Family Freedom Center

ENGAGE EMPOWER & EDUCATE!

Family Freedom Center works to empower the community by reconstructing socio-cultural narratives and unapologetically embracing what it means to be Black, both historically and in the present day. Family Freedom Center does this by facilitating culturally specific and inclusive spaces aimed to engage, empower, and educate community members in Duluth and the broader Twin Ports area. This work began with our inception in 2015 as an initiative to take a culturally responsive approach to the war against poverty. Family Freedom Center offers a diverse array of programs aimed at empowering the Black community in Duluth, MN, particularly within the Central Hillside neighborhood. These programs encompass various aspects of personal and community development.                          

The Center at Family Freedom Center is a holistic youth development initiative serving school-aged youth from 6 to 18 years old in Duluth's Central Hillside neighborhood. While Family Freedom Center is an unapologetically Black-led organization, The Center welcomes and supports youth from all backgrounds. This inclusive program offers a range of activities and services designed to promote educational achievement, health and wellness, leadership development, and economic empowerment. Educational support includes personalized tutoring, homework help, and college and career readiness workshops. Health and wellness activities encompass physical fitness, mental health resources, and nutrition education. Leadership development is fostered through youth leadership programs, community service projects, and public speaking and advocacy training. Economic empowerment initiatives focus on financial literacy, entrepreneurship support, and job training and placement opportunities. Additionally, The Center emphasizes community engagement by hosting events that celebrate cultural diversity and strengthen neighborhood ties. By providing these comprehensive resources and opportunities, The Center aims to empower the youth of Central Hillside, helping them to achieve their full potential and become leaders within their communities. 

Freedom Start-Ups: This initiative supports aspiring young entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, business planning assistance, networking opportunities, and financial literacy education. The goal is to foster economic growth and business ownership within the Black community. These sessions also educate entrepreneurs on budgeting, saving, investing, credit-building, credit recovery, and financial management to address income disparities and promote financial stability.

S.T.A.R.T: Focused on startups and microenterprises, this program offers mentorship, networking, financial planning assistance, business licensing support, branding and marketing development, and financial therapy. The long-term goal is to promote wealth accumulation and economic growth in Central Hillside.

"The Culture" Business Incubator: This incubator offers additional support services for startups and microenterprises, including mentorship, networking, financial planning assistance, business licensing support, branding and marketing development, and financial therapy. The long-term goal is to promote wealth accumulation and economic growth in Central Hillside.

 Freedom Farms: An initiative focused on sustainable agriculture, providing fresh produce to the community while educating members about farming, nutrition, and food security.

BIPOC Parents Association: A supportive network for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color parents, offering resources, advocacy, and community-building activities to empower families and ensure their children's success.

Juvenile Diversion Program: A program aimed at reducing juvenile delinquency by providing at-risk youth with positive alternatives to the criminal justice system, including mentorship, education, and community service opportunities.

Community Engagement and Events: Family Freedom Center hosts various events and outreach programs that build neighborhood ties, promote cultural diversity, and engage community members in meaningful ways.

Hillside Coalition: A collaborative effort to address critical health and wealth disparities in Central Hillside, increasing access to food, healthcare, and economic opportunities to improve health outcomes and life expectancy

Adulting Basics Courses (ABCs): Aimed at young adults, this program teaches essential life skills, financial literacy, and personal development. Participants learn about budgeting, financial management, and other skills necessary for independent living.

These programs collectively aim to uplift the Black community in Duluth by providing the necessary tools, resources, and support to achieve self-sufficiency, economic stability, and community leadership.