Overview: Northside wellness
UROC’s latest research initiative, is asking North Minneapolis residents to directly influence the vision, services, and strategic plan for a proposed Family Resource Center.
The spotlight is on North Minneapolis residents as the University of Minnesota’s Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC) launches a research study and community survey to determine what a new Family Resource Center in the neighborhood should look like.
In partnership with Hennepin County, the initiative grew out of the county’s needs assessment, identifying gaps in health and wellness support across underserved neighborhoods.
UROC is actively recruiting a 50-person cohort for the first phase of the project. To ensure authentic representation, interested participants complete a short eligibility questionnaire to confirm they reside in or utilize resources within the local community.
To honor their expertise and time, eligible survey participants will receive a $50 gift card.
Meeting community needs
Jen Afamefune, UROC’s communications specialist, said this is a great way to push its initiative forward, as the center is currently shaping its 10-year strategic plan.
“We identified that we could be doing more when it comes to helping family and youth,” said Afamefune.
In a neighborhood experiencing rapid growth and demographic shifts, UROC aims to ensure new development directly benefits long-standing residents.
“We’re not just bringing something else into the community that they don’t have need for,” Afamefune said. “There is need for it. We’ve identified that, but now we really want to see, okay, how can we really make this beneficial for the people we’re serving?”
Why resident feedback is critical
emphasized that Northside residents should take the survey because the center’s actual service offerings will be defined by their direct input.
“We realize that we can’t make this happen without the input of the people that it’s going to serve,” Afamefune said. “So, it’s really important that we get their feedback before we get this off the ground.”
UROC staff are actively working to get the word out by visiting local high school open houses, neighborhood gatherings, and campus events. Residents can also register in person at UROC’s upcoming Annual Community Day:
- Date: Thursday, Sept. 17
- Time: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Location: UROC | 2001 Plymouth Ave. N., Minneapolis
- Free event, open to the public, featuring local food, live performances and direct access to university and community partners.
Use UROC’s official survey link to take the eligibility screening and participate in the survey online.