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2008 ANNUAL REPORT

TRANSFORMING CommunitiesTRANSFORMING Lives 56540_SM_annual_report_4.qxd:_ 5/7/09 3:32 PM Page 3

Inspiring action to Dear Friends, changeVision communities ServeMinnesota, our state’s Commission for National and Community Service, for the better. embraces this opportunity to translate a myriad of individual accomplishments and contributions into a powerful snapshot of how AmeriCorps programs and their partners are improving Minnesota communities and Minnesotans’ lives.

Economic times are exerting enormous pressure on the public sector to meet growing need. Now more than ever, our charge is to maximize the outcomes ServeMinnesota is a catalyst for of the investments made by our programs, people and partners. One thing we know for sure, supporting AmeriCorps members with solid training, positiveMission social change, working with strong management, and compelling service results in impressive, quantifiable AmeriCorps and community partners results. Underlying the changes we can document in spreadsheets, however, to meet critical needs in Minnesota. are hundreds of incredible stories of how AmeriCorps members themselves are transformed as they dig in day after day to get things done and make We get measurable results by: a difference for the people of our state.

Innovation: Researching and Every one of our 726 AmeriCorps members has a story that deserves an applying the best methods to audience. This year, we wanted to share the experiences of a few whose create powerful local solutions. reflections exemplify how national service and individual biography intersect. Investment: Raising and allocating You will also find featured two programs, The Minnesota Reading Corps and funds for AmeriCorps program the new Minnesota Math Corps, which are making measurable improvements development, and people serving in in two foundational education issues. We are grateful for our many partners. those programs, to maximize return. Your support makes it possible to create the conditions for community and personal change. Alignment: Aligning with local community and government ServeMinnesota is an innovative catalyst for statewide community service. We welcome your continued support and interest as we work together priorities and setting consistent to keep finding ways to expand the impact of AmeriCorps in Minnesota. program standards to ensure measurable results. Audrey Suker Bob Rumpza Executive Director Board Chair 56540_SM_annual_report_4.qxd:_ 5/7/09 3:32 PM Page 4

Getting Things Done ACROSS MINNESOTA

AmeriCorps individuals mentored 726members 7,400

volunteers recruited, 32,257coordinated or supported by our programs

disadvantaged 32,143children and youth served 56540_SM_annual_report_4.qxd:_ 5/7/09 3:32 PM Page 5

Transforming CommunitiesACROSS MINNESOTA

The 2007-2008 program year proved once again why the tagline for AmeriCorps is “Getting Things Done.” From building houses to tutoring children, AmeriCorps members, through the support of their community partners, made significant improvements in the lives of Minnesotans who needed help. ServeMinnesota provides AmeriCorps grants to organizations across Minnesota to recruit, fund, and train members who serve their communities. AmeriCorps members are adults of all ages who commit to serve for one or two years in exchange for a modest living allowance and an education award.

AmeriCorps Program Grants 07 – 08 Program Members Grant Amount Website Program Impact • Admission Possible 44 $603,900 admissionpossible.org • AmeriCorps READS Initiative 30 $393,258 smifoundation.org • City of Lakes AmeriCorps 65 $631,315 commed.mpls.k12.mn.us/AmeriCorps.html • Community Technology Empowerment Project 29 $343,056 technologypower.org • Minnesota Alliance with Youth 60 $823,483 mnyouth.net • Minnesota Math Corps Planning Grant $88,420 stcloudstate.edu/americorps/focus.asp • Minnesota Reading Corps 235 $2,755,560 minnesotareadingcorps.org • Multicultural Communities in Action 46 $557,992 commonbond.org/americorps • Partners in Service to America 34 $343,117 rlnn.com/main/AmeriCorp.html • People Active in Revitalizing Communities 53 $281,781 treetrust.org • True North AmeriCorps 75 $686,250 truenorthamericorps.org • Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity and PPL 32 $438,861 tchabitat.org/americorps.html • Work in Progress 23 $296,349 rise.org/americorps

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International Falls

East Grand Forks Red Lake Across Minnesota,

Grand Marais AmeriCorps has 726 members in over Hibbing Eveleth 370 service sites.

Grand Rapids

Moorhead Detroit Lakes Brooklyn Duluth Park Pine River McGregor Shoreview New Hope White Bear Crystal Lake Moose Lake Columbia Ramsey Fergus Falls Heights Maplewood Brainerd Plymouth Golden Valley Roseville Onamia Hinkley Hennepin Alexandria St. Louis Saint Paul Milaca Park

Minnetonka Morris St. Cloud Edina Center City Dakota Monticello Wash South Eden Prairie St. Paul

Carver Bloomington Minneapolis Saint Paul

PROGRAM IMPACT LEGEND

New Ulm Northfield Red Wing Affordable Digital Divide, Literacy Tutoring Housing Computer Education Environmental College Employment Programs Owatonna Admission Mankato Winona Social/emotional Math Tutoring Mentoring Development & School Rochester Readiness Skills Leadership & Civic Tutoring Engagement Fairmont Austin Homework After-school Programs Worthington Albert Lea Assistance Cultural Activities

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PROGRAMMinnesota SPOTLIGHT Reading Corps

All across the state, there are more than 235 AmeriCorps members providing intensive tutoring to thousands of children age three to grade 3 who have fallen behind in their literacy skills become confident, competent readers with brighter futures. In its fifth year, the Minnesota Reading Corps expanded its reach, generating impressive literacy results, attracting additional partners and funders, and growing interest and attention from educational, political and business leaders.

A unique tutoring program consistent people power – into pre-school and Minnesota Reading Corps was launched in K-3 settings. These members help to implement 2003, targeting Minnesota children struggling a research-based, data-driven model of literacy to achieve reading proficiency by 3rd grade. instruction firmly grounded in the science of Former state legislator Alice Seagren, how children best learn to read. The substantial ServeMinnesota Board member and now one or two-year service commitment makes it State Education Commissioner, was a leader cost-effective to invest the training and expert in launching the Minnesota Reading Corps. support necessary to provide each participating She capitalized on her intersecting roles, child with individualized instruction that aligns visualizing national service as a strategy precisely with their specific literacy challenges. to bring more tutors to the front lines and to capitalize on the AmeriCorps program Getting results for individual children as a vehicle for transforming the way literacy For the fourth consecutive year, outside evaluators tutoring occurs. found that pre-schoolers participating in the Reading Corps started kindergarten significantly Bridging literacy science and more prepared in literacy skills than other classroom needs children. Nearly 80% of participating children The Minnesota Reading Corps makes it uniquely in grades K-3 acquired literacy skills at a rate possible to deploy large numbers of AmeriCorps that allowed them to “catch up” to grade level members – highly trained, motivated, and requirements.

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SIGNS OF SUCCESS! • 80% of participating children in grades K-3 acquired These compelling results feed our impassioned vision that all Minnesota children ages three to literacy skills at a rate that allowed them to “catch up” grade 3 who qualify will have access to the program to grade level requirements. and will meet reading standards by third grade. • 70% of literacy supervisors reported that the Minnesota Influencing change within the education system Reading Corps is key to increased use of assessment This year over 70% of literacy supervisors reported data and improved literacy instruction. that the Minnesota Reading Corps is key to increased use of assessment data and improved • Over 80% of Minnesota Reading Corps Members say literacy instruction. Partner sites report growing they will consider a career involving children because capacity to use data to identify student literacy needs, select specific interventions, monitor of their experience and will continue volunteering progress, change tutoring strategies, and to in schools. share updates more effectively with parents, teachers, and other stakeholders.

Minnesota Reading Corps Model Inspiring lifelong commitment Deeply immersed in up close and personal AmeriCorps Master Coach members collect works with member experiences with children who shift from failure benchmark data and site supervisor Assess to review and plan to accomplishment, Minnesota Reading Corps Data Informs members intend to stay involved in education Instruction issues when their service ends. Over 80% report that they will consider a career involving children because of their experience and will continue volunteering in schools. Close to 100% indicate they will continue to promote childhood literacy.

Meets Target Measure Student data Progress indicate when Trained to target is met monitor progress of students

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A Bu PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT Fen •R Math Corps Pet B T This year ServeMinnesota laid the Beginning with the class of 2010, Minnesota groundwork for a new AmeriCorps high school juniors will be required to obtain Cha passing scores on the new statewide graduation program, the Minnesota Math Corps, test (GRAD) that will include higher-level algebra D'a which will draw upon the successful based mathematics. Students who do not pass •B Minnesota Reading Corps model to the GRAD in math cannot graduate from high school and will be vulnerable to the repercussions Onk target an equally critical education of future limitations on career and success. Sav priority. Service as a Strategy •E Business and education leaders are pursuing •D The Challenge strategies to reduce the gap between higher- Today’s economy relies increasingly upon growth level math requirements and the large number Ar and innovation in the science, engineering and of students who already struggled under Ben medical sectors where the 2004-2014 job growth previous standards. ServeMinnesota is confident 2008 state tests indicate projection is 21.4% compared to 13% for all that national service has a role in the solution Br 38%, or 100,000 of other occupations. Children who fail to acquire and is stepping up now to help more children Car Minnesota’s 4th-8th grade advanced math skills will become adults who catch up to their peers and meet the needs are ill equipped to secure jobs within expanding of a competitive global economy. Cor students, are unable industries. Experts agree that even students Ger to demonstrate proficient pursuing non-scientific and non-mathematical Getting Started specialties will increasingly need the ability to A planning grant to St. Cloud State University Lau math skills for their apply math skills within a variety of professions. supported the development of the Minnesota grade level. Math Corps. A technical advisory team including Ma Higher Math Standards math experts and school professionals will Igou All Minnesota children will soon face more guide professionally trained and supported immediate consequences if they cannot keep AmeriCorps members to provide research-based, •E pace with rising state, national and global individualized tutoring to help fourth-eighth Ste demands for elevated math skills. Minnesota’s grade students improve math skills in five new math and science standards include an St. Cloud schools in the 2008-2009 academic year. Eli 8th grade Algebra requirement for all students. •K •R Rea

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Admission Possible •Aileen Aragones •Erin N Bengtson •Megan J Bentley •Anthony M Berglund •Monica N Billy •Holly M Browskowski •Sara E Burns •Ian D Canary-King •Allison B Chapman •Colin J Cureton •Erin E Edwards •Benjamin M Erickson •Theodore T Fabel •Anna M Farrell •Steven H Fenster •LindsayTRANSFORMING J Fondow •Nicole C Gilbertson LIVES •Rochelle K Gold •Jonathon G Gorman •Katherine E Gwost •Amanda K Healy •Celine M.L. Hein •Jade A Ho •Rebecca R Krus •Allison L Lemay •Alyssa E Lubet •Luiken E Matthew •Joel T Mcfarland •Ross A Muellenberg •Justin W Nash •Adrian P Perryman •Akiy Peterson •ebecca L Pottebaum •Jessica F Rosenberg •BrandonProfiles Royce-Diop •Anthony J Schadenin •Kelly Service C Strang •Taylor K Swartz •Habitat & PPL •Uyen B Tran •Oscar M Vega •Jy Xiong •Joshua C Anderson •Laura J Bohen •Kristen N Bothun •Elizabeth A Brodahl •Peter M Caldwell •Arminda M Carroll •Jen The real power behind ChamberlainServeMinnesota’s •Jula J Charoenying •Devinsuccess O Clarkson in •Emily K Crook •Gaea Dil D'ascoli •Ericaddressing D Fredell •Thomas critical L Gruisneeds •Aaron across Tj Helt •Rebecca A Herbert •Benjaminthe W Kluckhohn state comes •Anna from L Morrison the skills,•Katie A Oberton •BahsanAmeriCorps Member Abdille Alexander Multicultural Communities in Action Onkka •Christinepassion M Pedersonand commitment •Abby R Rouster •Kevin M Salkas • Nathan Savig •Elizabethof the A over Snelling 726 •atoya AmeriCorps J Spencer •Kristen A Bashan came to Minnesota three years ago Spies members that served across from Kenya where her family sought refuge •Evan T Steinke •Scott B Stroeing •Katie R Ulwelling •Joshua from conflict in Somalia. Bashan uses her G Wayland •Daniel S theWestlund state •Matthew of Minnesota C Yank •Amelia in Murray Hint English, Swahili and Somali language skills allie Ann Armstrongprogram •Samara Jean year Auger 2007-2008. •Isabel Floricelle Basuil •Cristinain her service within the Multicultural Marisa Together they served more Communities in Action program, where she Benz •Alisha Marie Berger •James Fitzpatrick Blodgett •Katlinserves low-income children and their families Elissa than 813,000 hours. Their living within the St. Paul Skyline Towers Brown •Katharinebackgrounds M Bukowski are •Guthrie as diverse Jon Byard •Melissa community to promote academic and social Anne success. Carlberg •Amandaas the Jeancommunities Clark •Laura in Michelle which Cleare •Joylynn Renee Corum •Joannthey Marie serve. Dwornicki They •Jacob recruit George Gentz •Justin “Two years ago, I never thought I would “Two years ago, Wierum be in a position to make a difference. I was Gerde •Mildredvolunteers, Arnell Guthrie clean •Clayton up rivers, Kenneth Hansen • I never thought I would Elizabeth so afraid even to talk with someone new. be in a position to build houses, support teachers, I had no idea how to sit with a kid and be Lauren Hatling •Nicole Marie Hehir •Rachel Louise Hemsey • make a difference... Danielle and bring a smile into a child’s of any help. Now I will always have incredible Marie Hernandez •Erin Rachel Hicke •Amelia Murray Hintzen freedom• because I can engage in conversation Now I will always have Chelsea M Igou •Tylerlife Dean every Igou •Adele day. MarieMost Inferrera of them •Isaac Matthew with anyone, anywhere. That’s thanks to the incredible freedom Johnson however would tell you that children teaching me that I can truly make because I can engage •Eve Renee Kelley •Amanda Clare Klann •Steven James Knutesona big • difference. I work within the whole Molly the opportunity to serve their in conversation with Stege Koppe •Michael P Koshmrl •Teng Ly •Zebunissa Malik • community so each day I see first-hand how Sarah community brought as much changing just one person’s life changes the anyone, anywhere.” Elizabeth toMattheis their •Meagan lives asAudrey they Matrejek gave •Michaelyn Chole lives of many people. There is no way I can Nickson •Kathryn Rose Nord •Angela Frances Oleszko •Matthew Scott ever stop. Everyone has something to give Olson to others. Here are some of that is needed.” •Renata Pardotheir •Ann stories. Elizabeth Perkins •Robert Thomas Plourde • Sarah Read-Brown •Molly Beth Reger •City of Lakes •Malcolm Joseph Richards • Jennifer

Rachel Rose •Steven Louis Rubinyi •Lisa Jo Ann Selby •Kristina Joy Setter •Katherine Lois Smith •Kathryn Elizabeth2008 Smith ANNUAL •Jesse REPORT RichardS ERVEM INNESOTASnyder •Sarah9 Christine Sproul •Chad Jacob Stegeman •Rachel Maureen Swinney •Sonja Marie Timian •Yer Vang •Stuart Sheffield Wylie •Jonathan M Barrentine •Lauren 56540_SM_annual_report_4.qxd:_ 5/7/09 3:32 PM Page 11

Benson •Meera T Chan •Charles T Cobb •Alicia Contreras •Michael A Cotton •Jack K Cushing •Olukayode A •Bridget R Olson •Mary G Pumphrey •Kirsten M Rome •Carol C Sevin •Joyce A Strand •Jodi D Struck •M TRANSFORMING LIVES M Auge •Asha Busuri •Laura A Courtney •Susan R Derks •Elizabeth A Elcombe •James E Favre •Marga •Valerie J Kinas •Dana L Merkel •Ruth M Neil •Rachel J Peterson •rant A Rockswold •Kerry A Shea •Victor Berg •Ellen Bracken •John Burrell •Leah Cocos •Nicole Conway •Daniel Dahl •Amy Fredrickson •Luis Ga Jensen •Alyssa Jilek •Matthew JohnsonProfiles •Curtis Kline •Nicole Lafrinier in •Nancy Service Landeros •Eric Langsev •K

BernardAmeriCorps Member L. Turner Minnesota Reading Corps

As a second-year Minnesota Reading Corps That’s okay. A lot of people can’t read. But you member charged with recruiting, training and are going to learn and you are going to come supporting a cadre of volunteer tutors working here every day this summer to read with me and one-on-one to help Head Start pre-school you will do homework, too.’” children learn critical early literacy skills, Bernard L. Turner’s service is fueled by first-hand Mrs. Richards tutored Bernard every day for the appreciation for the impact one community rest of that summer and twice a week, before volunteer can make. school and after school, for the next two years, •Robert D Fehr •Richard A Ferrera •James R Frothingham • until by 10th grade he had caught up. When “Serving with AmeriCorps, Extremely motivated to enlist as many volunteer Bernard discovered the Minnesota Reading Corps •Anders M Hawes •Destiny Storm Helfrich •Nicholas W some 20 years later it triggered a long-buried I have discovered my mission. tutors as possible, Bernard likes to begin at the •Isaac M Johnson •Christopher L Kellner •Jessica R beginning by sharing with potential volunteers memory. “When I first began my service, I had all This journey will not end his story of growing up in New York City schools but forgotten about the struggle to read. It was Lidle •larkafter P Lovrien these two•Stephanie years; IA will Lund work •Ryan K Mageeand • being promoted all the way to 8th grade hidden, and so long ago. Now I read everything Mcnamara •Christopher M Miller •Matthew R Nordine •with barely second grade reading skills. It was I get my hands on, so it became easy for even on literacy issues for life. not until he won the lead role in a church play me to take literacy for granted. I had to pick up Osterberg It•Carl was Enothing Pekins •Diana short ofE Preisendestiny •Patrick E that his fiercely guarded secret and long time the phone and call Mrs. Richards. I had to tell her how through AmeriCorps I was not only giving that I ducked my head into a source of embarrassment was discovered by the Redmann •Jonathan R Rozenbergs •Felecia M Sazama play’s director Barbara Richards. back myself, but was recruiting more people to •Britta J Sundeendoor two •Shannon years ago, M Vanosdel saw a •Marta L become “Mrs. Richards.” bunch of grey t-shirts, and heard As Bernard tells it, he had compensated for •Karen M Zumach •Sara L Anderson •Sarah R Armstronghis inability • to read by becoming a master The thing is, Mrs. Richards didn’t embarrass me. about this reading thing.” •Jenny E Davidson •Elizabeth E Denzine •Angela Mmemorizer. Mrs. Richards caught on to the deficit There is nothing worse than knowing you are in beneath the talent. “She looked straight at me the special group or being called out in class to Korf •Aline A Gilb •Kristine M Jackson •Nicole J Jensenand said,• ‘Okay, so you can’t read this book. read when you can’t. It was horrible, tortuous, Koppendrayer •Jody J Loher • •Jean A to sit in that seat and have everyone staring and MRC Form laughing at you. L Morrison •Lacey L Nelson •Cassandra R Olson •Cindy L

Peterson10 S •JessicaERVEM INNESOTA L Pfeil2008 •Angela ANNUAL SREPORT Rankl •Laura J Rolf •Christina L Stoa •Cindy R Stolp •Shelia J Vacek •Marie L Williams •Brandi M Wynn •Katherine Ly •Allison J Bauman •Lisa N Beise •Joseph A Boyle •Mary E Boyle •Dana R Brandes •Nancy L Bratvold •Shelly Jean Breitzman •Jodi Lee Broadwell •Jurli 56540_SM_annual_report_4.qxd:_ 5/7/09 3:32 PM Page 12

de A David-Albert •Jennifer A Elliott •Dorthy Lee Zazama Gbolo •Melinda J Hulbert •Joshua D Keller •eter J Kirschmann •Emily J Mercer •Gina R Nilsen •Megan A Sutherland •Mark E Thorson •Chelsea R Treiber •Stephanie E Young •Southern MN •Fatuma Y Adam •Selam Alem •Hindi M Ali •Catherine argaret J Favre •Katie M Frazier •Lisa M Gower •Terri S Halleck •Megan L Highet •Rosanne M Holcomb •am N Huynh •Amber M Johnson •April M Johnson ictoria L Tessar •Rebecca L Tish •Linda S Wattnem •Leah M Whelan •Promise Fellows •Kelly Amoth •Heidi Anderson •Jessica Anderson •Levita Ayala •Car Garcia •Jodi Gasner •Rachael Goins •Christine Golla •Chelsea Griffin •Timothy Harlan-Marks •Eric Hartz •Elizabeth Hendrickson •Liza Hibbard •Nicole ev •Kara Lawson •Michael Messinger •Liana Michelfelder-Tessum •Katie Moe •Adam Neblock •Catherine Neuner •Jessica Niebeling •Callie Pastarr •Zoua Pha •Stephanie Pirsig •Monique Potter •Kimberly Sabers •Collin Sainio •Jo Sander •Ryan Sarafolean •Nova Schuler •Daniel Seglem •Sarah Shol •Ian Sorlie •Takara Spaulding •Gjeni Stark •Zakiya Tanner •RoseTeng That’s why I know there is such a unique role “If someone had caught me that volunteers and AmeriCorps members at the preschool level, maybe I would •Casey Torgerson •Ryanne Underhill •Tremaine Versteeg can fill. Some kids just can’t catch up or learn have had a fighting chance.” •Christina Vetter Raisanen •Tree Trust •Marit Woods well in a big group. If someone had caught me early like the Minnesota Reading Corps does, •Amin A Ahmed •Stephen K Alexander •Tracy A maybe I would have had a fighting chance. Beaufeaux •Haden L Bowie •Matthew T Conner •Ded Mrs. Richards gave me the gift of reading and in doing so, gave me a different life. I tell Akofa Domlan •Evan M Eliason volunteers their contribution truly is about John J Groess •Andrew R Haas changing children’s lives. It is about giving a gift that these children will take with them Huntington •Cortland L Johnson and that no one can ever take away. Kuenzli •Clinton G Lee •Kenneth E This program has taught me that the need is Anne R Mazzocco •Russel J huge. There are so many little Bernards sitting out there praying not to be called upon to Stephen P Ostenberg •Nathaniel read and who need the one-on-one focus that Quigley •Tashina J Ransom •Elliot T our trained volunteers give. •Jessica L Schneider •Reid E Strelow Serving with AmeriCorps, I have discovered my Waalen •Whitney J Warmka mission. This journey will not end after these two years; I will work on literacy issues for life. Carolyn R Avaire •Lindsey A Brower •Katie L Christ It was nothing short of destiny that I ducked Deterling •Kristy M Elkerton •Dawna F Frankhause my head into a door two years ago, saw a bunch of grey t-shirts, and heard about this Jennie C Jorgensen •Sandra D Kaufmann •Angela K reading thing.” Mattson •Daisha M Mccuskey •Jillian B Mergen •Tar Olson •Julia A Parent •MRC Comp •Mary L ne Lynn Aligada •Anisa M Ali •Anna R Almelien •Brett D Amundson •Sarah L Anderson • Nicollette A Andree •Aaron2008 ANNUAL L Anfinson REPORT S ERVE •LauM INNESOTArie Antonson11 Jurline Bryant •Jessica L Bunker •Cody D Burington •Valerie J Burkman •Shaleen Kay Christianson •Holly C Constant •Jocelyn A Cossette •Arlyn P Dah 56540_SM_annual_report_4.qxd:_ 5/7/09 3:32 PM Page 13

•Veronica A Devore •Gwendolyn D Douglas •Billiejo Doyle •Aaron T Dretsch •Kathleen J Duffy •Connie J Ellis •Berrin Ersayin •Maria A Ervasti •Christ •Christine E Gross • •Danielle J Hall •Leann S Hammer •Chelsea Y Hammond •Jessica L Harris •Tori Lynn Harris •Deqa M Hassan •James Allen Ha MCA TRANSFORMING LIVES •Lori L Johnson •Katharine R Kaye-Christie •Elizabeth V Kearney •Ann M Kees •Meredith J Keller •Rachel L Kercher •Alissa D Kortendick •Christopher A K Loerzel •Erin E Logan •Wanda Sue Lundeen •Megan M Lundstrom •Rachel A Lyness •Marizel G Mcclain •Sue Ann Mcdonald •Darlene Mcduffie •Joshua P Yarbrong Dao Moua •Janna Lee Nemeth •Gail Netland •Mulbah D Nyerkeh •Larry R Oberg •Tracy L Obowa •Anita M Opat •Laurie M Ostertag •Jolene A Otters A Cossette Meridith A Ramsey •Pamela Reed-Beck •Elaina F Reinke •Annette RognerudProfiles •Bridgette A Sandahl •Amy in Sandstrom Service •Sarah N Santiago •Vivian •Rebecca Slo nine •Monica •Laura Rankl M Spee •Eliz A Stoltman • Colleen M S LakeytaAmeriCorps Member Potter Faith Swan son •Heather MinnesotaA Alliance with Youth hompson-For bes •Andrew JohnLakeyta Potter facilitates after-school activities share her students’ backgrounds to provide with the Worthington Integration Collaborative tours of their workplaces and share their stories. •Kristin R Thompson •Karento build the academic and leadership skills of “My organization has a community council and •Patricia Tou ray •Berma low-income, ethnically diverse high school kids. many of those leaders respond to this program, Although she had no experience working with dedicating hours to the kids. They challenge Ueland •Kri stinah L Va teenagers when she began her service, Lakeyta them to take responsibility for their lives – •Marianna Vincent • now plans to become a high school counselor the message gets through when it comes from and will use her education award for graduate people who have lived these kids’ lives.” Lakeyta Ann Walker •Heidi L Wat studies at Minnesota State University Mankato. says she also works hard to bring in volunteers from different walks of life so the kids can see •Marsha M Webb“When •Janda I see E Westfallthese kids •Jetaun H Wheel Lakeyta says she just had to serve a second year. that people of all backgrounds care. •Lisa A Wrightwho two•Martha years T Zachmeyerago were •Edwardfull J Ze “Youth, all youth, are our future. I love the kids Anderson •Angelaof attitude R Antony or closed •Julia down, LMarina L JohannessonI work with, and I just couldn’t leave! I came back “Many of these kids feel looked down upon. because too many young people are depressed, It helps them be more open when they get to •Ellyn Kare Couillard now smiling,•Michael havingD Galvin fun, •Kelly M Holtzbored, •Trevor and have few ideas about how to create know people from outside their communities joking around, learning together, a different life. Many of my teens come from and see that they care. This year, for example, •Devona D Jackson-Kopylov •Kelly D Jelen •David S Jonashouseholds •Jordan where C J no one has graduated from it feels amazing to know I was lucky to find a retired English teacher who Malnor •Katie E Max •Asli O Mohamud •Rebecca E high school, much less college. Even if their came in and helped the kids with scholarship that I have helped to create a A Peterson •Daniel M Rasmussen •John J Sabaka • parents are behind them, they don’t know about and college essays. When I see these kids who space where it is safe for them resources or the ins and outs of getting through two years ago were full of attitude or closed Shurilla •Frank E Stodolka •Melinda R Studer •Cherylall theM hoops. I help build confidence and skills down, are now smiling, having fun, joking to be young and positive so these young people can see a different vision, around, learning together, it feels amazing to Lussier •Kristyand fullLussier of optimistic•William F Martinplans •David D Mayand •Rhondathen we workR May on •Darrell the practical Paddy steps •Martin to get R Raincloudknow that •Davis I have Rosebear helped to•Misty create Roy a space •Timothy where Sumner J Buegler •Melissafor Cardenas their future.” •Matthew J Connolly •Kristinethere.” LLakeyta Crowley believes •Nik inM theDamme power •Brandon of example J Delaceyit is safe •Adam for them V Depre to be •Hana young andH Doering positive •Joy and Mt Dunh and actively recruits successful professionals that full of optimistic plans for their future.” •Heather M Haecherl •Peter J Halquist •Christy Jd Haskins •Stephanie A Hood •Steven D Inyan Mata •Marina L Johannesson •Matthew T Johnson •Adam S Manshaem •Red Lake •Emily A Marshall •Tonya M Mcmillen •Eric L Montgomery •Yumma L Moore •Stacee D Nelsen •Samantha M Nordman •Molly A O

•Joanna12 S ERVEF RosenlundM INNESOTA •Mark2008 ANNUAL D Schanzenbach REPORT •Sarice M Schuck •Erin L Schwartz •David J Seglem •Brittany N Shanoff •Renee P Snaza •Theresa J Stef •Daniel R Belich •Brent D Eikenhorst •Elizabeth R Genzler •Jacob Jb Greenberg •Joseph C Gryka •Kara A Hallie •Megan C Hansen •Joseph J Iorio •Woodr 56540_SM_annual_report_4.qxd:_ 5/7/09 3:32 PM Page 14 hristine M Evenson •Joann Flansburg •Dawn Flesland •Robyn Fox •Christina Francisco •Brenda Joy Fryc •Lori A Fuller •Rosanna M Garcia •Lori J Goetzm n Haugen •Robyn Hendrix •Katherine M Hill •Robin B Hill •Theresa Hoey •Kalif F Isse •Jessica Jetland •Parris D Jett •Denise C Johnson •Lindsay Ann John A Kreyer •Rudy A Kreyer •Heather Noel Krohn •CTEP •Nathaniel P Langworthy •Melo Lawson •Jade A Lehrer •Kellie J Leko •Lisa Marie Lewandowski •Irina ua P Mckeever •Sarah A Meline •Rebecca J Mellem •Jennifer A Metzler •Kair Milstead •Margaret M Minke •Mohamed A Mohamed •Erin Moody •Rebecca M tterson •Shauna O Payne •Amanda M Pearson •Lyneah R Peasley •Guadalupe Perez •Emily A Peterson •Kristy N Pink •Teresa Powers •True North •Jocel vian K Sazama •Emily A Schmidt •Crystal J Schmierer •Cecelia Scott •Kristi A Seeck •Madeline Segura •Rosie M Shivers •Brenda S Sieh •Stacy L Sielaff them back from giving more. One of our future homeowners was a 30 year-old East African L Smith •Eric Matthew Sonn taxi-driver who was in a coma for six months abeth S Spier •Sarah M SteEm because of an accident. His wife had to quit EvanAmeriCorps Member Steinke college to support the family. He is incredibly trait •Heat her Sutherland • Habitat for Humanity smart but the accident left him with a speech Tarnowski • Heather L T impediment. Because I worked alongside Evan Steinke admits that when he first applied him every day, I grew to understand his speech. Thompson • Haley E Thomp as an AmeriCorps member with Habitat for He really wanted to connect and thank the Humanity, he wasn’t looking for the “life- volunteers who came out and I found myself Canter Tidwell • Asha A Toh changing experience” the recruiter assured him literally serving as a translator. But more than rd L Turner • Rachel M would happen. “I have to be honest, as an urban the words, I became a bridge for volunteers to planning major, my agenda was to stand out to get to know this man who, despite everything ldez •Pamel a Vandamme future employers. I figured this would look good he had gone through as a refugee and with his Elliot T Vree land •Sara on my resume.” Evan says he knew from day one health, was so grateful and so determined to of training that he had joined an exceptional thank people and wanted to share his story.” son •Kirste n F Webb group of fellow members whose desire to make er •Trisha Wherley •Jessica M Winter •Jina L Worth a difference made a big impression, but it took “At some point months into the program, “The emotion, the thank you’s some time before his practical motivations I can’t tell you the day, but I noticed it right away, mpel •Jolee Ayou Zimdars see in •Bahsan peoples A eyes Abdille •Jennifer broadened to include a passion to serve. I went from saying that I was in this program and on their faces, the feeling for my career, to saying that it was an incredible Bauman Axelrod •Jamee M Blixt •Ceanna Christen “I manage Habitat volunteers – company teams, opportunity to give back and that it has absolutely Engdahl •Indiaof prideG Erb you R Huggins have for•Denise the H Huynh college students, community groups, who come changed for the better who I am and who mission of this program, out to swing a hammer or paint a wall for a day I will become as a planner. I grew up in a small ones •Sirak M Kelati •Rachel R Lene •Katherine I far exceeds anything or a week. Making sure everyone is trained and all-white middle class town. I now understand Nagel •Anna M Nelson •Nicholas K Nerburn •Emil safe and does real work they can point to at on an intimate level how critical affordable you put into it.” the end of the day, that’s only the basics. What housing is and can speak first-hand about the Elizabeth A Schachterle •Meskia K Sherif •Allison I really do is serve as a community translator. I stereotypesWolken •Rebecca and fear M of Yarbrough poverty, crime, •Anne and L.S. Zander • John Cobenais Jr. •Brittany Kingbird •Clarissa try to help people understand the stories behind property-value decline that people associate mner •Sarathe HabitatB Abney homeowners. •Kristan W I’m Anderson someone •Peterto whom J Backstromwith it. There •Liz is A no Barra time in•Andrew my entire M life Bauman that •Tasha L Belter •Eric L Borndal •Heather N Bradford •E unham volunteers•Rebecca Acan Easterwood ask their ‘real’ •Matthew questions, D Eggert things •ErikI have S Elsberry ever felt •Tracy so appreciated E Engdahl and •India connected G Erb Lambert •Amanda R Fjeld •Katie J Greene •Tyler J Griff that might seem controversial or insensitive. as when I join my fellow members, community m S JohnstonBy facilitating •Betsy those J Knox conversations, •Sarah A IKopp help people•Jennifervolunteers, M Koski •Emil Habitat y staff, E Kyllonen and the futureAnna home- J Lacore •Tabbatha J Litchke •Melinda K Macdonald •Jacklyn A O’connorclear •Amandaup some of L the Oakgrove assumptions •Katie that M Ojanen hold •Meganowners E Olson in a •Kellynew home L Pavlovichdedication •Kirstie ceremony.” J Peterson •Christina E Pierce •WIP •S Rasouli •Nate L Robb

Steffen •Philip A Stern •Elaine J Toland •Amy L Trombley •Jonathon D Tupper •Annette M Unertl •Erik B Wendlant2008 •Kristyn ANNUAL REPORT M AasenS ERVE M•ScottINNESOTA R Allen13 Woodrow P Keifenheim •Sara M Leonard •Ethel J Lerfald •Kristina L Lindgren •Alexander R Maki •Danell J Norby •Cara C Patton •Chanmany Sysengchanh 56540_SM_annual_report_4.qxd:_ 5/7/09 3:32 PM Page 15

2008 FINANCIAL STATEMENT ServeMinnesota REVENUE Statement of Financial Position PRIVATE 6% INTEREST <1% August 31, 2008 and 2007 STATE 18%

ASSETS 2008 2007 Current Assets: Cash 512,012 266,938 Accounts Receivable 644 290 Grants Receivable 1,086,447 1,085,734 FEDERAL Pledges Receivable 105,000 75,000 76% Prepaid Expenses ______3,888 ______16,664 Total Current Assets ______1,707,991 ______1,444,626 EXPENSES Non-Current Assets: PROGRAM SUPPORT SUPPORT Equipment - Net 15,431 7,187 8% SERVICES 4% Security Deposit ______3,798 ______3,798 TOTAL ASSETS 1,727,220 1,455,611 ______LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Current Liabilities:

Accounts Payable 45,696 74,732 GRANTS Grants Payable 865,014 1,003,303 88% Refundable Advance ______70,916 ______—— Total Current Liabilities______981,626 ______1,078,035 Net Assets: Unrestricted: Designated 150,000 150,000 Undesignated______126,491 ______152,576 Total Unrestricted 276,491 302,576 Temporarily Restricted ______469,103 ______75,000 Total Net Assets ______745,594 ______377,576 TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS 1,727,220 1,455,611 ______

14 S ERVEM INNESOTA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 56540_SM_annual_report_4.qxd:_ 5/7/09 3:32 PM Page 16

Leadership “As someone familiar BOARD MEMBERS with education and the needs Karen Anderson Pamela Harris Adam Leonard Judith Russell of the business community, William Arendt Susan Heegaard Rep. Carol McFarlane Alice Seagren the Minnesota Reading Corps Rep. David Bly Thomas Horner Harry Melander Jackie Sinykin represents the type of Keith Dixon Sam Schuth Shawn Murphy Susan Taylor public-private effort we need Martha Jones Sichko Robert Rumpza (chair) Christine Wiegert Laura Harris Kate Kelly if we are to ensure a literate workforce for our future.

CORPORATE AND FOUNDATION SUPPORT Key factors that interest me as Bush Foundation Greater Twin Cities Opus Corporation The McKnight Foundation a business leader are that United Way Cargill, Inc. Opus Philanthropy Group The Sheltering Arms the Reading Corps is H.B. Fuller Company Foundation Curtis L. Carlson Otto Bremer Foundation data driven, has results to Foundation Family Foundation The Williston Group Target Heartland Financial prove that it works, Deluxe Corporation Thrivent Financial for Tennant Foundation Foundation McNeely Foundation Lutherans Foundation it is highly affordable and it The Cargill Foundation Ecolab Foundation Mille Lacs Band of Travelers Foundation is infinitely replicable.” Ojibwe Indians The Jay & Rose Phillips Frey Foundation Family Foundation Steve Shank, Chair, Capella Education Corporation READING CORPS BUSINESS LEADERSHIP GROUP Steve Shank, Capella Education Co. (chair) , Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation John Ellenberger, AMS Megan Remark, HealthPartners Pam Harris, Martin & Squires, PA Arthur Rolnick, Federal Reserve Bank Tom Horner, Himle-Horner Bob Rumpza, Rumpza Consulting LLC Kate Kelly, Minnesota Bank & Trust Bill Sands, Western Banks Jan Kruchoski, Larson Allen Kathy Tunheim, Tunheim Parners Malcolm McDonald, Space Center Christine Wiegert, TKDA Jeanne Mock, Target Corporation

2008 ANNUAL REPORT S ERVEM INNESOTA 15 56540_SM_annual_report_4.qxd:_ 5/7/09 3:32 PM Page 1

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