig! Click title to read the article - "Person of the Month: Craig Luedemann"

 

Camp Sunrise & Director, Jeff Xiong Featured in St. Paul Pioneer Press

Exciting News! Camp Director, Jeff Xiong, and Camp Sunrise were featured in the St. Paul Pioneer Press on Sunday, August 19, 2007 on the front page of the Local section. Click title to read the article - "A Camp for Exposure": Camp Sunrise, a free camp along the St. Croix River, offers many teens from St. Paul and Minneapolis their first experience 'roughing it' and their first interactions with people of cultures different than their own."

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

New YouthLEAD and Camp Sunrise Program Assistants!
Brittany Carr YouthLEAD Program Assitant	Isiah Jones Camp Sunrise Program Assistant

Paris Koehler named to Minnesota's Youth Advisory Council!
	Minnesota's Youth Advisory Council is comprised of youth ages 14-18 from throughout the state of Minnesota and is hosted by Youth Community Connections and The Minnesota Alliance With Youth. Paris has been involved with YouthCARE since 2005; she was a Junior Counselor this past summer at Camp Sunrise and is currently a mentor to new members of YouthCARE's Youth Advisory Council.
Minnesota's Youth Advisory Council representatives will promote youth voice in their community and lead youth actions that will help make a difference for young people in their community and across the State of Minnesota. Youth leaders will gain skills in leadership and civic engagement. In return they will provide advice and youth perspective to the work of our organizations, participate in committee meetings and events, and create or participate in local or statewide efforts addressing issues important to young people. To learn more check out the Youth Community Connections website at www.youthcommunityconnections.org Congratulations Paris!!

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!

YouthCARE Recognizes Two Retiring Board Members
Alissa Oppenheimer & Erik Girvan	12/19/07 YouthCARE recognized retiring Board Members Alissa Oppenheimer and Erik Girvan during the Annual Board Holiday Dinner for their service and commitment to the organization. We feel very fortunate for the insight and time Alissa and Erik contributed as members of the YouthCARE community and they will be missed by all. Thank you Alissa and Erik and we wish you the best!

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.

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's "A Celebration of Urban Youth" July 31, 2006
YouthCARE participants at the game		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!
(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"
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"

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!

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."

 

Michael Justin Hartley (Alumni Camp Staff 2004) goes to college at Vermillion Community College in Ely, Minnesota. He is majoring in Wilderness Management and enjoys cross country skiing and hiking in his free time. If he could be any animal he would be a moose. He recently reconnected with other Camp Sunrise Alumni including Chris Hoskins, Maytsua Thao and John Davis.

 

Erika Orsulak, Director of the Young Women's Mentoring Program, left YouthCARE in December to move to Philadelphia, PA. Erika worked with YouthCARE and the Young Women's Mentoring Program from 2000-2005. Everyone here at the YouthCARE office misses Erika greatly and wishes her the best of luck. We join the young women and girls involved in the Young Women's Mentoring Program in thanking Erika for over five years of service to the community.

 

 

Doua Chang (Alumni Camper 1992, Junior Counselor 1994 and several years as adult camp staff including the Assistant Camp Director in 2003) visited the YouthCARE office recently. Doua is living in St. Paul with his wife Yeng Lor and their two year old daughter Chloe (see photo). Doua works at the State of Minnesota as a Health Care Trainer for Minnesota CARE. Yeng, an accomplished photographer, recently opened a new photo studio (www.yenglorphoto.com) in downtown St. Paul.

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.

 

Susan Phillips (Alumni Camp Staff 1986-87) has been working at Lutheran Social Services for the past 13 years as the Director of Homeless Youth Programs. Susan and her husband Kwame Wood live in Minneapolis with their three children, Emily (13 yrs), Rosie (7 yrs) and Samson (5 yrs). Andrew Beauchene (Alumni Camp Staff 2001-02) recently reconnected with YouthCARE. He lives in Brooklyn Park has two dogs (Sadie & Scooter) and two cats (Kallie & Missy). He still loves piano music, plays the piano regularly, is into creative writing, reading and working with youth. Kaying Thao (Alumni Camp Staff 1998) graduated from the College of St. Catherine's in December with a BA in Communications. While she looks for "the perfect job" in her field, Kaying is continuing to work at St. Kate's in the Multicultural and International Programs & Services Office. Kaying lives in St. Paul with her three children, Sinai (6 yrs), Soleil (3 yrs) and Seigenn (2 yrs) and invites you to get in touch with her at ksthao@stkate.edu. John Davis (Alumni Camp Staff 2002-03) recently reconnected with YouthCARE and visited the office to share his recent travel experiences to Southern and Eastern Asia. John is attending Hamline University in St. Paul, working towards obtaining his teaching license.   Congratulations to Lisa Turnham (Current Board Member and Alumni Camp Staff 1995) and her husband Steve Botts on the January 27, 2006 birth of their son Campbell. Lisa is the Program Manager at MOAPPP, the Minnesota Organization on Adolescent Pregnancy, Prevention and Parenting. Brandyi Phillips (Alumni Camper 2000-01 and JC 2002) is attending Franklin Pierce College in Rindge, New Hampshire. She is a sophomore, majoring in mass communications with a minor in creative writing. Brandyi was previously attending Dillard College in New Orleans however she needed to change schools after Hurricane Katrina destroyed her dorm room and nearly all of her personal belongings. Barbara (Babs) Leverty (Alumni Camper 1994-95 and Junior Counselor 1996) called in recently to say hello and find out how everyone is doing. Babs is living in Moundsview, MN with her 4 month old daughter Adrianna (born on October 3, 2005). Special thanks to four YouthCARE/Camp Sunrise alumni, Armin Habibovic, Alex Gabriel, Hawa Tehmeh and Xai Lee, for representing YouthCARE at the January 24, 2006 meeting of the Social Venture Partners (SVP). Each of these four youth did an incredible job speaking to the SVP members about their participation and experience with YouthCARE and Camp Sunrise. Lianne Knych (Alumni Board Member and Alumni Camp Staff 1993) and her family recently moved back to Minnesota from Toronto, Canada. Lianne is an attorney at Faegre & Benson and lives in south Minneapolis with her husband David Potyondy and their son Owen. Congratulations to Jessica Nickelson (Current Board Member) and her husband Jason on the December 19, 2005 birth of their son Chase! Lajeana Iverson (Alumni Camper 1995-97, Junior Counselor 1998, CIT 1999 and Assistant Counselor 2000) is currently attending Metro State University where she is working on her 4 year degree in Human Services. Lajeana lives in Minneapolis, MN, bought a new car in August and turned "a quarter of a century" in October 2005! Baqi Salahud-Din (Alumni Camper 1995-96) stopped by the office to reconnect with YouthCARE. Baqi currently lives in Minneapolis and works at the Federal Reserve. He enjoys drawing and seeing movies and considers himself a movie buff.

Carla Smith (alumni Camp Counselor 2004-05) is a junior at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN this fall, majoring in Psychology. "I've worked at Camp Sunrise for the past two summers, where I learned a great deal about different cultures. Camp Sunrise has inspired me to continue learning about cultures which is why I am going to Thailand in January. I will also be going to Ghana next fall." Carla found time in her busy schedule to help lead a recent Weekend Retreat at Camp Sunrise with James Pinkett, Isiah Jones and Donald Clark.

Tehout Selameab (alumni Camper and Camp Counselor 1997) finished her Masters at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute in May 2005 with an emphasis in policy analysis and program evaluation. Since February 2005 she has worked for the Minnesota Institute of Public Health as a public health program evaluator and feels "as though I've found my niche in public health". "Despite the years since being a camper and counselor, Camp Sunrise still holds a very special place in my heart. I look forward to being able to contribute in any way I can. Please let me know when the next Planning & Evaluation Committee meeting is held." "p.s. (My sister) Tseganesh (also an alumni Camper) is still in Boston for her internal medicine residency. She has completed her first of three years."

Chue Xiong (alumni Camper 1991-92, Youth Mentor 1992, Office Manager 1993-1995, YWMP Program Coordinator 1996-1998 and YWMP Program Director 1998-2004) started a new job with the Summit Academy OIC in North Minneapolis on November 7, 2005. Chue is working at North High School helping freshmen students to pass their basic standards. In addition, she will be following them through their high school careers to help them graduate.

Tara Roberts (alumni Camper 1999-2000, JC 2001, CIT 2002 and Assistant Counselor 2003) is living in New Brighton, MN and working 60-70 hours a week at Target & Supervalu. This fall Tara went skydiving (see photo) with Camp Sunrise friends Sarah Ullmer and Deb Winsor and now claims that her next adventure will be white water rafting or hang gliding!

 

Bedale Terrell (alumni Camper 2001-02 and Junior Counselor 2003) called in recently to re-connect with YouthCARE/Camp Sunrise. Bedale, now 18 years old, graduated from the Minnesota Internship Center (MNIC) in June 2005 and is planning to start college in January 2006 at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. He is looking into the electrician, photography and social work programs at MCTC.

MK Nguyen (Adventure Girls Group Leader for the Young Women's Mentoring Program) left YouthCARE in November to move to San Francisco, CA. MK started with YouthCARE as the Head Cook at Camp Sunrise during the 2003 Camp Sunrise Summer Program. In February 2004 she was hired to work full-time with the Young Women's Mentoring Program, planning and leading positive after-school activities for girls 10-13 years old in the Little Earth, Glendale and McDonough communities. YouthCARE and the Young Women's Mentoring Program will miss MK's incredible energy and enthusiasm, as well as her strong passion for helping girls develop and use leadership skills. The above photo (MK is on the far right) was taken at a farewell party held in November to honor and thank MK for her work at YouthCARE. Also in the photo are YWMP co-workers Cecile "CC" James, Erika Orsulak and Emma Nadler. You can contact MK via email at mknguyen13@yahoo.com.

Alicia Johnson Bevanda (alumni Youth Mentor 1995-96) is living in New Hope, MN with her husband Renato Bevanda and their 3 year old son Benjamin. Alicia, a graduate of Minneapolis South High School, worked as a Youth Mentor in the Glendale community during the 1995-96 program year. She is currently a senior at the University of Minnesota and plans to graduate in May with a degree in Child Psychology. Alicia also mentioned that she is in the process of applying for graduate school and has been working in various nonprofit organizations ever since she finished her year long job with YouthCARE and the Young Women's Mentoring Program.

Sarah Mohs (alumni Camper 1993-94) found YouthCARE on the Web recently and reconnected with Craig Luedemann who was the Camp Sunrise Director during Sarah's years as a camper. Sarah is currently attending Minneapolis Community and Technical College, working toward an A.A.S. Degree in Child Development. In addition, she is working as a substitute teacher and as a personal care assistant. Chai Yang (alumni Camper 1984-85) is the Technology & Network Administrator at the Neighborhood House in St. Paul, MN. Chai still remembers that his C Crew was called the "Crazy Crew".

Terrell Oliver (alumni Camper 1997-98 and Junior Counselor 1999) graduated recently from the Minneapolis Community and Technical College with a Law Enforcement Degree. Terrell is currently leading a youth group at his church and looking forward to reconnecting with YouthCARE/Camp Sunrise as a young adult volunteer. Ron Christianson (alumni Xcel Energy Volunteer) called in with the news that he is a very proud first time Grandfather! Ron's oldest daughter Veronica and her husband Chris Jacobsen welcomed baby Lillian to the family on 10/5/05.

 

Alumni Board Members Stan Olson and Doug Shoemaker were recently recognized by Xcel Energy's Pioneers in Public Service (PIPS) Retiree Volunteer Program for their many years of service to YouthCARE/Camp Sunrise. Stan first became involved with Camp Sunrise in 1977 as a volunteer counselor, served on the YouthCARE Board from 1978-1988 and chaired the Board from 1984-85. Doug first became involved with Camp Sunrise as a volunteer counselor in 1981, served on the Board from 1983-1998 and chaired the Board from 1995-97. Both are active volunteers and continue to contribute countless hours to YouthCARE/Camp Sunrise.

 

Maytsua Thao (2004-05 Camp Staff) is traveling to Chansa, China with four other St. Benedict/St. Johns graduates to teach conversational English in Chansha, China (located in south central China) for the next 12 months. Before leaving Minnesota on September 24, 2005 (32 hours of flying and layovers) Maytsua stopped by the YouthCARE office to say goodbye to many of her 2005 summer co-workers. "When I get to China I'm planning to use the skills I learned working in diverse communities at Camp Sunrise".

 

Mohamed Yussuf (1996 Alumni Camper, 1997 JC & 1998 Assistant Counselor) made a surprise visit to the YouthCARE office recently! Mohamed (Mo) graduated from Brown College in 2004 in culinary arts, moved to San Diego, CA and recently moved back to Minneapolis to work as a translator at Fairview Hospital. John Dittberner (1994-95 Alumni Camper, 1996 JC & 1998 Assistant Counselor) checked in with us recently! John graduated from Northwestern University in 2003 and was commissioned as an Officer in the US Navy. He is now a Navy pilot stationed at Vance Air Force Base in Enid Oklahoma.

Congratulations to Mai Mor Yang (Alumni Youth Mentor and Office Assistant) on the 8/9/05 birth of son Nicolas. Mai Mor and her husband live on Milwaukee, WI and have two children (Edward is 15 months). Mai Mor is in Nursing School at Alverno College in Milwaukee and is currently doing her clinical at Waukesha Hospital.

 

Kayeng Lor (alumni camper & 1994 Junior Counselor) & Lillian Magidow (alumni camper & 1999 Camp Staff) lead the first ever Alumni Junior Staff canoe trip this summer! The crew, consisting of former camp Junior Staff, completed the longest Camp Sunrise canoe trip ever, starting on the Namekagon River in Wisconsin and canoeing back to camp on the St. Croix River! The trip was a great success and all of the young adults involved had a great time.

 

Congratulations to Luckie Vang (Alumni Camper, Junior Counselor 1997 & Camp Staff 2001) and his wife Kabo Yang on the 9/10/05 birth of their second child, Landon Cha Kong Vang. Luckie & Kabo also have a 5 year old daughter, Katelyn. Luckie works for Lockheed Martin as a Computer Support Senior Specialist.

 

Rebecca Wandrei (1991-92 Alumni Camper, 1993 YCC Crew Member & 1996 Assistant Counselor) has a new job, working as a Naturalist and teaching nature programming to students at Adams Elementary School (K-6 grades) in Coon Rapids, MN.

Linda Vang (1999-2004 Camp Sunrise Staff) has a new job as a Project Assistant at Gantz Wiley Research. Located in downtown Minneapolis, Gantz Wiley Research contributes to the success of its clients by helping them better understand and act on the views of their employees and customers through studies and survey administration. Linda noted that she is "excited to explore different business concepts and learn about research and consulting." Jesse Werner (1996 Alumni Camper) found us on the Website and decided it was time to get back in touch with YouthCARE/Camp Sunrise as an adult volunteer! Jesse lives in St. Paul with his wife and two children (3 years and 4 months) and remembers that Matt Lind was his camp counselor during the summer of 1996.

Kou Xiong has been appointed to the Youth Council of the Minneapolis Employment and Training Program's Youth Workforce Council. Kou, 17 years old, is a senior at Minneapolis South High School, attended Camp Sunrise in 2003, and worked at Camp Sunrise as a Junior Counselor in 2004 and a CIT in 2005.   Hoang Tran (1985 Alumni Camper & 1992 Alumni Staff) is married to Hien Tran (1991 Alumni Camper), living in Blaine, MN and working as a realtor for MarketLink Realty. Hoang & Hien have two children - 3 year old twins (Hanna & Phi)! Hoang played in the 13th Annual YouthCARE/Camp Sunrise Golf Event on September 13, 2005. Congratulations to Konnie Hess Gurung & Mukhiya Gurung on the 8/18/05 birth of their second child, Skakti Everest Gurung. Konnie and Mukhiya are both alumni Camp Sunrise staff members. Congratulations to Aernie Burns and Julio Alaniz, recipients of this year's Bruce A. Palmer Distinguished Volunteer Service Awards. The awards, named in honor of Camp Sunrise co-founder Bud Palmer, were presented to Aernie and Julio at Camp Sunrise on Friday, August 26, 2005, during the 31st Annual Camp Sunrise Visitor's Day Celebration. Many camp friends and alumni (campers, staff and volunteers) attended the 2005 Camp Sunrise Visitor's Day Celebration; Tara Boedecker, Wayne & Yo Wold, Larry & Joanne Coleman, Tom Bulera, Joe Francis, Joe Dawson, Jan Hames, Amber Mensen, Talaya Spann, Jenni Zickert, Chue Xiong, Martha Vang, Rebecca Wandrei, Andy Luu, Michelle Miller, Curt King, Bob Nienaber, Dick & Bonnie Ordner, Julio Alaniz, Aernie Burns, Deb Winsor, to name a few! Special thanks to our program partners who joined us at Camp Sunrise on Visitor's Day; Anne Fisher and Barb Shields with the Minneapolis Employment and Training Program (METP), Adam Levy and Erin Ryan from HIRED, Matt Reinartz from the St. Paul Division of Parks & Recreation/Youth Job Corps, and Joe Francis from the Blaine Lions Club.

August 2005 Congratulations to Jim Gilroy & Deb Halstenson on their Saturday, August 13, 2005 wedding in Minneapolis. Jim is an active and long-time YouthCARE/Camp Sunrise volunteer having served for many years as an Xcel Energy volunteer counselor and business partner, YouthCARE Board Member, Technology Task Force member and all-around good guy. Tayo Adefuye (alumni camper, 1995 junior counselor and camp staff) has been accepted into the Urban Library Program at the College of St. Catherine's starting in September 2005. Tayo is living in St. Paul and working for the St. Paul Library and promised Craig that he will attend the August 26, 2005 Visitor's Day Celebration at Camp Sunrise! Paul Mellblom (current YouthCARE Board member) has been selected to receive the 2005 Young Architects Award from the American Institute of Architects Minnesota! Paul is a Senior Associate and Project Manager at Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle, Ltd in Minneapolis and the Secretary of the YouthCARE Board of Directors. In 1999 Paul played a key role in helping YouthCARE move from the Law Center Building to our current office in the Wyman Building. Dianne Hiatt (1996-98 alumni camper, 1999 junior counselor, 2000 CIT & 2001 camp staff) was back in Minnesota for a few weeks recently, on leave from her full-time job in the US Navy. To reconnect with old camp friends including Stevy Scarbrough, Sarah Ullmer and Ye Yang, Dianne volunteered to work at Camp Sunrise for a week! Dianne has served in the Navy for the past three years and is currently stationed on board the USS George Washington in Norfolk, Virginia. Did you know that four active and current members of the YouthCARE/Camp Sunrise family share the same birthday? Congratulations and a very happy August 8th Birthday to Matt Malakowsky (1983), Armin Habibovic (1987), and Kou Xiong and Zone Vang (1988)! We learned that Kou (2005 Camp Sunrise CIT) called the other three from camp on their birthday.

Rich Philippi (alumni camper, JC (1982) & staff during most of the 1980s) and Jo Starr moved recently to Holbrook, AZ and both are working for Navajo County. You can reach Rich at PO Box 433, Holbrook, AZ, 86025. Eve Vang (2000-01 Youth Mentor and alumni camper) will be studying in China during the 2005 Fall Semester. Eve attends the College of St. Benedict. Nancy Larson (1979 Camp Counselor and 1980-84 Assistant Director) celebrated her 50th Birthday on Sunday, July 10, 2005. Several alumni camp staff, including Craig Luedemann, attended a surprise birthday party hosted by Gabe Bourgerie. July 2005 Four alumni campers - Jeff Xiong, Stevy Scarbrough, Aaron Izaksonas and Ye Yang - have "come home" this summer to work at Camp Sunrise as adult camp staff. Jeff and Stevy are first year Head Counselors, Aaron is a first year Assistant Counselor, and Ye is the Assistant Work Program Coordinator.

 

Kou Xiong and Will Spann (2004 Junior Counselors) have moved up the Camp Sunrise ladder this summer to work as Counselors in Training (CITs).

 

Chandell Knox (Alumni camper and 1994 Junior Counselor) recently graduated from the Minnesota School of Business Health and Exercise Program with a Certificate as a Personal Trainer. Chandell also has a new job at the Sports Training Center in Eden Prairie, MN and stays busy raising her twin 4 year old boys.

Tou Fue Xiong (2004 CIT and 2003 JC) and Alex Gabriel (shown on left) (2003 JC) are working in the YouthCARE office with Sarah Nurnberger this summer as Assistant Camp Recruiters.

Ross Hyde (Alumni camper and Counselor) and Tara (Boedecker) Hyde (Alumni Counselor) are back in Minnesota after living and working in Cartagena, Columbia for the past two years! Ross recently accepted a position this fall as an Elementary Physical Education Teacher at the Partnership Academy in Richfield, MN. Matt Lind (Alumni Camp Staff) landed his first teaching job this fall as a 4th grade teacher at Edgerton Elementary in Roseville, MN! Matt started his career with Camp Sunrise in 1993 as an Assistant Counselor and retired in 2002 after two very successful years as the Camp Sunrise Director. Matt and his wife Ann live in Forest Lake, MN. On Sunday, May 29, 2005, Flannery Delaney (Alumni Camp Staff) hosted a picnic at her home in St. Paul, MN to honor Angelique (Holmes) Hill (Alumni Counselor) and her husband David Hill. Many alumni Camp Sunrise staff attended the picnic including Stephanie Haddad, Isetta Collins, Pepe Wonosikou, Jnana Hand, Ann Albrecht and Craig Luedemann.

May 2005 Congratulations to Dan Ettinger on accepting the full-time Camp Sunrise Assistant Director this summer! Dan is also YouthCARE's full-time Development Assistant and will be "on leave" from that position until September when he returns to the YouthCARE office to resume his grant research and grant writing work. Linda Vang, the 2004 Camp Sunrise Assistant Director, has been hired to "fill in" for Dan and work with Craig on fundraising this summer! Welcome home to Kayeng Lor who recently moved back to the Twin Cities from Desert Hot Spring, CA, with his girl friend Priscilla Quitiquit and her 7 year old daughter Annelisa. Kayeng is a Camp Sunrise "alumni almost everything"; 1992 camper, 1993 Junior Counselor, Camp Counselor, Cook, and Program Director. He also worked in the YouthCARE office as the Office Manager and the YouthLEAD Program Coordinator. Congratulations to Bondo & Raine Nyembwe and their Saturday, May 7, 2005 wedding in Roseville, MN. Bondo is a current member of the YouthCARE Board of Directors and the Director of the Center for Training and Careers (CTC), an alternative high school in south Minneapolis. Congratulations to Gabrielle Bourgerie & David Duccini on their February 2, 2005 wedding. Gabe was a camper in 1978-79, a Junior Counselor in 1980 and Camp Counselor for several summers in the 1980s. The wedding was held at the home of Nancy Larson & John Lang in Inver Grove Heights, MN and attended by several Camp Sunrise alumni staff. Nancy was camp's Assistant Director from 1980-1984.

Congratulations to Lillian Magidow (Alumni camper and Camp Staff) on her graduation from the University of MN in December 2004 with a BS degree in Applied Plant Science. Congratulations to Jnana Hand & Bill Johnson on their November 12, 2004 wedding in Duluth, MN. Jnana is an active YouthCARE volunteer, alumni Camp Sunrise Counselor, Program Director and Camp Recruiter, and recipient of the 2003 Bruce A. Palmer Distinguished Volunteer Service Award. Emma Nadler left her position with the Young Women's Mentoring Program to return to Graduate School in September 2005. Former Young Women's Mentoring Program Assistant Cecile "CC" James returned to YouthCARE in August 2005 as the Group Leader for the Girls Group Program. Congratulations to John Bachhuber on his July 20, 2005 election to the YouthCARE Board of Directors! John works at Thrivent Financial for Lutherans in Minneapolis as a Finance Manager - Field Partner. May 2005 Congratulations to Joycelyn (Hayes) Pratcher and her husband Antonio on the birth of their second child, Elvin Antonio Pratcher. Elvin, nicknamed "AJ", was born in Minneapolis, MN on Sunday, April 24, 2005. Joycelyn is an alumni camper (early 1990s) and camp staff member, a current YouthCARE volunteer and recipient of the 2001 Bruce A. Palmer Distinguished Volunteer Service Award. Congratulations to Joe Schmitt and his wife Jen on the birth of their first child, Alexander Joseph, on April 7, 2005. Joe is an alumni camper and a current volunteer member of YouthCARE's Technology Task Force.

 

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.

Click here for more photos

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!

Click here to see more photos

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