The Inner Hero

After-School Program

The Inner Hero 2024-2025 After-School Program at Brooklyn Center Elementary

Our after-school program has begun. We are actively seeking more students between 3rd – 12th grades to join our program and enrich their learning experience. Register now! Space is limited!

New Location:
1500 59th Ave. N. Brooklyn Center – Door 1 Purple Building B202

Ghana and Liberia Trip

Our trip to Ghana and Liberia

Basketball Tourney

The Inner Hero 8th Annual Bieber Classic Basketball Tournament

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From Whence The Inner Hero Comes

We’ve come so far since our humble beginnings. As we continue to Educate…Inspire… and Build our Communty Heroes, The Inner Hero is grateful for your continuous support. Thank you in advance for sharing and spreading the good news of the work of The Inner Hero!

Summer Camp

June to August 22nd, 2024
The Inner Hero Youth
Summer Camp Program!!

Coon Rapids location address:
11290 Robinson Dr. NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
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Robbinsdale/Minneapolis location address:
4300 N Queen Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55412
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Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday – 10 am to 2 pm.
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Parents can pick up and drop off at both locations.
Parents, please make sure to sign your child/children in and out to a staff/mentor before you leave our sites.

Registration Closed

Youth Pathway to Civic Education and Careers

The Inner Hero Youth Pathway to Civic Education and Careers

On Tuesday, May 28, The Inner Hero’s award ceremony celebrated students attending Cooper High School for their participation in the Youth Pathways to Civic Education and Careers series. The keynote speaker, Attorney General Keith Ellison, was welcomed by two student leaders and upcoming civic heroes, Miss Candace Lewis and Miss Darreen Muchen. Thank you for your continued support. This school year’s initiative has reached over 500 students consistently!

Also, thank you to Hennepin County Safe Communities for program funding and for continuing to believe in the work and impact at The Inner Hero.

Award

The Inner Hero Received a 2024 MN Ethical Leadership Award

The Inner Hero was named a 2024 Minnesota Ethical Leadership Award honoree. The organization celebrated at the Character Recognition Awards luncheon on May 22, 2024. The Minnesota Ethical Leadership Award spotlights character and ethical leadership development, honors organizations with exemplary efforts, motivates honorees for continued effort and success and inspires others with examples to replicate.

For the last 15 years, The Inner Hero has been empowering youth, young adults, and community heroes to realize their full potential by actively fostering trust and legitimacy between law enforcement and the community, breaking barriers through initiatives such as round-table dialogues, community outreach, and sports-based activities.

Testimonial

Parental Testimonial – After School Program

To The Inner Hero,

Markell, in 6th grade, struggled to get his homework completed and turned in. I came across a flier in my email from Fair Crystal School for the Inner Hero program and decided to give it a try. Markell has been in the program for 6 weeks, and his grades have started to improve. I recently had a meeting with his teachers, and they asked if he was still going to his after-school program, and they said that they could see the difference. Later that night, I checked in with Markell to see how he felt about the program. I wanted to know if he felt the program helped him at all and if he liked the staff, students, and the environment overall, and if he wanted to continue the program. He said he enjoyed the program and wanted to continue going. He enjoys the kids in the program, whether it’s working, trading Pokemon cards, or playing basketball. He says that the staff is kind and helps him understand and comprehend his homework. He has a much better understanding of what he is doing. As a parent, I enjoy the program. Ambrose has been very professional, and he is always available to talk to and to problem-solve if need be. I look forward to the future with Inner Hero.

Thank you,
Lashanna

Youth Pathway

April 30, 2024

Youth Pathways to Civic Education and Careers (YPCEC)

Youth Pathways to Civic Education and Careers (YPCEC) Series aims to activate lifelong civic engagement by presenting the community with relevant and engaging civic education through resource sharing, speakers and facilitators in community and educational sectors.
The Inner Hero Organization’s YPCEC series is committed to offering student and parental opportunities to become educated and involved in civic sectors by presenting educational programming and activities that promote awareness of local, national and global civic initiatives to encourage youth civic engagement, activation and participation.

Teachers Wanted

The Inner Hero After School and Summer Club

We are looking to add two Middle School Math and Science Teachers along with Two High School Math and Biology Teachers to our team. If you’re interested, please contact us.

Video Slide – WCCO

WCCO & CBS News Channel 4

Watch one of our mentees, Jamari, and Ambrose talk about our After School & Summer Program! Live in the studio with behind-the-scenes!

Donate Here

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Van Fundraiser

We are raising money to purchase a 15-passenger van. The van will be used to transport students to/from our after-school and summer Club programs. The estimated cost for the vehicle is $60,000. Contributions of any amount are greatly appreciated! Your donation is tax-deductible.

Donate Here

The Inner Hero App

The Inner Hero App

The Inner Hero App is now availible on both iOS and Android devices. Links are available below.

Android

Google Play Store

iOS

iOS App Store

Grandparents Legacy

Ambrose R. Russell Celebrating the True Legacy of his Grandparents!

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Guidelines For Dealing With The Police On A Traffic Stop

You can set the tone for the encounter.

Download PDF

The Inner Hero Mentoring Program

If you are interested in becoming a Mentee, or are a parent/guardian interested in signing up a youth, click the link below.

Mentorship Registration

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The Inner Hero Pledge

As of today, I pledge to act and speak with kindness. I will work diligently and consistently to be the best version of myself, striving to help others discover the full potential in themselves because I am The Inner Hero.

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THE INNER HERO PROGRAM OUTCOMES

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Youth and parents learn how local government systems work.
Police develop positive relationships with the community.
Youth learn about jobs in law enforcement, fire fighting and other public sector employment paths.
Service-Learning projects for youth increase civic engagement and personal communication skills.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The Inner Hero Pledge
Collective healing skills are taught and practiced.
Youth learn skills and values through civic engagement.
Youth Circles connect parents, school staff and others.
Sports Events

MENTORSHIP

Youth have relationships with an adult that cares about them.
Youth and police officers make connections that change their perceptions and the narrative about each other.
Youth shadow and intern to learn skills for careers in government and public service.
Peer to peer mentoring creates leadership from within. Youth leaders learn the skills to be positive role models.
Mentors will set and monitor educational goals and resources to obtain their goals.

Donation

Campaign for The Inner Hero

Want to join me in making a difference? We’re raising money to benefit The Inner Hero, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to the children and youth we will impact.

Our mission is to create spaces and programs for youth that reduce violence, build trust, and encourage education that empowers youth to be productive citizens.

With the money we raise, we will put it back into community schools, prisons and centers. From within we create a change so the outside world can look different. We look forward to bring positive change in your local community soon. Blessings, Ambrose Russell

DONATE

Mentorship

These programs encourage community interaction, teach life skills, and build self-esteem. We provide two areas of mentorship.

Peer to Peer Mentorship: We seek to provide youth leaders with the structure and skills to be positive role models for their peers; hence, to empower and serve the community from within. We recruit successful 11th and 12th grade youth to become the mentors in the program. In addition, we select one mentor leader to represent each school’s program and assist the program specialist. The Peer Mentors may be the “star students” as well as students who once fulfilled the profile of the mentored students. All programs are onsite school-based under the supervision of school staff.

Community Leaders Mentorship (CLM): Volunteers build personal relationships by providing one on one mentoring and counseling. The CLM is paired with youth based upon their interests and focus, so that the youth are developing key skills during this time.

Celebration

Annual Community “Thank You” Celebration

The goal of this event is to thank participants in the community and further build interactions between local officials and the community. It’s a day of fun activities for children and adults, and it’s where relationships can be established over food and conversation. Additionally, it provides an avenue to encourage and recruit volunteers to contribute their time and talents to events and programs that will empower children and their families in the community.

September 3, 2024 – The Inner Hero After-School Program

Our after-school program has begun. We are actively seeking more students between 3rd – 12th grades to join our program and enrich their learning experience. Register now! Space is limited!

New Location: We are now meeting at Brooklyn Center Elementary.
1500 59th Ave. N. Brooklyn Center – Door 1 Purple Building B202

Every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 pm.

Registration

Below are testimonials, videos, and images from the last year’s After-School Program.

After-School Program – Video Updates

Shout out to the incredible students in The Inner Hero Afterschool Program! Your dedication to learning and growth is inspiring, and we are so proud of your hard work! A big THANK YOU to our amazing staff for your unwavering commitment and to Brooklyn Center Elementary School for welcoming us into the building. Together, we are creating a space that uplifts, educates, and shapes our future leaders! At The Inner Hero, we believe in the power of education and mentorship to build our next generation of leaders. Join us in being a part of a community dedicated to educating, inspiring, and building the next generation!

Parental Testimonials

The Inner Hero After School Program has proven to be more than an after-school program. My son Israel has bonded with the staff, who are incredibly engaged in the environment positively, and communication is excellent, even when I have challenges. In getting my son to the YMCA as a parent, they made transportation available daily, taking him to the YMCA and bringing him home. In addition, I’m continually impressed with the diverse activities and exposure to sports and extra activities. My son can now play basketball and swim, which he could not do. Inner Hero is fantastic on so many levels. I chose The Inner Hero’s program simply for the ease and reassurance of having my son on-site before and after school. However, the more significant benefit is how connected The Inner Hero’s staff is to the program – to the activities, students, and the community. It helps make Israel’s transitions seamless. Israel had a wonderful experience at The Inner Hero, an after-school program, and started to look at the program. My son initially experienced significant adjustment challenges with school, which carried into his before and after-school care. While I fully expected the school to provide me with resources to help with his challenges in the classroom, I never would have guessed that the Inner Hero Director and program would go so far out of their way to ensure that my son had a positive experience in inner Hero and, beyond that, in school. The team at Inner Hero is top-notch! They tailor their approach to each child, and you can see and feel their genuine love for children in everything they do.

Korto Beman

Markell, in 6th grade, struggled to get his homework completed and turned in. I came across a flier in my email from Fair Crystal School for the Inner Hero program and decided to give it a try. Markell has been in the program for 6 weeks, and his grades have started to improve. I recently had a meeting with his teachers, and they asked if he was still going to his after-school program, and they said that they could see the difference. Later that night, I checked in with Markell to see how he felt about the program. I wanted to know if he felt the program helped him at all and if he liked the staff, students, and the environment overall, and if he wanted to continue the program. He said he enjoyed the program and wanted to continue going. He enjoys the kids in the program, whether it’s working, trading Pokemon cards, or playing basketball. He says that the staff is kind and helps him understand and comprehend his homework. He has a much better understanding of what he is doing. As a parent, I enjoy the program. Ambrose has been very professional, and he is always available to talk to and to problem-solve if need be. I look forward to the future with Inner Hero.

Lashanna

Being a mother of four kids (all boys), it was a big struggle to leave work, make dinner, and help everyone with their homework or take them out for recreation. The Inner Hero has made everything stress-free for me and my family. Our boys are so excited and look forward to attending after-school programs as scheduled. There have been massive improvements in their lessons since The Inner Hero stepped in. For this quarter, one of our sons made it on the Honor Roll, receiving a certificate of improvement in reading. All thanks and appreciation to The Inner Hero after-school team for all the work they put in to make our kids succeed. Thank you.

Bettie Karmo

June to August 22nd, 2024 – The Inner Hero Youth Summer Camp Program!!

The Inner Hero Board of Directors, Staff Volunteers, Parents, Mentees, and Community Heroes,**

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your incredible dedication and hard work in making this year’s Summer Program a resounding success.

Thank you to the Board of Directors for your vision and leadership, which continues to drive our mission forward. To our staff volunteers, your tireless efforts and passion have made a difference in the lives of our mentees. To the Parents, thank you for trusting us with your children and supporting them throughout the program. And to our mentees, your enthusiasm, growth, and commitment have been inspiring to witness.

Finally, to the Community Heroes, your contributions have been invaluable, and your presence has enriched our program in ways we could never have imagined.

This summer has been a testament to the power of collaboration and community. Together, we’ve created lasting memories and opportunities that will impact the lives of our mentees for years to come.

Thank you once again for your dedication and support.

Warm regards,
Ambrose R. Russell
Founder and Executive Director
The Inner Hero

The Inner Hero summer program for youth is crucial in several ways:

*Personal Development*: The program focuses on helping young people discover and develop their inner strengths and talents. This self-awareness is critical to building confidence and resilience, essential for personal growth and success.
*Skill Building*: Participants engage in activities that enhance critical skills such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. These skills are invaluable not only in academic settings but also in everyday life and future careers.
*Positive Role Models*: The program connects youth with mentors and leaders who serve as positive role models. These relationships can inspire participants to set and achieve higher goals, fostering a sense of direction and purpose.
*Community Engagement*: By involving youth in community service projects, the program teaches the importance of giving back and being active, responsible members of their communities. This instills a sense of civic duty and empathy for others.
*Healthy Lifestyles*: Through physical activities and wellness education, the program promotes healthy living. Encouraging an active lifestyle and teaching about nutrition and mental health helps youth establish lifelong healthy habits.
*Safe and Supportive Environment*: The program provides a safe space for youth to express themselves, try new things, and learn from their mistakes without fear of judgment. This supportive environment is crucial for their emotional and social development.
*Academic Enrichment*: Often, the program includes academic support, such as tutoring or educational workshops, to help prevent summer learning loss and prepare students for the upcoming school year.

In summary, The Inner Hero summer program is vital in shaping well-rounded, capable, and compassionate individuals. Addressing various aspects of personal and social development equips youth with the tools to succeed and positively contribute to society.

The Inner Hero, Summer Program – A Day at the Park!

The Inner Hero, Summer Program at New Hope Aquatic Park!

The Inner Hero, Summer Program at French Park!

The Inner Hero, Summer Program – Movie Field Trip!

The Inner Hero, Summer Program 2024 – Game Time

April 30, 2024 – The Inner Hero Youth Pathway to Civic Education and Careers

Youth Pathways to Civic Education and Careers (YPCEC) Series aims to activate lifelong civic engagement by presenting the community with relevant and engaging civic education through resource sharing, speakers, and facilitators in community and educational sectors.

The Inner Hero Organization’s YPCEC series is committed to offering student and parental opportunities to become educated and involved in civic sectors by presenting educational programming and activities that promote awareness of local, national, and global civic initiatives to encourage youth civic engagement, activation, and participation.

Download The Quill PDF to read the full article.

Our Mission

Create spaces and programs for youth that reduce violence, build trust, and encourage education that empowers youth to be productive citizens.

Our Vision

Safe communities for everyone where youth reach their full potential.

May 2020: We’ve updated our Mission and Vision statements and we are excited that it aligns with our focus on Education, Community Engagement, and Mentorship.

The Scope of The Inner Hero’s Work

Then and Now

The Inner Hero In the Media

The Inner Hero is impacting the community! See some of the latest. Check out our Events page to see the full list of current and past.

Past Stories – In the Media

The Inner Hero Impact

Watch the impact of The Inner Hero over the last several years.

The Inner Hero Impact Stories

Listen to stories of those impacted by The Inner Hero.

Celebrating the True Legacy of my Grandparents!

Ambrose shares his story.

Lessons from Dual Parenting – Our Story

Learn how to achieve success at home in a family setting.

Servant Leadership

Ambrose R. Russell interviewed the web developer and why he has continued to serve and work with The Inner Hero. He describes it as a consistent organization and focused on the community and its present needs.

The Inner Hero Impact

Ambrose R. Russell interviewed Maxwell J. Tahija, the content creator for The Inner Hero. Learn about him and his passion for working with The Inner Hero to bring long-term change to the Twin Cities.

You Can See the Change

“I’m very proud that the Minneapolis Police Department is a proud member along with The Inner Hero because Inner Hero’s work is transformational.” – Chief of Minneapolis Police Medaria Arredondo

“As a leader, if you want to be successful you got to listen to people.

When you speak less, but you speak profoundly, and you listen more. Because when people find out you can listen to them, they follow you better. Meaning the idea you have is not just yours, but theirs, it’s inclusive.”

– Ambrose R. Russell

Despite all of our differences within our homes, schools, communities, cities, states, and our nation, we at The Inner Hero Organization believe that love is the key to changing others’ unique lives. As you watch this video, please find The Inner Hero within you for us as a community to love again.

Testimonials

Before working with The Inner Hero, I was shooting music videos, fumbling at specific responsibilities as a young man, trying my hand at a video company, and doing so by creating content for brands, finding my way as a young man. Without a strong father figure, I was trying to define my idea of what it meant to be hardworking and gain life skills.

When I met Ambrose, he was instrumental in my growth as a man and a good person. He demonstrated generosity of spirit and time and showed grace, courage, consistency, and discipline in the things necessary to him. That showed me what it was to be the leader of a household and, ultimately, a community. Ambrose’s diligence in working with others who lacked support or guidance warmed my heart. It proved that there are good people in the world, so much so that I began working directly with The Inner Hero after meeting him, as I just wanted to be around his energy. He showed me how to run a proper business and conduct myself as a man, a person of God, and someone selfless for the right reasons. Regardless of skin tone, background, or affluence, the work I’ve gotten involved with stretches all bounds and helps me sleep well at night with the impact we make on a day-to-day basis on our future generations.

I can honestly say my life is a lot better since I am around Ambrose, and getting to return that favor to other young people has been a great gift in reciprocity; thanks to The Inner Hero and Ambrose, I can say I am proud of the man I am today.

Max Tahija

Since I was introduced to Mr. Russell, he has provided me with some of the tools to help me become a more successful person in life. I’m now 18 years of age, Mr. Russell has helped me get my driving permit, social security card, bank account, and a job. I couldn’t have done all of these things without the help of The Inner Hero. Mr. Russell calls and meets with me weekly to make sure I’m staying on track and I want to say a big thank you for all the help given to me.

Jakai Self

Since I met Mr. Russell, I have learned a lot from The Inner Hero. Не helped me build my self-esteem as a teenager, he has taught me how building and keeping your character stainless is one of the best things to have as a role model. He has guided my focus on education, by attending meetings at my school and calling weekly to check on my progress with my school counselor along with meetings with me. He has also taught me about the things of God and family values.

Jaleel Wah

Mr. Russell is a very hard-working and dedicated man. When he approached me and asked if he could mentor me, I was nervous, but after I said yes, he instantly got me an opportunity to meet police officers. I’m very blessed to know and work with Mr. Russell. Anyone who works with Mr. Russell is guaranteed blessings and chances that are unspeakable. Thank you, Mr. Russell.

Jesse James

Educate

Many youth who are struggling academically and socially are attending school, but not learning. We focus on identifying and cultivating their academic interests and passions as well as guiding them to explore and identify career interests and options.

Build Character

We believe that strong character is the foundation of a successful future. We work with youth to guide them both to succeed academically and also to develop values such as respect, perseverance, and excellence. We help them develop the social and emotional skills necessary to form and develop good relationships and build a strong foundation for their future.

Inspire

We provide mentorship and positive role models to inspire youth to strive for educational success, set and work toward future career goals, and develop strong character. By connecting youth not only with caring adults but also with peers who understand their experiences, we show students that they can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.