Hi <<First Name>>,
Welcome to the Fall newsletter! In this issue you'll hear about the impact that our volunteers have, an update on our upcoming Amicus Champions of Change 2025 event, and our winter warm-up drive. As you read, I hope you will consider how you might get involved. Amicus is a community of dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and individuals determined to build a better path forward. We couldn't do what we do without your partnership and support. Thank you!
Chris Doege, Senior Director of Community Justice
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We are thrilled to give a warm welcome to Walter Taylor, III, as our new housing navigator. He joined the Amicus team in July 2024 as an AmeriCorps Public Health volunteer. Walter brings a wealth of experience to his role, having played key roles in youth development, supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, and leading creative writing workshops.
Walter has an infectious smile and his passion for working with people entering community after incarceration is evident. His housing navigator role focuses on guiding individuals through the barriers they face, such as limited financial resources, mental health stigmas, and a lack of community support. In housing, these obstacles can be particularly challenging, as finding stable and affordable accommodation is crucial for men and women reintegrating into our community after incarceration.
Access to housing is a fundamental human need, yet landlords frequently hesitate to rent to individuals with a criminal record, resulting in application denials based on previous convictions, regardless of how much time has passed or whether the person has completed their probation.
Walter gives rental guidance and coaching to each individual he serves, offering connections with landlords through Amicus's established relationships. These landlords recognize that while people may have poor credit or limited leasing history, they deserve the opportunity of a new beginning. Amicus currently works with fifteen landlords who are open to renting to those Amicus serves, offering a total of fifty units within the Twin Cities metro area and its surrounding counties.
Walter earnestly hopes, "That every person that sits in front of me feels seen, heard, and knows that someone is here whenever they need help with anything. When a person feels that they have support, especially in difficult times, they find the courage to live boldly and reach further than they ever could on their own."
In addition to his role at Amicus, Walter is currently pursuing a Mental Health Coach/First Responder certification from Light University and his application for the $30,000 Voqal Fellowship has moved to the next stage of consideration for his "Pen Therapy" project, which uses poetry workshops to process trauma.
Thank you, Walter, for sharing your compassionate guidance and dedication to personal growth with those we serve at Amicus. You are helping individuals build confidence and take steps towards discovering new beginnings and a place to call home.
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Save the Date - Champions of Change
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We are excited to announce that this year's Champions of Change event will be on Thursday, May 1st, 2025 from 4:30 - 6pm at Westminster Presbyterian in Minneapolis. More details and registration to come, so please mark your calendars. We look forward to seeing you there!
If you or your company are interested in being a sponsor for this event, please reach out to Chris Moore at chris.moore@voamn.org
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With cold weather approaching, Amicus participants are in need of warm clothing, coats, gloves, and hats! Feel free to donate other items as well, anything is appreciated!
Donations can be dropped off at one of these two locations:
Amicus Office
3041 4th Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55408
VOA- MN Office (place items in bin on 2nd floor)
7625 Metro Blvd Ste 200
Edina, MN 55439
You can also shop our Amazon wish list here, where we keep a running list of needs as they arise. (Please choose "Amicus Gift Registry" as the shipping address during checkout so items are shipped directly to our office.) Thanks for your ongoing support and generosity!
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