Inspiring Youth

We mentor and support 10- to 17-year-olds facing risk factors for violence.

Culturally-responsive mentoring. Community-based support.

We collaborate with Tubman to provide this early intervention program for 10- to 17-year-olds who are facing risk factors associated with violence. Participants meet with trained youth and family workers who provide:

  • One-to-one mentoring
  • Connections to culturally relevant community resources
  • Help with basic needs
  • Assistance with setting and achieving short-term and long-term goals
  • Legal support and related services

Learn about Tubman

people in classroom attending violence prevention training

Getting started

Youth are referred by schools and diversion partners. Young people and families can also reach out directly to Tubman about enrollment options.

Initial meeting

After receiving a referral or inquiry, a Youth and Family Worker sets up an initial meeting with the young person and their parent or guardian. The purpose of the meeting is to explore the young person's interests, strengths and challenges.

Participation in the program

Participation is voluntary.

You don't have to pay us anything.

You can stop participating at any time.

Reach out to Tubman

 

 

 

Setting and achieving goals

Those who choose to participate meet with their Youth and Family Worker at least once a week.

Together, they identify the young person's dreams and goals and create plans to achieve them.

The Youth and Family Worker becomes a pro-social adult with a regular presence in the young person's life.  Their services include:

  • Helping participants and their families navigate resources.
  • Nurturing and encouraging participation in:
    • School
    • Recreational activities
    • Career pathways or jobs
    • Leadership groups
  • Providing funds to cover fees for classes and programs like:
    • Driver's Education
    • Camps
    • Tutoring

 

 

Program impact

drops of water creating a ripple effect in a larger pool

 

 

Results after 12 months of participation 

Surveys of youth who participated in the Inspiring Youth program for 12 months tell us the program is working.

  • 79% maintained or improved relationships with caring and trusted adults
  • 88% had a decrease or leveling of behavior problems at school
  • 74% had a decrease or leveling in school truancy
  • 79% had a decrease or leveling of violent behavior incidents

Contact us

Office of Violence Prevention

 Facebook

Phone

612-673-2301

Address

Minneapolis Health Department
250 4th St. S., Room 510
Minneapolis, MN 55415

Office hours

8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday – Friday