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Mother-daughter volunteer team making a difference at Neighborhood House

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A few years back, Deb Costanzo decided she wanted to volunteer to make a difference in something she cared about: immigration. She knew she wanted to give back in some way and decided that she could do the most positive work by helping immigrants increase their literacy.

Deb began her journey by attending a two-day training at Minnesota Literacy Council (MLC) to learn how to teach GED preparation and to be a classroom assistant in English language classes. MLC connected her with Neighborhood House, and she met with John Ashby (adult education manager) and began volunteering at Neighborhood House.

Deb said that she began assisting in a beginning English class one night a week, and most of the students were native Spanish speakers. One evening, she said a woman came to their classroom to announce that she was going to begin teaching a citizenship class the hour before the English class, and Deb got excited. “I ran after her to ask if she needed help, she was open to the idea, and we co-taught the class for a while,” she said. “Not long after, she needed to stop teaching, so now it’s me leading the class on my own.”

Deb said the citizenship class covers a lot of information that is necessary toward becoming an American citizen. Students learn the guidelines for eligibility, about the lengthy process, study topics (related to history, government rights and responsibilities), geography and the US Constitution.

The process to becoming a citizen is long and arduous. “The students study 100 questions/answers, fill out the application form, the N400, which is about 20 pages long,” she said. “Then in the interview, they answer ten questions (they need six correct to pass), demonstrate that they can read, speak, write and understand English. They have to live in the US for five years before applying (three if married to a US citizen). The process can take upward towards two years to complete before they even get an interview date.” The class has been so well-received that it went from having just one student to now more than ten students who regularly attend the class. Her class is attended by students from Guatemala, El Salvador, Mexico, Honduras, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Somalia and Nigeria.

Her journey in teaching has come full circle as she recently went to her first student’s naturalization ceremony and spoke excitedly about the event. “During check-in, everyone received a mini American flag. The judge did a roll call of all 88 countries represented in the room and when they called out the country’s name, people from that country stood up and waved their American flags,” she said. “It was a nice acknowledgement to honor both where people were originally from and now their new home in the US,” she said. “The lieutenant governor also spoke and said, ‘We share common values, and your citizenship will bring us diversity, new cultures and new ideas. We’re all the better for it.’”

Not only has Deb’s volunteerism helped her students, it’s also affected her daughter Kate, as well. After having to sit in on some of her mom’s classes, Kate said she was surprised to find that she was inspired. “I saw the difference my mom was making in people’s lives—the students were excited and the program is good,” said Katie. “I was looking to do some volunteer work to apply for the National Honor Society (NHS), so I decided to stay at Neighborhood House, but at the Food Market, rather than the classroom,” she explained. “I didn’t go in with the highest expectations—I thought I’d only come once a week for the last month of the summer to fulfill the requirement. But when I got here, I fell in love with volunteering!” Katie said that when she got home after the first volunteer shift, she sent an email to see if she could come twice a week instead of just one. “I really looked forward to coming in for the next shift and thought, ‘I wish I could do this every day!’”

In the Food Market, Katie interacts with people of all different cultures, and finds ways to communicate with everyone. “I find different ways to communicate with the participants if they have limited English skills. I use my hands, facial expressions—I even said ‘yes’ in Spanish a few times! A smile and a nod can go a long way,” she said.

And, Deb is a proud mom. “Working around a lot of people was a stretch for Katie—she’s an introvert. Through her work in the Food Market, she’s become more comfortable in new situations and interacting with new people,” she said. “It started out just as volunteering in order to be able to apply for the NHS, but turned into something different altogether.” Sidebar: Good news—Katie was accepted into the National Honor Society!

Deb said that Katie’s work in the Food Market inspired her. She wondered aloud that maybe she’d try volunteering with her. Katie’s playful side-eye said it all, “No, mom. Stay out of my space.”

5/17/19

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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.