July Community Partner Highlight

YWCA Minneapolis

By Sue Perkins

The YWCA Minneapolis has been a long-time partner of Westminster. I am amazed at what an all-encompassing organization it is and how important it is to individuals, families, and our entire community. Just some of its assets:

Leadership/Empowerment of Women – An all-woman board of directors and strong policy and practice advocacy.

Family Programming – Childcare with an anti-bias curriculum, teacher training, and youth development programming.

Racial Justice – “It’s Time to Talk”/” It’s Time to Act” forums on race, partnering with like-minded organizations and internal commitments to equity and inclusion.

For more information and to sign up for newsletters, visit their website.

FreeWriters

By Emily McChesney

FreeWriters continues to increase the number of incarcerated persons’ writing opportunities to improve mental health, reduce recidivism, and inspire hope. The program has expanded beyond Hennepin to Ramsey, Wright, and Anoka county jails. They’ve expanded community partnerships; added additional writing instructors, and started a community post-incarceration writing class. All told, they offer nearly 50 writing classes a month and one was recently attended by Congressman Phillips. Finally, in April the FreeWriters team presented at the Social Justice Forum. Those who attended were able to hear the founder’s inspiring story and experience free writing themselves. Learn more online.