MARCH FOOD DRIVE IS HERE - CLICK TO LEARN MORE!

Student Portal

Search
Close this search box.

A Writer’s Journey

PECE Parent Publishes a Children’s Book

Writing has always sparked a passion in Katt, whose daughter attends Skills for School preschool at Neighborhood House. Writing has been a way of healing, both for herself and as a way of helping others who may be experiencing similar traumas similar to her own. She has written mostly memoirs and nonfiction pieces, many unpublished, but while raising her daughter she decided to write a children’s book, which she went on to publish and donate the book to her daughter’s preschool program.

That book, published this past March, is called “Peanut’s BIG Adventure (Peanut’s BIG World).” It is a poetic story in which Peanut, a mouse, feels too small and insignificant to have any confidence. He gets the amazing opportunity to explore the world and realizes quickly just how BIG and vast the world is. He learns valuable lessons and meets many new friends along the way. The book hints at Katt’s own past, but it turns into a world of positivity, independence and encouragement.

Growing up in a small town in North Carolina was tough for Katt, who always felt “different” from others around her and often struggled with her own self-worth. She often felt that her own family didn’t accept her and treated her differently from the time she was born.

“I struggled with a lot of things [growing up].” Katt said. “My dad wanted a son. Up until I was born, the sonograms always said ‘baby boy,’ so there was a whole build-up of finally getting a son and then discovering I wasn’t as soon as I was born, and then having to settle on the realization that he’s not going to get a son. I guess I felt like I was in debt to them in some way. I was not meeting the expectations of my parents.”

Those struggles led to more difficulties and trauma growing up, which followed Katt into her adult life and led her to build relationships that were based on winning people’s approval. Some of these relationships were co-dependent and often abusive.

“I was just happy if somebody liked me at all,” she said.

Escaping an abusive relationship, she left her hometown in North Carolina, moved to Minnesota and took a brave step to start over completely.

“I moved to Minnesota to get away because my [ex-partner] was giving me nightmares,” she said, explaining that he had begun to stalk and threaten her. “I was trying to live by myself here [in Minnesota], but it just wasn’t happening. I just didn’t have enough peace of mind to be able to feel safe and secure alone. Luckily, [over time] it worked out.”

Shortly after moving to Minnesota, she moved in with her boyfriend, whom she eventually married, and together they have a daughter named Kava. Now, as they raise their daughter, they have each have taken steps that will allow for her to have a better childhood filled with love and support that allows her to be an individual, making her own choices.

“I never want Kava to feel she’s too little to accomplish something,” Katt says. Like the children’s book, and like the small mouse, Peanut, she knows that Kava can achieve big things and goes on big adventures if she sets her mind to it.

Katt and Kava are enrolled in the Parent and Early Childhood Education program at Neighborhood House, which includes Skills for School. Katt credits the program with helping Kava make new friends, learn compassion and boost her confidence.

“She has such a loving spirit and is very empathetic,” Katt said. “The teachers have told me if a child is crying and upset, she would hug them and help them feel better about themselves. She herself has confidence issues, but is always trying to build others up.”

When asked what Kava thinks of the book, Katt said, “She loves the book! She has a new appreciation for crows (one of the friends Peanut meets on his adventure), and the mouse is her favorite animal.”

Katt plans to continue writing, reflecting, and building her daughter up as well. Since she left North Carolina, she has written and published several books about her experiences.

“I’ve been writing since 2004,” she said. “But in March I finally was brave enough to put it out there.”

______

The Parent and Early Childhood Education Program (PECE) promotes school readiness for children ages 1 to 5 years old through one on one education sessions and group learning opportunities. Composed of three main components: Small Steps childcare, Skills for School preschool classes, and Thrive Family online and in-home visits. These activities are designed to address the unique barriers immigrant and under-resourced families experience in preparing their children for school. Our inclusive and culturally responsive early childhood services help close the gap in school-preparedness not just for the children, but their primary caregivers as well.

 

Note: Names may be altered or made up to protect the identity and privacy of our participants.

_____

Support Katt’s work:

Kattmeraki.com

Children’s Book (Peanut’s BIG Adventure): (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TN1SPL4/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_YT0THNJMYEMC8FGVB08V_0?psc=1)

Jack the Crow T-shirt: (https://a.co/d/7VgHz9n)

____

Other Books:

Wild Willow: A Katt Meraki Trilogy (https://a.co/d/ciktio1)

Please fill out and submit the form below to contact us.

Birgitta Anderson | Child Development Specialist

Birgitta comes to Neighborhood House as a licensed K-6 teacher with a bachelor’s degree in Urban Elementary Education from Metropolitan State University, as well as a degree in Science Communication and Environmental Journalism from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.  As a former classroom teacher for St. Paul Public School, as well as years of experience as a substitute teacher for the district, she comes with a wealth of knowledge in helping families prepare their children for entering the school system.  Her role at Neighborhood House is conducting home visits and supporting families in getting their children school ready.  She also supports in the Small Steps Childcare program, as well as in the Skills for School classroom.  Her hobbies include cycling, rock climbing, and spending time in nature.

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*

(November – May) take place at Metro State University in St. Paul. During each event, we distribute approximately 3,000 pounds of food to approximately 75-100 families on average.

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: Not a thing, just yourself. An identification is not required to attend.
  • Recommendations: You will want to bring your own bags and a cart if you have one.
  • COVID-19: This event is held indoors, masks are encouraged.
  • Please note that your fist visit will require an onsite registration process that 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.
  • If available, please consider brining your own reusable bags. On average our visitors take home around 40 pounds of food. 

Location

Metropolitan State University

(Student Center Room)
101 690 E 7th St
St. Paul, MN 55106

TIME – 2:30–4 P.M.

DATES – November 15, 2023 | December 13, 2023 

January 10, 2024 | February 14, 2024 | March 13, 2024 | April 10, 2024 | May 8, 2024

 

* 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 Kaitlin Lee, Fresh Produce Coordinator

Summer / Fall distributions* (Summer 2023)

From July to October, all are welcome to come pick up a variety of free fruits and vegetables for family and friends at five 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: Not a thing, just yourself. An identification is not required to attend.
  • 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. 
  • Please note that your fist visit will require an onsite registration process that will take 5-10 minutes to complete.
  • Parking: You can on the street at most of our locations. At the Wellstone Center, you may park in our ramp.
 

Locations

The Wellstone Center*

179 Robie Street
St. Paul, MN 55107

Dates

Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday
From July to October
7/12, 7/26, 8/9, 8/23, 9/13, 9/27, 10/11, 10/25
Hours: 1:30 – 3pm

VIEW OUR FLYER

Dayton's Bluff Elementary*

262 Bates Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55106

Dates

Every 2nd Thursday
From July to October
7/13, 8/10,  9/14, 10/12
Hours: 2 – 3:30pm

VIEW OUR FLYER

Francis Basket Food Market*

1293 East Maynard Drive #410
St. Paul, MN 55116

Dates

Every 3rd wednesday
From July to October
7/19, 8/16, 9/20, 10/18
Hours: 1:30 – 3pm

VIEW OUR FLYER

bruce vento elementary

409 case ave e
St. Paul, MN 551

Dates

every 4th thursday From July to October
7/27 (CANCELLED DUE TO HEAT), 8/24, 9/28, 10/26
Hours: 2 – 3:30pm

VIEW OUR FLYER

St. Paul music academy

27 geranium ave St. Paul, MN 55117

Dates

every 1st thursday From august & October
8/3, 10/5
Hours: 2 – 3:30pm

VIEW OUR FLYER

* 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 Katelyn Yee, Fresh Produce 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 Scheduling Hours

Monday – Friday

9AM – 4PM

Appointment Scheduling Hours

Mondays

TUESDAYS – FRIDAY

 

EVERY THIRD SATURDAY

 

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

 

  • 10AM – 2PM
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

Highland / Sibley Manor Apartments

1300 West Maynard Drive
St Paul, MN 55116
Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

Building Hours

Monday – Friday

9AM – 4PM

Highland / Sibley Manor

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.