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YouthCARE
Past News
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Board Member Sandy'Ci
Moua Stars in "Dead City"
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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.
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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! |
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Board Member,
Gleason Glover's team with Dan "the Common Man" Cole
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Camp Sunrise
Junior Counselors Perform the "Zorita STOMP"
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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:
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- 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!
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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!
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(from left to right: Noke Sivoravong, Jeff
Xiong) |
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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.
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(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."
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(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. |
(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.
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YouthCARE participants at the game
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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.
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(from left to right: Chris Wright - President,
Minnesota Timberwolves, Gleason Glover, Pahoua, Michel, and Katie
Mattis - Senior Manager, Community Relations)
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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!
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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.
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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.”
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| YouTube.com Video - Click
here to
Watch Josh on "Last Comic Standing" |
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Mayor R.T. Rybak and Kou Xiong
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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.
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Kou Xiong, State Representative Karen Clark,
and Andre Walker at the Minnesota State Legislature
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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.
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| 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! |
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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.
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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.
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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! |
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Click here
for pictures taken at Sarah Nurnberger's and Sullmer's Farewell
Picnic. |
Outgoing Camp Sunrise Director Sarah
Ullmer with Ger Vang
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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.
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Keisha Blackman, new
Program Director of the Young Women's Mentoring Program!
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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."
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YouthCARE
Community Service Stars pose with keynote speaker, Rev.
Joseph Lowery
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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.
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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.
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.
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!
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!
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
Friday, May 20, 2005 4:30-7:00 PM
Congratulations Mentors!
Click here
to see press release
Board Chairperson: Sharon Radd
Vice Chairperson: Nathan Dungan
Treasurer: Liam Cavin
Secretary: Paul Mellblom
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