Neighborhood Program Builds Community Connections

Hundreds of connections are created every year because of Interfaith’s programs, services and staff. Much of the important work happens at the office on Hwy. 101 and Cty. Rd. 6 – but its Neighborhood Program also provides services at multiple housing communities in Plymouth and Medina.

There are two sides to Neighborhood Program work. Staff are meeting basic needs by helping prevent evictions and keep people in their homes, and they are providing community connections and access to resources that clients might otherwise not even know exist.

Program Coordinator Abdi Ali states, “I would say the most important part of my job is referring clients to our financial services team for rent or utilities assistance and my engagement with youth.”

addressing current need

In this housing-with-services approach, staff adjust community programming based on the needs of the 900 residents they serve. Senior clients participate in group activities to prevent isolation; families attend community dinners where they meet other families and build an ecosystem of support; individuals access resources to help make their budget work; and kids pop in for an after-school snack and ask about local youth programs.

For youth programs, IOCP collaborates with organizations such as Three Rivers Park District, Wayzata Public Schools, the city of Plymouth, the Wayzata Sailing Club and private athletics programs.

In a two-hour summer program registration event this spring, 49 kids who live in affordable housing communities served by the Neighborhood Program registered for 67 summer programs.

Zach Bucheger, Neighborhood Program Manager, describes what he saw that day: “Parents made important connections. They met the executive director of a program or they talked to the swimming instructor or outdoor recreation leader who will teach their child. It’s so important for the agencies – especially the leadership – to see what families are interested in and to understand what they need.”

removing barriers and strengthening relationships

Three Rivers Park District Recreation Program Specialist Heather Gordon, pictured above with Abdi Ali, works with kids in summer camps but also spends time onsite at Neighborhood Program locations.

“I do this work because I want kids to have their basic needs met and make connections that bring them joy in their community,” Heather explains. “Bringing the activities to the neighborhoods is convenient for the kids and sparks their curiosity to explore more outdoors.”

“Heather is so amazing with the kids,” Abdi Ali adds. “At one of her events, we had 30 kids show up. Our partnership with Three Rivers is a very special relationship where the kids learn more about Three Rivers and the opportunities they provide.”

Thanks to the Neighborhood Program, positive outcomes continue. These ongoing efforts include building meaningful connections, coordinating community events, addressing housing risks, reducing social isolation, and ensuring youth can access the enrichment programs of their choice.

Abdi Ali concludes, “For Interfaith to be directly onsite in the neighborhoods where we can connect clients to resources, literally walking distance from their homes, is very important. It builds a long-lasting relationship between Interfaith and these neighbors, and it’s very important work we’re doing here.”