May 2023

Congratulations Class of 2023!

Banyan’s ASPIRE youth have made next steps decisions as they wrap up their high school careers. With many factors to consider, it’s no easy decision. Everyone at Banyan Community is so incredible proud of your accomplishments! We’re happy to celebrate alongside you and look forward to continuing the journey with you through our Scholars program.

Celebrating 25 Years at the Banyan Dinner

We were delighted to celebrate our 25th anniversary at this year’s annual Banyan Dinner! Donors and partners joined parents, youth, neighbors, and staff in commemorating this important community milestone.

The Banyan Dinner showcased a delicious progressive dinner throughout the building. Guests explored rooms and enjoyed organic conversations with staff, youth, and other guests. The evening concluded with a presentation in the gym by two speakers: Carl Schlueter, Banyan Executive Director, and Diamond Jackson, Banyan Alum and current Secondary Program Manager.

This twenty-five-year milestone is a testament to Banyan’s commitment to provide quality programming focused on supporting youth in our community.

Families invest in building a hopeful vision for the future. Banyan youth graduate from high school and pursue secondary education. Community members come together to make the neighborhood a better place to live. We are grateful for everyone who has been part of the still-unfolding Banyan story and for all those who have supported us along the way.

Thank you for celebrating this very special occasion with us!

Donate to Support Banyan’s next twenty-five years!

a group of women sitting around a table for parenting class in a classroom

Upping Our Parenting Game

“I know it’s important to be a good parent, but this class helped me learn to be a better parent.” stated an attending parent.

Banyan offered a seven-week class in partnership with the University of Minnesota Extension Family Development Center. Fifteen parents, and one grandparent, were empowered with tools to support their children.

Adding Community Green Space

Banyan Community has received a $45,000 grant from Hennepin County to pursue development of a vacant lot just 100 feet down the alley from the Banyan playground. There are many potential uses of the empty lot. It has the potential to serve the neighborhood and provide a site for outdoor Banyan programming.

We are excited to see this blank canvas turn into something flourishing, sustaining, and life-giving!

Staffing Change

Banyan Community will be resuming its search for a permanent Development & Marketing Director following the departure of Janet Berg. We will be engaging a search firm in this process to ensure we find a candidate willing to commit to supporting our growth and contributing to our culture, and with whom our mission, vision, and values resonate.

In the meantime, we have a good team in place to keep the work moving forward! Our Executive Director, Carl Schlueter, has been working closely with our grant writer as well as our Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Kristi Johnson, and our newly-promoted Development Officer, Ryan Garmoe, who recently completed his graduate program in Arts & Cultural Leadership.

School’s Cool Funding

In partnership with St. Bart’s, you can help make sure Banyan youth are ready for the 2023-24 school year with backpacks, supplies, and uniforms! Click the button to donate!

Fill a Backpack

NEIGHBORHOOD ROOTS. TRANSFORMED LIVES.

Banyan Community is rooted in the Phillips neighborhood to transform lives by developing youth, strengthening families, and creating community.

CONTACT

BANYAN COMMUNITY

2529 13th Ave South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Email Us »
612.722.8512
www.banyancommunity.org