HWC Newsletter

New! Keyboard shortcuts … Drive keyboard shortcuts have been updated to give you first-letters navigation Higher Works Collaborative - Aug 2024
Higher Works Collaborative - Aug 2024  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 
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"Wow, this is a great event!" Juneteenth Celebration 2024

Vendors from across the state were on hand

Local institutions, organizations, and government agencies were on hand to provide information on a wide range of service offering as well as to show their support of the Black Community. We want to thank our sponsors who helped to make this all possible.

Honoring the Past, Present, and Future accomplishments of the African American community, St. Cloud celebrated its 28th Annual Juneteenth Celebration. Hundreds of people came out to partake of food, music, arts & crafts, dancing, speakers, and so much more.

Higher Ground CHurch Choir sings for Juneteenth

 

"Juneteenth has something for everyone!"

Debra Leigh recieves City of St. Cloud Legacy Award

 

Food Court at Juneteenth

 

Become a Collaborator.

Your support can make a world of difference. With a monthly donation of just $5, $10, or $25, you can ensure that we can continue this critical work.

For foundations and private, large donors, we would be more than happy to schedule a time to share more about our initiatives.

By joining forces, we can achieve great things and continue our mission to uplift and empower the Black community.

Together, let's create a future filled with opportunities and positive outcomes.

  Click here to donate .

When you support Higher Works Collaborative you are helping someone find a new home, educating new parents, starting new businesses, teaching someone a healthier lifestyle and so much more. We call you a collaborator because you are not just giving money, you are working with us to make a difference in the lives of the people of this community.

You ARE a very important part of the work.

Click here to Donate, or go to www.hwcmn.org/donate


Education: Back to School & Annual Hair Braiding Clinic

Well, it is that time again, and no matter if you are ready for it or not, it's back-to-school time. There are so many things to do, kids need new clothes and shoes; time schedules need to be adjusted; hair has to be done; supplies have to be purchased... It can be a lot and while there are a lot of resources out there, you may not be aware of the ones that can help you. Your community wants you and your children to thrive this school year. Higher Works Collaborative is one of those organizations that can help if you need it. We will be hosting our annual hair braiding clinic for children going into grade school or jr. high. We will provide the supplies, we just need you to schedule the time.

 

Register today at: https://www.hwcmn.org/register and we will contact you to get a time that works for you. Space and times are limited so you do not want to delay.

Hair Braiding Clinic

Sept 4th 9am-3pm

Other Organizations doing great work in the community.

Promise Neighborhood Summer Graduation and Resource Fair, August 17th, 12:00 pm -4:00 pm

  FAFSA 101 August 20-22 (with the United Way Central Minnesota )

Too Much Talent’s/Bratz Dance Team Dancing Dolls Master Class, August 23rd, 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Too Much Talent Back To School Event, August 24th, 1:00 pm -3:00 pm

SCTCC Annual Barbeque Event, September 4th, 3:00 pm -5:30 pm

  United Way ’s Annual Meeting, September 5th, 7:30 am – 9:00 am  

Brother’s and Sister’s United ’s Wholistic Health and Wellness Fair September 14th, 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm

  United Way Days of Caring, September 16-20  

Get Ready! Get Ready! Get Ready!

Black Parents play a Key role in closing the school achievement gap

The 2024/25 school year is almost here and do you know what the MOST important skill your child needs?? Reading, with it all the other skills are built and while there is a lot of talk about how to close the achievement gap and what we should prioritize, we should make sure that we know what role WE as a community can play. Reading opens doors to new ways to learn and new worlds of exploration, and it helps us to learn every single other skill we need. Check out this article for more information and let's support our children to have the best school year possible.  


๐Ÿ  Housing

Are you or a person you know having troubl

es with housing? There may be help for you. Click here to get a list of state and local resources to help those in the midst of a housing crisis. This information is brought to you by the Central Minnesota Housing Partnership, a local non-profit organization that focuses on housing and housing issues. There is an amazing amount of information out there for people in crisis as well as those that are looking into homeownership. This could be a great place to start and if you have questions or need help navigating, your friends at Higher Works Collaborative may be able to help. Call or Email us at info@hwcmn.org.

 

Spotlight: Rashad's House

Rashad Walker of St. Paul and oldest son our own 1st Lady Natoyia Alberts was a victim of depression and the struggles of a young black man trying to adjust to adulthood in a society that was not set up to see him succeed. Sadly, his life was claimed by suicide but his legacy still lives with us.

In 2020, Higher Works Collaborative purchased a 4-plex apartment building and doubed it Rashad's House, a place for young black men & others to live when traditional residency is hard to find. Since its opening, we have served over a dozen men and women helping them to achieve the next phase in life. Through programs such as Project Redirect (an employment program) and/or Homeless2Homeownership and many others. Visit hwcmn.or g under What We Do for more information.

Rashad's House is a HWC Program for young black men.

 


๐ŸšŒ Transportation: Electric vehicles... fully charged or DOA for black families.

Creating access by providing oppurtunity.

If you have not heard, electric vehicles (EVs) are all the rage. No gas is needed, zero emissions, and more and more of them are becoming available. There are many things to like about them but how accessible are they for the people and families that would get the most out of them? This article talks about the +/- of battery-operated vehicles for the black community.

For all the good that could come from charging your vehicle at home, there is one problem that is a big deal for our community... homeownership. Interesting how fast things can come all the way back around. Black homeownership rates are the lowest of any other group in the country and for Central Minnesota the view is even more bleak. If you have not already done so, check the St. Cloud Equity Dashboard report to see how things look for our metropolitan area. Lower homeownership rates have a direct affect on thet ability own a vehicle that you have to plug up to operate. How does that work for people living in rental properties? Couch Homeless?


Employment: Looking for a career path, help may be closer than you think.

At Higher Works Collaborative (HWC), we understand the importance of meaningful employment in uplifting and empowering our community. We are thrilled to share our latest job-related news, tips, and events with you.

Career Force can be that one-stop shop for all that you need to get moving in the right direction. They can help with:

Job Search

Resume Writing

Job Training

and more.

  Click here to find out more...

"Bridging Gaps, Building Futures: How St. Cloud is Leading the Way in Entrepreneurial Growth"

We are proud to be a part of a community of businesses and organizations that are building a better tomorrow today. We have a lot of partners in this work and this month we wanted to highlight two of them. The Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation and its Thrive program and the Initiative Foundation with its Enterprise Academy. These programs encourage participation and growth in our local marketplace through education and bridge-building for those seeking to be entrepreneurs. In the months to come we will tell you more about these programs...  

We are incredibly proud to be part of a vibrant and dedicated community of businesses and organizations that are passionately committed to building a better tomorrow, starting from today. Our mission is not just about the bottom line; it's about fostering a thriving ecosystem where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and contribute to societal progress. We are fortunate to collaborate with numerous partners who share this vision and are equally devoted to making a positive impact.
 
This month, we are particularly excited to shine a spotlight on two of our exceptional partners: the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation and its Thrive program, as well as the Initiative Foundation with its Enterprise Academy. Both of these organizations play a pivotal role in nurturing the spirit of entrepreneurship and economic development in our local community.
 
The Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation (GSDC) and its Thrive program are dedicated to fostering economic growth and innovation in the St. Cloud area. Through a variety of initiatives, they provide resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to aspiring entrepreneurs and established business owners alike. The Thrive program, in particular, focuses on creating a supportive environment where businesses can flourish through shared knowledge and collaboration. This program encourages local businesses to engage in continuous learning and growth, thereby strengthening the overall economic fabric of our community.
 
Similarly, the Initiative Foundation’s Enterprise Academy is a beacon of support for individuals looking to start and grow their own businesses. The Academy offers comprehensive training, resources, and financial assistance to help entrepreneurs turn their visions into reality. By focusing on education and skill-building, the Enterprise Academy empowers participants with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of the business world. This initiative not only helps individuals achieve their entrepreneurial dreams but also contributes to the diversification and enrichment of our local economy.
 
Both of these programs exemplify the power of education and community support in driving economic development and innovation. They are instrumental in bridging gaps, providing much-needed resources, and fostering a sense of unity and collaboration among local businesses. By encouraging participation and growth in the marketplace, they help create a more inclusive and dynamic economic landscape.
 
In the coming months, we are eager to share more about these remarkable programs and the incredible work they are doing. We will delve deeper into the stories of individuals and businesses that have benefited from these initiatives, showcasing the tangible impact they have had on our community. Stay tuned as we continue to highlight the transformative power of collaboration and shared vision in building a better tomorrow, today.

We are proud to be a part of a vibrant and dynamic community of businesses and organizations that are dedicated to building a better tomorrow, starting today. It is through our collective efforts that we can create a lasting impact, fostering innovation, growth, and inclusivity in our local economy. Our journey is made richer and more effective thanks to the collaboration with numerous partners who share our vision and commitment.
 
This month, we are excited to shine a spotlight on two of our esteemed partners who have been instrumental in driving positive change and development within our community: The Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation and the Initiative Foundation. Both organizations have established remarkable programs that are making significant strides in nurturing entrepreneurship and facilitating economic empowerment.
 
The Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation (GSDC) is a leading force in regional economic development. One of their standout initiatives is the Thrive program, which focuses on creating a robust ecosystem for businesses to flourish. Thrive is designed to provide comprehensive support to entrepreneurs at various stages of their business journey. Through a mix of mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities, Thrive helps budding and established entrepreneurs navigate challenges and leverage opportunities for growth. The program's emphasis on innovation and sustainability ensures that businesses are not only successful but are also contributing positively to the community.
 
Similarly, the Initiative Foundation plays a pivotal role with its Enterprise Academy. The Enterprise Academy is a transformative program that empowers individuals through education and skill-building. Aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs, the academy offers a curriculum that covers essential aspects of running a business, from financial literacy to marketing strategies. Participants gain invaluable insights and practical knowledge that equip them to launch and sustain successful ventures. By fostering an inclusive environment, the Enterprise Academy ensures that diverse voices and ideas are represented in the local marketplace.
 
Both the Thrive program and the Enterprise Academy are more than just educational platforms; they are bridge-builders that connect aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and networks they need to succeed. These programs embody the spirit of collaboration and community engagement, driving forward our collective mission to create an equitable and thriving economic landscape.
 
In the months to come, we look forward to sharing more detailed stories and successes from these programs. We will delve deeper into the personal journeys of participants, the innovative projects they are launching, and the broader impact these initiatives are having on our community. Stay tuned as we continue to highlight the incredible work being done and celebrate the achievements of those who are committed to making a difference. Together, we are building a brighter future for all.

We are extremely proud to be an integral part of a diverse community of businesses and organizations. This vibrant network is collectively focused on building a better tomorrow, starting today. Our collaborative efforts extend across various sectors and initiatives, all aimed at creating sustainable and inclusive growth.
 
In this important work, we are fortunate to have a multitude of partners who share our vision and commitment. This month, we are thrilled to highlight two exemplary partners who have made significant contributions to our shared goals.
 
The first is the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation and its innovative Thrive program. This organization is dedicated to fostering economic development and enhancing the quality of life in the St. Cloud area. The Thrive program, in particular, is designed to support local businesses and entrepreneurs through a combination of education, resources, and community engagement. By providing these vital tools, the program helps transform ideas into thriving enterprises, encouraging participation and growth in our local marketplace.
 
Equally noteworthy is the Initiative Foundation and its remarkable Enterprise Academy. This program is focused on empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed as entrepreneurs. Through comprehensive training and support, the Enterprise Academy bridges gaps for those eager to enter the world of business. It offers a unique blend of mentorship, practical workshops, and financial guidance, all aimed at fostering a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.
 
Both of these programs play an essential role in our community by nurturing the aspirations of budding entrepreneurs and facilitating their journey towards success. They embody the spirit of collaboration and innovation that is essential for our collective progress.
 
In the months to come, we look forward to sharing more in-depth stories and insights about these programs. We will explore how they operate, showcase their successes, and introduce you to some of the inspiring individuals who have benefited from their support. Stay tuned to learn more about how these initiatives are making a tangible difference in our community and helping to build a brighter future for all.


๐ŸŽHealth & Wellness

Racism takes a physical toll on Black Bodies

Heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, asthma, and others exist in higher levels in the Black Community than nearly every other group in the United States. Why? The award winning book, Black Bodies Black Health, reasearches investigate the relationship between racism and health and they find that there are many reasons of course: socio-economic reasons, geography, access to health care and other things but, there is a thread of information that is woven into every single statistic that at times people (including Black People) would like to ignore. That there is a cost to racism. Seen and unseen racism can effect the mental health a great deal, but there is also a physical toll that it can take that we should not sweep under the rug. In this article , there is conversation about the price of racsim on Black Bodies.

Good community support provides the enviroment for Good Health

 

We often times talk about the disparities and what things are wrong, but there are those that are working hard at doing the right things. Here is an example of that: The Black Health Iniative is a whole project looking to address health care disparties. Take a look!  

What IS being done to address health outcomes in black communities.

Did you know?

Black Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure, HIV, and sickle cell disease than non-Hispanic whites. They are also more likely to die from diabetes and COVID-19.

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Stop me if you have heard this before but did you know that a lot of the Black community does not trust the medicine and the doctors offered to them. Well, now there are numbers to back that up. 47% say health outcomes for Black people have gotten better over the past 20 years, while 31% say they’ve stayed about the same and 20% think they’ve gotten worse.

Black patients and their relationship to medicine has often times been stessed.

Stretch & Strengthen: Yoga at the YMCA

Start your Friday mornings with a refreshing, energizing yoga class at the YMCA. It's more than just exercise—it's a practice in mindfulness, stress reduction, and building strength and flexibility.

yoga class

Whether you're a seasoned yogi or completely new to the practice, you'll be welcomed into a supportive, inclusive environment where you can stretch and grow.


๐ŸŽจ Arts - St. Cloud Art Crawl

Get out and see the greatness that is going on.

Support Us! Support Us! Support Us!

Higher Works Collaborative
hwcmn.org | info@hwcmn.org
3333 W Division Street, Ste 209
St. Cloud MN, 56301

 

 

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