Youth United and State Farm Kickoff Build

A chilly spring day was just beginning when members of Twin Cities Habitat’s Youth United Steering Committee arrived at their rehab project in East St. Paul. This was the day they’d been planning for the past three months, and it was finally here. Balloons, donuts, mini-catapults and bocce balls were among the attractions inviting community members, young and old, to join Habitat in celebrating its inaugural Youth United project.

Students from the University of Minnesota Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter, Habitat homebuyer Helen Getahun and her family, Joe Liedl from State Farm Insurance as well as other Habitat supporters gathered around the balloon-decorated porch as youth leader MaryEllen Jaspers commenced the kick-off ceremony.

Sue Haigh, President of Twin Cities Habitat, spoke to the importance of youth involvement in Habitat’s mission and work. Kevin Tatro, current President of the University of Minnesota Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter, rallied his team of classmates as they geared up for the first day of demolition. Joe Liedl, State Farm Insurance Representative, also spoke and explained the crucial role that State Farm has played in developing youth leaders in the communities they serve. The ceremony ended with a check presentation from State Farm.

Beyond the words spoken and activities planned, Saturday’s event meant more than the typical kick-off. The presence of over 50 people, including sponsors, supporters and speakers, made a statement about involvement of youth in their own communities: developing youth into tomorrow’s leaders begins here and now, with the small yet committed ways in which youth are giving back to their communities. Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity proudly commends youth for their participation in its mission to end poverty housing.

The Youth United Program at Twin Cities Habitat is the recipient of the State Farm Youth United Urban Grant, one of five across the United States. Youth United is a program of Habitat for Humanity International, which mobilizes youth, ages 5 to 25 to fully fund and build a home in their community. Its goals are to involve youth in their community, to engage youth in Habitat’s mission of eliminating poverty housing, to foster teamwork among diverse groups of youth and to develop youth leaders. For more information on Youth United, please visit: www.tchabitat.org/youthunited.

You can also see more photos from the event here.

MaryEllen Jaspers, Volunteer Coordinator