As one of only four communities in Minnesota to be named among the 100 Best Communities for Young People (100 Best) in the U.S. by America's Promise Alliance, the mobile home community of Landfall is earning this honor for the third time. This year's competition recognizes communities in the U.S. that focus on reducing high school dropout rates and providing service and support to their city's youth.
"We are honored to again be named as one of the America's Promise Alliance's 100 Best," said Tom Yuska, community organizer at Landfall. "This award recognizes the hard work of many community members who have made a positive difference in the lives of the young people of Landfall."
In Landfall, a city of only 700 residents including many living below the poverty line, the community invests both time and resources to create and provide development activities for its youth. Since 1993, Landfall has worked with Stillwater-based nonprofit FamilyMeans to develop summer and after-school programs through the Youth Development Initiative. Landfall's children and teens participate in activities through the Investigation Station, Teen Center and Youth Bicycle Program. A local church, Trinity Presbyterian, also offers Extra Innings, a tutoring program for Landfall students.
"In a nation where 7,000 students drop out of high school every day, we hope Landfall's initiatives inspire other communities to take actions that benefit their young people," said Marguerite W. Kondracke, America's Promise Alliance president and CEO. "Landfall is deserving of this recognition for their efforts to ensure young people graduate from high school and go on to lead healthy, productive lives and become contributing members of society."
The other Minnesota cities that received this honor are Edina, Northfield and St. Louis Park.
The honor as one of the 100 Best is a designation given by America's Promise Alliance, the nation's largest partnership organization dedicated to youth and children, and ING, a global financial services company and leading provider of retirement plans and programs for teachers.