Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: The Urban Village
Legal Name (if Different): The Urban Village Inc.
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 1082 Arcade St
City: St paul
State: Minnesota
Postal Code: 55106
Main Phone: 612-987-3203
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.theurbanvillage.org
Employer ID Number: 83-3672434
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/20/2024
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: The Village Klub
Project Description:

The Urban Village’s “Village Klub” was launched in the Fall of 2022. In listening to our community, we heard young people advocating for culturally relevant physical space and culturally specific support that would enhance their ability to learn, collaborate and ultimately complete school work. We are finding that after COVID-19, the reality of educational barriers for Karen and Karenni refugee youth only intensified. Youth also shared that after spending nearly 2 years in a reality where home was also school, fatigue of at home learning exists. Ultimately, students want a space, separate from home and school, where they can embrace their cultural identity, receive school support in their language and be mentored by a college going member of their community.

The “Village Klub” was created to try and meet the needs of these requests from our young people. Our space is designed to reflect Karen and Karenni culture which can be seen by the murals, art pieces, clothing, literature, music and atmosphere of our building. Tuesday evenings consist of homework help and post secondary planning support. We have tutors from various colleges in the community as well as volunteers from the Karen and Karenni communities who help youth with their school work. They also support students applying to college, completing FAFSA, scholarships and job applications. Thursday nights are committed to youth exploring their cultural identity while collaborating with others. Games are played, activities and conversations occur that focus on the cultural and historical identities of the Karen and Karenni people. The night wraps up with a culturally relevant meal that is prepared by elders in the community. We currently serve 40+ youth each week and are continuing to fundraise for program costs, FTE costs for a program coordinator and money for field trips and activities.

Total Project Budget: 50,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): McNeely Foundation (Committed, $20,000) Imagine Learning Foundation (Potential, $20,000)

Project Duration: 9 months
Geographical Area Served: Ramsey County
Age Group To Be Served: 13-20 years old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms
Contact First Name: Carly
Contact Last Name: Miller
Contact Title: Special Projects Manager
Contact Phone: 6125188809
Contact Email: urbanvillage.cm@gmail.com