Navigating a positive path in life

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 teens living in and around the McDonough and Mt. Airy Homes public housing communities in St. Paul take part in two hours of carefully planned activities aimed at building self-esteem, doing well academically and finding positive ways to navigate the often challenging path between two cultures.  Parents and older teens assist as volunteers with traditional Hmong dance instruction, homework assistance, recreation, mentoring and small group support.

Keystone coodinator Hlee Thao, pictured above with two participants, developed the program. "Hlee Thao is dedicated to improving the capacity of Hmong families so their children can succeed in school and embrace their choices in the future. She has done an amazing job helping families adjust to life in this country," said Kathy Albrecht, Keystone program manager.

Below are two young program participants who take part in the Hmong dance troup, preparing for a performance at the Hmong New Year celebration.