We are currently leasing to purchase the large multi-use building at 175 Lexington Parkway North in the Summit-University neighborhood of St. Paul, named SELO HOUSE, in honor of Lakota Sun Dance Chief Selo Black Crow. Harsh economic times leaves us in need.
The transitional housing site we aspire for is located in a residential neighborhood with easy access to churches, schools, parks and a college. An interstate highway and a future light rail transit station are within walking distance. The building is versatile with housing for 10-25 people. The building also holds the potential for job creation, training and an independent stream of revenue to the facility. A Welcome Center and the foundation office will also be housed at the SELO House.We envision a living center that is a safe home as well as a place of hope and opportunity. Our programming will be designed to improve transition for people returning to communities from prisons and jails, including the services that can help reduce recidivist behavior including violations of probation and parole. When we open the doors to residents, the services for the women and their families will be provided through partnerships with professionals from all disciplines including: Health care, education, legal advisors, employment, and small business training.
As an end result of the creation of the N.A.T.I.V.E.S. Foundation’s transitional living centers, we believe that a reduced incidence of recidivism, homelessness, criminal activity and decayed family and spiritual infrastructure. In turn, strengthening and infrastructure of society in the Native American communities
Our goal is to ensure the safety and security of Native women who are reentering society after having been incarcerated.
THE NEED IS GREAT!!!
At the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Shakopee, 82 of the 580 female inmates are Native, representing 14% of the current population. Today in Minnesota 11% of homeless adults and 20% of homeless youth are Native Americans. However, of the general population, Native Americas represent only 1% of adults and 2% of youth. Many of these homeless Natives live on the streets of Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
N.A.T.I.V.E.S. Foundation’s services and operational network are described below. These services will be provided for SELO House residents and other community members in need:Pathways out of Poverty:WIND SPIRIT PROGRAM: Job counseling and placement services, educational counseling, GED services, career counseling, and Native language classes.F.O.C.U.S. (Freedom Overcomes Unwanted Stressors) program: Spirit based 12-step programming, relapse prevention counseling, abuse counseling, mentoring services, and restorative justice programs.AIN-DAH-ING (Ain-dah-ing means: home with-in the heart) Family services: parenting workshops, one-on-one counseling services, group counseling & support services, family retreats/outings, and unified living support services.WAAKAÁIGAN EMPLOYMENT (Waakaáigan means: house) program: is an N.A.T.I.V.E.S. work project that would give women opportunities to receive training in weatherization and energy conservation. A well planned training program will promote self sufficiency, sustainability, and contributes to making our world a cleaner and safer place to live.
As the end result of the creation of the N.A.T.I.V.E.S. Foundation’s transitional living centers, we believe that a reduced incident of recidivism, homelessness, criminal activity and decayed family and Spiritual infrastructure. In turn, strengthening the infrastructure of society in the Native American communities in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, and Minnesota as a whole. The purpose of planning a re-entry initiative is to create a solid foundation for success. N.A.T.I.V.E.S. intent is to make a difference for these members of our community.
Experts have suggesting implementing a three step approach: 1) identify a problem; 2) assemble stakeholders; and 3) select an area of intervention. At this time we are actively taking these steps with the few monetary resources we possess. We are seeking immediate financial support to allow us to prepare transitional living space for the first 10-25 women residents and to organize programming to meet their other needs. Our intention is develop and replicate a model for creating transitional living centers for men and women that provide holistic approaches to empower people, of all nationalities, with the strength, skills, and opportunities they need to gain self-sufficiency and a pathway out of poverty.
We ask you, as representatives of the society of conscience, to make a contribution to enable us to open the transitional living center, SELO HOUSE. Your consideration, support, and generosity will enable us to fully operate our first living center.Each year approximately 650,000 inmates who are released from state and federal prisons attempt to return to their communities and families. Please help us to make a difference.