OUR WORK

At Saint Paul Promise Neighborhood, we understand that family conditions affect child development as much as a child’s direct experiences do. We build family well-being by intentionally and simultaneously working with children and the adults in their lives together. This approach recognizes that families come in all different shapes and sizes, and that families define themselves. By supporting children and the generations that raise them, we are more successful. Toward reaching said success, Saint Paul Promise Neighborhood intently focuses on 3 cornerstones of life to deeply dive into: Community Engagement & Wellbeing,  Education Initiatives, and Advocacy and Civic Engagement.

Education is an equalizer. Saint Paul Promise Neighborhood partners with school communities on K-12 experience, extended learning opportunities, and family wrap around support. The schools that we work alongside are: Benjamin E. Mays IB World School, Maxfield Elementary, and Saint Paul City School!

EDUCATION INITIATIVES

  • Children begin learning from the moment that they are born and parents are their first teachers. Thrive by Five, which launched in Spring/Summer 2023, leans into these beliefs and houses our efforts to help both parents and their youngest learners be Kindergarten ready. We seek to help further establish a strong learning culture in the home through 1:1 coaching, home visits, empowered messaging, support vetting education options and resources, and access to enriching programs for children. With these resources, families and their little ones can thrive throughout their academic adventures!

  • Education is an equalizer. Saint Paul Promise Neighborhood partners with school communities on K-12 experience, extended learning opportunities, and family wrap around support. The schools that we work alongside are: Benjamin E. Mays IB World School, Maxfield Elementary, and Saint Paul City School!

  • Learn, Liberate, Thrive! This is the SPPN way. We believe that learning happens best when it is supported both in and out of the classroom. we work to bring that to fruition through partnering with a variety of organizations toward making accessible and exciting learning opportunities available. From arts and sciences to community building, academic success and positive outcomes are made possible. Through our citywide collaborations, we’ve helped serve over 700 students each year to strengthen their skill sets along the journey from cradle to career.

  • Our Family Success Coaches, who can be found in our partner schools and around the community, are on the side of families as they journey on pathways in life and education. Influencers of the positive belief in change, our Family Success Coaches are true partners who help families activate their solution building skills, support their achievement of goals, assist with navigating community resources and building strong relationships with their school communities. Alongside our Family Success Coaches students and their families are inspired toward continued, forward movement.

PROJECT BOLD

When core life needs are met, education can remain a top priority for students and their families. Toward ensuring that families are surrounded by sustainable support and can have their ability to succeed amplified, we have Project BOLD. Through this wrap-around program, our students and families have trusted partners that they can rely on who can help them navigate choices, decisions, resources, and goals. Our Family Success Coaches help connect students and their families to programs within Saint Paul Promise Neighborhood and the greater city that put them on the path to create, implement, and achieve their cradle to career pursuits. Project BOLD’s values considers the whole family and emphasizes a tailored-made life over ‘one size fits all’.  Lifelong learning and the beautiful brilliance of our families shines bright through Project BOLD. 

IN THE LAST YEAR ALONE, WE’VE PROVIDED WRAPAROUND SERVICES FOR 200 FAMILIES AND COUNTING!

Financial literacy is a pillar of life that helps families feel safe and whole. The People’s Fellowship (TPF) supports African American families on a journey to build wealth for themselves, their families, and their community. Participants of the program are guided by the Nguzo Saba Principles of Self-Determination (Kujichagulia) and Cooperative Economics (Ujamaa). Throughout the five-month program, family members learn how to boost income, while being set on the pathway to building wealth and assets for the future with culture at the center. Here’s a look at what our two fellowship cohorts in 2021 were able to achieve!

THE PEOPLE’S FELLOWSHIP

97%

individuals established or built a financial cushion in the form of financial saving

64%

individuals established or improved their credit scores

72%

individuals received and completed financial coaching that helps them establish plans for the future

The People’s Fellowship has provided more than

$50k

to Fellows in asset money

We distributed

$50k

in emergency funds to make sure our alumni were able to use resources for the rent, utilities, vehicle assistance, and more

The People’s Fellowship has provided more than

$25k

in college savings accounts for children

what you can expect FROM THE PEOPLE’S FELLOWSHIP cohort:

✦ During the five-month experience, fellows learn how to boost income while being set on a pathway to build wealth and assets with culture at the center. Fellows have autonomy over assets earned while enrolled in TPF.

✦ TPF works with partner organizations to provide wraparound support and a two-generational approach to improve fellow’s financial well-being.

✦ TPF requires that fellows are African American, live in Ramsey County and/or attend an SPPN school, and be enrolled in MFIP/DWP.

✦ To learn more about the next People’s Fellowship cohort, please complete a Family Interest form