JK Movement Project

02/20/2026

Research consistently shows that when young people participate in career and workforce readiness programming, especially mock interviews, they experience measurable growth. We see increases in self-confidence, stronger communication skills, improved preparation habits, and reduced anxiety around real-world opportunities.

Data also tells us that when youth have trusted relationships with caring adults, they are significantly more likely to feel safe, supported, and confident in their abilities. That trusted presence matters.

Last night, we had the privilege of hosting our Mock Interview Session for our Learn & Earn participants, and it was truly impactful. Our young people practiced, received real feedback, and walked away knowing exactly what they need to strengthen as they prepare for summer employment opportunities.

We are incredibly grateful to our volunteers who took time out of their busy schedules to serve as interviewers. Your investment into our youth does not go unnoticed.

A special thank you to Jersey Mike’s in Midway for their generous inkind food donation to support our volunteers. Community partnership like this helps us create meaningful, professional experiences for our young people.

If you believe in preparing youth for real opportunities and real success, we invite you to get involved. Volunteer. Partner. Sponsor a session. Invest in the next generation.

Together, we’re building confidence, competence, and career pathways.

Thank you for supporting The JK Movement.

02/12/2026

The Leaders Are Readers program reminded us that literacy is leadership in action. Young people showed up ready to learn, grow, and find their voices through books and bold conversations.

We’re proud to served as the hosting site, creating a space where youth feel seen, supported, and inspired.

A special thank you to our incredible community partner, Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute for continuing to plant seeds of knowledge and justice that will continue to grow.

When we invest in literacy, we invest in leaders. 📚✨

01/30/2026

In a season that feels heavy for many families, we remain intentional about creating spaces where young people can simply be young.

During programming with our Ultimate Frisbee partners, our youth were laughing, moving, connecting, and enjoying the moment.

That is not by accident.
That is healing-centered engagement in action.

At The JK Movement, we believe safety, belonging, and joy are essential — especially during uncertain times. We are committed to holding spaces where youth feel supported, valued, and at peace.

If you believe our young people deserve environments rooted in dignity and care, we invite you to stand with us.

Donate. Partner. Share.
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/2025jkm/

Rooted in healing. Centered on youth.

01/27/2026

01/22/2026

On behalf of The JK Movement

This Friday, January 23rd, Minnesota will observe a statewide day of non-violent moral action and reflection.

In alignment with The JK Movement’s mission and values, we are holding space for community, healing, and collective responsibility.

There will be no work, no school, and no shopping, this is a time to reflect, connect, and act with intention.

This day calls us to center our conscience, honor our shared humanity, and move forward together in peace, dignity, and care for our youth and communities.

01/16/2026

🌱 Healing Through the Dream 🌱

A Space Rooted in Care, Relationships and Youth Voice

In changing times, we come together to create space for healing through relationships, reflection, and hope. This gathering centers young people’s voices, honoring their experiences, aspirations, and inner wisdom.

Through meaningful connection and gentle practices, youth are supported to feel safe, valued, and heard, while dreaming forward in ways that feel authentic and empowering.

The JK Movement offers a healing centered safe space ...

*Grounded in relationships. Guided by youth voice. Focused on healing.
*Where youth voices matter, relationships heal, and dreams take shape.
*Holding space for connection, meaning, and possibility.
*A place to feel safe, be heard, and imagine what’s next.

Next week, we’re offering activities, games, and supportive programming designed to help young people reconnect, regulate, and remember they are not alone.

Program Sessions:
Tuesday & Wednesday (Jan 20th & 21st)
1:00 – 4:15 PM
Transportation available
If you’d like your child to participate in youth programming, please reach out to:
📧 [email protected]
📧 [email protected]

This is not about ignoring what’s happening.
It’s about responding with care, intention, and community.

Rooted in the Dream. Guided by Care. Built for Community.

01/13/2026

01/01/2026

Imagine growing up and never seeing yourself in a story, never finding a character that looks like you, sounds like you, or feels like home.
Too many of our kids know that feeling.

In partnership with Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute we are hosting free monthly book readings for our community, a space where youth can meet authors who reflect them, hear stories that honor their experiences, and explore hands-on STEM and financial activities that spark curiosity and confidence. Families will read together, connect, and leave with books to build their own shelves.

Because every child deserves more than a book , they deserve a mirror, a voice, and a shelf full of possibility.

What an amazing way to kick off the New Year.

Join us. Bring a child. Share this with someone who needs it.

Saturday January 3rd
11am-1pm
1063 Iglehart Ave
St Paul MN 55104

#2026

12/31/2025

Something meaningful happened on the banks of the mighty Mississippi last week

On a cold day Christmas Eve day last week, leaders of the historic JJ Hill Library Foundation met with Johnny Allen, Jr., Executive Director of The JK Movement, to present a $70,000 investment in youth entrepreneurship.

This gift affirms something we see every day:
Young people are full of ideas, courage, and possibility — they just need doors opened.

With less than 12 hours left in 2025, we’re inviting our community to stand alongside that belief.

Your gift tonight helps ensure:

• Youth have access to mentors who believe in them
• Ideas turn into real business pathways
• Confidence replaces doubt
• Opportunity shows up where it’s been missing

If this year showed you anything, let it be this:
Belief changes futures.

Give before midnight:
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/2025jkm/