Overview
In March 2011, Ascension Place, Inc. opened Next Step Housing—a brand new
program that provides permanent, supportive housing for eleven women who
have graduated from Ascension Place. Women who move from Ascension Place
to Next Step Housing will benefit from living in an “intentional community”
that provides an ongoing network of support. Without this permanent, supportive
housing, these same women would be at risk for relapse, victimization and
social isolation. We truly believe that this housing model is the most respectful
and dignified option for the women we serve, and we are so excited to see
our Next Step dream become a reality!
With the financial help of the Curtis L. Carlson Family Foundation and
St. Luke Presbyterian Church, we purchased and rehabbed a 12-unit apartment
building in North Minneapolis. Hundreds of volunteers helped paint and ready
the building, and hundreds more donated household items.
Organizational donors
and volunteers include:
AmeriCorps
Carlson Family Foundation
First Universalist of Minneapolis
Harris Covenant Church
League of Catholic Women
Medtronic
Sanctuary CDC
South Minneapolis Quilters
St. Luke Presbyterian Church
University of St. Thomas
OPUS College of Business
Urban Immersion
Next Step Donations
Most Next Step residents are moving into their first-ever apartment. To
really welcome each woman into her new home and to celebrate this exciting
step in her life, we need your help! If you or your organization would like
to donate any of the items listed below, please contact Julianna at 612.588.0861
or email us at juliannajanssen@stannesplace.org.
- Sheets (full size)
- Blankets
- Comforters
- Towels and washcloths
- Kitchen utensils and small appliances
- Pots, pans and baking sheets
Sally’s Next Step Story
Sally, a thirty-something African American woman, was divorced
in 2001 and hospitalized for severe depression. She continued to suffer from
depression and, at times, paranoia. In 2008, Sally left her apartment and
moved in with her brother. Because he feared she would harm herself, he helped
her enroll in a 3-month residential, mental health treatment program. From
there, Sally moved to Ascension Place where she quickly became a valued member
of the community. She attended the Mental Health Support Group and all of
our arts activities, made many friendships and grew to deeply trust her case
manager. She also took on more and more responsibilities within the community.
She took charge of a volunteering project for Peace Coffee. She coordinated
the weekly Bible study. And she was solely responsible for watering our gardens
and plants for the summer (and we had a bumper crop). After a year, her peers
nominated her to be a House Leader. With all of the progress she had made,
Sally still had anxiety about life outside of Ascension Place. So after 21
months of living in this community, Sally was excited to move to Next Step
Housing. With the support of Ascension Place and its staff and programs, and
the support of the dear friends she’s made while living at Ascension Place
who also are moving to Next Step, Sally will be able to achieve long-term
stability and independence.
Rachel’s Next Step Story
Rachel has lived at Ascension Place for 2 years. Before coming
to Ascension Place, she had been evicted from her public housing apartment
due to her husband’s illegal activities. For years after that, she lived on
the streets suffering from debilitating stress and reliving the abuses and
neglect of her childhood. At Ascension Place, Rachel really worked hard on
becoming stable. She attended our Mental Health Support Group, started working
on her bachelor’s degree and balanced two different volunteer positions. More
importantly, Rachel found friends, peace, and purpose. Now living at Next
Step Housing, Rachel’s goals are to volunteer, finish school and continue
rebuilding her relationship with her daughter.