April 2008 Charity

Urban Ventures Leadership Foundation opened in 1993 as a faith-based, nonprofit, community development organization dedicated to serving the communities in South Minneapolis.  This is an organization that is making an immediate daily difference in the lives of at-risk youths in Minneapolis.

The mission of Urban Ventures is to build successful community within the city by:

• Developing youth leadership through sports and recreation programs as well as enhancing opportunities for academic success and job-skills training through technology and mentoring programs.
• Strengthening families by connecting individuals within the community to meet basic human needs of others; providing education and training to fathers giving them the skills and resources to be effective dads; reaching the Latino community.
• Creating meaningful work opportunities by recruiting, starting and growing businesses within the community's Opportunity Zone; developing and encouraging local ownership of business; involving community members in the business process and management; and supporting existing businesses within the Opportunity Zone.

Kerry Givens is their talented and energetic VP of Development.  You can reach him at kerrygivens@urbanventures.org . 

And you can see Urban Ventures in action at Cristo Rey high school and the Colin Powell Center - or visit their website: http://www.urbanventures.org .