News & Views of Phillips Since 1976
Tuesday December 16th 2025
Introduction to The Alley”'s New Series: STORIES FROM OUR BACK YARD
Inside of the area called the “Backyard”, there are 15,000 households. Inside of each of those homes or apartments are stories waiting to be told. There are stories of kids getting good grades at school, friendly gestures between strangers, overcoming addictions, stories of incredible hope amidst despair.
This month”'s story is written by Khusba Seka from the Backyard”'s Anchor Family CHAT (Community Health Action Team). She tells us of what her life has been like on her block.Â
Tell us YOUR story or a story about a neighbor, your block, or a family member. Stories help heal. Stories have power. They teach us about each other. Email editor@alleynews.org or call 612-990-4022 for support and assistance.Â
“I am headed out, do you need anything?”
By Khusaba Seka
When I am asked, “What are Anchor Families?” there are two things that I think of: my sons”' description of our neighborhood and my neighbors who make me feel like I am part of their family.
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Out in the Backyard
Out in the Backyard is an initiative to connect LGBT community from the
backyard to each other and to resources.
We are currently have a once a week kettlebell class at Pillsbury House every Tuesday from 6pm to 7pm.
It is FREE for all the Backyard LGBT community members.
Our instructor here is Yolanda Womack from Infinitely Fit (www.infinitelyfit.com).
More information please find “Out in the Backyard”' on facebook.
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Backyard Initiative Citizen Health Action Teams: Creating Connections and Resources for Health
By Janice Barbee, Cultural Wellness Center
This update highlights the work of seven additional Citizen Health Action Teams (CHATs) of fourteen total after summarizing the work of four more. The other three will be summarize in the May issue.
The Backyard is approximately one square mile area surrounding the Midtown Global Market and Allina Health Commons. Residents of these seven neighborhoods in south Minneapolis have been supported by the Cultural Wellness Center to develop and implement their ideas for community health improvement since December of 2008. Allina has contributed funds for these projects, with additional support from Twin Cities LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation).
Each CHAT is growing the community”'s capacity to increase residents”' knowledge and skills to take better care of themselves.
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Keep citizen journalism alive!
