www.urbanventures.org

Urban Ventures Leadership Foundation is a faith-based, non-profit organization that focuses on the Central and Phillips neighborhoods of South Minneapolis. Our mission is to break the cycle of generational poverty in our community by developing youth leadership and strengthening families.

Founded in 1993, Urban Ventures serves more than 3,000 children, youth and adults each year. Urban Ventures is a safe place for program participants to identify and overcome obstacles, discover faith, connect with caring staff, and be empowered to make positive life choices.

Youth

• Sports (Urban Stars) Mentoring/coaching boys and girls through basketball and soccer. (ages 4-18) 2-3 nights or days/week; seasonal commitment (2-3 months); High School and older volunteer.
• Academic (Learning Lab) Tutoring in math, reading, art, dance, drama , homework help. (ages 6-18) 1 day/week; anytime between 2:30-5:30 pm; High School & older.
• Peer Groups (La Victoria & Powerhouse)
  One-on-one mentoring and support groups. (ages 12-18). 1 day/week; Tue or Wed 6:00-8:00 pm. College & older.
• Skateboard Park
  Mentoring with neighborhood skaters at our skateboard park (ages 18 and under). 1 day/week;Tue-Thur. 3:00-6:00 pm. College & older.
• Recording Studio
  Tutoring youth in piano, guitar, voice and recording arts in our recording studio (ages 12-16) 1 day/week; Mon-Fri. Anytime; 3:30-6:30 pm. College & older.

Adults

• Support Group (Men‘s Group) Life coach/mentor/ support for men and women on the street, often recently released from prison. 1 day/week; Tue-6:00-7:30 pm. Adult volunteers.
• Parenting (Family Time) Teaching/supporting /mentoring fathers, and mothers, how to effectively parent their children. Wed. or Thurs. 6:00-7:30 pm. Adult volunteers.

Families

• Basic Needs (People’s Exchange)
  Provide donated clothing, food, household goods, winter jacket drive, backpack drive, Thanksgiving and Christmas bags. Adult/Family volunteers

To Volunteer

Our Mission:
Good Coffee for a Good Cause

When you buy CityKid Java, you're putting your money where your values are. Every dollar we earn goes to proven programs run by our non-profit partner, Urban Ventures Youth Leadership Foundation. CityKid Java fuels mentoring and educational programs, athletic teams, camps and youth leadership experiences for at-risk, inner-city children in the Twin Cities. Each year more than 1,500 kids get connected to the role models, mentors and life skills they need to succeed.

With CityKid Java, you don't have to compromise your taste buds to satisfy your conscience. In fact, our virtuous brew has won 6 out of 6 taste tests against the big-name coffee chains. We source our premium beans carefully (and slow-roast them locally in small batches). And we insist on supporting sustainable practices and paying more for quality-often more than fair trade prices. Learn more about our True Trade principles.

Stop by the Crossroads Cafe to purchase City Kid Java and help support Urban Ventures and Crossroads Missions teams!

We partnered with Urban Ventures as part of our "Ripple Campaign".  This is a 3 year initiative that started in Spring of 2010.  Click HERE to find out more about this campaign and how you can get involved!