Beyond the Yellow Ribbon – Community of Hastings

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon – is a program that has been developing since October 2008. The focus of this program is to assist our local military service members, veterans and their families during and after their service to our country.

Our Services

To provide and organize a functional and sustainable networks of support represented by key elements of the community including: Businesses/Employers, Clergy, Elected Officials, Educators, Medical Service Providers, Public Safety, Law Enforcement, Social Service Providers, Veterans Organizations, Youth & Volunteer Organizations, Media and etc. Some examples are serving as a mentor, interviewing and hiring a veteran, providing common household services, and much more!

Join Us

The Beyond the Yellow Ribbon initiative is a community wide network of support for all of our service members, veterans and their families, where they can access information, support and services when needed, Upcoming events include: 

Saturday, February 4th, 9:00am - 3:30pm. Business Plan in a Day at theHastings High School (Room B211.) Cost: Cost is $49 to register in advance and $14 for materials at the door.
MEGAN TSUI is an entrepreneur with 12+ years experience consulting and coaching entrepreneurs. She is the Entrepreneur in Residence at St. Olaf College working with students who are starting their own businesses. On Saturday, February 4th she will walk through each section of a business plan, (e.g. Company Description, Marketing, Operations, Management Structure, Future Development, Financial, and the Executive Summary.) This session is for people who need a business plan in order to create a new business; expand an existing business; seek financing from a bank/other lender; approach investors, such as angel investors or venture capitalist; enter a business plan competition or complete a college business plan project; or plan strategy & direction of a company. All you need to bring is a flash drive there will be a break for lunch on your own. Call 651-480-7670 to register.

February and March: Hastings Reads, is a community-wide program that encourage reading and discussion of books and the ways in which they can help us understand the lives and experiences of others and ourselves. Everyone is invited to read the book and participate in the events. Let’s start reading and talking today!

Special Events include: February 5 – Hastings Read Kickoff,
Feb 16 – Gregg Aamot, Guest Speaker,
February 22 – Local Immigrants Panel Discussion.

Visit the United Way of Hastings’ website for all the information http://www.unitedwayofhastings.org/hastingsreads.html

Thursday, February 9th, 7:00pm, Community Beyond The Yellow Ribbon Organizational Meeting, Nelson Lucking American Legion Post.  Interested Military, Veterans, Citizens, Businesses, and Organizations interested in partnering are welcome.

Sunday, February 12th, 2:00pm, Change of Command Ceremony, Minnesota National Guard Armory, Hastings, Invitations have been extended to community members, specifically the Mayor, Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, Veteran Service Organizations, and Beyond The Yellow Ribbon. Let’s display our community spirit in saying “Thank You” to CPT Grupe and welcome the new commander.

Wednesday, February 15th, 8:30am, Hastings Community Partners, City Hall. This months subject is Allina’s CRCS WISDM project (ColoRectal Cancer Screening With Improved Shared Decision Making) aims to improve rates of colorectal cancer screening in Hastings by integrating tools and resources in primary care clinics - and engaging in a broader community health campaign. Allina is in the planning stages of this project – and hope to implement sometime in July/August later this year

Saturday, March 3rd, 7:45 - 9:15 pm, Salute to Our Military & Veteran Families – Open Public Skating, Hastings Civic Arena, 2801 Red Wing Blvd, Hastings, MN 55033. Honor our military and veteran families by bring a nonperishable food item for our supporting partner, Hastings Family Services. Hastings Family Services’ mission is to provide assistance and support to those who need it most in our community, families facing unexpected financial crisis, isolation, or loneliness. March is Minnesota FoodShare Month, so join us for a night of fun skating, hosted by the City of Hastings’, Department of Parks and Recreation, Hasting Civic Arena in collaboration with the Community Beyond The Yellow Ribbon initiative. For a printable poster click here (please link to attached PDF)

Saturday, March 31st, Noon - 3pm, Honoring all Servicewomen – Past and Present. Servicewomen’s Luncheon, Gallagher Hansen VFW Post #295, 111 South Concord Exchange, South St Paul, MN 55075.  Women have a long, proud tradition of military service that must be recognized.  "Duty, Honor, Pride.” These words reflect the spirit of generations of American women who have sought to defend the rights and freedom of others. The history of women in the armed forces began more than 220 years ago with women who served during the American Revolution and continues today. The communities of South St Paul and Hastings are honored to serve these women who contributed so much to our Nation. Women Veterans are one of the fastest growing segments of the Veteran population. Women make up 1 percent of the country's veteran population, 15 percent of active duty service members and nearly 18 percent of guard and reserve forces. Let's remember the special contributions of the ever-increasing number of women serving in the armed forces. For additional information about this event, please contact Marilyn, South St. Paul Coordinator, (651) 451-6007, or email marilyn839@msn.com. 

Connect with the Community Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Team