This past Saturday marked the culmination of a four-week academy in which families learned more about services that the Minneapolis Police Department offers.

Participants had the opportunity to hear directly from the Chief of Police and his commitment to the community.

These interactions help foster closeness with the local law enforcement and we are excited to host events like this that help build up community and trust.

Taking Time to Dream

For many parents, taking time to think about personal goals and dreams feels like a luxury. Juggling multiple jobs or inconsistent shift work, family demands, kids’ schedules or a seemingly endless list of challenges quickly crowd out the time (or energy) to dream about the future. It’s hard to plan for tomorrow when today is so demanding.

That is why our Siempre Padres program recently gave parents the space to do just that. With guidance from a mental health specialist, families took time to reflect on what matters most in 2025. They created mission boards to plan goals for different areas of life, including personal growth, health, spirituality, finances, relationships, and emotions. This process helped turn big dreams into clear goals.

For many, this was more than just an activity. It was a chance to pause, think about their future, and set goals that often get pushed aside. Some parents focused on financial stability, while others wanted to build stronger family relationships or take better care of their well-being.

It was inspiring to see the dreams that surfaced once our families had the time, space, and support to help these goals come to life. Here’s to a brighter future and a great new year.

Schools are the heart of our community, and central to our work at Urban Ventures. The MPS School Board makes decisions that shape the future of our children and our city.

If you live in Minneapolis, we hope you’ll take time to learn about the candidates, their plans, and see how they’ll support our students. Check out the 2024 MPS School Board Voter Guide to learn more.

This week, Urban Ventures hosted our smallest but mightiest graduation—celebrating the preschoolers from the Cornwell Early Learning Center (CELC) who are ready to embark on their kindergarten journey next week.

“We are so grateful to families for sharing their children with us and entrusting us with their physical and educational development,” shared Diana Amortegui, co-director of the center, “We love them all and we will miss them.”

Each of these young learners has been preparing for this moment since they first stepped into the CELC. Educators and staff closely monitor their progress, tracking key milestones to ensure that every child begins their school career ready to succeed.

Preparing for kindergarten is a multifaceted process. At the CELC, we design experiences that nurture social-emotional growth, helping students learn to collaborate and communicate effectively. We also focus on academic readiness, providing a strong foundation for future lessons, and we identify any accommodations needed to support each child’s unique learning path. “Our goal,” Diana explains, “is that the schools in our community are excited to have our students.”

Every child graduating from our center is fully prepared for kindergarten. We are incredibly proud of these young students and their families and believe their futures are bright with promise.

Did you Know Urban Ventures’ offers paid internships to college students each summer?

The Urban Ventures internship program offers an on-the-job experience for interns to apply their skills, majors, and interests in meaningful ways in our community.

By integrating into our various programs, these young leaders develop practical skills and professional confidence. Their fresh perspectives and enthusiasm are valuable in enhancing our services and outreach efforts, directly impacting the lives of those we serve.

We’d love to introduce the great team of interns that have been serving our neighborhood this summer. Below, you’ll find bios written by each of our interns, offering a glimpse into their backgrounds, interests, and their positions.

MAREN BEATY - Academic Support Intern 

Who are you and where do you go to school?

“My name is Maren Beaty, I go to Bethel University, Majors: Elementary Education and Spanish.”

What is your intern role?

“I am the Academic Support Intern, so I will be involved with Summer Ventures, helping plan and organize many different things. I will also be working with students and providing support in classrooms.”

Why Urban Ventures?

“I chose to intern with UV because it was the perfect place for me to get experience with both of my majors. I have also volunteered for the after-school program in the Fall of 2022, and that was so much fun that I wanted more!”

What was your first impression of Urban Ventures and what are your goals?

“My first impression of Urban Ventures is that I am impressed! UV does so much for the community and I am excited to join them in serving. My goals with this internship are to expand my ability to relate to and connect with people that come from different backgrounds. My future career goals include becoming a teacher and using Spanish in some capacity, I’m just not sure exactly how yet.”

Outside of work, what do you like to do for fun?

“For fun, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, being outside, baking, and listening to music. I also love to travel, and I spent the spring in Spain studying abroad and traveling around Europe. Some fun facts about me are that I love dogs, I love sweet treats, and I can clap with one hand! My favorite movie would have to be Tangled.” 

SOPHIE CLAUSEN - Enrichment Intern 

Who are you and where do you go to school?

“I’m Sophie Clausen, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, English Major and Art Minor.”

What is your intern role?

“Enrichment Intern. Currently working on preparing activities and materials for Summer Ventures/when the kids come to program. Once the kids come, I will be working on enrichment activities with them (art, music, sports, etc.), as well as planning, preparing, and organizing.”

Why Urban Ventures?

“I wanted to work in a nonprofit this summer because I had previously interned at one last summer and loved it. I would love to work in the field of nonprofits in the future and I connected with the Urban Ventures mission.”

What was your first impression of Urban Ventures and what are your goals?

“Everyone here is so kind. Genuine kindness and compassion as well as always being readily available to help or listen! Everyone that works here is a wonderful person and so coming into work warms my heart. I would like to see more about how a nonprofit works as well as learning about working with children and education. I will be graduating soon so getting work experience and being in the field are all great experiences for me!”

Outside of work, what do you like to do for fun?

“I love anything to do with art, particularly music! I play bass in a band so I love jamming and making bass riffs and playing with my bandmates (or anyone really). I also love reading, writing, drawing, listening to music, and swimming! My favorite experience so far is getting to know who I work with and my teammates! I love talking with them and seeing their awesome personalities!! My favorite book is Annihilation!”

LIVIA WOOLDRIDGE - Farm Intern 

Who are you and where do you go to school?

“Hello, my name is Livia and I am a summer intern on Urban Ventures’ Farm! I go to the University of Minnesota where I’m studying Plant Science with interests in horticulture and sustainable agriculture.”

What is your intern role?

“So far on the farm, we have spent time tending to our plants, leading field trips, and harvesting our early season crops.”

Why Urban Ventures?

“When I was looking for a summer internship, UV’s farm caught my eye because of its location in and near the city and the large number of people it supports and serves.”

What was your first impression of Urban Ventures and what are your goals?

“After my first few weeks as an intern, I’ve really seen the outreach UV does from an inside perspective, especially with the field trips and interacting with youth in the community. Combining my love of plants, the outdoors, and connecting with others has made my experience so far very special. My favorite moments so far have been connecting with the kids who visit the farm. I am so inspired by their curiosity, silliness, and joy! After the internship, I plan to finish my degree and pursue a career that supports my values relating to plants, nature, and community. Being an urban farm manager is my dream, and this opportunity is preparing me to reach that goal.”

Outside of work, what do you like to do for fun?

In my free time, I love to camp, hike, swim, read, and make art!

RILEY CHRISTENSEN - Farm Intern 

Who are you and where do you go to school?

“I’m Riley Christensen, University of St. Thomas 24’ B.S. in Environmental Science.”

What is your intern role?

“As a Farm Intern here at Urban Ventures, I work on daily gardening tasks such as watering, preparing beds, planting, weeding, and mulching as well as leading field trips on the farm with students from local schools. I also assist community members in picking out fruits and veggies at our summer farm stand”.

Why Urban Ventures?

“I chose to intern at UV because of the intersection between environment and community. Growing sustainable foods in an urban setting provides us with a unique opportunity to get people involved and learn about where their food comes from.”

What was your first impression of Urban Ventures and what are your goals?

“My first impression of UV and the farm program is that families and community members are excited and grateful for what we are doing, making our work feel rewarding and important. Seeing families come through the farm stand eager to get fresh produce and share recipes with each other has been a special thing to experience. During my internship I hope to gain experience in teaching children about plants and gardening as well as gain knowledge in how farms and gardens are designed and managed responsibly. I hope to continue my career in sustainable agriculture by making connections at UV and with our community partners. Since starting my internship at UV, I have also been expanding my cooking skills as a way to better connect with the foods that we grow. My favorite experience so far has been getting to know the chickens, particularly feeding and holding them in front of groups of young students that come to the farm. Growing up in the cities I did not get to see what day to day farm tasks look like, so it is exciting to me that children in the UV community are able to get this experience.”

Outside of work, what do you like to do for fun, and a fun fact?

“Some of my favorite things to do in my free time include biking and playing guitar. My favorite TV show that I’ve watched recently is The Bear.”

HANA ALANAZI - Farm Intern

Who are you and where do you go to school?

“My name is Hana Alanazi. I am a St Thomas university graduate. I have a bachelor’s degree in Public Health and a minor in Data Analysis.”

What is your intern role?  

“As a Farm Intern at Urban Ventures, my role involves a mix of farm work, youth engagement, and community interaction. I am responsible for planting, cultivating, and harvesting vegetables at our 5-acre farm in Lakeville. Additionally, I facilitate garden-based field trips for K-8 grade students and organize events for families at our 1-acre garden in Minneapolis.”

Why Urban Ventures?

“I chose to intern with Urban Ventures because of its strong commitment to community health and education. As a Public Health graduate with a minor in Data Analysis, I was particularly drawn to the opportunity to apply my knowledge in a practical setting that directly impacts under-resourced neighborhoods. The Urban Ventures Farm and Nutrition Program aligns perfectly with my passion for promoting healthy living and my desire to work with diverse communities.”

What was your first impression of Urban Ventures and what are your goals?

“My first impressions of Urban Ventures have been positive. Right from the start, I felt welcomed and supported by the team. The organization’s dedication to educating children and building a healthy community is evident in everything they do. The hands-on work in the garden and on the farm has been incredibly fulfilling. It’s amazing to see how our efforts directly benefit the community. Working with the kids and families has been a highlight for me. Seeing their excitement during garden-based field trips and events is inspiring. I’m grateful to be part of such a meaningful mission. During my internship, my primary goal is to create a meaningful impact within the communities we serve. I am eager to deepen my understanding of sustainable agriculture and to inspire children during field trips about healthier eating and sustainable practices. By being a positive role model, I hope to demonstrate potential career paths in agriculture that they might not have considered before. Looking ahead, my career aspirations are rooted in understanding community needs deeply and developing evidence-based programs that enhance people’s lives positively. Drawing from my background in public health, I aim to contribute to initiatives that address health disparities and promote holistic well-being.”

Outside of work, what do you like to do for fun, and a fun fact?

“I enjoy painting and playing pickleball, which provides an active outlet. I love traveling and have had the opportunity to visit nine different countries, broadening my appreciation for diverse cultures. One of my favorite experiences so far has been seeing the excitement on kids’ faces during our garden-based field trips. One fun fact is that in 2022 alone, I was on 22 flights, traveling to various destinations.” 

ABBY LARSON - Farm Intern 

Who are you and where do you go to school?

“My name is Abby Larson. I am currently a student at St. Thomas studying biology.”

What is your intern role?  

“At Urban Ventures I am working as a Farm Intern. So far, we have been learning a lot about the farm’s operations which have included harvesting lettuce, planting cucumbers, hosting field trips, and hanging out with the chickens.”

Why Urban Ventures?

“I chose to intern with Urban Ventures because the farm program intersects many of my interests such as agriculture, nutrition, and education. This internship also provides a great opportunity for me to get to know and serve my community.”

What was your first impression of Urban Ventures and what are your goals?

“My first impressions have left me in amazement at the vast programming UV offers and the care the staff has for one another. The environment of UV and the people in the community have been incredibly welcoming and great to be with. I am very excited to continue learning and cultivating on the farm! From this internship, I hope to gain knowledge in small farm practices and confidence in my ability to grow fruits and veggies! I also hope to gain skills in bringing the farm experience to those in our city. As far as career goals, I hope to one day teach science.”

Outside of work, what do you like to do for fun, and a fun fact?

“In my free time, I enjoy cooking new recipes, reading, and spending time at the lake fishing and paddle boarding. I have recently taken an interest in making coffee! My favorite drink is a decaf maple latte.”

NISSA ALI - Marketing & Communications Intern 

Who are you and where do you go to school?

“Hi, my name is Nissa Ali. I am a rising junior at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. I am majoring in Strategic Communications with a concentration in advertising and public relations”

What is your intern role?  

“I am the Marketing and Communications intern at Urban Ventures. I work with the advancement team to help enhance our social media presence and assist in developing communication strategies to reach the amazing Urban Ventures community!”

Why Urban Ventures?

“I chose to intern with UV because I am passionate about learning more and expanding my knowledge on communication and marketing.”

What was your first impression of Urban Ventures and what are your goals?

“My first impression of Urban Ventures was so positive! The whole team is so welcoming and supportive, and the work environment is dynamic and inspiring. I feel privileged to contribute to such meaningful projects. My goals for this internship are to hone my skills and develop more skills in marketing and communication. Even though that sounds broad, I’m still learning and I have so much love for strategic communication and community engagement, and this internship combines both of them!”

Outside of work, what do you like to do for fun, and a fun fact?

“Outside of work I enjoy exploring new coffee shops, traditional dancing, and practicing my drawing skills! A fun fact about me is I have three beautiful cats, two are twins named Zola and Zora and their new sister Banu. My favorite movies of all time are the Spiderman Marvel movies, specifically Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse.” 

GISSELL MARTINEZ - Youth Mentoring Intern 

Who are you and where do you go to school?

“Hello! I’m Gissell Arevalo Martinez. Alumni of Concordia College in Moorhead and studied Psychology at Concordia.”

What is your intern role?  

I’m the Youth Mentoring Intern. Currently in Summer Ventures working with high schoolers and teaching them the Peak Performance course. The work involves making bonds with youth and finding ways to support them emotionally and spiritually.

Why Urban Ventures?

“I joined Urban Ventures because Urban Ventures is home, it’s family.”

What was your first impression of Urban Ventures and what are your goals?

“My first impressions of Urban Ventures are that I had a brief knowledge of Urban Ventures growing up. I knew it helped multiple communities and my parents. I love youth work. It is hard work and very much needed. It is super fun! One of my goals is long lasting relationships. I hope to gain more fun new experiences with others alongside. I hope to continue to work with communities.”

Outside of work, what do you like to do for fun, and a fun fact?

“I love to dance. I often say that I came out dancing in the womb. I taught Zumba for some time, and still love it when I get a chance. I love arts and crafts. I love starting a new craft. Something fun I did was hiking for the first time just this past Friday!”

Thank you for supporting our internship program and the bright young individuals who are helping to drive our mission forward.  Consider donating to support programs like this! Click this link: https://urbanventures.org/donate

Dear Urban Ventures community,

I am delighted to share some exciting news with you! After an extensive search, we are pleased to welcome Erica Schimelpfenig as our new Vice President of Programming.

Erica brings a wealth of experience, a passion for our mission, and excellent alignment with our vision.

With over 20 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector—including over 7 years as the President of YouthWorks, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit organization that provides middle school and high school students with opportunities for domestic and international short-term missions trips —she has demonstrated exceptional effectiveness and a deep commitment to empowering communities. Her strategic approach and compassionate spirit make her a perfect fit for our team.

As the Vice President of Programming, Erica will be the key executive leader responsible for driving the implementation of our strategy across Urban Ventures’ cradle-to-career spectrum of programs. Her robust experience and fresh perspective will be instrumental in advancing our mission. Her expertise will be invaluable as we continue to expand our programs and support even more of our neighbors in Urban Ventures’ service area.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Erica Schimelpfenig. We eagerly look forward to her joining our team in early October. Thank you for your ongoing support and belief in our mission.

With hope and excitement,

Dave Hawn
President & CEO, Urban Ventures

Four (more) stars for Urban Ventures’ early learning center

Urban Ventures is thrilled to announce that the Cornwell Early Learning Center has once again earned a four-star rating from Parent Aware, Minnesota’s official system for measuring the quality of child care. Achieving this highest possible rating is a monumental feat, but retaining it is even more challenging, requiring rigorous standards and dedication from our entire team.  

A Commitment to Excellence  

Earning and retaining a four-star rating is no easy task. It requires utilizing high-quality curriculum and assessment tools, ensuring our staff completes over 50 hours of professional development, and meeting the needs of our families through high-quality care practices, nutrition, and access to community resources. These efforts ensure that our center is not just a place for children to stay but a nurturing environment where they can thrive and grow. 

The Heart of Our Work 

Our work at CELC is driven by a deep commitment to the children and families we serve. Consider the story of one of our families who recently faced unimaginable hardship. After the traumatic loss of the mother due to gun violence, the father navigated his grief while ensuring the child continued to receive love, care, and education. With the support of CELC, this family found a stable and comforting environment for their child amidst their challenging circumstances. Their perseverance and determination exemplify why maintaining our high standards is so crucial. We are here to support the whole family, providing resources and a safe space to heal and grow. 

We also have the privilege of supporting many families who have recently arrived in the country. These parents, facing numerous challenges as they secure resources for their family, show incredible strength and dedication. While they work tirelessly to build a new life, CELC offers a structured and safe place for their children, enriching their development by partnering with other Urban Ventures programs like Music or Athletics. 

Why It Matters 

Maintaining our four-star rating directly impacts our ability to secure essential funding. Parent Aware ratings allow us access to higher Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) rates and Pathways funding reimbursements, which are crucial for our operations. Additionally, this rating enables us to secure grant dollars that can be used to enhance areas identified in our professional development plans. 

We are incredibly proud of our accomplishments and the difference we make in the lives of children and families. But we cannot do this alone. We need your support to continue providing high-quality care and education. Please consider donating to Urban Ventures, to help us maintain our four-star standards and expand our programs. Your generosity will ensure that more children can experience the safe, nurturing, and enriching environment that CELC offers. 

Together, we can continue to make a significant impact in our community, one child at a time. Join us in celebrating this achievement and supporting our mission for a brighter future for all our children.