Highlighting Our Community Partner Grant Recipients – June

Better Futures Minnesota

Better Futures Minnesota (BFM) serves men returning from incarceration. Services provided include physical and mental health support, skill building, transitional jobs and job placement upon program completion. BFM helps the men successfully reenter society employed to support their families and the community. BFM will use the 2021 grant from Westminster to expand of onsite food service so that every man receives 1-3 hot meals daily. The pre-cooked meals Appetite for Change delivers to Great River Landing are warmed onsite. Better Futures recently won a 2021 Minnesota Environmental Initiative Award for its building deconstruction business and diverting reusable materials from landfills.

Restorative Justice Community Action

Restorative Justice Community Action (RJCA) seeks to repair the harm caused by crime or conflict by giving a voice to those who have been harmed. RJCA brings together community members in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties together with adults and youth who have done harm to promote reconciliation and rebuild relationships. RJCA’s reparative agreements often include provisions that address root causes of criminal behavior and some form of restitution to the community. Counseling, chemical health assessments and education are also common personal development provisions in the agreements. Individuals who complete the process can keep a conviction off their record, avoid fines, and minimize contact with the justice system.

YWCA of Minneapolis

Westminster has been in partnership with the YWCA of Minneapolis for over 25 years. The mission of the YWCA of Minneapolis is to eliminate racism, empower women and girls, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. YWCA programs create a positive impact in the lives of children, youth, women, and families with a special focus on people of color and people living in low income households. Current funding to the YWCA from Westminster supports scholarships for the YWCA early childhood education program. Westminster members are currently video recording children’s books the YWCA early childhood education teachers will use.