About Us

We Believe in Our Mission

As a grassroots organization that began in 1980 when a few concerned neighbors brought their block clubs together to create change, we take our mission to heart in all that we do. Whether we are building new homes, supporting our small business community, or engaging our youth, our work is most effective when driven by the voices, needs, and participation of our neighbors. Only through this collective action can we ensure that our cause of building a strong community is passed from one generation to the next.

Our Mission

To foster positive relationships within and between the neighborhoods we serve and to support our members in effecting the quality of life in their communities.

Our Vision

To improve the economic and social well-being of the people we serve.

Our Success

Accomplishments and Achievements

  • 300 affordable homes created both rental and ownership
  • Over 18,000 square feet of commercial space created
  • 680 entrepreneurs trained
  • 100 resident leaders graduated from Power of One Plus One program
  • 350 youth have graduated from our Youth Count leadership and healthy living programs
  • 100 residents engaged through Frogtown-Rondo Acton Network (FRAN)
  • Thousands of residents engaged in crime prevention activities
  • $70 million secured for affordable housing and $5.5 million for affordable commercial space on the Green Line, assisted 500 businesses in staying open through project construction

Awards and Honors

  • 1986: Neighborhoods, USA 4thPlace for Neighborhood of the Year Single Neighborhood/Social Needs
  • 2006: University and Dale Apartments won Minneapolis-Saint Paul Business Journal’s Best Mixed-Use Development
  • 2010: Stops for Us Campaign won the Environmental Justice Award from EPA
  • 2010 – 2013 Corridors of Opportunity Recognization award for Vision, Leadership, and Commitment
  • 2013: Frogtown Square was a finalist for the NDC Academy’s Community Development Award
  • 2015: NAACP 21stCentury Game Changers Award – Economic Sustainability
  • 2016: Western U Plaza –Preservation Alliance of Minnesota – Honor Award and Most Impact

Our Programs

Social Development

Engaging young people in a range of educational opportunities and activities promotes their passage to being healthy, responsible and law-abiding citizens.5

Physical Development

Western U Plaza is a mixed-use Transit Oriented Development (TOD) that offers access to affordable housing, community investments, small business and job opportunities.

Economic Development

A collaborative effort to encourage cultural preservation and culturally based economic development in our community targeting the African-American community.

Community Development

ASANDC was founded to address the needs in the Rondo neighborhood. A grassroots leadership program designed to provide community members with extensive training, resources, and a network of mutual support that allowed them to create positive changes within their community.

How to Get Involved

PARTNER WITH US

By becoming a volunteer, you have the opportunity to make a change within a community that has a long standing history in the St. Paul, Minnesota area.