The Family Partnership

Today we're taking you down to the heart of Minneapolis, not into downtown, but south of it, where there's a cross section that is a definition of America. On Minneapolis's Lake Street, you'll find a vibrant and eclectic mix of locally owned businesses, from clothing stores to restaurants to grocery stores. They are owned by people dreaming of something bigger and better. They are Black, Central American, Mexican, Southeast Asian, and Indian people/business owners, as well as people/business owners from the various First Nations indigenous to Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. To be clear, it's a  neighborhood that sees challenges, one often defined by housing for those with low incomes, absentee landlords, and lack of investment. Drugs and sex trafficking have also plagued the neighborhood. And then last year, the area was set on fire, literally, in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. A mile and a half away from George Floyd Square, though, rises a shining new light on the corner of Bloomington Avenue and Lake Street. The colorful multi-million dollar building sits as a beacon of hope and aspiration for the community, with windows to the street that will allow traffic for both those in cars and on foot to see positive energy and transformation. It's an investment in the lives of people, who, to be frank, many of us look past; an investment coming from a 142-year-old non-profit. Today, we're taking you inside the new center, soon to be opened by The Family Partnership. Molly Greenman, President and CEO, gives us a tour of the new facility. With its preschool classrooms, therapy rooms, counseling rooms, playground, and laundry facilities, the center brings hope and dignity to individuals and families who have found the world to be less than hospitable. In her own words, Greenman sheds light on what this modern, warm, welcoming building means to the organization, to this community rising from years of disinvestment, and to people struggling through deep poverty and trauma. Welcome to The Family Partnership.Hosted by James Lockwood If you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review!You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites!https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutionshttps://twitter.com/BWBRhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/