The Young Professionals Network participates in the Adopt-A-Roadway program. We are responsible for the section of roadway along Burleigh Ave between University Drive and Washington Street. On May 22,2018, 9 service team members participated in picking up litter. We split up into two teams and covered a two mile stretch in an hour and half. Afterwards, we met at the Cottonwood Softball Complex for Bruno’s pizza, beverages, and socializing. Thank you to all of those who participated, we look forward to hosting this event again, next May!

On Thursday, March 15th, 21 members of the Service Team volunteered to staff Heaven’s Helpers Soup Cafe for the day. Volunteers helped prepare the soup and sandwiches, serve the meal, wait on tables, and clean up. Mark Meier, founder of the Soup Cafe, spoke at our March Service Team Meeting and told us his story. Mark worked for Xerox as a territory manager for a number of years before he felt a calling to serve others. In 2009, he opened the first location which was in the old Hawk’s Pit Stop on Front Ave. The space was quickly busting at the seams and also 2.5 miles away from the Homeless Shelter, which was less than ideal. From 2009- 2015, they served 100-200 people/day. Unfortunately, they shut down in 2015, and in July of 2016 with only $400 in their bank account they signed a $500,000.00 loan for a new location and officially re-opened on January 8, 2018. They look forward to completing phase 2 of the project this year which includes a roll-in handicapped accessible shower, a clothes washer and dryer, and a computer to help people search for work. The soup cafe is open from 11am – 7pm, Monday – Saturday. Heaven’s Helpers relies on donations from individuals and companies in the Bismarck-Mandan community. Thankfully, they have not had to go grocery shopping since 2009! If you’d like to help Heaven’s Helpers Soup Cafe please consider the following:

1. Volunteer for a 2 hour shift at https://www.soupcafe.org
2. Drop off a food and/or paper product item donation during their business hours, the address is 220 N. 23rd St. in Bismarck.
3. Swing by for lunch with your friends or co-workers and drop a donation in the basket.

Thank you to all the volunteers who donated their time! We look forward to hosting another day at Heaven’s Helpers Soup Cafe in the near future.

On Sunday, August 13th, the Social and the Service Teams held a joint event at the Dakota Zoo. Together, 18 people worked to help spruce up the landscaping around the zoo office building and the Girl Scout Flower Garden. YPN members trimmed bushes and pulled weeds. Following the service project, the group enjoyed pizza from Bruno’s under the gazebo. This was the second year for the event and we can’t wait to do it again next year! Thank you to all of those who volunteered, the zoo management was very impressed and thankful for your work!