A Message from Hennepin’s United Women in Faith
Thanks to the generosity of the Balch family, the United Women in Faith at HAUMC has been able to award a grant of $1,000 to each of the following organizations. This wide swath of nonprofit organizations provides specialized services to women, children, and families. These small grants represent our vote of support for what they do.
The Bridge for Youth – Their Marlene’s Place (transitional living) and Gloria’s Place (emergency shelter) programs directly benefit pregnant and parenting minors and their young children who are currently or at risk of becoming homeless.

The Lift Garage – Helps low income families and individuals in the Twin Cities access affordable car repairs. Over 75% of their clients are women, often single parents. Having a working car can be essential to getting children to child care, obtaining and maintaining a job, and preserving household stability.

American Indian OIC’s Youth Employment Services (YES) Program- Provides education and career path opportunities to BIPOC youth ages 14-24 who are struggling with graduating from high school and preparing for the work world. The grant will be used to buy a Cricut cutting machine for design students to use on t-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, stickers, etc. for many years to come.

Simpson Housing Services My Time Project – Special programs for 60 families who are the most vulnerable and have the highest barriers to housing stability, including disabilities, long term homelessness, domestic violence, and intergenerational poverty. They partner with the Hennepin County Coordinated Entry System.

Cornerstone Emergency Services – Serves adults and families in imminent danger as a result of domestic violence, sexual violence, and/or human trafficking. Because their shelters are often full, they need funding for hotel rooms. Costs are increasing, even with negotiated rates.

Emma Norton Services – Provides permanent supportive housing for women and families who were formerly homeless and are challenged by mental illness, substance use, both, and/or disability. The grant will be used to purchase items for Emma’s Store, where residents develop and practice financial literacy skills.

Avenues for Youth – Supports youth ages 16-24 who are experiencing homelessness or other unstable housing situations. Their Young Families program connects small families with rent subsidized apartments while they receive support with education, job training, parenting classes, healthy eating programs, and financial management. The Balch grant will be used to buy furniture for the apartments.

Wildflyer Coffee – A social enterprise dedicated to supporting youth experiencing homelessness by providing employment opportunities coupled with skill building programs. The Balch grant will go towards the renovation of the Minneapolis cafe.

Open Arms of MN – A nonprofit organization that serves free medically tailored meals to individuals suffering from HIV/Aids, Cancer, MS, ALS, COPD, End Stage Renal Disease, and Congestive Heart Failure. The Balch grant will go towards their special Thanksgiving meal for each of their clients and their families.

Southern Valley Alliance – The only domestic abuse agency serving all of Scott and Carver counties. All services are culturally specific, trauma informed, and responsive to each client’s specific needs. The Balch grant will be used for client emergency assistance – transportation costs, emergency cell phones, and toiletry items.

OC Ministries of the Minnesota Conference of the United Methodist Church – Lunches at the Richard Ormsby Elementary and Secondary School in Baiwalla, Sierra Leone.
