We have moved!

We have moved! Please visit our new blog at http:\\www.perspectives-family.org\blog Don't forget to follow us on Twitter or Facebook to get all the latest n...

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You Can Help Our Campers

Can you help our campers this year with supplies?  Here is what is needed. Please share with others that they may help. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 ...

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Caring Youth Award Presented to Liza Magill of Kids Connection Program

Liza Magill of Perspectives Kids Connection Program is selected for the Caring Youth Award of St. Louis Park. Twenty three years now, Roland and Doris Larson, members of Westwood Lutheran Church, had an idea. The Caring Youth event was created at Westwood Lutheran Church twenty three years ago out of the Larson’ life-long passion for youth ministry and caring. Last night twenty-two youth were awarded at the Marriot...

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Volunteer Recognition Week Fun

What a grand week it was here at Perspectives as we celebrated volunteers. Volunteer Recognition Week at Perspectives took place the week of April 23rd. There was a lot of fun activity going on in each program making volunteers and the impact they make here undeniably visible. Posters and pictures could be seen on the walls in each program in recognition of volunteers. Kids Connection scrolled volunteer pictures up...

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Volunteer Drawings in Honor of Volunteer Recognition Week

Volunteer Recognition week this year is being celebrated the week of April 23rd. Our theme this year in tribute to our volunteers is “Volunteers are a work of heart.” In keeping with the theme we are giving away volunteer pins with hearts and thank you messages on them as well as inspiration rocks. Each program staff at Perspectives had their own way of recognizing their stellar volunteers. I greeted volunteers that...

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Volunteers are a Work of Heart

Last week, Perspectives’ hosted a volunteer training. Present, were 10 incoming volunteers for the Summer Youth, Employment, Special Events and the Parenting Time Program. Laura Rogers, Director of Volunteers opened up the orientation training in our small board room with the volunteer video showing on the wall on our DVD player. What a great group of volunteers. They are quite eager to start volunteering and learning...

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Week of April 23rd- Volunteer Recogntion Week at Perspectives

Vanessa put in 299.5 hours in 2011- She won a visa gift card for the most hours put in by a volunteer over the year at Perspectives. Great job Vanessa. It is that time of year again where we recognize our amazing volunteers. Volunteers keep this place going and it would be virtually impossible for us to do what we do without you. The directors have been working for the last month designing ways that their individual...

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Nash Finch Comes To Perspectives

Tuesday, April 10th I stood eagerly at a volunteer expo at the Nash Finch Headquarters share with their staff about an exciting opportunity to volunteer at Perspectives.  I was one of ten fantastic non-profit agencies speaking about the important community projects that had been organized by Nash Finch for their Helping Hands in the Community Day. For the second year in a row, Nash Finch is shutting down their...

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You Can Make Our Kids Smile- Help With Basket Fixins' For Egg Hunting

You can help us by donating in for the Easter Egg Hunt for our kids in our housing program.  62 Baskets needed  Basket Grass 300 plastic Eggs Candy Jelly Beans When do we need it here at our site?  By the week of April 2nd Thanks in advance for your considerati...

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Reflections from a Kids Cafe Volunteer & Hockey Player

Benilde St. Margaret’s hockey player and Perspectives’ volunteer Justin Quale, reflects on what the state hockey win felt like to him and his fellow teammates. Justin is a volunteer in our charming café on Tuesday nights this semester. I recruit Benilde students each semester to volunteer in our Kids Connection program to work with our at risk k-5th grade students. In December of this year, a Benilde Hockey player...

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Chef For A Day

March 13th was a special night for Kids Connection 5th graders.  This is the night the Kids Connection staff honor our students by executing a thoughtful recognition dinner. We all know without a doubt here at Perspectives that our volunteers make each and every event come alive. Well, this night was no exception.  I will tell a tale of a chef who made this night smooth as silk when it could have been a different...

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Cozy In The Kitchen

Do you want a fun activity to do and help out our great cause? Well then I have just the thing for you! It is called “Get Cozy in the Kitchen”. You can join Sue Zelickson for an intimate gathering celebrating innovative kitchen trends and designs. Enjoy life chef demos, food stations and wine tasting. This event will take place at the Crystal Kitchen Center, 3620 Winnetka Ave N.,on March 22nd from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m....

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Volunteers of The Month For February

 Let's hear it for our Volunteers of the Month For February.   Each month our programs here at Perspectives serving families select a volunteer that goes above and beyond.  Here are our chosen ones for February: Child-Care- Kristin- She is a fabulous volunteer.  She has been volunteering here for eight years. She is adept at comforting crying children, playing ping-pong, and reminding people...

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2012 Winter /Spring Orientation Volunteer Training

Last week, Perspectives’ hosted a volunteer training. Present, were 16 incoming volunteers for the Kids Connection and the Parenting Time Program. Laura Rogers, Director of Volunteers,opened up the orientation training with a circle space. Circle spaces help with a community feel and a positive energy flow. Mayme Casey, Director of Children’s Programs and her teaching staff trained their volunteers on topics such...

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Immaculate Conception Volunteers

Last Wednesday we were graced with a great group of volunteers from Immaculate Conception Church in Watertown, Minnesota. Ten volunteers and ten mentors came to do service work for their confirmation class. From the moment they arrived they jumped right in to our playground fielding fly balls, tossing Frisbees, and playing tag with the kids from Kids Connection.We then adjourned to Kids Cafe to bake pretzels wrapped...

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Solera Sunday's

A few weeks back, Jorge Guzman, Executive Chef at Solera Restaurant, mentioned to Perspectives Board Member Sue Zelickson, that he would like to do something special for the families in our Supportive Housing program.  That conversation grew into a generous offering that we now call Solera Sunday’s!   On the 3rd Sunday of each month one of our SHP families is invited to enjoy a free dinner at Solera. ...

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A Night To Remember

Buzzing in the background of our charming cafe, one could hear smooth jazz playing as January 25Th became a night to remember for Perspectives residents. Perspectives hosted the Supportive Housing Program Recognition Event which happens two times per year.  Glowing candles, fresh flowers, and fine dining set the mood for this amazing event.Our women work hard on their journey to freedom from addiction.  On...

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Donation Wish List For Programs At Perspectives'

CHILDCARE-Supplies •Glue Sticks                                                               •Kleenex •Cups •Paper tape •AA Batteries and C batteries •Paint Brushes •Paints •Painting Paper (thick) •Glitter •Yarn (wool or something strong) •Sturdy string or rope •Rice for the sand table •Clay •Potting Soil •Water Game •Play Camera •Monopoly •Poster Board •Tissue Paper •Coffee Filters •Fabric...

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Saying Good-Bye To Jeffrey Postuma- Director of Parenting Time

Saying Good-Bye to Jeffrey Postuma Director of Parenting Time Always laughing or cracking a joke, while working diligently, Jeffrey’s spirit will be missed at Perspectives. For 12 years Jeffrey has been the Director of our Parenting Time program.  This program reunites non-custodial parents with their children by providing comprehensive services to parents who have been ordered by a court to have supervision...

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Cargill's Own Jennifer Montillino and Val Carver Make Holiday Wishes Come True

Two women who get things done for the good of others are Val Carver and Jennifer Montillino. This amazing power house duo lead the “Cargill Holiday Adopt -A –Family Gift Program” for Perspectives’ Supportive Housing residents.  This is the third annual gift program from Cargill employees! It is not an easy job coordinating gifts for 52 women and over 120 children during the holidays.  However, Val & Jennifer...

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Mrs. Kelly's Tea Donates Proceeds to Perspectives

Last weekend Mindy Kelly, owner of Mrs. Kelly’s Tea, once again hosted her holiday tea tasting event.   Over 20 vendors joined Mindy and her 100+ teas, to taste many holiday treats, sip some of the finest teas around and come together to celebrate the holidays.  Guests were asked to provide a $2 donation and/or a nonperishable food item.  Funds collected for the event once again went to Perspectives...

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