The Good Newsletter February 2023
Please join us in celebrating our 20th Make-A-Difference Year!
 

 

 
As I reflect over the past 20 years, I’m truly grateful for the support and partnership of the many valuable staff members, volunteers, donors, partners, board members, and key stakeholders who have shared in our vision to “Bring Help and Inspire Hope” for all those in need.  There are so many good people and partners who have come alongside of us to support, encourage, and to sacrificially invest themselves to help us fulfill our mission to “Influence, inspire, and impact individuals, families, and entire communities for good”.  With your amazing support, Good in the ‘Hood has been able to inspire intentional kindness and bring basic resources and practical expression of genuine care to more than 1,000,000 people since our inception in 2003.  Although our past has been fruitful and it has certainly made a significant difference for many who are in need, we must look forward as there is still so much to do.  We invite your valuable support as we continue to dedicate ourselves to doing Good in the neighbor-‘Hood. 
 
The following is a note we received that highlights the impact of acting with intentional kindness:
 
“Dear Good in the ‘Hood, I would like to put in writing my appreciation for all of the donated goods.  Not only food, but toiletries, books, gifts for the holidays, and some other helpful items that you guys take the time to provide for people in need or those who are going through hard times, like myself and other families.  You are a true blessing. Whenever we’re low or out of food, I know I can count on Good in the ‘Hood to help my family during these hard times.  Thank you!”  T.A.
 

 
Now, as the needs continue to grow and resources have become unpredictable in cost and procurement of food and necessities, instead of pulling back, we are pressing in. I believe Good in the ‘Hood is positioned for such a time as this.  Not only to meet the very basic physical needs of our neighbors such as having enough food, but also to provide those intangible moments to kindle friendships, instill dignity, and develop deep connections with those whom we have the privilege to serve -- recognizing that our dedicated team may be filling an important emotional gap by being a timely listening ear and friend for someone in need when they may otherwise be overcome by a deep sense of overwhelm and sadness.   
 
In addition to feeding the hungry, our other programs continue to grow by offering critical medical foot care and shoes for the unsheltered and for the under resourced, bringing help during the holidays to several hundred families with children in need…AND…I am very excited to announce, offering valuable personal support for high school students through our recently acquired, Side By Side youth program.
 

 
Side By Side was founded as a nonprofit organization in 1999, by Terry and Kris Munoz.  Terry, Kris and the Side By Side board of directors are pleased to become a program of Good in the ‘Hood. We welcome our long-time friend and partner, Terry Munoz to our full time staff as our new Side By Side Program Director.

Although the cost of living and the effects of inflation are significant challenges, still 2023 promises to be an exciting time of growth and added responsiveness to the needs of our community.  It’s made more special because of this valuable partnership.  We always like to say, “We’re better together”.  Now, with the new addition of our Side By Side program, we are “Much Better Together”!

I encourage you to learn more about this important program in the spotlight story below.
 
Our sincere appreciation to YOU, our many volunteers, partners, donors, staff, board members, and sponsors for being the lifeline to the hungry, hurting, and lonely in our neighborhoods. We couldn't do it without your dedication, generosity, and support!
 
Our 20^th Anniversary Celebration event details will be coming soon!
 
Have a MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY!
 

 

Since 1999, Side By Side has come alongside hundreds of communities to offer engaging and relevant youth programs and resources, to build and promote community-based youth programs that relationally engage our next generation.

Today more than ever, middle school and senior high youth are experiencing a need for support that comes through meaningful, mature, and healthy relationships with adults and their peers. Our objective is to assist and guide adult volunteers in rallying their support around the young people in their communities, to be the effective adult influencers our youth need and deserve.  Side By Side is making every effort to be this key community catalyst. 

Program Mission:  To Foster and Advance Effective Community Based Youth Programs & Partnerships.
Our goals include promoting, supporting and advancing:

 
What’s Happening Now:  Over the past several years, Side By Side has been developing and offering a community-based model for positive youth programs that can be replicated in other communities.  Our most recent example is in Buffalo, MN, a vibrant city of nearly 20,000 residents located just a short drive west of the twin cities.  Side By Side has been asked by community leaders to lead and to collaboratively host youth driven activities at the Buffalo Community Center. One of the Highlights of our work in Buffalo has been The FEED!

The Side by Side FEED is a monthly gathering for those in high school to come together for a delicious breakfast, a connectional opportunity, and an inspiring message from a respected community leader. The motto of The FEED is, “Food for Life”.

Our meetings are averaging 30 students per gathering with a capacity to host over 75.  We’re excited with the enthusiasm and excitement of our participants and volunteer supporters which includes 12 adults and 8 students who work together to plan the meetings, prepare the food, and provide transportation as needed.  Individuals, community groups and Churches have generously donated to The FEED and we hope to garner even more support for the anticipated growth of this important community initiative.
 

 
The Side By Side FEED Student Team creates opportunities for young people to develop and use their gifts and talents to serve and lead in their communities. The FEED Student Team is working together to create a fun and encouraging environment for peers to gather together.  Team members help to plan activities, choose the message themes, and act as table leaders for discussions over breakfast at The FEED meetings. Positive peer influence is taking place at our gatherings and our intention is that all attendees will have a sense of belonging as they meet and connect with at least one new friend.

The FEED Impact Story: Amelia Schmidt is a 17 year old senior at Buffalo High School who became a member of The FEED’s student team back in October of 2022.   Amelia is a student who loves to serve and lead.  Along with being a part of The FEED Student Team, she serves the Buffalo Community in other organizations including,  F.F.A., Buffalo H.S. Concert Choir, and B.H.S. Events Choir. 
 

When invited to be a part of The FEED Student Team, Amelia jumped at the opportunity!  When asked “What do you most like about The FEED?” Amelia responded that she loves the idea that “students come in so early in the morning with such great attitudes!  Students want to be there and everyone likes to help out! It’s a group effort. “The FEED is a positive start to your day!  It helps take away the slump that you can get in through a sometimes monotonous routine.  And, you get a great breakfast!  It also gives me a way to live my personal faith by giving me a way to care for others.”
 

 

 
As a  FEED Student Team member, Amelia has led various activities, offered direction, and led games for students at gatherings.  In addition, Amelia has headed up early outreach and promotional efforts to help bring in nearly 90 students over the past 3 months.  GREAT WORK, Amelia!!!
  
The Side By Side Buffalo Youth Together (BYT) is an exciting new collaborative effort that will bring together several area youth workers to plan and host a regular quarterly event for our Buffalo area middle school and high school youth.  BYT events will be fun, memorable, service-learning and leadership-based activities that encourage a greater sense of community connectedness and overall goodwill.  It’s a great way to meet and to connect with the youth in a fun, safe, and collaborative manner that offers a wide array of engaging events and opportunities where they can learn and host service projects that help to foster a better community.
 
To learn more about Good in the ‘Hood programs and services, we invite you to visit our website. Please note, the new Side By Side web page is coming soon!

We’re grateful for the excellent service of all of our board members including Suzanne Hinderscheid, our board secretary who recently completed her term at the end of 2022.  Thank you, Suzanne for your outstanding service and support.  We are grateful to you and we wish you the very best moving forward. 
 
We would like to welcome our newest board members, Carrie Callahan and Laena Gennrich. 
                                                                                                          (Carrie)
                                                                                                                 (Laena)

We’re thrilled to have these two new team members join our team of difference makers.
 
Last but not least, we would like to say, “Thank you” to each of our 2023 board members including a special appreciation to our officers, Doug Stewart, Chairman; Renson Anjere, Vice Chairman; Barb Hoeker, Treasurer; and Kathy Bissen, Secretary.  It’s truly a delight to work together with this team to advance the Good in the ‘Hood mission and to meet the needs of our beloved community.