July 2026: Leading with Resilience, Energy Equity, and 60 Years of Impact
Sabathani Family & Friends,
As the Heart of South Minneapolis, summer brings incredible energy to our building. Our halls are filled with youth participating in programs like Greener Futures, families accessing essential resources, and community members connecting through health and wellness programs. July is also a time when important projects are taking shape that will strengthen our community for years to come.
Here are a few of the priorities we’re moving forward together this month.
Building a Climate Resilience Hub
Minnesota’s hot summer days place a significant burden on many families, forcing difficult choices between keeping cool and meeting other basic needs. At Sabathani, we believe our community deserves reliable, sustainable resources that strengthen resilience for everyone.
We’re making exciting progress on our building transformation:
- Geothermal HVAC System: Modernizing our historic building with efficient, low-emission heating and cooling.
- Rooftop Solar & Battery Storage: Helping ensure that if severe weather impacts the power grid, Sabathani can continue serving as a trusted community resource where neighbors can find shelter, charge essential medical devices, and access support.
These investments are also creating opportunities for young people. This month’s photo features the local interns who work alongside our construction partners, gaining hands-on experience, building valuable job skills, and helping shape the future of Sabathani.
Expanding Youth Housing Support
Stable housing creates the foundation for opportunity, yet too many young people continue to face barriers to finding and maintaining safe housing.
Our Housing Services team has secured funding to support 30 young people through the end of 2026, and we continue working to expand those resources. Our goal remains the same: making youth homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring while helping every young person build a stable future.
Food Access with Dignity
Food insecurity continues to affect many of our neighbors. Each day, our food shelf serves approximately 120 community members seeking healthy food for themselves and their families.
Led by our Director of Critical Services, Sherri Green, our team continues improving the experience through multilingual support, an appointment system that reduces wait times, and a welcoming space for parents with children. Every person who walks through our doors deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.
Strengthening Community Voice
As important elections approach, we continue partnering with organizations across the 38th Street Corridor and Ward 8 to ensure our community’s voices are heard.
Our location near George Floyd Square reminds us daily of the importance of civic engagement, neighborhood investment, and working together to create a safer, stronger South Minneapolis.
Looking Ahead: Celebrating 60 Years
This year marks 60 years of Sabathani Community Center serving South Minneapolis.
We’ve remained a trusted community institution because of generations of neighbors, partners, volunteers, donors, and supporters who believe in this work. I hope you’ll join us at our 60th Anniversary Block Party this August as we celebrate our shared history, honor the legacy preserved in our Living History Museum, and look ahead to the resilient future we’re building together.
Thank you for being part of the Heart of South Minneapolis.
In solidarity,
Scott Redd
President & CEO
