Together we can build a PROUD community!
By joining us we can eliminate disparities that negatively impact our community
Together we can build a PROUD community!
By joining us we can eliminate disparities that negatively impact our community
Who We Are
Inspired to make a difference
Reneka's Place Inc. is the first LGBTQA+ nonprofit organization created, developed and implemented by a black transgender woman in Minnesota. Reneka's Place was established on January 4, 2023 as a 501(c)(3) community base organization to provide community and healthcare services.
Reneka E. Evans (she/her) was inspired to serve her community after noticing a need for health equity and support services within the transgender community. Over two decades, Ms. Reneka has provided volunteer services to the LGBTIQA2+ community.
Our specialties are working with black, indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) transgender individuals. We not only focus on members of the LGBTQIA2+ communities but we also support several cultural communities (American Indians, African, African American, Asian Pacific Islander, Immigrants & Refugee, Latinx and people living with disabilities) where LGBTQ IA2+ people reside.
First we're acknowledging and accepting Minnesota as a state with multiple villages where social needs and social determinants of health are major concerns. According to World Health Organization (WHO)- Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are non-medical factors that impact health outcomes. They include the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age as well as the broader systems and forces that shape everyday life.
Second, we will offer an assessment, understand their socioeconomic and addressing SDOH by sharing community resources and referrals.
Here at Reneka's Place we're creating psychologically safer spaces for LGBTQIA2+ to thrive and live happier lives by building relationships with other agencies who share our principals and values.
PARTNERSHIPS and COLLABORATIONS- Reneka's Place is a member of Twin Cities Quorum LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce. We collaborate with Youth and AIDS Project (YAP)- creating health fairs and HIV/AIDS education, Gilead Science- providing community trainings on HIV/AIDS 101 and with support from Gilead we're facilitating trainings to dispel stigma in faith-base communities, at Office of Minnesota Secretary of State- offering technical assistance for voter pre-register/registration and Minnesota Transgender Camp- sharing transgender resources and other camping programs.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS and RECOGNITIONS- Reneka's Place was recognized by Minnesota African/African American HIV/AIDS Women Initiative (MAAAH) with a Sarah Simmons Community Service Award in 2022, featured and named "Change Maker" with Minnesota Public Radio in 2023 and participated in "Larger Than Life Project" in 2023, with Rae Senarighi.
Serving & Celebrating Our Communities
Sunday, September 29, 2024, Executive Director of Reneka's Place- posing with a token of appreciation from O4U LGBTQ+ National Conference. Over 50 universities were represented including BCUs. She shared time and presented to the Advance Engineering students ft. Their Life Sciences Pilot (Healthcare for Transgender and Disabled Individuals).
Sunday, September 29, 2024, Reneka's Place presented at Out for Undergraduate (O4U) a LGBTQ+ National Conference. From left to right- Ms. Reneka, Executive Director of Reneka's Place, Dr. Cindi Love, Executive Director of O4U LGBTQIA+ Conference and Le'O Wallace, Executive Director of Coach Le'O.
Saturday, September 28, 2024, The Day of the Transgender Child. Ms. Andrea Jenkins, elected City Council Member and her lovable Toastie visits Reneka's Place to chat, laugh, and show support. The Day of the Transgender Child is powered by Transforming Families.
Saturday, September 28, 2024- The Day of the Transgender Child. Kids receiving free school supplies and toys were sponsored by Reneka's Place. The Day of the Transgender Child was powered by Transforming Families.
Friday, September 27, 2024- Ms. Reneka pictured at Minnesota's 2nd Annual Transgender Camp in Willow City, Minnesota. Photo taken after she shared scary fire pit stories and a few laughs with campers. Over 50+ transgender campers attended this weekend retreat. Transgender community leaders and Reneka's Place joined forces to make this event come true. In-Home HIV tests were offered and individual education was provided.
Thursday, September 26, 2024, LGBTQIA2+ LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY linked by Reneka's Place- Le'Ona Wallace founder and Executive Director of Coach Le'o- A Leadership Empowerment and Relationship Building organization. Le'O presented at the Out for Undergraduate (O4U) LGBTQIA+ National Life Sciences Conferences.