When Marie joined the AIOIC’s career counseling program last year, she was at a turning point. After leaving a job that wasn’t fulfilling, she found herself receiving cash benefits and searching for a new direction. Having worked in several industries Marie knew she wanted something different: a stable office job where she could grow, feel appreciated, and give back to her community.
Anthony’s life transformed when he discovered American Indian OIC’s Takoda programs while incarcerated. Engaging with Takoda’s SOAR program post-release, he built a resume, gained county benefits insights, and received vital support. Securing a job at Brin Glass, he now enjoys stability, redirecting his life positively.
Jessica first heard about American Indian OIC through the South Minneapolis community. She had previously enrolled in our GED program, but didn’t finish. After gaining custody of her nephew, she felt a renewed motivation to attain her GED—a personal goal she was ready to tackle, despite not ever being a big fan of school.
Takoda Institute graduate Tyler Mullen spent his summer doing an internship in the IT department of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx. The company’s internships are designed to give early-career professionals meaningful experience across multiple areas of technology. For Tyler, this meant applying the IT credentials he earned through the Takoda Institute to a real-world information technology environment.
American Indian OIC has always believed in the power of culturally grounded education and workforce development to uplift families and communities. Now, thanks to research by The Constellation Fund, we have powerful new data to support what we’ve seen firsthand: our Takoda Institute’s job training programs don’t just change lives— they generate measurable, lasting value for the entire community.
Michael’s journey to success began in an unlikely place—prison. In 2021, he found himself incarcerated in Minnesota’s Togo Correctional Facility and facing the consequences of years spent struggling with addiction. It was at the tail end of his addiction that Michael realized something had to change. Estranged from his children and family, he was determined to turn his life around, reconnect with his loved ones, and make a fresh start. His path to redemption started with a simple decision and encouragement from his correctional facility’s transitions coordinator: to sign up for American Indian OIC’s reentry education and employment program before leaving incarceration.
In this MPR News interview, American Indian OIC President and CEO Joe Hobot shares his perspective on the City of Minneapolis’ consideration of permanent homeless encampments. He speaks to the risks of normalizing encampment living and urges the need for long-term, supportive housing solutions that honor dignity and cultural context.
