Bethlehem Connect May 2018 | Page 9

outreach The ZOOM House mission is to serve families in transition by providing safe, affordable housing in a community that offers services that promote and support family and economic self-sufficiency, and offers opportunities for educational advancement, job training, spiritual growth and neighborhood involvement. Thanks to supporters like you, the 2018 ZOOM House Gala raised over $80,000 to support the costs of providing housing and program support to families exiting homelessness. We could not have done this without you! At this year’s gala, ZOOM House introduced changes to their program beginning July 1. Here is a brief overview of what's changing: More independence - ZOOM will move away from Hennepin County COC (HUD) funding as of June 30. This removes a number of restrictive screening criteria that did not align well with the ZOOM mission. Removing barriers to service - In addition to a more aligned screening process, ZOOM will be making their supportive service model available to every ZOOM House resident. Previously, their HUD grant limited these services to less than half of our apartments. Meeting residents' needs - ZOOM will improve the way they provide support to meet residents where they are on their journey and to serve their needs holistically. We will also be changing our staffing model to best deliver these services. ZOOM House thanks the Bethlehem communities in Minneapolis and Minnetonka for your continued support in transforming lives within our community! We are very grateful for your partnership. If you have any questions regarding these changes, please contact Kirstin Burch, ZOOM Director of Programs, [email protected], 612.825.2825, ext. 1. May 17-19 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquette Windows into Palestine is an art festival collaboration of Westminster Presbyterian Church, the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Foundation and Bright Star of Bethlehem. A variety of exciting art forms will be featured including an art exhibition of Pales tinian art and photography, musical performances and workshops with special performances by the George Lammam Ensemble, and both short and feature length films and the opportunity to meet and discuss the film with their makers. The festival will also feature the Culinary Arts with a spice and craft market, tasting and demonstrations by Sameh Wadi of World Street Kitchen and Saffron and a chance to participate in an Iftar dinner, the traditional meal to break the Ramadan fast. The Festival will kick off on May 17 with a Westminster Town Hall Forum featuring Honey Thaljieh, Palestinian soccer star and human rights activist. The entire festival will be held in Westminster’s beautiful new space in downtown Minneapolis. Visit windowsintopalestine.org To volunteer: windowsintopalestine@ gmail.com ZOOM resident having fun at Art Night Kirstin Burch, center, with residents ZOOM HOUSE 9