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.
Connecting Our Community
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 four 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 session at 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.
“We want to keep kids on a positive path, focused on education and doing well in school and out of gangs.”
Hlee Thao, coordinator of the Hmong Youth & Family Program
Spotlight
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The McDonough Community Center in St. Paul is a beehive of activity each afternoon, both after school and during the summer, when several dozen children gather for Keystone's Hmong Youth & Family Program. Hmong kids and...
