Trailblazer Begins Dream Project
Maya, age 16, began the journey to completing her dream project this spring by using her ABF grant to purchase a camera. Maya will use the camera to film a documentary about her family’s escape from Vietnam, and journey to the United States.

The idea of sharing this story is a wish that Maya’s family has had for a long time. Maya related, “My dad has always wanted to write a book to share his story, but he is not the best writer and doesn’t have the time. I want to do this for myself, my father, and my extended family.” Maya explained that she hopes filming the documentary will bring her closer to her Vietnamese heritage. “I am mixed, Vietnamese and White, and since I live in Minnesota, I have always felt disconnected from my Vietnamese culture. I want to learn more about Vietnam, and the struggles my family went through to get to the US. By doing so, I hope I will become closer to my culture and family... my family is the most important thing to me.”

Maya’s mentor, a writing teacher at the Loft Literary Center adds that Maya’s love of family will surely come through in the documentary. “She wants to capture her family’s refugee experience, but also their resilience, their laughter, and their deep love for one another.
Mark Your Calendars
All are welcome to attend ABF's upcoming Imagine What's Next event- Trailblazers Share their Stories, scheduled for Wednesday, August 11 at 4:00 pm. Come to meet 2015 grantee recipients, stay to tell your personal mentoring story.

Our panelists promise for a fun, honest conversation about life beyond high school, pursuing dreams, reflections on the impact of receiving an ABF grant, and the benefit of female mentorship in youth. 


All registrants will receive a free ABF t-shirt!

Be a Mentor this Fall
ABF grants are awarded to Minnesota girls each year to inspire and encourage them to imagine something bigger for themselves. We know that our grants can be the door to a new opportunity that sparks fire and determination to reach their potential.

ABF continues to support these girls on their journey to discovering themselves, unlocking their confidence and self-esteem, and embracing and pursuing their dreams. These grants help give girls the tools they need to find success throughout their lifetime.

Help us fund more dreams than ever before and mentor a girl through ABF's grant application!

Given the increased requirements for technology due to the COVID-19 pandemic, for this Fall 2021 Granting Cycle, we will continue to fund technology equipment and technology access for the aforementioned activities.

The Fall 2021 Grant Application begins Sunday, August 1, 2021, and ends October 1.
Walking (and Walking and Walking) for ABF
Erin Dietrich and Chris Rea aka the Minnesota Crossers are two-thirds through their trek from Delaware to California, all while raising money and sharing the word about ABF and reaching for their dreams. In case you missed the launch, 15 years ago, Erin had a dream: to walk across America. The “light never faded” on her dream and she decided that 2021 was the year. With the desire to bring more energy and purpose to their walk, they went in search of a nonprofit organization to join them in this dream, and ABF is deeply honored to be their partner.
 
On March 3, wife and husband team Erin and Chris Rea, along with Erin’s mom Linnea embarked on this eight month walk in Cape Henlopen, Delaware. Linnea walked through to Ohio and plans to rejoin the team in October when they reach the eastern edge of California on the final leg to San Francisco.
Along the way, the Crossers have been the beneficiaries of dozens of kind acts from complete strangers: offers to stay in vacation homes, churches, thrift stores, and RVs. Treated to massages, donuts, beers, and even MLB tickets in Kansas City – where they watched the Twins defeat the Royals – and Denver. They have also been received nearly $13,000 in donations to ABF! You may follow and donate to the Crossers on the ABF website where you will find links to their Facebook page and a map of their progress.

Thank you Erin, Chris, and Linnea for helping Minnesota girls to “Imagine Something Bigger!”
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