Frequently asked questions

What are the overall services offered by your program?
Adult Education at Neighborhood House offers English, GED, civics, computer, and citizenship classes with the goal of helping learners gain the skills to pursue economic self-sufficiency.
When are Adult Education classes?
Please visit our Class Schedule page for more information.
How do I register or get more information on taking an Adult Education class?

You may register by doing any of the following:

  • Call our Service Connect line at 651-789-3602
  • Visit the Wellstone Center during our intake hours on Mondays from 5 PM - 7 PM and Friday 9 AM - 11 PM
  • Register online at https://www.nhclasses.org/register.html
  • Childcare is available at the Wellstone Center only.
  • What happens after I register?
    If you register in-person, you will take a short assessment to determine your class level. You will then get a class schedule and a start date. If you register online, someone will contact you by the following Monday via text message with your class schedule.
    Who is eligible to take adult classes?
    Anyone who is 17 or older, not attending high school, and a resident of Minnesota is eligible for classes.
    How much do classes cost?
    They’re free!
    How long do students stay in class?
    Classes run year-round, and students stay as long as they need. Students in the GED classes typically stay until they pass all four tests (math, science, social studies, and language arts).
    Can I take the GED test at Neighborhood House?
    We do not give the official GED test, but we can give students official practices, help them sign up for the real test, and pay for their testing fees.
    Is childcare available during classes?
  • Childcare is available at the Wellstone Center from 9:00 am - 11:00 am Monday –Friday and 6:00 pm - 8 :00 pm, Monday – Thursday for children ages 1 - 5 years old.
  • We also have Youth Programming available from 6:00 - 8:00 pm, Monday – Thursday for youth ages 6-18 years old.
  • Please fill out and submit the form below to contact us.

    Carrie Sowada | Child Development Specialist

    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.

    For additional questions about the Food Markets, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

    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.

    For additional questions about Food Support, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

    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.

    • 7/3
    • 7/17
    • 8/7
    • 8/21
    • 9/4
    • 9/18
    • 10/2
    • 10/16

    * 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

    Building Hours

    Monday

    9AM – 11:30AM

    Tuesday & WEDNESDAYS

    9AM – 11:30AM
    1PM – 4PM

    Highland / Sibley Manor

    Food Market Location

    The Wellstone Center

    179 Robie Street
    St. Paul, MN 55107
    Phone: (651) 789-2500
    Food Market Info: (651) 789-3630

    Appointment Required

    Make Appointment online: Click Here

    Appointment Scheduling Hours

    Monday – Friday

    9:30AM–4PM

    Operating Hours

    Monday

    TUESDAYFRIDAY

    SATURDAY

    • 1–4PM 
    • 9:30–11:30AM
    • 1–3:30PM

    Closed Saturdays until 2026

    Wellstone Center Food Market

    St. Paul Music Academy

    27 Geranium Avenue East
    St Paul, MN 55117
    Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

    Building Hours

    Monday – Friday

    9AM – 4PM

    St. Paul Music Academy

    John A. Johnson Elementary

    740 York Avenue
    St Paul, MN 55106
    Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

    Building Hours

    Monday – Friday

    9AM – 4PM

    John A. Johnson Elementary

    Neighborhood House on Montreal

    1080 Montreal Ave
    St Paul, MN 55116
    Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

    Building Hours

    Monday – Friday

    9AM – 4PM

    No appointment necessary

    Operating Hours​

    MONDAYWEDNESDAY

    • 9:30–11:30AM
    • 1–4PM
    Neighborhood House on Montreal

    Dayton's Bluff Elementary

    262 Bates Avenue
    St. Paul, MN 55106
    Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

    Building Hours

    Monday – Friday

    9AM – 4PM

    Dayton's Bluff Elementary

    Bruce Vento Elementary

    409 Case Avenue East
    St Paul, MN 55130
    Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

    Building Hours

    Monday – Friday

    9AM – 4PM

    Bruce Vento Elementary

    Main Campus

    The Wellstone Center

    179 Robie Street
    St. Paul, MN 55107
    Main Phone: (651) 789-2500
    Service Connect: (651) 789-3602
    Food Market Info: (651) 789-3630

    Building Hours

    Monday – Friday

    8AM – 9PM

    Saturday

    8AM – 4PM

    Sunday

    NOON – 5PM

    The Wellstone Center

    Parking

    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.