News & Views of Phillips Since 1976
Saturday October 17th 2026
Remembering Generation 9/11:
“Children of the Ash and Light”
By Brad Trom
Born into shadows cast before their first
breath,
They grew in the footprint of sudden loss and
death.
Children of a morning when the sky fell
down,
Carrying a quiet weight through every town.
No memories of the sirens or the dust in the
air,
Only a framed portrait, a father not there,
A mother’s steady voice when the story was
told,
An aching gap left where a hand was meant
to hold.
Yet they are more than the tragedy that
marked their start,
They are voices of resilience, each a beating
heart.
Woven through the fabric of a world
transformed,
Navigating the era where the modern storm
was formed.
A global aftermath written in their blood and
bone,
Finding common strength in never standing
alone.
From the ashes of September came a rising
light:
A generation stepping forward into the open
night.
Related Images:
Food, Care, and Culture at IPTF’s new Center for Wellness
By Emily Jarrett Hughes
“This place is beautiful” are often the first words spoken by people coming to Mikwanedun
Audisookon for food, services, or cultural programming. This summer Indigenous Peoples Task
Force (IPTF) opened Mikwanedun Audisookon, which means “remember our teachings,” to
provide an oasis dedicated to strengthening the wellness of the Indigenous community.
A free community meal on Wednesdays from 1-3 is a weekly highlight. Recent menus include
jerk chicken with rice or roasted chicken with potatoes and green beans. Many of the
ingredients are acquired at no cost through partnerships with local farms and food shelves.
Hennepin County residents can collect a free grocery bag on Thursdays beginning at 1 until they
are gone. Grocery bags include staples like milk and eggs as well as ingredients and a recipe for
a family dinner. One recent recipe was for lemon chicken pasta salad. Farm fresh produce filled
many of the grocery bags this summer.
When stopping by for food, people can also access harm reduction resources and walk in for
HIV testing. People can make appointments for testing between 8:30 – 4 PM Monday through
Friday – walk ins also welcome. Call 612-463-6502 to schedule a test.
The community is invited to an Open House celebration for the new building on Friday, October
2 from 1-4 PM.… Read the rest “Food, Care, and Culture at IPTF’s new Center for Wellness”
A New Home for Health, Housing, and Healing
By ABBY TAYLOR
Native American Community Clinic officially opened the doors to its new clinic on
September 15th , bringing a long-held vision for expanded access to healthcare, culture,
and healing to life.
When NACC began planning the new clinic, we saw an opportunity to think bigger about
how this land could serve the community. We knew we needed more space to provide
care, but we also knew that access to safe, affordable housing is one of the most
significant challenges facing the people and families we serve. Rather than build a clinic
alone, we believed the highest and best use of the site was to create affordable housing
above it.
To make that vision possible, NACC partnered with our friends at Wellington
Management, who developed, own, and manage the 83 affordable housing units
located above the clinic. NACC owns and operates the clinic on the lower floors. These
are separate organizations brought together by a shared belief that stable housing and
good health are deeply connected.
NACC’s new 40,000-square-foot clinic allows us to serve more patients, expand
integrated services, and provide a culturally safe and welcoming place for care. Medical,
dental, behavioral health, substance use disorder services, harm reduction, traditional
healing, and other supports come together in a model that recognizes culture,
connection, and community as essential to whole-person wellness.… Read the rest “A New Home for Health, Housing, and Healing”
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