Highlighting Our Community Partner Grant Recipients – November

Greater Minneapolis Community Connection

Greater Minneapolis Community Connection (GMCC) was founded in 1905 as Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches. GMCC is building on its legacy of responding to community need by focusing on food access, youth development, and community well-being. GMCC coordinates the Minnesota Foodshare program and at the height of the pandemic, GMCC addressed disruption of food supply chains and collaborated to deliver culturally sensitive prepared meals.  GMCC supports Minnesota Venture Farms, a Black, Indigenous and People of

Color led food equity initiative. GMCC supported internet access when schools had to go virtual learning and began GeniusLabs@GMCC to build STEM skills for youth. GMCC, in partnership with local mosques, is helping to ensure access to the COVID-19 vaccine and accurate vaccine information.

Our Saviour’s Community Services

Our Saviour’s Community Services (OSCS), located in the Phillip’s neighborhood, has two program components: housing and an English Learning Center (ELC).  OSCS housing programs include 24 shelter units for men and women with a 24/7 setting;  transitional housing serving 10 women who have experienced homelessness and domestic violence; and long-term permanent supportive housing for more than 100 residents living with mental illness, physical disability, or substance use disorder.  Because of a long history of systemic racism affecting housing availability, OSCS’ housing programs disproportionately serve Black, Indigenous and People of Color.  Annually the ELC serves 150 to 300 refugee and immigrant adults representing more than 25 countries offering classes in English, computers, math, and citizenship. Due to increasing food insecurity in 2020, ELC began providing culturally specific food to participating adults and families.