Amicus Champions of Change Celebration 2023

1200 South Marquette Avenue,Minneapolis MN 55403

27 April, 2023

Description

This year we will kick off a re-imagined tradition of gathering (in-person!) to celebrate the volunteers, donors, and partners who make Amicus’ work possible, while elevating the stories of individuals impacted by the criminal legal system who have found a second chance through Amicus. Presenters from many perspectives will speak on: Their own stories of finding a fresh start through support, connection and friendshipThe current status of Amicus’ work to advance community well-being and justice The role individuals can play in supporting second chances And of course, we will honor the 2023 Amicus Champion of Change! This inspiring event is free and open to everyone, so please invite your friends and colleagues! We are proud to recognize Lou Welter as our 2023 Amicus Champion of Change! Lou's two decades of service are inspiring in their variety and her leadership came at a crucial time for the organization. Lou got her start with Amicus as a volunteer, supporting women who were incarcerated at Minnesota Correctional Facility - Shakopee. She joined the Amicus Board of Directions in the mid-2000s, eventually serving as Board Chair. During her tenure on the Board, Lou was part of the leadership team who successfully completed the 2013 merger of Amicus with Volunteers of America MN. Lou is a champion of using both her talents and her financial resources for the benefit of her community. As an individual donor to Amicus, Lou was able to leverage her corporate standing at Ameriprise Financial Advisors Inc. to obtain matching gifts for Amicus. Lou then helped foster the growth of the relationship with Ameriprise to include yearly grants to Amicus, and later, VOA, from the Ameriprise Foundation. “I’m very proud of the work VOA continues to do in our community and my association has been one of the true joys, both professionally and personally,” Lou said. Thank you and Congratulations, Lou! We look forward to honoring you among friends and family at our Champions of Change event. We’re excited that Coley Gates and his Amicus friend Gary Noel have agreed to tell their story at Champions of Change! Coley and Gary were matched in 2014 while Coley was serving a life sentence for his part in someone’s violent death. Deep faith, a strong connection to family and a playful football rivalry (Gary’s a Packers fan while Coley is a loyal follower of the Vikings) were some of the building blocks of a friendship that has lasted through both difficult and inspiring times, including a release hearing that was anything but certain and partially decided by a last-minute phone call with an even more unlikely connection. Coley's story is one not just of redemption, but of service. Even while incarcerated, he's made a life-changing and positive impact on several people, and those contributions continue today as he transitions back into community. Together, Gary and Coley have a fascinating and inspiring story - one you won't want to miss! Unable to attend?If you are unable to attend but want to support Amicus or get involved, here are a few options: Make a DonationVolunteer: contact [email protected]oin our Email ListAbout VOA/Amicus For over 100 years Volunteers of America has provided a helping hand to those in prison, continuing to the present day with our Amicus services. Our work supports individuals as they overcome the challenges and obstacles that a criminal record imposes. Amicus offers a relationship-based network that instills hope and imparts practical skills and strategies that build successful lives and stronger communities. Thank you to our event sponsorsInterested in sponsoring the event? Click here for our Sponsorship Invitation.