Cedar-Riverside resident, Longfellow block awarded for community service
Congratulations to Bridgeland resident Abia Isse Ali, who was awarded for her community service last month when she received the Minneapolis Police Department’s Teresa S. Ruhland Youth Award, given to volunteers who involve young people in community activities. Ms. Ali has volunteered since 2003 at the Abubakar As-Saddique Islamic Center, mentoring children and organizing events and field trips — “positive and safe activities such as roller-skating, sleepovers, basketball games and picnics,” states a release from the city.
In nominating Ali for the award, Asma Lori Saroya wrote, “Abia empowers kids from disadvantaged backgrounds. She provides them with resources to change their own situation and feel confident about themselves. Abia’s work directly deters Somali kids from joining gangs or engaging in other criminal behavior.”
The MPD also awarded 14 neighborhood block clubs with its “Building Blocks” award, including the 3100 Blocks of 31st and 32nd Avenues South Block Club in Longfellow, which was lauded for its numerous gatherings, graffiti clean-ups, reports and photos of vandalism and bi-monthly newsletter.
last revised: March 17, 2008