Released July 7, 2008

ST. PAUL, Minn. -— University of Minnesota Extension has received new funding from the Northwest Area Foundation to offer a successful poverty reduction program in up to 15 additional communities. Informational sessions for eligible communities will be conducted from July 22-31, 2008.

Since 2003, the Northwest Area Foundation has funded the Horizons program to address their mission to reduce poverty and promote sustainable prosperity in their eight-state area. Horizons is an 18-month community leadership program focused on poverty reduction. The program has reached 21 Minnesota communities so far. In the last 18-month program, 10 communities and 1,145 community members were engaged in education about poverty and leadership. Visioning sessions engaged almost 3,000 community members and created a plan for the future of their communities.

As a result of the program, community gardens are bringing nutritious and low-cost food to communities, thrift stores and food shelves are being designed, economic and civic development plans are being incorporated into planning. In some Horizons communities, youth programs are connecting young people to the future of their town. These youth councils are offering babysitting to low-income residents, coordinating fun local activities and growing new leadership among rural youth.

At informational sessions, eligible communities will learn about the program, talk with past program recipients and decide whether the program might be right for their community. Eligible towns have up to 5,000 residents and a poverty rate of 10 percent or higher.

For more information about the program, eligible communities and the location and dates of informational sessions, visit http://www.extension.umn.edu/community/horizons. Or contact Monica Herrera at (612) 624-7649 or toll free at (866) 407-4906.

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http://www.extension.umn.edu/extensionnews/2008/horizonsprogram.html

Contacts: Monica Herrera, (612) 624-7649

Catherine Dehdashti, (612) 625-0237, ced@umn.edu