Avivo receives Minneapolis’ Youth Services Partner award

Avivo received the 2016 Youth Services Partner of the Year by the City of Minneapolis
Community Planning and Economic Development, for delivering exceptional services to
Minneapolis youth and young adults, ages 14-24.

The award recognizes Avivo for achieving high outcomes — connecting 95 young
people annually to counseling and support they need to secure their first jobs or plan
their careers. And in 2016, 23 participants were involved in internships, and 30
participants obtained industry-specific credentials.

The award was presented by the City of Minneapolis Employment and Training and the
Minneapolis Workforce Development Board at a ceremony during the meeting of the
Community Development and Regulatory Services Committee.

“The youth and young adults we serve are often navigating challenging life
circumstances,” shares program manager Becca Lopez. “However, they’re incredibly
resilient and determined to achieve their education and/or career goals.”

Avivo’s Youth Futures program provides one-to- one support that covers everything from
independent living skills, financial literacy, career exploration and job search assistance,
high school enrollment, accessing training programs, and support to address barriers
such as transportation or work-appropriate clothing.

The program is funded by the City of Minneapolis. Avivo is a certified provider of
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) training services. For more
information, or to refer a participant, contact Becca at 612-752- 8826
or becca.lopez@avivomn.org.

Pictured: Avivo participant Shekyia Kendrick, Minneapolis Workforce Development
board member Philomena Morissey Satre, Avivo staff members Emily Schloesser,
Becca Lopez, Kelly Matter (Pres./CEO), and Debbie Ferry (Interim VP).