Phyllis Wheatley Community Center

We create pathways for individuals to discover their strengths and take control of their futures. 

Equal opportunity is a basic American right that most of us rarely think about it. But, for some, it's a right that is denied, consistently, systemically, and geographically. 

In North Minneapolis, our mostly-African American community has a different experience. Decades of disadvantage & inequity, historically racist public policies, and redlining have left a lasting mark on our city. Today, African American families remain mired in the poverty cycle, which invites violence, crime, and hopelessness into the lives of those we serve.

A quality pre-K education is out of reach for too many families in our community, even though the first five years of life are critical for preparing children to succeed in school, ensure proper development, and provide support to their families. 

Computer and tech skills are required for nearly any job offering a livable wage.

Keeping kids on track at school is a feat even for the most affluent families, and raising them to believe there is more for them in the world than that which they can see out their front doors is an even greater challenge. 

Phyllis Wheatley's Mary T. Wellcome Child Development Center provides quality, 4-Star, Parent Aware-certified curriculum to little ones ages 6 weeks to 5 years old, regardless of a family's financial situation.

Our DigitalTechWorks™ Academy provides important career skills training to people at any stage of life, offering opportunities to learn anything from basic computer skills to earning Microsoft Developer certifications that open doors to high-paying, sustainable jobs.  

Our highly regarded Family Strengthening programs work to ensure that each participant and their families go home to a safe environment, and our Camp Katharine Parsons gives inner city youth the same summer camp opportunities that anyone who grew up in Minnesota remembers. 

Our comprehensive approach helps family members discover and build upon their strengths to meet their unique needs, creating pathways for individuals to discover their strengths and take control over their futures.

To learn more about our programs, go to www.phylliswheatley.org.

About Us  

Since 1924, “The Wheatley” has been inspiring the leader within by providing a welcoming place where people gather to discover their strengths, develop new skills, participate in community, and find encouragement and support needed to give them the confidence to pursue their dreams.

In the early decades, many civil and social leaders called the Wheatley their second home. And leadership continues to be a major theme at the agency; we are focusing on our most precious resources: children and the families they depend on for a successful start in life. 

Who was Phyllis Wheatley?  Phyllis (Phillis) Wheatley was an eighteenth century girl slave who became the first African American woman to publish a book (poetry).  Her life demonstrates what can be achieved through character, ambition, courage and humility.  Phillis’ incredible story reminds us that in spite of what’s happening on the outside, there’s something within that allows people to prevail.  This philosophy guides every program at Phyllis Wheatley Community Center.