Mission: Rcfl's mission is to act as an agent of hope and transformation to preserve a vibrant community in the harrison neighborhood & broader north minneapolis.
Programs: Property management - with 16 efficiency and 7 multi-bedroom apartments, and 1 single-family house, redeemer aims to provide attainable housing in an area of minneapolis where it is highly needed. In 2016, rcfl provided housing to 14 hat residents, 12 additional single adults, and 17 families. We maintained a 99% occupancy rate and 80% of our lease holders have been with us for multiple years.
venture north - venture north bike and coffee shop received 236 donated bicycles in 2017 and sold 133 after refurbishing them, as well as 155 new bikes. 8 apprentice mechanics were trained, two of whom were hired by the shop following their training. 2 high school students trained as baristas in the coffee bar through the step up achieve program with the city of minneapolis. 47 bikes were delievered to neighborhood youth as part of 3 earn-a-bike day camps. Net sales for the shop increased 25% over 2016.
youth - the inaugural youthbank youth leadership team devised a granting theme of breaking stereotypes in north minneapolis. Four awards totaling $2,700 were made to individual or groups of youth and young adults to fund community activities that met the team's theme and selection criteria. 26 high-schoolers interned in various programs of rcfl through the step up discover program, including weekly training sessions in community leadership. Neighborhood youth were engaged in on-campus summer activities as part of the summer cookouts, as well as friday field trips to sites around the metro area.
From what I have seen of Redeemer Center for Life is that it is an extremely positive organization dedicated to lifting up the Harrison neighborhood, which is a part of Minneapolis that often forgotten. If all organization could have as much integrity as RCFL our world would be a much better place.