Portage for Youth

Founded in 1995, the Portage for Youth works closely with families of participants, local schools and community organizations to identify needs and opportunities for enrichment programming. Partners have included: District 4 Community Council, 4-H Extension, Center for Hmong Arts and Talent,Women Photographers and Visual Artists, among many others.As a grassroots, non-institutional, nonprofit, enrichment center, programming through the Portage for Youth is the product of community and constitutes involvement. The Portage for Youth utilizes a multi-layered planning process to shape and evaluate its programs and overall vision. A Youth Advisory Council advises on all program decisions. In addition, to a youth centered and directed planning process. Portage for Youth has a very dedicated board of directors, who meet monthly to support the organization's mission through strategic planning. Additionally, collaborative partners provide ongoing and special project planning to help keep the program true to its mission and to provide a customized approach to programming. Programs are run by two paid staff, who leverage the involvement of volunteers and other community resources as needed.The Portage's success in grass roots, culturally appropriate services to the Dayton's Bluff neighborhood, have lead to a significant natural extension of its activities. This extension, is the renovation of the former Mounds Theater, located at 1029 Hudson Road. Renovation of the theater will be completed in January of 2003 and will create a cultural and community center for the neighborhood, which will host art, music and other activities, along with office space for other nonprofits.Organizations purpose (mission)The Portage for Youth is an after-school and summer enrichment center for young women ages 8-15 from the Dayton's Bluff neighborhood in St. Paul. More then 95% of the young women, who come to the Portage are second generation, Hmong refugees. Most are at risk and have no place to call home or they come from poverty level families, are immigrants without direction or are in abusive situations. In meeting the needs of adolescent girls, the mission of the Portage for Youth is to create a nurturing and caring environment, providing both direction and unconditional love for disadvantaged children. It is uniquely grassroots, non-institutional and nurturing to its participants.A second mission will be established with the completion of the Mounds Theater project in 2003, once the theater has been rehabbed. Purpose: Performing Arts/Community Center for Dayton's Bluff East Side Community. The Mound Theater will become a very valuable resource for a highly underserved neighborhood.