Adult and Family Empowerment

The Adult & Family Empowerment (AFE) Program is rooted in the belief that supported adults, and healthy families are the cornerstone to building and sustaining an empowered Little Earth Community.

Empowerment Definition:

em·pow·er·ment /əmˈpouərmənt/noun
noun: empowerment; plural noun: empowerments
The process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one's life and claiming one's rights.

Each program focuses on one of following five Program Pillars:

  1. Education

  2. Workforce Development

  3. Health/Wellness

  4. Safety

  5. Life Skills

Cultural components are woven throughout each program that is offered. Examples of cultural elements: Smudging during a program check in; creating a cultural craft to supplement a related lesson plan; or using a Seven Grandfather Teaching as the topic for check-in.

 Advocacy & Coaching Services.

The youth and adult and family advocates are available to assist individuals and families with goal setting, accountability, and empowering themselves by gaining access to information, resources, and services that are necessary to overcome barriers and further enrich their quality of life. This may include applying for assistance, referrals to essential services, and home visits.

Personal & Professional Development Opportunities.

Residents receive free access to personal and professional development opportunities throughout the year. Examples include, training in Narcan administration, training in First Aid/CPR, and training in self-defense. Through these learning opportunities, individuals increase their employability, reduce risks, and explore other pathways of interest.

Women’s Circle.

This group is a safe space that fosters personal connections to culturally relevant resources & support for women and Two Spirit identified folks residing at Little Earth in four major categories: Domestic & Substance Abuse, Workforce Development, Physical & Mental Health, and Cultural Healing. The flexible nature of this group allows program staff to be responsive to the evolving interests, skills, learning needs, and resource needs of those engaged in the group.

We Meet Weekly!
Mondays | 5PM - 7PM
LERA Office
2495 18th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404

Elder’s Group.

This group is a safe space that fosters personal connections to culturally relevant resources & support for our folks age 55 and older residing at Little Earth in four major categories: Independent Living, Support and Resource Navigation, End of Life Planning, and Cultural Healing. The flexible nature of this group allows program staff to be responsive to the evolving interests, skills, learning needs, and resource needs of those engaged in the group.

We Meet Weekly!
Wednesday | 11AM - 1PM
Multipurpose Room (MPR)
2501 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404

Ceremonies.

Depending on the month and season, residents have the opportunity to participate in ceremonies such as the Cedar Ceremony, Full Moon Ceremony, Water Ceremony, Naming Ceremony, and many more.

Transportation Services.

We offer transportation services supporting school attendance, animal and people food shelves, and empowerment requests such as Rx pickup, assistance office visits, health and wellness clinics.