Prior Lake, MN - The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community announces a $150,000 grant for fiscal year 2007 to the Upper Midwest American Indian Center of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The funds will be used for general operating funds to support agency programs.

Specifically, the funds will be used to assist with updating the building to meet fire codes, remodeling an office for mental health services, replacing outdated windows in the kitchen and dining room, tutoring supplies and snacks, transportation funds for emergency needs (such as travel for funerals and food), and bus tokens for clients to go to food shelves and doctor, dental, and other appointments.

The Upper Midwest American Indian Center was established in 1937 to meet the employment needs of American Indians moving to the Twin Cities. In 1961 it became incorporated making it possible to seek federal and local program funding. Its mission is "to promote the social, cultural, educational, and economic advancement of American Indians through self-determination and human service programs." In its history, the UMAIC has provided a wide range of programming designed to enhance the quality of life for American Indians in the urban community. UMAIC programs serve all ages from prenatal to elders, including: Early Head Start, after school tutoring, parenting support, foster care and adoption, mental health services, HIV and substance abuse prevention, elderly support, and emergency assistance.

"We appreciate the past support of the Shakopee Sioux Community and the leadership you have shown in supporting projects that help Indian people," wrote Faron Jackson, Senior, Chairman Board of Directors.

"We feel it is important to help the urban Indian Community because of their particular set of needs. Living away from their reservations, urban Indians need a place like the Upper Midwest American Indian Center to help them," said SMSC Tribal Administrator Bill Rudnicki. "They do good work and help a lot of people."

With this donation, the SMSC has donated a total of $756,000 to the UMAIC over the past several years. For more information about the Upper Midwest American Indian Center, call 612-522-4436.