Thanks to The North 40 Tavern for their support. A north woods tavern somewhere in the middle of a big city. They regularly rotate tap beers, so stop in to see what’s currently flowing.
The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation awarded the West St. Paul nonprofit Residents of Color Collective (ROCC) a $15,000 grant earlier this month. The funds will help ROCC expand their community programs, outreach efforts, and partnerships.
Reaction: “We are finally being taken seriously and the work we do can no longer be denied,” said ROCC founder and Executive Director Kae Jae Johnson. “Our mission has always been driven by the changes that need to be made to help others thrive, especially in the communities of color.”
What they do: Founded in 2019, ROCC has partnered with multiple local organizations and hosted multiple events, including food drives, resource giveaways, Juneteenth events, and more.
Impact: The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation grant will allow ROCC to:
- Enhance marketing efforts and reach more families.
- Expand the ROCC Climbers after-school program.
- Strengthen their community garden, which has served as a cornerstone of their outreach efforts.
What it means: “It’s a sign we are moving in the right direction,” Johnson said, especially when it comes to how resources are delivered and culturally designed.
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