Minneapolis

Chanda Smith Baker accepts the award on behalf of Pillsbury United Communities
High-resolution image

The Minneapolis Division honors Pillsbury United Communities for its work serving the diverse populations in Minneapolis.

Pillsbury United Communities reaches more than 50,000 people each year through community programs and enterprises focusing on education, youth and family, wellness and nutrition, employment and training, and asset creation. Those who benefit from Pillsbury United Communities’ neighborhood centers, professional theater, and programs include low-income African-American, East African, Latino, and Native American communities.

Pillsbury United Communities’ youth and family programs focus on competence, confidence, character, connections, commitment, and contribution. These programs at the agency’s five neighborhood centers are as diverse as the centers themselves. They include afterschool and summer programs, teen centers, entrepreneurship programs for on-the-job learning, immigrant women’s advocacy, summer art camp, community engagement for older adults, service learning projects, youth gardening, teaching performance and spoken word poetry skills, and intergenerational mentoring.

The agency continues to grow and offer more services. This year, Pillsbury United Communities celebrates 135 years of service to Minneapolis and its residents.