Youth provide program feedback

Youth in the Streetwerks program at Emerge (a NorthWay partnership investment) recently participated in a focus group to talk about what they had gained from their two or more years in the program. They said their involvement helped them learn how to work with others and gave them a new sense of concern for the neighborhood. Some said they learned how to look at the long-term importance and consequences of the choices they make. They also said another benefit was keeping them busy and out of trouble during the summers. Video highlights are expected to be available. For more information, call 612-529-9267.

Northside Achievement Zone taking shape

The Northside Achievement Zone steering committee recently met for a planning session facilitated by GrayHall. The purpose was to discuss what strategic direction the Achievement Zone should take in the future. The participants discussed five possible collaborative areas:

• Better communication between organizations in the Zone
• Strategic coordination and alignment between organizations in the Zone
• Increase organizational accountability to children and families
• Better community awareness of and connection to opportunities
• Increased family/community ownership over services and resources

The Zone collaborative continues to look for resources to hire a consultant to help drive the work toward implementation. Several community focus group meetings will be held over the next month to introduce the concept to neighborhood residents in hopes of answering their questions and getting their support. The Northside Achievement Zone is being modeled after the Harlem Children’s Zone, a pioneering, community-based organization that works to enhance the quality of life for children and families in some of New York City’s most devastated areas. For more information, call NorthWay at 612-521-4500.

NMTF Update

The Northside Marketing Task Force (NMTF) board of directors spent time at their last meeting telling what motivates them to work for a better Northside. Most people said they loved the spirit of the community and wanted to see the rebirth of a healthy, prosperous region. Everyone commented on the wide variety of positive assets and expressed regret that media focus only on the few bad apples in the area. While acknowledging the challenges posed by the foreclosure crisis and ongoing safety issues, the board members were confident that the Northside is poised for a great revival of its fortune. The NMTF is planning for its Annual Meeting to be held in November. The Task Force is also working with The Carney Group to refurbish the website. Board members are contributing to the organization and also contacting local businesses and organizations to raise funds for the campaign. Elections will be held to fill six seats on the board. Details about the elections and the nomination process will be circulated soon. For more information contact Allan Malkis at 612-521-4500, x103.

NorthWay Family Project ends on a good note

The NorthWay Family Project has finished its second summer of community vocational training for youth and adults. Originally slated to end in June, the program was under budget and NorthWay agreed to extend activities through August. The extension provided more job experience and stipends for both youth and some parents. A full evaluation will be prepared by the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA) at the University of Minnesota.