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Connecting Our Community

Hmong Youth & Family Program

Addressing the challenges of growing up

Like many immigrant communities, Hmong families often struggle balancing the expectations and norms of their native culture with those of American society.

Hmong Content Below Video

Keystone’s Hmong Youth & Family Program is designed to help children, teens and their parents manage the challenges of adapting to life in a new culture. Offered after school three days a week, the program serves Hmong youth up to age 18 living in and around the McDonough and Mt. Airy Homes public housing communities in St. Paul. The focus is on building self-esteem and success in school through structured, culturally-appropriate programming including traditional Hmong dance instruction, homework assistance, recreation, mentoring and small group support from older teens.

Each afternoon group sessionat the McDonough Homes community center starts with homework and tutoring, followed by “circle time,” an opportunity for sharing and talking about issues and problems the youth may be facing. Dance practice follows, in preparation for performances at Hmong New year celebrations and other community events. The dance troupe, called the Hmong Peace Dancers, gives girls the opportunity to learn about their own culture. Parents get involved by making costumes and helping out in other ways. Field trips, holiday celebrations, recreation and outside speakers are also part of the program.

For more information about the Hmong Youth & Family Program, please call the program coordinator at 651-558-2265.