News & Views of Phillips Since 1976
Sunday December 21st 2025
People & Pets: free shelf for pets
Courtesy of DWIGHT HOBBES
Hard times call for inventive measures, sometimes so simple you wonder why you didn”'t think of it. For instance, People & Pets Together (www.peopleandpetstogether.org), a monthly free shelf helping pet owners make ends meet. There”'s also a veterinary assistance program as well as other offerings to look after pet health.
Minnesota”'s only such operation, it provides, along with enough food to last 30 days, such supplies as carriers, litter, bowls and toys. Principally serving South Minneapolis, no one is turned away. If you live outside the area, you can still make a one-time visit. Â
The idea is to do what they can to help families fend for their little, four-legged (or winged) loved ones. Â
“We know pets are family”, says the People & Pets Together brochure. “We help families stay together. Pets help people live happier, healthier lives. By supporting the relationships people have with their pets [we hope] to improve the health of our communities.”
Altruism is no shield against today”'s economy.
Accordingly, People & Pets Together have lost their lease and must move by next year. Meanwhile, the door stays open and tax deductible donations are welcome. Contact info@peopleandpetstogether.org or People & Pets Together, 3750 Bloomington Ave.,… Read the rest “People & Pets: free shelf for pets”
”˜Kids can”'t wait”' says Phillips childcare owner Nasro Abshir
Local business owner Nasro Abshir of Family First Choice Childcare (2617 Bloomington Ave. S.) went to the Minnesota Capitol on Feb. 14, 2019 to lead a conversation with the Kids Can”'t Wait Coalition and Kids Count On Us.
“We are so lucky to have Lt Governor and Governor who are prioritizing kids and families,” said Abshir. “We heard amazing stories from providers and parents directly impacted by the childcare crisis. We heard how much of a positive impact the Childcare Assistance Program has had on kids and families. We also heard about the devastating impact losing CCAP [and] being on the waitlist can have.”
She is grateful to Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan for their leadership and commitment to kids and families.
Abshir has been in the childcare world most of her life, whether it was attending childcare as a child while her mom worked 2-3 different jobs or when she started her first babysitting business at 12 years old.Â
“Now, as a provider serving lower-income families it”'s a struggle,” said Abshir. “It”'s a struggle because we are a highly regulated industry. It”'s hard to find qualified committed staff. We are overworked and underpaid in an industry that is not valued because its considered ”˜women”'s work.”'… Read the rest “”˜Kids can”'t wait”' says Phillips childcare owner Nasro Abshir”
Local pastor to receive BridgeBuilder Award
Christopher Bopp
Pastor Ramirez demonstrates traditional music from his native Mexico.
Pastor Joel Ramirez, long-time Phillips area pastor with ICCM (Inner City Church of Minneapolis), will receive the 2019 BridgeBuilder Award at Global Worship 12.Â
Global Worship is a colorful, exciting worship concert Saturday April 13, 6 p.m. at St. Paul”'s Church, 1901 Portland. The evening will include performances from the Kehilat Sar Shalom Dancers, Quechua Church, Family Worship Center, and Heart & Soul Drum Academy, among others.
Pastor Ramirez has planted 15 churches in Mexico and the United States, and is involved in training pastors and church leaders. Through his work with CRU, a ministry that equips local churches to be sensitive to the needs of the poor and marginalized, he serves as a mentor and teacher.
St. Paul”'s Church, serving the community since 1872, was founded by immigrants and has never forgotten its immigrant roots. It is the home of MissionShift Institute, which offers training in cross-cultural ministry.
St. Paul”'s welcomes its new pastor, Rev. Russell Grigsby, who lives here and is excited to serve the Phillips community.
For more information, call 612-874-0133 or see www.StPaulsChurch.info
Christopher Bopp
Many flags represent the nations of the Global Worship community.
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