Items In This Newsletter:

• Youth Create "Physical Distancing Videos" For Youth
• Potential to Expand K-12 Education Tax Credit
• Highlighting Avenues for Youth's ConneQT Program

Youth Reinforcing The Important of Physical Distancing

When the stay-at-home order started in Minnesota many people were noticing that the physical distancing messages were not reaching everyone and especially youth. The YCB, Minneapolis Youth Congress, Minneapolis Health Department, City of Minneapolis, and School Based Clinics came together to get more information out to youth. Together we created a video series answering important questions about COVID-19 in short bursts. You can find these videos on the YCB's YouTube page.

• What is COVID-19? Why Physical Distance? 
• Does Age & Race Matter? 
• Why Physical Distance During COVID-19?

Please help us spread the word. If you need access the to the video files or have other ideas please contact Min at Min.Lee@MinneapolisMN.gov. 

Expanding MN's K-12 Education Tax Credit

This potential income limit increase for the K-12 Education Tax Credit officially passed the MN Senate and now there is a push to get it through the House and to the Governor. Our friends at Youthprise & others are making sure we take advantage of his opportunity. They are asking that everyone write or call their representative to help unlock this money for low-income families in our communities. THIS WEBSITE will help you identify your representative. If you need more information about this effort please email Matt Norris at matt@youthprise.org.

Avenues for Youth's ConneQT Program

The current COVID-19 crisis has strongly reminded us that vulnerable populations don't get enough attention. We are trying to keep equity in frame as we help our partners adjust to COVID-19. Our friends at AVENUES FOR YOUTH reminded us of their ConneQT program. ConneQT host home program provides housing, basic needs and support to youth experiencing homelessness. The goal is for youth to have a stable place to live and necessities like food, so that they can focus on their goals and next steps. Hosts — trained community members — share their space and food with a youth who lives with them for a few days up to a year, or longer, depending on need. You can learn more about this program HERE. 

Opportunities & Resources

MPS Continues to Offer Free Food for All Children

Minneapolis Public Schools are offering food pickup sites through the school year every Monday - Friday from 10AM to 2PM city wide! The meals are free for ALL children, 18 and under, during the COVID-19 school closure. All families are welcome to participate in this program. Each food box contains items for fourteen meals — seven breakfasts and seven lunches. Families are welcome to take one box per child, per week.

Learn more & find a pick up site HERE.  

Practical Solutions to Adapt Evaluation During COVID-19

Webinar Alert! "Data Disrupted: Practical Solutions to Adapt Research and Evaluation Plans During COVID-19" by the Forum on Youth Investment. The webinar is on the afternoon of May 12th. Learn more & register HERE. 

U of M Extensions Helpful COVID-19 Page

Many of us are still adjusting to the COVID-19 crisis. We're being asked to adjust as new information trickles in and it's difficult. The University of Minnesota Extension have created a very useful COVID-19 help & resources page which you can FIND HERE. 

They have different sections on there such as: families at home; for communities; finances; support for farmers; and more. Please check it out & share if you find it useful. 

Community Education's "For the Family" Help Page

Community Education's work in Minneapolis is very important when it comes to enhancing our communities. They, too, are adjusting to the COVID-19 situation and stepping up to offer youth & families a different way to stay engaged. They are offering many interactive online classes that students can do on their own & some free weekend family classes. LEARN MORE HERE.