Get to Know Elliot Park Neighborhood, Inc.
Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 3:26AMArticle by Becky Fillinger, Photos provided
Abdulrahman Wako
A discussion with Executive Director, Abdulrahman Wako
In July, Elliot Park Neighborhood, Inc. (EPNI) welcomed their new Executive Director, Abdulrahman Wako. We talked to him about EPNI's history, current initiatives and the many ways community may be involved with the organization. EPNI is in good hands – Wako believes that by helping others lead better lives, he can contribute to creating a more livable and compassionate world for everyone, both present and future generations.
Q: What is the history of EPNI?
A: Elliot Park Neighborhood, Inc. is a nonprofit community organization located in the Elliot Park neighborhood. EPNI was established in 1976, primarily focusing on renovation and building new housing in the neighborhood. The focus of the organization has shifted over the years, and our mission now centers on building community vitality by connecting and empowering neighbors. A 15-member Board of Directors, comprised of residents and institutional representatives, governs the organization in representing of the Elliot Park neighborhood. The neighborhood is home to approximately 6,500 residents from diverse backgrounds and experiences, and is growing rapidly as new housing is developed. As the neighborhood grows, EPNI has encouraged a mixture of affordable and high-end housing that retains and values the diversity of our community members. Elliot Park is home to many well-known institutions and organizations, including Hennepin County Medical Center, Augustana, North Central University, Catholic Charities, Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge, House of Charity, Kraus-Anderson, and more.
Q: I saw this quote on the Association’s Facebook page: "When you have hands on, and you're working together for the same goal, it makes for a very tight neighborhood." - Elliot Park Neighborhood (EPNI) Board Member Jordan Robertson. Could you tell us your thoughts on residents working together for EPNI?
A: I couldn't agree more with the sentiment expressed in that quote by Jordan Robertson. The idea of residents working together for the common goal of enhancing our neighborhood is truly inspiring. It's that sense of community, shared purpose, and the dedication of individuals that can lead to the development of a vibrant and tightly-knit neighborhood.
In my opinion, that kind of collaboration includes partners and businesses in our neighborhood, and is not just a testament to the strength of our community but also a driving force behind our success. When residents, partners and businesses come together, they can pool their unique skills, talents, and perspectives to address needs and concerns. This collective effort can foster a sense of ownership and pride in our neighborhood, making it an even more welcoming and thriving place to live.
Q: What are the current top priorities for EPNI?
A: Our priorities for EPNI this year are centered around fostering a stronger, safer, and more engaged neighborhood for our residents. Three key areas of focus stand out:
Grocery Store Initiative: Our foremost priority is to address the pressing need for a neighborhood grocery store. We are actively engaged in efforts to attract and support the establishment of a quality grocery store within our community. Access to fresh and affordable groceries is vital for the well-being of our residents, and we are dedicated to making this a reality.
Safety and Well-being: Ensuring the safety of our residents is a top concern. We will work closely with local law enforcement, park police, Ward 6, partner organizations and residents to develop and implement strategies to enhance our neighborhood's safety and security. This includes initiatives like neighborhood walk programs and collaborating with partners to address community concerns.
Resident Engagement: Strong community engagement is the cornerstone of our organization. We aim to bolster resident involvement and participation in neighborhood matters. For the following year, we are launching new engagement initiatives, including the microgrant program, community listening sessions and volunteer opportunities, to encourage residents to actively shape the future of our neighborhood.
Q: I read of partnerships with companies and local schools/universities, and I’m sure with the City of Minneapolis, too. Please tell us about your partnerships – how they come about, current partnerships, and who manages the relationships.
A: As the Executive Director, building and maintaining trusting relationships is my job. I understand that partnerships are a cornerstone of our organization's success, and they play a pivotal role in our mission to serve our neighborhood effectively. Most of our partnerships are within our borders or with the City of Minneapolis. To ensure the success and sustainability of these collaborations, we emphasize open communication, regular meetings and clear objectives. We have valuable partnerships with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Minneapolis Ward 6, East Town Business Partnership and North Central University, to name a few.
Here's how they come about:
Partnerships with our organization often begin with a shared commitment to community development. We proactively seek out organizations and institutions whose missions align with ours, and those who service the same neighbors as we do. Once we’ve established contact and we’ve shared our vision, we identify mutual interest and benefit areas. Once we’ve established a partnership, we focus on defining and deepening what that partnership can accomplish with regard to our shared visions. We understand that by working together, we can amplify our impact and create a more vibrant and resilient community.
Q: How may local neighbors or businesses become more active with EPNI?
A: Engaging local neighbors and businesses to become more active with EPNI is at the heart of our mission. There are numerous ways for individuals and businesses to get involved, and I'm happy to elaborate on some of these opportunities:
1. Recurring Meetings: EPNI hosts regular neighborhood meetings, such as our monthly Board and committee meetings, which are open to the public. These meetings are excellent opportunities for neighbors and businesses to participate actively in our decision-making processes, share ideas, and voice concerns. Our Board meetings happen every third Monday of the month, and our Land Use and Transportation meetings are every third Thursday of the month.
2. Special Events: EPNI organizes and participates in various special events throughout the year. These events often require volunteers to help with planning, logistics and on-site assistance. Local businesses can contribute by sponsoring or participating in these events, while neighbors can volunteer their time. This year, we’ve collaborated and put together several events, such as Party on the Block, Neighborhood Night Out, our Annual Social and Elections, Annual Spring Clean Up, and our Annual Fall Clean-Up.
3. Volunteer Opportunities: EPNI often seeks volunteers for various initiatives, including neighborhood cleanups, neighborhood improvement projects, and outreach efforts. We are currently planning to plant additional trees in the coming spring, providing an excellent volunteering opportunity.
4. Committees: We have two committees dedicated to specific aspects of neighborhood development, such as land use, housing, safety, environment, and transportation. Neighbors and local businesses are encouraged to join these committees to contribute their expertise and passion to these critical areas. Our current committees include the Land-Use and Transportation Committee and the Neighborhood Vitality Committee.
5. Partnerships: Local businesses can collaborate with EPNI through partnerships. This may involve supporting our programs, events or initiatives, providing resources, or even hosting community events at their establishments.
6. Support and Feedback: Neighbors and businesses can support EPNI by attending our events, becoming members of our Board and committees, and providing feedback and input on issues that matter to them. We value our community members' insights to ensure we are representing Elliot Park neighbors to the best of our ability.
We believe that active community involvement is what makes EPNI thrive, and we are always excited to welcome new neighbors and businesses into our community-driven initiatives.
Q: How may we follow your news?
A: To stay updated on our latest news and activities, we offer multiple channels for the community to follow us:
Visit our organization's website, where we regularly post event updates and important announcements.
Sign up for our email newsletter to receive regular updates directly in your inbox. This is a great way to stay informed about our initiatives, events, and community news.
We maintain an active presence on Facebook and Instagram.
Attend our monthly Board meetings on the third Monday of every month - you can find more details on our website.
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Around the Elliot Park neighborhood:
Drexel Apartments, 1009 Park Avene
The Elliot Park Hotel is located at 823 5th Avenue S
Band Box Diner is a neighborhood landmark.
