October 2026: Honoring Our Roots, Looking Ahead

Dear Sabathani Community, 

October is a season of change. As the leaves turn and the days grow shorter, we are reminded that change is a natural part of growth—and that even as seasons shift, our roots remain essential. At Sabathani Community Center, our roots are firmly planted in South Minneapolis, grounded in a commitment to community, opportunity, belonging, and the belief that every person deserves the chance to thrive. 

As we move through October, I am reminded that Sabathani is much more than a community center. We are a place where families find support, young people discover their potential, neighbors connect with resources, and community members come together to build a stronger future. Every day, the work happening within our walls and throughout our neighborhood reflects the power of people coming together with a shared purpose.  

Our impact is measured not only by the programs we offer, but by the possibilities we help create.

Whether we are supporting families through food access, investing in youth development, expanding pathways to stable housing, strengthening economic opportunity, or advancing community wellness, our mission remains the same: to meet people where they are while helping create the conditions for them to thrive. We recognize that lasting change requires more than responding to immediate needs. It calls us to address the barriers that prevent individuals and families from reaching their full potential. 

This work is especially important as we look toward the future. Through our partnerships, community investments, and commitment to systems change, Sabathani continues to build connections between immediate support and long-term solutions. We know that meaningful progress happens when residents are not simply recipients of services, but active participants in shaping the decisions, resources, and opportunities that affect their lives. 

I am particularly proud of the dedication our staff bring to this mission. Behind every program, every partnership, and every community success is a team of people who show up with compassion, creativity, and a deep understanding of why this work matters. To our staff, volunteers, board members, donors, and community partners: thank you for the time, talent, and heart you invest in Sabathani. Your contributions make it possible for us to continue meeting today’s needs while building toward tomorrow’s possibilities. 

At its September meeting, Sabathani’s Board of Directors honored four departing members for their years of leadership and service: Reverend Carmen Lewis, Reverend Ian Bethel, Beverly Franklin, and Reverend Dr. Curtiss Paul DeYoung (not pictured). Board Chair Andrea Atkinson presented certificates of appreciation in recognition of their lasting contributions to Sabathani and the community.

As we enter the final quarter of the year, I encourage us all to reflect on what we have accomplished, recognize where more work is needed, and remain ambitious about what we can achieve together. The challenges facing our community are real, but so are the strengths, wisdom, resilience, and determination of the people who call this community home. 

At Sabathani, we will continue to listen, learn, collaborate, and lead with purpose. We will continue to honor the strengths of our community while working to remove barriers to opportunity. And we will continue to believe that when we invest in people, we strengthen not only individual lives, but the entire community. 

This October, may we find inspiration in the changing season and confidence in the work ahead. Our roots keep us grounded, our mission keeps us focused, and our community gives us every reason to keep growing. 

With gratitude and continued commitment, 

Scott Redd
President & CEO