Two of our students taking computer classes at Neighborhood House were recognized for their achievements and time spent studying in the month of January. Both students were recognized in front of their peers and received Neighborhood House t-shirts! Way to go students!
Adopt-a-Family program update
Neighborhood House distributed gifts to 50 families who took part in our Adopt-a-Family program this year, with each individual in the family receiving three gifts. Thank you also to House of Hope Church, Gloria Dei Lutheran, SSIP Law Firm and over 100 individuals were sponsored from Lumen Christi Church. Thank you to the staff who worked with the families to ensure delivery by the holidays.
Neighborhood House gives away 50 beds!
Neighborhood House was able to give away 50 beds (donated by Slumberland Furniture) to families in need of beds due to family members sleeping on the floor, on couches or doubling up.
Slumberland donated 35 twin beds and 15 full size beds. Thank you to the staff who assisted families in getting their very own new beds!
Movie night at Neighborhood House Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
February 18 | 12pm - 4pm
Join us for an event celebrating Black History month on the West Side: a free screening of Wakanda Forever (the sequel to Black Panther) at the Wellstone Center. This event is free to attend for all ages.
Join #IamABE and Literacy Action Network at the Capitol for a "Day on the Hill" event on March 23. At this event attendee will be advocating for adult education for programs across Minnesota.
The group is inviting students, educators, and members of the community.
Now accepting applications for
Constance Currie scholarships
From now until March 31, we will be accepting applications for the Constance Currie Scholarship!
Applicant Eligibility
Must be seeking a first-time postsecondary education
Must have lived, worked, or volunteered within Saint Paul’s West Side community (zip code 55107) at some point in their lives; or been actively involved with Neighborhood House Programs
Previous recipients are eligible to submit applications with a maximum of three
awards per individual Scholarship Awards
Scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $1,500. The annual number of awards are determined based on available funds. Recipients can use their scholarship for any school-related expense at their discretion.
March Food Drive is coming soon! This year we have many different ways that you and your community can get involved.
Volunteer. Stay tuned for volunteer opportunities like collecting groceries from patrons at Kowalski’s grocery store and more!
Donate.Make your dollar go even further! When you make a donation to us during March Food Drive, a portion is matched by MN Food Share.
Host a Food Drive. Hosting a food drive with a group is a great way to get engaged and make a difference. Many churches, workplaces, book clubs and other groups choose to host food drives for Neighborhood House all year round!
Host a Fundraiser. During March Food Drive you can start a fundraiser through our giving platform and make it a challenge between your friends and family.
Carrie comes to Neighborhood House as a recent graduate of the U of M’s Family Social Science program, where they graduated with distinction. They have more than five years of experience working with and mentoring children in St. Cloud area youth programs, as well as customer service and restaurant experience. Additionally, Carrie has experience in community building, advocacy, and working with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. In their spare time, Carrie enjoys crocheting. It’s their favorite hobby.
Valerie Dorschner | Early Childhood Instructor
Valerie has worked at Neighborhood House since 2004.
Valerie leads the Skills for School preschool program and is responsible for the curriculum. She has over 20 years of experience in early childhood working with parents and children, and has training and experience working with neurodiverse and dual language students.
Valerie is a licensed teacher with a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of St. Thomas.
She holds licenses in elementary education and in early childhood education, and has several years of experience teaching elementary school.
Valerie enjoys her free time with her five children and one grandchild.
Victoria Campoverde
Victoria Campoverde is the program manager of Neighborhood House’s Latino Leadership Program. She is originally from Peru and was a licensed high school teacher in her home country.
Her extensive experience within the education sector exemplifies her commitment to education and families.
Currently, she serves as the Cultural Liaison between Columbia Heights School District and Anoka-Hennepin School District.
In 2008 Victoria began working with The Amherst H. Wilder Foundation’s Latino Leadership Program on adapting their curriculum for the Latinx community. Since then, she has continued working in the Latino Leadership Program after its 2020 transition to Neighborhood House.
Coauthor of Education: Our Best Legacy (EOBL), a school success program designed for parents or caregivers with one or more children in middle school. EOBL is part of the Partnering for School Success project (PSS) with the University of Minnesota’s Extension program.
Lead teacher and Program Director at Joyce Preschool.
A 25 on the Rise, Latino Leader recipient from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2006.
Facilitator with different Latino parent programs in the Twin Cities.
President of Kuyayki Peru MN Cultural Association.
For Victoria it is important to value ones culture and cultivate ones heritage. She believes in the importance of empowering the community through her work with Neighborhood House and the Latino Leadership Program. During her free time Victoria enjoys dancing.
Winter / Spring Fresh Produce Distributions Events*
From November–May, all are welcome to come pick up a variety of free fruits and vegetables for family and friends. Distributions take place at Metro State University in St. Paul.
This event is held indoors. Masks are encouraged but not required.
During each event, we distribute approximately 3,000 pounds of food to approximately 75-100 families on average.
No documentation or identification is required to participate.
Event guideline and details: Our fresh produce events are open to everyone!
Requirements: Nothing! You do not need identification to receive food.
Recommendations: You may want to bring your own bags and a cart if you have one. On average, visitors will leave with approximately 40 pounds of fresh produce per event.
Registration: First-time visitors are required to register on site. The registration process will take 5-10 minutes to complete.
Parking: You can park in the Metro State ramp parking for $5. Otherwise, street parking is available along 7th St. and Bates Avenue.
Wellstone Center | 179 Robie Street East, St. Paul, MN 55107
Location
Metropolitan State University
(Student Center Room) 101 690 E 7th St St. Paul, MN 55106
TIME – 2:30–4 P.M.
DATES – December 17, 2025 | January 14, 2026 | February 11, 2026 | March 11, 2026 | April 8, 2026 | May 13, 2026
* Weather permitting – If there are thunderstorms or excessive heat warnings, we may cancel the event and / or events. For more information and event cancellation updates, please call (651) 789-3630.
Still have questions? Kindly email Nicki Thao, Food Market Site Coordinator.
Summer / Fall distributions* (Summer 2025)
From July to October, all are welcome to come pick up a variety of free fruits and vegetables for family and friends at our St. Paul locations.
The distributions are held outdoors and are farmer’s market style. No documentation or identification is required to participate.
Event guideline and details: Our fresh produce events are open to everyone!
Requirements: Nothing! You do not need identification to receive food.
Recommendations: You may want to bring your own bags and a cart if you have one. On average, visitors will leave with approximately 40 pounds of fresh produce per event.
Registration: First-time visitors are required to register on site. The registration process will take 5-10 minutes to complete.
Parking: You may park on the street at most of our locations.
Locations
The Wellstone Center*
179 Robie Street St. Paul, MN 55107
Dates
Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday from July to October Hours: 12 p.m.–2 p.m.
7/10
7/24
8/14
8/28
9/11
9/25
10/9
10/23
Summit Brewing Parking Lot
902 Montreal Circle St. Paul, MN 55102
Dates
Every 1st and 3rd Thursday from July to October Hours: 12 p.m.–2 p.m.
* Weather permitting. If there are thunderstorms or excessive heat warnings, we may cancel the event and / or events. For more information and event cancellation updates, please call (651) 789-3630.
Still have questions? Please email Nikki Thao, Food Market Coordinator.
Food Market Location
Francis Basket
1293 East Maynard Drive #410 St Paul, MN 55116 Phone: (651) 699-0986
The Wellstone Center Parking Ramp is located on the west side of the main building. The ramp has three levels with one elevator bank. Take the elevator to the first floor and follow the signs towards the information desk. Parking is free.
Note: Building hours may be adjusted due to holidays, emergencies, program changes or weather. Check our website homepage and social media for possible building hour changes.
