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Stand With Face to Face Youth Today: Homeless Day on the Hill 2025

Stand With Face to Face Youth Today: Homeless Day on the Hill 2025

Poster for Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless event Homeless Day on the Hill made by a Face to Face youth

Youth Leading the Way

Right now, Face to Face youth advocates are walking the halls of the Minnesota State Capitol, joining more than 1,000 advocates from across the state for Homeless Day on the Hill 2025. These young leaders are raising their voices to fight for housing justice and meaningful policy change.

Last year, despite Wilder Research reporting a slight 7% decrease in homelessness since 2018, those working directly with unhoused populations saw little improvement on the ground. As Paul Verrette, public policy director for Agate Housing and Services noted in Minnesota Public Radio’s article last year,

“It did not feel like [homelessness] had decreased.”

Most alarmingly, four out of ten people experiencing homelessness in Minnesota are children. The research shows that one in four adults who are currently unsheltered were homeless when they were younger – highlighting why the youth advocacy happening today is so crucial for breaking this cycle.

“Anytime we can prevent children and youth from becoming homeless, I think that’s, you know, huge,” the researcher added.

Take Action: Stand With Face to Face Youth Virtually

Face to Face youth, staff, and advocates are at the Capitol right now with powerful stories and handmade posters advocating for change. 

Will you take 2 minutes to amplify their message?

Here’s how to support them right now:

Sample Message to Minnesota Lawmakers

Dear [INSERT TITLE AND NAME],

Youth leaders from Face to Face are at the Capitol today for Homeless Day on the Hill to advocate for their peers who are experiencing homelessness. As someone who cares about ending homelessness, I urge you to continue supporting legislation that funds this life-saving work.

Face to Face collaborates with 75+ community partners to provide essential and safety net services that transform young lives, families, and thus the whole community. [ADD YOUR PERSONAL CONNECTION TO FACE TO FACE]

Housing is a basic human right. Please prioritize funding for shelter and housing that makes a real difference in our community and ends homelessness.

Thank you for listening to these young leaders,

[YOUR NAME]

Click here to find your lawmakers now
Youth Advocacy Makes a Difference

When youth speak about their experiences, legislators listen. Jason Urbanczyk, who experienced homelessness for 15 years and now works as a fellow with Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless, has seen firsthand how powerful personal stories can be in creating change.

Face to Face’s network of 75+ community partners strengthens this advocacy, showing lawmakers that the entire community stands behind these youth and their call for housing justice.

Join the Movement Today

The time to act is now. As our youth bravely share their stories at the Capitol, your message to lawmakers adds crucial support to their efforts. Together, we can ensure that Minnesota continues working toward ending youth homelessness.

Let us know in the comments when you’ve contacted your representatives so we can share your support with our youth advocates when they return from the Capitol today!

Support Face to Face With a Gift

Want to multiple your impact even further? Your donation directly supports Face to Face’s work with young people experiencing homelessness.

Give a gift to support youth today

 

Thank you Minnesota Homeless Coalition and Homes For All for organizing 2025 Homeless Day on the Hill. Follow along with #MCHDOTH on social media to catch the 1,000+ advocate updates!

Show Face to Face Youth You Are With Them: Join Us for Annual Homeless Day on the Hill March 12, 2025

Join us for Homeless Day on the Hill March 12

Did you see Hanna’s recent update from Washington, D.C.?

The Friends of Face to Face are keeping up the advocacy momentum by organizing our participation in Homeless Day on the Hill on Wednesday, March 12.

Join us and hundreds of partners from across the state to ensure state funding and programming for those experiencing homelessness is top of mind for our lawmakers.

How you can be part of Homeless Day on the Hill:
  1. Attend Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless’s (MCH) event with Face to Face Friends, staff, and youth. We’ll meet at SafeZone (8 a.m.), walk to the MCH breakfast gathering and program (9 a.m.), then travel to the Capitol (10 a.m.) for meetings with lawmakers, followed by lunch. Join us for all or part of the day! Register here now.
  2. Share our social media posts about the event and tag your lawmakers. See links to our social accounts below – make sure you’re a follower!
  3. Send emails to your lawmakers and encourage others to do the same. We’ll follow-up with email templates.

If you’re interested in one or all of these activities, just email [email protected] to let us know!

Let’s work together to ensure healthy communities where everyone has a place to call home!

An update from Hanna in Washington, D.C.: We Are Stronger Together

An update from Hanna in Washington, D.C.: We Are Stronger Together

From the desk of Hanna Getachew-Kreusser Executive Director Face to Face Health and Counseling Inc

Dear Face to Face Friend,

This week, I had the honor of advocating for our children and families alongside National Women’s Shelter Network partners, Minnesota Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, Minnesota Congresswoman Betty McCollum, and even Gloria Estefan!

Hanna with Lisa Michaelson (V.P. Women’s & Children's Programs at Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities (UGMTC)), Sophia Schilling (Senior Legislative Assistant to Congresswoman Betty McCollum), Pam Stegora Axberg (CEO UGMTC), Beth Negash (CEO GreenHouse Social Enterprises) at Congresswoman Betty McCollum’s office
Hanna Getachew-Kreusser, Executive Director Face to Face, with Gloria Estefan in Washington, DC

From left to right: Hanna with Lisa Michaelson (V.P. Women’s & Children’s Programs at Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities (UGMTC)), Sophia Schilling (Senior Legislative Assistant to U.S. Congresswoman Betty McCollum of Minnesota), Pam Stegora Axberg (CEO UGMTC), Beth Negash (CEO GreenHouse Social Enterprises) at U.S. Congresswoman Betty McCollum’s office; Hanna at the Supreme Court; Hanna with Gloria Estefan.

 

I have more to report than can fit in a single blog post, but before I head home I want to share how I’ve seen the NWSN’s Conference theme, We Are Stronger Together, come to life this week:

  • When I spoke on a panel about youth engagement and shared the nine principles that inform our work at Face to Face and the work of our partners in the Youth Services network in Minnesota, I saw our colleagues want to learn more about trauma-informed collaborations.

  • When I met with Minnesota Senators and a Congresswoman alongside our partner, Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities, those Washington decision-makers all wanted to know exactly how our organizations are being impacted by federal funding decisions and asked we keep them informed of any impact.

  • I saw fellow experts and decision-makers light up when we told them about our strong network of community partners, because we’re proof working together is how we keep up our momentum of advancing equity.
Hanna Getachew-Kreusser, Executive Director Face to Face, with U.S. Senator Tina Smith or Minnesota in Washington, D.C.
Hanna Getachew-Kreusser, Executive Director of Face to Face, with Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities partners in front of the U.S. Capitol
Face to Face Executive Director, Hanna Getachew-Kreusser with U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota

From left to right: Hanna with U.S. Senator Tina Smith of Minnesota; Hanna with Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities (UGMTC) partners in front of the U.S. Capitol (Thank you for your longstanding partnership!); Hanna with U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, and UGMTC and GreenHouse Social Enterprises CEOs.

 

I look forward to sharing more detailed updates and insights next week. For now, I want to leave you with this encouragement:

  • We have allies in our vital community work, in Washington.

  • Our local support network in our community remains strong (this includes you!).

  • And most importantly, we are still here for youth, and we will continue to be here, as we move forward in seeing all youth realize their potential, together.

With sincerest gratitude for all you do for the Face to Face community,

Hanna Getachew-Kreusser Executive Director Face to Face Health and Counseling Inc St. Paul Minnesota

Hanna Getachew-Kreusser
Executive Director
Face to Face


PS – Want to get involved with our advocacy work? Join the Friends of Face to Face group! Email [email protected] or call 651-772-5555.

Support this work with a gift to Face to Face today.

Yoga for a Cause: Where Wellness Meets Belonging

Four opportunities for cultivating belonging, starting January 16, 2025

Yoga for a Cause January 16, 2025 at Tula Yoga and Wellness in St. Paul, Minnesota

Dear Face to Face Friend,

Did you know a sense of belonging can transform both mental and physical health? Research shows it’s one of the most powerful factors in our wellbeing – and we see this truth every day at Face to Face.

In 2024, we witnessed youth making remarkable improvements in their mental and physical health as they built community for themselves and their peers each time they accessed our wraparound services. For many young people and their families, it’s often the first time they find a welcoming, nonjudgmental place to belong.

I’m Laura, a Face to Face board member, and I’ve experienced this power of belonging firsthand. Since joining this community as a volunteer, I’ve met the most inspiring people right here in my own home city of St. Paul, all united by our commitment to supporting children and young families. I’d love for you to experience this too.

Below you’ll find four opportunities to gather with our community in 2025, starting with Yoga for a Cause on January 16th. I’ll be at each of these events and would love to connect with you there!

 

laura whipple bio photo

Wishing you a New Year full of belonging,

Laura Whipple
Board Member, Face to Face

Upcoming Face to Face Community Events


Yoga for a Cause
Thursday, January 16 | 6 – 8 p.m.

 

Homeless Day on the Hill
Wednesday, March 12 | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

  • Every year, the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless hosts Homeless Day on the Hill at the State Capitol. Join Face to Face and hundreds of community members for a day of advocacy, meetings with lawmakers, stories of impact and more.
  • Mark your calendar and email [email protected] to support the event.

 

Face to Face Day Celebration
Monday, April 28 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

  • Stop by the Clinic or SafeZone (or both) for a tour, refreshments, and a celebration of giving at this annual event. Last year’s youth panel left our whole community uplifted and inspired.
  • Mark your calendar and email [email protected] to support the event.

 

Out and Proud Youth Pride Celebration
Saturday, June 14 | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

  • A joyful community celebration for Face to Face families featuring activities hosted by corporate and community Pride groups.
  • Mark your calendar and email [email protected] to support the event.

 

PS – Want to support our community’s children in other ways? Check out our Get Involved page:

 

Find belonging and get involved in 2025!

More Than a Workforce Program: A St. Paul Youth’s Journey from Homelessness to Stability and Success

More Than a Workforce Program: A St. Paul Youth's Journey from Homelessness to Stability and Success

From the desk of Hanna Getachew-Kreusser Executive Director Face to Face Health and Counseling Inc

Dear Face to Face Friend,

As 2024 comes to a close, I find myself taking stock of all that’s happened this year.

I’m fortunate to have constant reminders from the young people at Face to Face that despite everything happening in the world today, progress is still possible because they are living proof.

Just this week we heard from Marcus*, a young person who shared part of his journey around this time last year.

Last year he told us he was sleeping in a hallway when he first heard about Face to Face. He was relieved to hear about our day shelter, SafeZone, so he could get two hot meals, food to take with him, and access to showers and laundry, which really helped while he interviewed for jobs.

face to face safezone drop in day shelter for youth ages 11 to 24 showers
face to face safezone drop in day shelter for youth ages 11 to 24 two hot meals a day
face to face safezone drop in day shelter for youth ages 11 to 24 education and employment services

Many youth experiencing homelessness come to SafeZone each day to shower, eat breakfast, then go to work.

 

He started to work with our navigators through one-on-one coaching, as part of our Employment and Education program (which many organizations call workforce development). He completed a paid internship with Face to Face then went on to complete a paid job training program with a partner organization (also what many would call a workforce program). He said, “I was really proud of myself after I graduated.”

Marcus recently checked in with us and we’re excited to share he has been employed for 10 months and has a home – an apartment he’s sharing with a roommate! He is studying to take his driver’s license test and is determined to pass as it will open more employment opportunities for him. He told us:

“There’s times in my life that I wanted to break apart, but then getting that support made me remind myself – Dude, you got this! That definitely helped me out.”

Through all these challenges, he remains a positive, upbeat person because he sees how improving his circumstances positively affects those around him and sends a ripple effect through our whole community. “I was always trying to help out the next person.”

This is why our support goes way beyond simply offering a workforce program. We provide holistic support to young people even when their job training programs end, because youth and their goals are constantly evolving and growing. Face to Face remains a home base young people can return to as they establish stability in their lives and move on to create goals to improve their physical and mental health, develop leadership skills, and become advocates for their communities.

If you are feeling discouraged right now and wondering if all our hard work toward economic and health equity will ever be enough, just imagine 130 youth like Marcus overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds, because that’s what we’re seeing each day at SafeZone.

face to face clinic offers free HIV testing to all community members
face to face clinic offers comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care

Did you know, since we started providing dedicated substance use navigation at SafeZone in September, 53 youth have taken the huge step of deciding to seek substance use support?

If you want more youth to find our life-changing support, please share about Face to Face with the young people in your life. That’s how most find us.

We also invite you to be part of all the progress happening in the lives of young people at Face to Face by donating to support youth before the end of the year.

We’ve already received 56% of the $75,000 we need to raise by December 31, thanks to 43 amazing supporters. Join them in committing to provide another year of support for youth like Marcus, so we can celebrate his successes and those of many others, again next December.

Together, we can show our community’s young people we are committed to seeing them receive the economic and health equity they deserve.

With gratitude for all you do for our community,

Hanna

Hanna Getachew-Kreusser Executive Director Face to Face Health and Counseling Inc St. Paul Minnesota

Hanna Getachew-Kreusser
Executive Director
Face to Face

 

*Pseudonym

🎁 Give a gift to youth today 🎁

Looking for a way to be part of community transformation right now?

As the Holiday season approaches, we’re excited to invite you to join us in bringing joy to the youth we support and their young children.

Here are ways to get involved this holiday season:

December Holiday Needs:

– Donate Holiday Gift Bags
🎁 Donate items for holiday gift bags (or complete gift bags): $25 Target or VISA gift card, body lotion, lip balm, holiday gift bag
📦 Ship or deliver gift items before December 16 to Face to Face, Attention: Elizabeth Vang, 1165 Arcade Street, St. Paul, MN 55106.
– Donate a Holiday Dish on December 19
🥘 Prepare and deliver a holiday meal to SafeZone on December 19 at 12:30 p.m. Sign up here: https://bit.ly/4hCHgCP OR
💵 Donate to purchase a dish for the holiday meal here (https://face2face.org/donate) and comment “Holiday Meal.”

Your continued support means so much to us, and we would be delighted to have you participate in any way that works best for you. Together, we can make this holiday season truly special for our community.

If you have any questions about volunteering or donations for either event, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly.
Thank you,

Elizabeth Vang
Community Engagement Coordinator
[email protected]
651-772-5555
Pronouns: she/her/hers

Together at the Table: An Ethiopian Dining Experience

Together at the Table: An Ethiopian Dining Experience with Friends of Face to Face

Dear Face to Face friend,

I’m excited to personally invite you to a unique and meaningful event: Together at the Table: An Ethiopian Dining Experience with Friends of Face to Face, taking place on Thursday, September 19, 2024, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post 577 in St. Paul.

This evening holds special significance for me as it’s an opportunity to share a piece of my Ethiopian heritage with you.

Our dinner will be catered by my dear friends, Chef Rekik Abaineh and Solomon Haile, owners of Bolé Ethiopian Cuisine, who will join us at the event.

During the evening, you’ll have the chance to connect with passionate advocates from the Friends of Face to Face group, who are actively working to transform the systems that impact our youth. I’d love for you to learn more about how this group plans to continue championing Face to Face’s vital work.

Whether you’ve been with us for years or are just discovering our mission, this event is a wonderful opportunity to savor authentic Ethiopian cuisine, and enjoy meaningful conversation with new friends.

RSVP today at bit.ly/TogetherF2F.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Warm regards,  

Hanna Getachew-Kreusser
Executive Director, Face to Face
[email protected]
651-772-5556

P.S. – Calendar already full September 19? You can still support Face to Face youth with a donation. Give a gift now at face2face.org/donate.

Face to Face youth are interrupting the cradle-to-prison pipeline

Face to Face youth are interrupting the cradle-to-prison pipeline.

From the desk of Hanna Getachew-Kreuser, MA 
Executive Director of Face to Face 
651-772-5556 
[email protected] 

Dear Face to Face Friend,

When I talk to the youth who use Face to Face’s services, they all have one thing in common: they want to stop the suffering they see in their communities.

Isn’t that what we all want? To see our loved ones and neighbors not only have their needs met but also find true peace and belonging in the community.

The problem is we are surrounded by broken systems.

Our community, state, and country have enough resources for all youth to not just survive but thrive. Yet, the systems meant to distribute these resources are broken.

It is heartbreaking to see some young people reach their full potential because they have access to resources, while others struggle with homelessness, untreated health problems, substance use, and even face death, many while still in middle school.

Our youth deserve the chance not only to survive but to be valued and realize their full potential.

At Face to Face, we’ve created a system where young people address our community’s problems themselves.

In 2017, we formed a Youth Leadership Council because we believe the young people facing many barriers to getting their needs met are the experts on their challenges. At meetings, youth share their biggest pain points and ideas to solve them. We then support them by changing or creating the programs they need to bring their ideas to life and solve these complex problems together.

In 2019, the council decided they wanted to interrupt the cradle-to-prison pipeline.

They shared with us how most of them had interactions with the criminal legal system or law enforcement long before they found supportive services to address their struggles.

Face to Face youth leaders speaking to the community.

These discussions led to advocacy conversations with Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and our participation in the (Re)imagining Justice for Youth collaborative. Through this collaborative, we worked with Ramsey County, community members, public defenders, and other system partners to (re)imagine justice for youth.

With youth leading the way, this brought about the formation of our Youth Justice Program in partnership with the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office.

Since the launch of the program, hundreds of young people have found freedom in taking responsibility for their actions while gaining the skills to work through conflict in a healthy way. By identifying the root causes of their behavior and providing needed support, we have collectively disrupted the prison trajectory.

Youth decided they wanted to interrupt the cradle-to-prison pipeline and they did it.

Face to Face youth leaders advising Minnesota Lt. Governor.​

"All went well with the court hearing. We are very thankful that his charge got dismissed. I see he is more happy and more optimistic to make goals and coming up with ways to reach them."
Youth Justice Program Guardian
“I learned in the community circle how to forgive myself and focus on the kind of man I want to be.”
Youth Justice Program Guardian
“I was skeptical of the entire process at first, but I saw how it transformed my son’s life. His grades have turned around, he’s now much more focused in school, he has aspirations and plans for the future because of the restorative justice process.”
Youth Justice Program Guardian

To continue investing in our community in this way, we need your support.

When you donate, you ensure we have funds to change and create programs as young people advise us.

We need your support so we can continue to provide pathways for young people to use their voices and hone leadership skills on their journey of becoming agents of change.

Click here to donate now at face2face.org/donate.

When you join us in this work, together we get to create a world where all youth are valued for who they are and realize their full potential, today.

Thank you for giving generously,

Hanna Getachew-Kreusser, MA
Executive Director
[email protected]
651-772-5556

P.S. – Our recording arts programming offered at SafeZone drop-in day shelter also started because of the Youth Leadership Council. A young woman shared she needed a creative outlet to help her de-stress in a healthy way. The council helped design the program and now we have a case manager who specializes as a teaching artist to support young people’s creative endeavors through a recording studio and open mic sessions.

 

Register now for our Fireside Chat with Author Bruce Jackson in celebration of SafeZone’s 30th anniversary!

Fireside Chat with Author Bruce Jackson

Dear Face to Face Friend,

At Face to Face, we’ve been dedicated to investing in youth for decades. It’s been an incredible journey, filled with countless stories of resilience, hope, and transformation. With your continued support, we’re expanding our services and increasing our capacity to enhance the impact we make in the lives of young people. 

This year we’re celebrating a significant milestone: the 30th anniversary of SafeZone, our drop-in day-shelter. At this resource center, we support more than 100 youth each day with essential services like hot meals and showers, assistance securing stable housing, job training, and so much more. 

You’re invited to our special event on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at Securian Financial. It’s more than a celebration: it’s an opportunity to reflect on the power of community support in the lives of young people.

I will share updates on our recent impact and our plans for the future. We’ll be joined by Bruce Jackson, Associate General Counsel at Microsoft and author of Never Far From Home, who will sign his book and share his inspiring journey from poverty to professional success, overcoming obstacles similar to those faced by the youth we support.

Secure your spot today by registering at bit.ly/f2fbrucejackson.

We encourage you to bring a friend along to hear Bruce’s story and learn more about our work. 

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Warm regards,

Hanna Getachew-Kreusser, M.A.
Executive Director
Face to Face  |  651-772-5555  |  face2face.org

PS – If you’re unable to join us on June 5th, consider making a gift to support youth today: face2face.org/donate.

Annual Face to Face Day Celebration

Annual Face to Face Day Celebration

Hello Face to Face Friend!

I’d be honored if you would join us for our Face to Face Day Celebration on Monday, April 28, 2025, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Stop by the Clinic and SafeZone (or both) for a tour, refreshments, and a celebration of giving.

We are excited to share with you how youth are overcoming barriers and realizing their full potential.

More details coming soon. Until then, mark your calendars!

Hanna Getachew-Kreusser, M.A.
Executive Director
Face to Face

PS – Can’t join us? Give a gift to support youth today: face2face.org/donate

For more information, contact Jessica at [email protected] or 651-772-5574.

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About

Transparency is of utmost importance to us. Review our annual report, IRS 990, audited financial statement, and 501(c)3 letter of determination. Check out our profiles on Guidestar and Charities Review Council.

Website by Illume
Katy Nordhagen bio photo
Katy Nordhagen
Katy is a fundraiser and development professional serving in organizations ranging from small non-profits to global private enterprises. In her current role at Cargill, Katy works in the intersection between business and governments. Katy also leads the Cargill group focused on supporting LGBTQ+ employees across the globe. Prior to joining Cargill, Katy’s work centered in the non-profit sector in fundraising and organizational development. In previous board positions, Katy has worked on and lead Fundraising and Development efforts. Katy is a 2023-2024 Humphrey Policy Fellow and looks forward to bringing her experience with fundraising and public policy together to support Face to Face.
alex klein bio photo

Alex Klein

Alex was first appointed to be a member of the Board of Directors in September 2024. He is an Associate Attorney at the Bloomington law firm of Bradford Andresen Norrie & Camarotto (BANC), where he practices in a wide variety of areas involving civil litigation. Alex was born and raised in the Metro area, and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree and Law Degree from the University of St. Thomas. From his time as a server at a family restaurant to his current firm, Alex has always been motivated by his interactions with those he serves. Alex is looking forward to bringing that passion for service to his role at Face to Face.
lauren reynolds bio photo

Lauren Reynolds

Lauren is the Associate Director of External Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Partnerships at UnitedHealth Group (UHG). As a leader on the Global DEI team at UHG, Lauren leads the DEI partnership strategy for the company. This includes fostering strategic relationships, both internal and external, and leveraging these partnerships to convert diverse candidates to new UHG employees. Prior to joining UnitedHealth Group, Lauren was Director of Diversity Recruitment and Retention  at the Minnesota Department of Human Services from 2015 – 2022.  At DHS, Lauren led a comprehensive diversity recruitment and retention strategy that focused on embedding diversity, equity and inclusion.

 

An Indiana native, Lauren earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Indiana University-Bloomington and an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University, specializing in Human Resources Management. Lauren is an active community leader, serving also as a member of the Ramsey County Workforce Innovation Board. Lauren was  selected as a 2020 Honoree by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal for Women in Business.

yeni quintero bio photo

Yeni Quintero

Yeni Quintero was born and raised in Mexico and moved to the USA at the age of 27 in search of better opportunities, despite not speaking English at the time. She spent a few years in community college learning English and completing her general education. After 10 years of continuing education, Yeni worked as a medical interpreter, interpreting for several mediations in family court. Yeni also worked as a paralegal for several years, focusing on Immigration, Family Law, and Criminal Law.

 

Yeni attended St. Thomas School of Law and also holds a law degree from Mexico. During her time in law school, she completed her internship with Judge Tamara Garcia for two and a half years in criminal court, working under the division of serious felonies. Yeni is a strong believer in supporting kids and youth to prevent homelessness and help them achieve independence for the future. As a mother, Yeni recognizes the importance of a safety net when things get tough. Her experience in criminal law changed her perspective on the need for increased support in education, mental health, and guidance for youth, rather than a purely punitive approach.

peter peterson bio photo

Peter Peterson

Peter has nearly 20 years of experience in the health insurance and health services industries having spent 15 years at UnitedHealth Group and more recently with a number of startup organizations. This includes experience across finance/FP&A, call & claim operations, payment integrity operations, global operations and business strategy. He successfully optimized both domestic and international operations which included greenfield startups in both Dublin, Ireland and San Juan, Puerto Rico. He has also served in a several Chief of Staff & Corporate Strategy positions where he led overall business growth strategy and planning. He is a graduate of St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN.
vernon sowell face to face director of finance

Vernon Sowell

Director of Finance

Vernon (he/him) brings a wealth of financial accounting leadership experience, serving primarily mission driven, non-profit organizations. Vernon has a genuine love for “crunching the numbers” and is drawn to nonprofits by the invaluable service they provide to the diverse communities they serve. Vernon graduated from Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, Illinois with a BBA in Accounting and an MBA in Finance. He is an Ordained Minister with a Doctorate Degree in Theology from the Minnesota Graduate School of Theology. Vernon has a servant’s heart and believes in strong family values.

Amber Knudson, BA
Mental Health Intern
Amber (she/her) is a Mental Health Intern at Face to Face, where she uses her authentic, compassionate, and non-judgmental approach to support clients. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at St. Catherine University, Amber views therapy as a collaborative journey. She is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and empowering environment that fosters personal growth and healing. She prioritizes building meaningful, trusting relationships with her clients to support their ongoing well-being and progress. In her free time, Amber enjoys exploring her creative side through photography, challenging herself with bouldering, and diving into a good book. Amber’s diverse interests reflect her belief in the importance of balance and self-care in both her personal and professional life.
Kimberly Mendez, BSW
Mental Health Intern
Kimberly (she/her) is a mental health intern at Face to Face. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in social work at the University of Saint Thomas. Kimberly has worked with youth in school settings for three years. She has worked with diverse communities and understands how different socioeconomic factors play a role in one’s identity and journey. Kimberly strongly values relationships and authenticity. Her therapeutic approaches include strength-based therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, narrative therapy, and holistic therapy. She hopes to create a positive difference and sense of belonging in her communities.
Natalie Yang-Roberts, MSW
Mental Health Practitioner
Natalie Yang-Roberts (she/her) is a mental health professional at Face to Face and culturally identifies as Hmong American. She has a background working with youth and families in the home and community. Natalie’s therapeutic approach aligns with her values of humility, curiosity, patience, and unconditional positive regard, believing that the core self in all is good. She draws from her training in cognitive behavioral therapy, Restorative Practices, Internal Family Systems, somatic experiencing, and MoveMindfully practices to teach mindfulness, body awareness, and nondirective play therapy. She understands healing is not linear and is here to support youth along their journey. Natalie has experience working with individuals and families overcoming challenges around identity development, traumatic experiences, generational trauma, relational connection, attachment, neurodiversity, anxiety, and depression. Natalie holds a Master’s in Social Work from Augsburg University. In her free time, she enjoys shopping at thrift stores, making hand-made cards, and going on walks outside with her family.
LaDonna Jackson, MA, MFT
Mental Health Practitioner
LaDonna Jackson (she/her), is a Saint Paul native, born and raised. She has experience as a Mental Health Practitioner with Saint Paul Public Schools, Change Inc., and the Bridge For Youth while pursuing licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist. She loves working in the community that fostered her passion for youth and youth work, as she believes children are the future. Her goal is to support families as they attain the skills they require to nurture the development of healthy (mentally, physically and emotionally) children. LaDonna incorporates Solution-Oriented and Transgenerational approaches in her practice. She focuses on encouraging clients to build on their strengths and resources, through practical and actionable steps toward problem-solving and healing. Her transgenerational methodology involves understanding the influence of family dynamics across multiple generations to address patterns and behaviors that impact clients’ mental health and relationships. When families are uplifted, children gain support in new ways which fosters healthier futures.
Brenda N., MA, LPCC, LADC
Mental Health Practitioner
Brenda (she/her) is an African American therapist who integrates empathic understanding, solution-focused, person-centered, and culturally sensitive methods into her approach. Brenda began her career in the field over 14 years ago working in women’s shelters with women and children. Brenda continued that path and began working with families affected by substance use/abuse, and mental illness. Brenda’s professional experience is in addiction counseling, mental health, culturally responsive, and trauma informed care and training. Brenda’s integrative approach to counseling is Person-Centered guided on Carl Rogers’ belief that “every human being strives for and has the capacity to fulfill their potential.” As a Person-Centered Therapist she recognizes and trusts human potential and for her, it’s that unconditional, positive regard that helps facilitate change. Brenda obtained her Counseling and Psychological Services (LPCC) degree at Saint Mary’s University in Minneapolis, MN; Drug and Alcohol Counseling (LADC) degree at Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, MN; and is currently a PhD graduate student at Walden University; area of study, Developmental Psychology with a focus on Education and Training.

Degree’s/Licensures/Certifications obtained: MA – Mental Health Counseling (LPCC), BS – Licensed Alcohol Drug Counselor, PhD – Developmental Psychology in progress, Women’s Studies Certification, Women’s Trauma Informed Care Certification

Trainings in: MAT (Medication Assisted Therapy), MI (Motivational Interviewing)
Laura Schlotterback, MSW, LGSW
Mental Health Practitioner
Laura (they/them) is a white, queer, non-binary, and temporarily able-bodied LGSW practitioner with Face to Face who facilitates drop-in therapy at SafeZone and Oasis for Youth, and outpatient therapy at both SafeZone and the clinic. They bring values of connection, vulnerability, curiosity, self-compassion, and grace into the therapy space. Laura understands everyone they work with is the expert on their own experiences, and they feel passionate about centering therapy participants’ passions and interests, as well as exploring movement, mindfulness, and art during sessions. Laura also recognizes their privilege at the intersections of their identities and works to use anti-oppressive practices: honoring participants as experts in their experiences; holding space to explore identity, privilege, and oppression; soliciting feedback about sessions; and collaborating with participants and coworkers to incorporate feedback into meaningful change. Laura’s therapy style is relational and strengths-based, and they use tools from humanistic, somatic/sensory, cognitive-behavioral, and trauma therapy models. Laura has also been trained to facilitate EMDR therapy with interested participants.
Asiya Smith, MSW, LGS
Mental Health Practitioner
Asiya (she/her) is a shelter-based therapist at Face to Face. Asiya received her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Minnesota and currently has her LGSW while working towards her LICSW. Prior to joining Face to Face, Asiya interned within the Robbinsdale School District, K-12, working as a school-based therapist with children mostly experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma. Asiya’s approach to therapy is a client-centered and holistic approach. Asiya’s identity as a therapist of color fuels her passion for the work, particularly working with youth who are often scared away from engaging in mental health services due to historical harm the mental health industry has done to marginalized communities. Asiya loves to connect with youth of color and other marginalized identities as a shelter-based therapist. In her free time, Asiya spends lots of time coaching basketball at the collegiate and high school level.
Meg Sutter, MSW, LGSW
Mental Health Practitioner
Meg (she/her) is an outpatient therapist at Face to Face. Coming from a background in creative arts and youth work, Meg’s approach to therapy is holistic, relational, and client-centered. She believes every client is the expert of their own story and a trusting, collaborative therapeutic relationship is the foundation of healing work. She has experience with supporting clients explore their identity and relationships; and heal from personal and intergenerational trauma. Meg has a Masters in Social Work from the University of Minnesota. In her spare time, Meg enjoys cooking, reading, getting outside, and getting creative with various art projects.
Albert Vargas, MA
Mental Health Practitioner
Albert (he/him) is an outpatient therapist at Face to Face. He has centered much of his therapeutic work on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Psychoeducation, Narrative Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy which prioritizes the unique strengths and experiences of each individual. He believes that every person who comes to therapy has their own goals and challenges that with additional supports and tools can be navigated in ways that leave them feeling more hopeful and balanced. With experience at different community-based and private clinics, Albert is open to working with those from a diverse range of backgrounds and is always excited to work with Spanish-Speakers or Non-English-Speakers more generally. Specific experience includes depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, immigration trauma/stress, stress management, and life transitions.
Kyla Ledger, MSW, LGSW
Mental Health Practitioner
Kyla (she/her) is an outpatient and shelter-linked mental health practitioner at Face to Face. Her other experiences include working as a case manager/care coordinator for adults age 65+, as a Positive Support Specialist for adults with severe and persistent mental illness, as a para-professional for elementary-aged children, and as a Residential Counselor at an out of home shelter placement for adolescents. Kyla’s approach to therapy is strengths-centered, attachment-based, and trauma-informed. She also believes it is important to recognize how systems of oppression and marginalization affect clients’ life experiences, and exploring how intersections of these identities inform the therapy process and outcome. Kyla values authenticity, empathic understanding, inquisitiveness, and warmth in the therapeutic setting.
Liz Anderson, MSW, LICSW
Mental Health Supervisor
Liz (she/her) is the Clinical Supervisor for the outpatient and shelter-linked staff. She has experience working with individuals and families ranging from 10 to 80 years old for the last 14 years, in community, medical, private practice, non-profit, and school settings. She also has been a clinical supervisor since 2016, enjoying the opportunity to guide and support pre-licensed therapists and graduate students as they develop their skills in the mental health field.Liz is a trauma-informed, relational, collaborative, and culturally considerate clinician, who is trained as an EMDR therapist, draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems, psychodynamic, and Emotion Focused Therapy. She uses a whole-person and strengths-focused lens, has years of experience working across differences and identities. She has expertise working with immigrants and refugees, with interpreter services, and values training others to do this work. Liz prioritizes social justice, equity, harm reduction, and reducing barriers to quality mental health services, incorporating these into her leadership for Face to Face’s outpatient and shelter-linked therapist teams.Liz can be reached at 651-772-5610. All Mental Health Practitioners are practicing under the clinical supervision of Liz Anderson, LICSW.
Kenya Dalton
Director of Healthcare Services
Kenya (she/her) is a highly experienced healthcare professional with over 25 years of expertise in healthcare services, operations, and management. Her extensive background spans project management, IT, telecommunications, and clinic facility management, showcasing her ability to drive organizational excellence and streamline operations across various domains. Kenya excels at leading multiple teams across different service areas and locations. She has a proven track record of recruiting, training, and supervising successful teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence. Her passion for process improvement has led her to evaluate systems and processes, recommend strategic reorganizations, and implement standardized systems to drive departmental and organizational improvements.
Rachel Greenwald
Director of Youth and Family Services
Rachel (she/her) has been with Face to Face since 2022. Her current role is to oversee all of Face to Face’s youth and family services. This includes SafeZone day shelter and all programs providing direct service to youth including education and employment, youth justice, and housing. Rachel has more than 20 years of nonprofit experience in areas ranging from shelter, housing, case management and leadership.
Melissa Peterson
Director of Development and Community Engagement
Melissa (she/her) has been at Face to Face since August of 2017. She graduated from Bemidji State University with a degree in Indigenous Studies and she’s also certified as a coach for parents. Since 1987, she has worked in nonprofit organizations serving children, youth, and families in community and human services, family violence intervention and prevention, youth development, curriculum development and training, out-of-school programs and camping, residential treatment, tutoring and education programs, and childcare.
Peter Fischer
Director of Finance
In 2012, Peter (he/him) was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives. For the last 12 years he was the Director of Finance and Operations at Avenues for Homeless Youth in Minneapolis. Peter is married to his wife Kristi, and they have three children.
Stephanie Reinitz
Director of Operations

Stephanie (she/her) has been with Face to Face in various roles since 2016. Her current role is to oversee Face to Face’s administrative functions so other staff can focus their energy on our clients. She manages IT, HR, data management, facilities, and public funding. Stephanie has 20 years of nonprofit experience in areas ranging from youth work to human trafficking.

Hanna Getachew-Kreusser, MA
Executive Director

Hanna (she/her) received her B.A in Psychology and International Business Management from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, and her M.A. in Behavioral Science/Counseling and Psychological Services from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Prior to becoming the Executive Director in 2018, Hanna was the Director of Operations at Face to Face. Hanna has over 25 years of nonprofit administration experience including at Tubman Inc. and Avenues for Homeless Youth, leading health and human services work for populations across the life span.

Hanna is an active community leader, engaged in working to change systems that negatively impact marginalized communities. She believes in developing meaningful partnerships to get to the root causes of the problems communities strive to resolve. She currently serves on various boards-Minnesota International NGO Network (MINN), the St. Paul and Ramsey Community Health Advisory Committee. Her previous Governing Board experience includes Clare Housing Board of Directors, Resource Inc, Ramsey County’s Children’s Mental Health Collaborative and as well as the Minnesota Department of Human Services Behavioral Health Planning Council. Hanna is a co-founder of a nonprofit that works to enrich African lives (R.E.A.L Inc.-Resources for Reaching African Lives).

Hanna is passionate about youth and their development. She works hard to engage youth from their strength and support them in realizing their potential. Hanna is a committed leader of social change globally. Her visionary leadership includes strategic direction setting, business acumen, creativity, innovation, and acute interest in learning and curiosity for transforming communities.

Laura Whipple

Laura Whipple became a member of the Board of Directors in 2023 and chairs the Development & External Relations committee. She has more than 20 years of experience as a marketing and communications executive, primarily in the healthcare sector, and currently works as Senior Vice President of Marketing at Teladoc Health. Her areas of expertise include strategic planning, corporate social responsibility, brand management and message development. Laura holds a bachelors’ degree in political science from DePauw University and completed the Executive Scholar program at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. She is a resident of St. Paul, an active mentor and volunteer in the community, and a member of Chief and Women Business Leaders in Healthcare.
Alan R. Thometz
Alan R. Thometz is a corporate finance executive with extensive experience in commercial and investment banking, private equity, and mergers and acquisitions. He has advised clients in dozens of transactions totaling over $1.0 billion and specializes in valuations and cross-border transactions. In 2011, he lived in Beijing as a director of transaction advisory services for Grant Thornton. He currently teaches at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. He has served on several for-profit and nonprofit Boards. Alan and his wife, Claire, served in the Peace Corps in Tunisia and have two daughters.
dennis cross md bio photo

Dennis Cross

Dr. Dennis Cross is Board-Certified in Internal Medicine. One of 11 children, Dennis grew up in rural Mississippi until his family moved to Milwaukee in the early sixties. At age 15 he joined the NAACP Youth Commandoes and marched with Father James Groppi for open housing. He served a two-year stint with the US Army, including 12 months in Vietnam. Dennis became a college student at the community college UWM (University of Milwaukee) just to collect the GI Bill so he could buy a car. He then became a member and Chairman the Black Student Union from 1968-1972. He went on to attend medical school.  His long career in medicine includes caring for hospice patients through Our Lady of Peace in St. Paul. He currently works as Administrative Physician with Health Partners. He joined the Face to Face Board of Directors to work with disadvantaged youth, as he was one in his teenaged years.
Rev. Dr. Ed Treat
Ed Treat has been in long-term recovery from addiction for 36 years. He received his Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry from Luther Seminary. From 1994-2019, he was a parish pastor, serving congregations in rural Nebraska and around the Twin Cities including a mission start. Treat helped develop the Fellowship of Recovering Lutheran Clergy (FRLC) in 1990, a non-profit effort between pastors of the Missouri Synod of the Lutheran Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. In 2001, Treat became the director of the FRLC and remains such today.

Through the FRLC and with some collaboration with the Recovery Ministries of the Episcopal Church (RMEC), Treat launched the Addiction & Faith Conference in 2018 to educate, inspire and equip congregations in addiction ministry. In 2020, Treat founded The Center of Addiction & Faith, as a 501©3 nonprofit. He sits on the boards of the FRLC, the RMEC, the Center of Addiction & Faith, Minnesota Mental Health Connect, and serves on the PAC of Minnesota Recovery Connection.
Laverne McCartney Knighton
Laverne is Area Director for UNCF (United Negro College Fund Inc.), the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. Laverne is an External Advisor to Governor Tim Walz’s Community Resiliency and Recovery work group to address racial inequalities and disparities due to COVID-19, and to look at policymaking and other opportunities to help communities of color. Originally from Texas, Laverne was recruited to Minnesota in 1978 to start her career in retail fashion merchandising with Dayton Hudson Corporation. Laverne spent seven years as Public Information and Education Manager for Tubman Family Alliance, a domestic violence organization, and 13 years at Target Corporation in Community Relations/Corporate Social Responsibility. In 2019 Laverne was recognized as a Woman of Excellence at the Celebrating the Sistas Award Ceremony in recognition of her outstanding leadership, contributions, and commitment to the Twin Cities community. Laverne believes that service equals an authentic and deep connection to community. She is an expert connector and collaborator, a passionate ally and advocate for community building and engagement. Laverne has been married to her wonderful husband, Russell Knighton for 23 years and has three bonus children–Jason, Kymba, and Jaraux, and is a proud Nana to Boston, Kayli, Jalen, Jordan, and Mayes. She and Russell reside in St. Paul and attend Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church.
Shamsur “Ramond” Mahmud
Shamsur has a professional career spanning almost 20 years in finance and information technology. Working at various fortune 100 for profit and non-profit organizations in health care as financial analyst and consultant roles, he crossed over to information technology side working for 3M Data Analytics where he grew a keen interest on data and systems security as a Product Manager. Shamsur has a bachelor degree in Business Administration and Management Information System from Winona State University and an executive MBA degree focusing on Finance from Saint Mary’s University. Shamsur originally hails from Bangladesh. He came to the United States of America as a student when he was 19. He has spent more than half of his life in the US and now calls Minnesota his home, living with his wife and two kids. Shamsur hopes to help Face to Face in any capacity for the betterment of the under-served youth of Ramsey County in Minnesota.
Cathy Lambert
Cathy Lambert has over 25+ years in the field of Human Resources and Talent Development. She is current SVP, Human Resources of Global Talent for Ecolab. In this role, she has responsibility for Ecolab’s talent management practices, learning & development programs along with employee engagement and leading Ecolab’s global talent acquisition organization. She has held multiple different roles at Ecolab including leading the HR team for Global Supply Chain with over 12, 000 employees in countries across the world. She has supported multiple business units in Ecolab as well as had the role of director, Culture & Inclusion where she was responsible for driving employee engagement programs, work-life flexibility programs and employee resource groups. She received her undergraduate degree in Business Economics and French Literature from University of California Santa Barbara.
Thomas Kottke, MD
Tom has been a member of the Board of Directors since January of 2019 and is a member of the Development and External Relations Committee. He is a Health Partners cardiologist and epidemiologist and Medical Director for Well-being. Tom was the recipient of the 2018 President’s Award from the Minnesota Medical Association. This award recognizes physicians who have worked on behalf of public health. His work has improved health in our community by promoting public health measures that include: Tobacco cessation, Teen pregnancy prevention, bike safety, and gun violence prevention.
Jannine He’bert, MA, LP
Jannine He’bert has been a member of the Board of Directors since the summer of 2019. She is a psychologist who has worked in the area of sexual violence prevention for more than 25 years, and has worked across various settings (outpatient, inpatient, prison and civil commitment) with adults and adolescents who have sexually perpetrated, as well as those directly impacted by sexual abuse. She is currently the Executive Clinical Director of the Minnesota Sex Offender Program at the Department of Human Services. She is interested in restorative justice practices and creative prevention interventions at all levels. Jannine will be a member of the short-term Strategic Planning Committee as well as the HR/Governance Committee.
Madeline Gragg
Madeline has held a variety of marketing and business roles at 3M Company over the last 19 years, developing skills in strategic planning, marketing, change management and process improvement. She currently serves as a Global Commercial Operations Leader for 3M’s Safety and Industrial Business Group. Prior to joining 3M, Madeline served as a high school special education teacher, assisting students with disabilities to develop the life and vocational skills needed to be successful as members of the community. She later honed her understanding of adult education as an educational consultant in Japan and as a residence hall director at the University of Michigan. Madeline has a Master of Business Administration from Washington University in St. Louis, as well as a Master of Arts in Education and Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Truman State University.
Jeremy Ellison
Jeremy joined the Face to Face Board of Directors in September of 2021. He has 22 years of experience with the Saint Paul Police Department. He currently serves as an Assistant Chief of Police and is very passionate about service to the community and providing help to those in need. Jeremy has a Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from the University of St. Thomas. He has extensive experience in building strong relationships with community members, centering on pedestrian and traffic safety.
Diana Brown, PhD
Dr. Diana Brown currently serves as Principal at Como Park Senior High School (ISD # 625) in St. Paul, MN. With more than a decade as an educator and administrator, Dr. Brown has served as a teacher and in administrative roles, she has a clear understanding of the significance of collaborating with staff, students, families and the community. She also is an adjunct professor with Concordia University and the College of St. Scholastica. She embraces the unique abilities of each student and is looking forward to serving as a board member of Face to Face. ACADEMIC / PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS: Ed.D, Educational Leadership, Concordia University, Ed. S, K-12 Principal, Concordia University, M.A., K-12 Teaching, St. Thomas University, M.S., Education, St. Scholastica, B.A., Psychology, College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University
Sofia Ali, MD
Sofia is a Family Physician with over 20 years of experience in community clinics and community medicine in the Twin Cities, including serving briefly as Medical Director at Face to Face in 1997. In addition to her clinical work, Sofia holds a Master of Public Health degree. She believes the understanding of public health is imperative and provides a different lens through which to view health care. Sofia is passionate about working with patients to promote health rather than just treating illness and disease. She has clinical experience with Health Partners, United Family Medical Community Clinic, Eagan Child and Family Care Clinic, Boynton Health Service at University of Minnesota, West Side Community Health Center and Health Start School-Based Clinic. She has also worked as a consultant on several clinic systems change projects in clinics in and beyond Minnesota. Her public health experience has included serving as a consulting physician for the Asthma Program at the Minnesota Department of Health, Statewide Health Improvement Program, (Hennepin and Ramsey Counties) and the Controlling Asthma in American Cities Project of the American Lung Association. Sofia received her BS from the American University (Washington DC), MD from the Medical College of Pennsylvania and MPH from the University of Minnesota. She did her residency at the St. Paul-Ramsey Medical Center and West Side Community Health Center.