This story was a collaboration between MAVA Volunteers, Jennie Vang and Annie Bettin. Annie is in her sophomore year as a Marketing major at the University of St. Thomas. Jennie is in her senior year, double majoring in Business Communications and Marketing Management at the University of St. Thomas.
The impact of MAVA’s Student Success Program on TreeHouse has been nothing short of transformative. Not only has it enhanced the effectiveness of TreeHouse’s programs, it has also touched the lives of the students it serves. TreeHouse is successfully creating a nurturing and supportive environment, shaping the lives of students and guiding them toward brighter futures.
TreeHouse offers a safe environment for teens throughout Minnesota to establish connections with mentors and develop resilience. Rooted in the belief that every teen is valuable and capable of a bright future, TreeHouse fosters a sense of belonging and helps create meaningful relationships with both peers and compassionate adult mentors. At multiple sites across Minnesota, including Bloomington and Brooklyn Park, TreeHouse offers tailored programs that empower youth to voice their struggles, seek guidance, and discover their purpose. Celebrating its 40th year of work, TreeHouse continues to make an impact on the lives of students.
MAVA's Student Success Program seeks to improve volunteer generation at organization’s that offer high-impact tutoring, coaching, and mentoring across Minnesota. In 2023, this program supported TreeHouse by offering training sessions on volunteer motivation and recruitment of BIPOC volunteers. This aligns with TreeHouse's commitment to recruit volunteers who are reflective of the students in their programs and to create a diverse and inclusive environment.
As the second year of the Student Success Program approaches, there is a promising year ahead. MAVA’s support has impacted the remarkable transformation at TreeHouse. With the support of grant funding, TreeHouse has increased their number of BIPOC volunteers from 3% in 2021 to 19% of the overall volunteer base. TreeHouse also garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback in recent student surveys:
-
Since the Fall of 2023, 9% fewer teens reported feelings of sadness and depression for several hours.
-
89% of teens reported having formed healthy relationships with their peers and mentors, alongside a 63% decrease in negative mental health symptoms.
-
80% of teens expressed having clear and inspiring goals for their future.
-
93% of teens felt that the adults at TreeHouse genuinely cared about them.
Two new volunteers joined TreeHouse’s Brooklyn Park site in March 2023, aligning with the Student Success Program’s initiation. The couple, who had faced trauma and homelessness in their own lives, expressed their dedication to supporting and uplifting others. Motivated by his journey, the husband volunteered to lead a weekly support group at TreeHouse. His influence on young participants was profound, prompting one young man to express deep admiration and a desire for the volunteer to become his mentor. The young man disclosed severe struggles, including past contemplation of suicide. Hearing his mentor’s story instilled newfound hope, inspiring him to believe he could transform his life and become a successful adult.
Another one of TreeHouse’s students was part of the foster care system in Dakota Country and attended the TreeHouse location there. When their social worker inquired about their preferences for a foster home or family, their response was poignant. They expressed, “My number one priority is to be able to attend Eagan TreeHouse because that is what is giving me hope. That is my family.”
MAVA’s financial investment in volunteer recruiting and retention has significantly advanced TreeHouse’s mission of empowering student success. This support has created a nurturing environment where diverse volunteers can positively impact the lives of students.