Depot Youth Foundation

Supporting the youth-led activities at the Depot Coffee House in Hopkins, MN.

Thi is a very special year for the Depot. We have been doing what we do for 15 years! Since 1998 The Depot Coffee House has been a place inspired by, led by, and supported by the youth of the community.  Over the years the programs and the coffee shop have been shaped by the youth board members with the support of adult mentors.

Since the beginning, there has always been music.  Youth bands perform every Friday night, while the venue is managed by trained Depot youth volunteers.  During the year there are special nights - Halloween being very popular as well as the January Beach Party night.  On Tuesdays, the youth host an Open Mic night where an enthusiastic all ages crowd can debut or practice almost any talent - vocals, spoken word, comedy, drama, dance, yo yo's, etc. It is a great model for a youth organization.  

The coffee shop at the Depot is provided as an amenity for the youth programming as well as for the wider community.  Our location on the trail system and at a popular intersection brings regular commuters and bikers as well as groups who reserve the large room for daily or weekly group meetings.  By necessity non-student staff run the shop during school hours.  All profits generated by the coffee business directly support the youth programming.

In order to have caring and trained adults available on staff to support this enterprise and the youth who make it happen the Foundation must raise funds to supplement the revenue produced on site and the contributions from Depot community partners:  City of Hopkins, Hopkins School District, Hopkins/Minnetonka Recreation Services, and Three Rivers Park District. 

To learn more about the Depot:  www.thedepotcoffeehouse.com