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As November embraces us with the warmth of gratitude, I find myself humbled by all the new found relationships I'm building in Ramsey County and St. Paul. Also, grateful for all the relationships I have been able to continue holding onto, nurture and grow
This Thanksgiving, let's reflect on the blessings we've woven into the fabric of November, shaping a stronger, more united community for everyone.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Rena
County Board Workshops
Most weeks, our County Board meets to discuss specific policy issues and receive updates from County Departments and Service Teams in our Board Workshops.
Workshops and discussions are held on Tuesdays and are open to the public. These take place at the Saint Paul City Hall and Ramsey County Courthouse in Suite 220 (2nd floor). You can find the schedule for all upcoming board meetings, workshops, and discussions sessions below.
Recent workshops include: look up all of workshops and place here:
You can access video recordings of the meetings as well as the materials shared by clicking here.
You can watch upcoming workshops live by clicking here.
During my initial visit with the Young Adult Career Academy Interns, I was immediately struck by the palpable sense of determination and enthusiasm among the interns. Addressing them felt like addressing a group of young professionals eager to embark on their chosen career paths. Their commitment to the program was evident, and it was inspiring to witness their collective dedication to personal and professional growth.
The interns’ comprehensive tour of various Ramsey County departments included the Ramsey/Washington Recycling and Energy Plant, the Medical Examiner's Office, Como Zoo/Conservatory visit and the State Capitol, provided them with a diverse and insightful perspective on the inner workings of public service. From understanding the intricacies of waste management to witnessing the meticulous work at the Medical Examiner's Office, each visit contributed to a well-rounded understanding of the civic landscape. The tour of the Ramsey County Courthouse, Repowered facilities, and visits to key departments like Workforce Solutions, Human Resources, Chief Clerk, Property Management, and the Board of Commissioners allowed the interns to grasp the multifaceted nature of local governance and its vital role in the community.
Fast forward to the graduation ceremony, and it was a joyous occasion filled with a sense of accomplishment. Celebrating their graduation was a moment of pride for both the students and those who supported them. It was a testament to their hard work and perseverance throughout the program. As they stood there, ready to step into the next chapter of their lives, it was clear that the Young Adult Career Academy had played a crucial role in shaping their futures. The fact that three out of the seven interns secured internships speaks to the success of this engagement, underscoring the program's effectiveness in fostering meaningful connections and contributing to the interns' future career paths.
**Congrats Young Adult Career Academy Interns**
During my recent site visit to Totem Town, the evolution of the facility, once a place of transformation, into a correctional facility was evident. The transformation underscored a missed opportunity that was both glaring and disheartening. Witnessing this shift, I couldn't help but reflect on the potential for positive impact that might have been lost. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of strategic decision-making in repurposing spaces to align with community needs, especially when the opportunity for positive transformation is at stake.
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Participating in the Reconnect Rondo Conference, I joined a panel discussion on the crucial theme, "Leadership Matters." Joining me in the discussion were MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger, METC Chair Zelle, St. Paul Chief Resiliency Officer Russ Starks representing Mayor Carter with Kevin Lindsey, CEO for Minnesota Humanities serving as moderator. The conference shed light on the unfortunate trend where numerous U.S. cities, akin to Rondo, have faced the divisive impact of highways, fractured communities and extracting generational wealth from Black neighborhoods. The dialogue underscored the vital role of leadership in addressing and rectifying these historical injustices. We explored strategies to bridge these divides, emphasizing the need for thoughtful and inclusive governance to rebuild not just physical infrastructure but also the social fabric that has been disrupted. The conference served as a powerful platform to advocate for collective, informed leadership to heal and reunite communities impacted by systemic disparities.
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Attending the Hallie Q Brown gala was an evening amongst friends. This event is a fixture in the community, and its rich history and connections were palpable throughout the evening. It was inspiring to see how this gala continue to bring people together and celebrate the legacy of Hallie Q Brown. The sense of community and the stories that were shared emphasized the lasting impact of the work being done. I left the gala with a profound appreciation for the history of the Rondo that binds our community together.
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Exciting news unfolded as Golden Thyme Coffee and Café unveiled its transformation into a small business incubator named "Golden Thyme Presents." I had the privilege of attending the community celebration, witnessing the birth of this entrepreneurial initiative. The inaugural businesses are Sammie’s Eatery and Gravy Babies, they mark the continuation of a cherished tradition. The atmosphere was filled with delight as the community gathered to support this venture, fostering a spirit of collaboration and economic empowerment. This promising development reflects a commitment to cultivating local businesses and preserving the unique traditions that make Golden Thyme a cornerstone of the community.
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I actively participated in a community conversation to gather feedback on the potential integration of Vail Place Clubhouse into the community. A Clubhouse is a person-centered environment supporting adults with mental health challenges. Each participant is considered a member of the community and is welcomed, wanted, and expected. This environment fosters empowerment, safe relationships, structure, independence, and service alongside others. This model provides essential support addressing a wide array of factors that affect a person’s overall health and wellbeing. Clubhouses offer people a chance to build relationships that support them in obtaining employment, education, achieving financial literacy, and securing a home of their own.
This event aimed to gauge community sentiments about introducing Vail Place Clubhouse, known for its supportive services and inclusive environment for celebrating and addressing mental health challenges. The gathering sought to foster a dialogue that would help assess the community's readiness and receptiveness to embrace such services. It was my hope that my presence highlighted the significance of community engagement in shaping decisions regarding mental health support facilities like Vail Place Clubhouse.
HISTORY | Since 1981, Vail Place has provided quality community-based recovery services for adults living with serious mental illness. We are based in the Twin Cities of Minnesota with locations in Hopkins, Minneapolis, and Saint Louis Park. Our founder was Dr. David Vail, a national pioneer promoting and advocating for the humane treatment of people living with mental illness. Dr. Vail believed that recovery is best found in the context of community and safe relationships. These values continue to guide our mission today.
THE NEXT CONVERSATION;
WHEN: MONDAY DECEMBER 4th from 11:30am – 2:30pm
WHERE: Wilder Foundation large meeting room at 451 Lexington Parkway N, Saint Paul
RSVP: Please RVSP to Addie at athimmesch@vailplace.org if you plan to attend and any diet preferences you would like to see. Lunch is 11:30 -12 with the meeting starting at 12
It was a pleasure to extended congratulations to the FAST program team for winning the DHS Teamwork Award, acknowledging their collaborative efforts in providing holistic support to families through a multidisciplinary approach. During the recognition, the commissioner expressed honor in celebrating the team's achievements, emphasizing the importance of their collective commitment to enhancing services for families. The award reflects the dedication and effectiveness of the partnership in addressing the needs of the community through a comprehensive and coordinated effort.
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I was honored at the Aspire Awards, where I received the Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Contributions to Children in Minnesota. The evening was shared with other notable recipients, including Jessica Peterson, who received the Sister Helen Louise Roth Award for Commitment to Youth, and Mary Reed, recognized as Foster Caregiver of the Year. It was truly inspiring to hear about the remarkable work of my fellow awardees and their dedication to ensuring that children and youth in our community have strong allies. The event celebrated our collective efforts in making a positive impact on the lives of young people.
AspireMN improves the lives of the children, youth and families served by member organizations through support for quality service delivery, leadership development and policy advocacy.
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A few things that may help.
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- Families with at least one minor child in need of emergency shelter should call the United Way’s Helpline and Crisis Line for a prescreen at 651-291-0211
- If a family is currently unsheltered, they can also call Ramsey County’s Homeless Services Team directly during business hours at 651-266-7818
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