Banyan Community

An innovative approach to transforming community in the Phillips neighborhood of south Minneapolis!

Banyan Community is rooted in the Phillips neighborhood to transform lives by developing youth, strengthening families, and creating community.

Banyan is a Christian community development organization in which youth, family, and community are synchronized to achieve the greatest impact. Banyan recognizes that in order for children to thrive and ultimately graduate, go to college, and succeed as adults, whole families and the larger community must be connected and engaged. This philosophy is at the heart of all of Banyan’s programs.

Far more than a youth development program, Banyan provides a nucleus where families in the Phillips neighborhood connect with and support each other, and where parents are empowered to be deeply involved in their children's education. Families develop authentic relationships and partnerships with staff, with the outcome of helping youth succeed. Neighbors get to know each other building trust and connections leading to a stronger community and increased social capital.

Our goals are rooted in our Theory of Change, which states that education is one of the most powerful antipoverty strategies. Banyan believes that this strategy has a greater impact in communities formed from the inside out. It builds on existing assets that will increase ownership of and access to various resources that are necessary to thrive (financial, physical, political, social, etc.). Utilizing an asset-based community development approach, we start at the roots by penetrating our neighborhood with inputs that include social capital, best practices, research, lived experience, community leadership and connection, expert staff, partnerships, and financial capital. We then provide interlinked, holistic, and interdependent program activities that help develop youth, strengthen families, and create community. This focused approach is what brings about our Mastery Outcomes of 1) reconciled people, 2) committed learners, and 3) leading citizens who are 4) future oriented.

The results are profound:

• The high school graduation rate of Banyan youth is 98% (100% for the class of 2022)!
• 100% of graduating high school seniors in 2022 were accepted into college!
• 90% of Banyan families believe they can have an impact on making their neighborhood a better place to live.
• Banyan families are invested in a hopeful vision of the future and experience long-term stability.
• The return on investment (ROI) per Banyan youth is 8:1. For every $1 invested in Banyan, $8 are returned to society!

Your gift helps our community thrive - thank you so much!