These programs include Homework Center (weekly drop-in homework help for school age students) and Study Buddies (weekly one-on-one mentoring with a volunteer “buddy”), aimed at providing kids with improved academic success and positive adult role models.

33 of these students have identified learning goals that they will work towards throughout the year at the Advantage Centers.

Read the Star Tribune's recent feature on Seward Study Buddies.

Other Seward neighborhood highlights

• 36 individuals have registered for computer classes. These classes teach basic skills, from using a mouse to looking for jobs on the internet.

• Seven new job seekers joined the Career Advantage program, a specialized, intensive program to increase job seeking and keeping skills. Staff directly helped two resident Career Advantage participants secure full-time jobs or ladder to a higher paying job and two participants find part-time jobs. 

• New help for health and wellness. The Seward Advantage Centers have received funding to work with a new statewide initiative plan to encourage healthy living in multi-family communities. The Healthy Housing, Healthy Communities program focuses on environments that foster healthy weight, lower tobacco use and less exposure to second hand smoke. Advantage Center staff are currently assessing Seward’s needs in these focus areas to design programming.

• Green education expands. Two “Green Time” seminars were attended by 40 people. The topics included dealing safely with household toxic waste and how to reducing junk mail in day to day life. With help from the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board’s Community Power grant program, CommonBond staff will be able to continue and expand this education on green topics, helping Seward residents make practical, environmentally friendly choices.