• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

The Bridge for Youth Homeless Shelter

  • Programs
    • Emergency Shelter
    • Supportive Housing
    • Outreach and Support
    • The Mobile Youth Outreach Center
  • About
    • The Need
    • History
    • Leadership
    • Strategic Direction
    • Racial Justice & Equity Statement
      • Racial Justice Cohort
    • Financials & Impact Reports
    • Young Families Housing Campaign
  • Events
    • Create 2026
  • Just for Youth
  • News
    • Newsletters
    • Youth Stories
    • Faces of 50
    • Video Stories
  • Volunteer
  • Advocate
  • Employment
  • Contact
    • Internship
  • Donate
  • Search

Dylan Novacek / July 9, 2026

Summer 2026 Newsletter: Pride, Juneteenth, and CommUNITY Engagement

Don’t miss out! Join our mailing list to get all the latest BFY updates.


Together we recognized Black liberation and excellence at our 5th annual CommUNITY Juneteenth Event. The afternoon was full of great food, activities, and cultural celebrations. 

We welcomed local rapper Terrell X to the stage where he taught youth the art of the human beatbox. Plus, dancers from She Cultivates helped build community and confidence through line dancing where youth got to show off their moves! 

Events like this wouldn’t be possible without our commUNITY of support. Thank you to our annual sponsors, including Medica and Xcel Energy, whose BIPOC Employee Resource Groups brought yard games and a beading activity. 

It is at the core of our values to thoughtfully commemorate Juneteenth each year. Celebrating Black youth, Black staff, and Black community members is an ongoing commitment—one that is both just and necessary.



Youth and staff had a joyful month celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride! From specialized programming at our shelter, to expanding our outreach to attend even more local Pride Festivals, it was an impactful month for all.

Notably, we returned to Twin Cities Pride for our largest outreach opportunity of the year. We had a wonderful weekend where we handed out resources to youth in need, as well as prizes including fidgets, phone chargers, and coloring books!

This year, we co-created a new LGBTQ+ logo with youth in program. Aiming to be more inclusive, youth selected colors based on the the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride Flag. 

The Bridge is committed to affirming and uplifting LGBTQ+ identities and voices. Hear directly from youth at the Bridge as they reflect on Pride month. 


Summer is one of the busiest times of year at The Bridge – youth are out of school and staff are finding fun ways to fill the days! Check out some highlights and updates from our program staff and see how we’re connecting with youth this season:

  • UnitedHealth Group employees came together for an afternoon of resource kit packing. Together, they assembled over 120 summer-themed outreach kits, period kits, and more.
  • Sun Bum donated Summer Outreach Kits with high-quality sunscreens and hygiene items. Plus, they also donated Minnesota Twins tickets so youth could enjoy a fun summer outing!
  • CSM Corporation Cares Committee benefited The Bridge with their annual Summer Food Truck Event.
  • Youth at The Bridge have been enjoying going on special summer outings, including trips to the bowling alley, movies, and local parks.
  • Need a great summer playlist? Listen to the latest hits curated by The Bridge’s Youth Social Media Committee! 

Filed Under: News, Newsletters

Footer

Contact

1111 West 22nd St.
Minneapolis, MN 55405
Bus Route 6
(612) 230-6601

Need Help?

Call for Help: (612) 377-8800

Text for Help: (612) 400-7233

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
Join Our Mailing List

For more resources visit the Youth Services Network:

Copyright © 2026 The Bridge for Youth. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Developed by Vivid Image.