Why We Give: Brandi Powell on Urban Ventures

Urban Ventures has had to make a lot of changes amid the pandemic, but one thing has stayed the same: its commitment to the community.

KSTP Reporter and Anchor Brandi Powell said she and her husband have volunteered in its weekly youth programming. Brandi has also emceed many of its programming and events. She talked to one family who says their lives have changed because of Urban Ventures.

Maria Gonzalez is a Minneapolis mother who participates in Urban Ventures.

"This place gave us the comfort of knowing we are here for you guys, anything you guys need, let us know. We are going to be there, we are going to help you," Gonzalez said.

Urban Ventures has been some of the glue that has strengthened Gonzalez and her 9-year-old daughter, Lupita Lazo. They started participating in programming three years ago and it stuck.

Gonzalez said, "It made a difference in our entire, entire environment."

Urban Ventures’ mission is to educate kids, strengthen their families and build a healthy community.

Why We Give

"It’s just been amazing for us," Gonzalez explained.

The organization works with dozens of community partners to address opportunity gaps in academics, nutrition, physical activity and parenting resources.

"Knowing that this hard time is going on, everything we are going through, there’s a place, that I can go to and feel, OK, there’s a lot going on but we have this support, you know, we can get through this," Gonzalez said.

Urban Ventures wants to break the cycle of poverty and prepare and send every child in its neighborhood to college or to get a post-secondary education.

"I like to do many things. I like to read and do math," Lazo, a third-grader, said.

Now, during the pandemic, Lazo has virtual classes. Twice a week, she can come to Urban Ventures for mentorship and tutoring.

"Sometimes we ask them for help when we need help on the homework," Lazo said.

While not in-person, adult programming is still happening, online.

Gonzalez said, "It has been really amazing, and I’m really grateful for that."

What sets Urban Ventures apart is that it’s holistic: growing the mind, body and heart.

"Besides building a strong relationship with my kids, also with my husband, in our family, just to be able to understand each other more," Gonzalez said.

It offers a cradle-to-career pipeline of support for children and their families.

Powell also said she’s been fortunate to see its success first-hand, getting to know kids and their parents, and continues to learn how families are becoming more and more empowered.