“At the time that I came in, the University wasn’t as far as they were in understanding: how do you engage in community in a very respectful and mutually beneficial way? Hope had that already. Let me give you an example:
When Hope became involved in the food desert, the idea that Minneapolis and St. Paul in the urban areas have a lack of fresh foods available to people-people to build healthy lives. And what Hope does, is say, we have this land available. Does anyone want to come talk about this? It’s a very different model than bringing in other experts to tell people what to do. And to appreciate what people need in their own lives is the first piece of information that you need.
There is so much talent, there are so many assets. It’s amazing to see the people who come through here, who without that opportunity, those partnerships, that bringing together and leveraging of resources, they would not become who I’ve seen people become here. And people need to invest in that, because that’s real. ”
