Find the latest news releases, speeches, publications, and media contacts.

Highlights

June, 2007
Colin Powell Youth Leadership Center Opening Fall 2007
This fall, the city of Minneapolis will welcome a facility that will be a key in the revitalization of two of the city’s most impoverished neighborhoods. On October 4, Urban Ventures will officially mark the grand opening of the Colin Powell Youth Leadership Center. The building, which is a physical manifestation of hope for the city’s future, will serve at least 25,000 youth annually through seven different educational, career and character-building programs. General Powell will join local community leaders on Oct. 4 to open the doors to this world-class facility.

June, 2007
CityKid Java Featured in Town & Country Magazine
CityKid Java sprang forth as a creative business venture to help Urban Ventures’ social programs become more self-sustaining. CityKid Java sells local, roasted-to order coffee from 100% Arabican beans purchased at fair trade prices or higher. Every dollar earned by CityKid Java goes to proven curricula that support disadvantaged children in the Twin Cities. CityKid Java fuels mentoring and educational programs, athletic teams, camps and youth leadership experiences. Each year more than 1,500 inner-city kids get connected to the role models, mentors and life skills they need to succeed – thanks in part to CityKid Java. To learn more about CityKid Java or to order its products, visit www.citykidjava.com.

Media Inquiries (Press Only)
Phone: (612) 638-1001
Email: media@urbanventures.org

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Background
In 1993, South Minneapolis residents breathed a sigh of relief when Urban Ventures moved into the neighborhood. Located on Fourth Avenue and Lake Street, Urban Ventures opened its doors to the least, the last and the lost of “crack alley,” an area of south Minneapolis overrun with drugs, violence and an active pornography industry. Formerly an economic stronghold of Minneapolis brimming with prosperous businesses and hopeful youth, the neighborhood had slowly become unraveled. Residents were no longer living, they we simply surviving. With a mission to “build successful community in the city,” Urban Ventures set out to begin reweaving the neighborhood to once again become healthy, sustainable and safe.

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