As thousands of kids across Minnesota prepare for the first day of school next week, YouthLink is preparing to host its own Back to School Kick Off featuring a number of events and festivities including an evening with Freedom Writer, Darrius Garrett on Wed., Aug. 25.

By partnering with the Freedom Writers Foundation, YouthLink was able to play a role in bringing Garrett to the Twin Cities to promote writing as a healthy coping mechanism for homeless youth. The Freedom Writers Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1997, positively impacts communities by decreasing high school drop out rates through the replication and enhancement of the Freedom Writers Method.

Garrett, one of the original Freedom Writers (also an actor and musician), will be speaking about the trials and tribulations he encountered during his adolescence Wednesday evening and then emceeing an open mic event on Thursday in partnership with Kulture Klub.

The week’s festivities include:

Tuesday, August 24 – Back to School Education Fair at YouthLink from 3:30-5:00.

Wednesday, August 25- Freedom Writers Speaking Engagement at F.A.I.R. School from 5:00-7:30.

Thursday, August 26 – Freedom Writer Open Mic at YouthLink in collaboration with Kulture Klub from 3:30- 5:00.

For questions about any of the events or activities above, please contact Sheena Ellis at YouthLink at 612-252-1239.