UMOJA MN

UMOJA MN is a program run by EVOLVE Family Services in Minnesota.

The Mission:

Empower, educate, and connect adoptive foster and kinship families in Minnesota who are raising youth of Black heritage by offering culturally responsive support, family camps and programming focused on identity culture & community

Group of diverse people posing for a photo at an event, standing in front of a backdrop with logos for UMOM and EVOLVE Family Services, indoors in a conference room.

UMOJA MN PROGRAMS

A short-term leadership cohort for Black youth ages 13–17 to plan and lead a community-impact project while building skills, confidence, and connection. Meeting weekly for 4–6 weeks, teens collaborate to create meaningful change in BIPOC communities and form lasting relationships in an affirming, culturally rooted space.

Coffee Connection is a safe space for Minnesota parents and caregivers of Black fostered or adopted youth to connect, share experiences, and discuss topics related to Black culture, identity, anti-racism, and raising Black children.

Culturally Responsive Parenting is a class centered around the understanding of racial and cultural differences for Black children in the foster and adoptive care systems. This class is for caregivers of Black children who are working towards gaining knowledge about the nuances of Black culture, community, representation, racism and more. The group will be held for six weeks at a time, and is designed to be an ongoing conversation for caregivers.

SAVE THE DATE!
Next Camp - May 29-31, 2026

Black Heritage Camp is a transformative cultural experience for youth and families in adoptive, guardianship, or kinship care, where youth engage in identity-building activities while caregivers participate in cultural learning sessions, featuring keynote speakers, hair care experts, activity stations, and entertainment.

This four-week group is a safe, affirming space for Black youth in foster care, kinship care, or adoption to explore cultural identity, share lived experiences, and build connection with peers who understand their journey. Through weekly guided conversations, youth are supported in expressing emotions, developing confidence, and strengthening a sense of belonging in community.

EXPLORE UMOJA MN with EVOLVE

Get all of the updates for EVOLVE and UMOJA MN by filling out the form.

A man with two boys standing outdoors in a park with trees in the background. The man has gray facial hair and is wearing a white t-shirt with a graphic design, a black baseball cap with colorful designs, and has his arms around the boys. Both boys are smiling, one wearing a black and white striped t-shirt and the other in a blue shirt.