District 1 News - September 1997
Portage for Youth
Helping girls navigate their way to adulthood
Andrea Minkkinen, Saint Paul's first female firefighter, adjusts a helmet strap fo one of the girls who participates in Portage for Youth, an East Side progam that helps adolescent and teen girls improve their self-esteem, academic skills and other aspects of their lives. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PORTAGE FOR YOUTH.
By Mary Butler - District 1 News
I first heard about Portage for Youth in June from fellow District 1 Communications Committee Member Tienne Otteson, who mentioned that she is a mentor for the girls who congregate at the group' s century-old East Side house. While it is located in the Dayton's Bluff area in District 4, Portage for Youth serves girls and draws volunteers from District 1 and other areas too. It has been in existence for three years but only last winter did it move into the house at 965 Fremont Ave. I was invited to meet Raeann Ruth, founder and director of the program. Some of the girls gave me a tour.
Ruth has worked hard to bring her dream of offering practical skills and supportive enrichment programs for young women to fruition. She serves without pay and operates Portage for Youth on a shoestring budget. Her personal drive and dedication has drawn support from the community, and she gained funds through donations and grants. Ramsey County Commissioner Dino Guerin and state Rep. Steve Trimble were both supportive from the beginning." Money is a constant, ongoing struggle," she acknowledged. She is always on the lookout to recruit volunteers willing to share their skills with the girls.
Portage for Youth serves girls between 8 and 15 years. It operates year-round after school hours. It is designed to strengthen self-esteem; to foster artistic, creative and academic skills; and to expand the vision of young women to help them make a positive impact on society, their families and peers. Ruth's personal charisma and singular focus combine to bring about all this in an atmosphere of fun and friendship.
I felt a spirit of camaraderie upon entering the house. Girls of different races and backgrounds have cooperated to make rules they can all abide by, sharing chores and duties. There is a clamor of voices and activity. They are eager to show off their bunny and hedgehog, which are 4H projects.
On the afternoon I visited, two women from Women Photographers and Visual Artists were giving lessons in photography. There was a lot of excitement and giggling as they tried on costumes and ducked in and out of the front parlor. Pam Belding, a photographer and painter, will continue the lesson by showing girls how to develop proofs and how to document their lives through pictures. The plan is to have an exhibit and write biographies of each other or autobiographies.
As a mentor, Otteson offers a women's studies program on Thursdays. Her employer, Western Insurance, allows her time for this project. Through it she has brought guest speakers to share their backgrounds and career choices; some of those include Saint Paul firefighter Andrea Minkkinen, Army Capt. Kim Willenbring, Saint Paul Police Lt. Bev Hall. The girls went on a field trip to city hall where they visited Janice Rettman, county commissioner, and Gladys Morton, city council member. They dropped by the sheriff's office and got to see the jail. One of the girls now has political aspirations. Otteson volunteers with Saint Paul Police and arranged for a visit with East Side Commander Don Winger. She hopes to bring in women athletes, authors, musicians, physicians and other inspiring visitors.
Portage for Youth also has a literacy program, computers and Art in the Alley in cooperation with District 4 community council. The girls belong to a Girl Scout troop. They planted small gardens in the yard, went berry picking, made jam and biscuits. Eight scholarships were provided for a week at camp.
Beginning Sept. 4 an intergenerational workshop for mothers and daughters will be presented. It is cosponsored by Women's Venture and the YWCA of St. Paul. YWCA also provides two other Portage for Youth programs-Operations SMART (science, math and relevant technology) and SELF (self-esteem and leadership fulfillment).
In case you wonder where the name Portage for Youth came from, it originated from canoe trips Ruth took in earlier days. The voyage through adolescence can be com-pared to the adventure of a canoe trip. One needs skills, cooperation, encouragement, commitment and determination to successfully navigate the journey.
Amber, Ruth's high-school-age daughter who has been given the nickname 'PoohBear' by the girls, has been quite involved with Portage for Youth. "She is a good role model," her mother observed. An older son helps by teaching computer skills.
Ruth has ambitious dreams. She hopes one day to have a store, possibly selling soups and breads, which would provide jobs and generate revenue to pour back into the program. Right now she would be thrilled to have the sidewalk repaired. Anyone who would be willing to donate services can call her. Music instruction is something she would love to be able to offer. Also on the wish list are an air conditioner, food and juices for snacks, gas for the van donated by 3M. She noted that people wishing to help can donate Gold Points from charge cards. For details call the Portage at 772-8674.
