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SCENE MAKER!
People Making A Scene
Homeownership Doesn't Have to Feel Like a Pop Quiz
September 9, 2026 - By Tina Hagen
For a lot of people, buying a home feels less like an exciting milestone and more like being handed a test you forgot to study for.
There are loan terms you've never heard before. Everyone seems to have different advice. Your cousin swears you need 20% down, your coworker says you don't, and the internet somehow makes everything more confusing.
The truth? Most homebuyers start with questions, not answers.
As a mortgage loan officer in the Twin Cities, I work with many first-time buyers who aren't coming from generational wealth or a lifetime of financial certainty. They're navigating rising rents, student loans, career changes, and the challenge of building a future in an expensive housing market.
What they need isn't pressure. They need information.
One of my favorite moments is when someone realizes they don't have to figure everything out before reaching out. Whether they're ready to buy in two months or two years, we can build a plan together and talk through options that fit their goals and budget.
Homeownership isn't about being perfect. It's about having the right guide.
The best first step isn't finding your dream house. It's finding someone who can help you understand the path to it.
That's where I come in.
Equal Housing Opportunity. Loan approval is subject to credit, income, and program guidelines.
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People Making A Scene
After becoming its own 501(c)(3), One of Tea Time’s leaders Madeline Esch talks new goals, new faces, and their next big project — a permanent trans resource center in Minneapolis.
September 9, 2026 - By David Birchard-Weissman
Becoming a Nonprofit
What prompted the decision to become an independent nonprofit, and when did that process start?
Tea Time had operated as a program under The Aliveness Project, but as our community and goals grew, we needed our own structure, finances, and direction. We incorporated as a Minnesota nonprofit on April 22, 2026, and received IRS 501(c)(3) recognition on May 13. Independence lets us build Tea Time specifically around what trans Minnesotans need.
What does 501(c)(3) status change day-to-day?
Most of it happens behind the scenes — we can now receive tax-deductible donations, apply for grants in our own name, and build partnerships independently. For participants, we hope that's mostly invisible. What they should notice is an organization with more capacity to hold events, connect people to resources, and build something sustainable.
Why keep meetings at The Aliveness Project?
Our relationship with Aliveness has evolved as we've become independent — Max has served as our liaison and helped with the transition. We're grateful for that history, but we now run programming across a variety of community spaces. Our biggest goal now is creating a permanent trans resource center in Minneapolis, and we've launched a fundraising campaign to support it.
What was the hardest part of setting up a nonprofit?
The incorporation paperwork was the easy part. The real work has been everything after: banking, insurance, grants, fundraising, governance, and building something sustainable with a volunteer team. We've had a lot of help along the way.
Do you have a board of directors?
Yes, along with a broader active leadership team — currently Susi, Maeve, Nadine, Abby, and Madeline — contributing across events, outreach, advocacy, and organizational planning.
Growth and Leadership Since 2024
How have things changed since we last talked?
Significantly — Sainte and Amber are no longer part of Tea Time's leadership. Our current team is Susi, Maeve, Nadine, Abby, and Madeline, reflecting how much the organization has changed in its move from an Aliveness program to an independent nonprofit.
How has the volunteer team grown?
Max is now our Aliveness liaison rather than part of Tea Time's leadership. Our own team has grown, but we'd still love more volunteer capacity — there's more community work we want to do than our current team can take on.
Has attendance changed, especially outside the Twin Cities?
Our reach has expanded well beyond a single recurring meeting — we now run social gatherings, education, outings, advocacy, and online spaces to stay connected. Most activity is still Twin Cities-based, since that's where our infrastructure is, but we want to serve more of Greater Minnesota as we grow.
Has the goal of more BIPOC participation been realized?
We've made progress, but that work isn't finished. We've learned representation has to mean real opportunities to participate and shape the organization, not just an invitation into the room. BIPOC people are involved in our leadership and programming, and staying representative of the broader trans community remains a priority.
Programs and Impact
What new programs has Tea Time launched?
Social gatherings, educational and advocacy workshops, outings, resource navigation, and larger celebrations. We're also working to connect the many LGBTQ and trans organizations already doing good work in the Twin Cities rather than duplicating their efforts. For example, we support Brocialize, the trans-masculine meetup at Queermunity (more info here).
How has Trans Prom evolved?
Not dramatically, and that's fine. We held it at Queermunity this July — DJ, dancing, a sober space to celebrate. Success doesn't always mean bigger; sometimes it's maintaining a tradition people love.
What about sister groups for other parts of the gender spectrum?
That vision shifted. Our core mission centers transfeminine people, while our larger events welcome all trans people. Rather than building our own version of every gender-specific group, we support ones that already exist — like Brocialize for trans-masculine community. There's enough need that organizations don't have to compete or duplicate each other.
Has the political climate changed what people need from Tea Time?
Absolutely. People increasingly come to us with concerns about employment, housing, healthcare, legal rights, safety, and relocation — not just wanting a social space. A survey we ran this year with 60+ responses found about 22% unemployed and roughly a quarter lacking stable housing. That's part of why we're pursuing a permanent trans resource center.
Funding and Community Support
Are donations tax-deductible now?
Yes — as an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3), donations are generally tax-deductible, and people can support us directly rather than through another organization.
What does Tea Time need most right now?
Funding and volunteer capacity. Our biggest project is raising $50,000 toward a permanent trans resource center in Minneapolis — covering about a year of space, rent, programming, and supplies, though not paid staff. We also need volunteers across fundraising, communications, event planning, administration, and outreach.
Have you received grants because of your nonprofit status?
Yes — we're actively pursuing foundation grants, community grants, and sponsorships now that we can apply directly, opportunities we couldn't access before independence.
Looking Ahead
What's next for Tea Time?
Building lasting trans community infrastructure. We want to stay social and fun — picnics, karaoke, game nights, Trans Prom — because joy matters, not just crisis response. But we also want people dealing with housing, employment, or healthcare navigation to find help through us. Our biggest goal is a permanent trans resource center bringing community, resources, and joy together, alongside the wider ecosystem of LGBTQ and trans groups across the Twin Cities.
How can people get involved?
Visit teatimemn.org for events, resources, and volunteering, or support our resource center campaign here.
A year after stepping out on its own, Tea Time has grown from a recurring meetup into a full-fledged nonprofit with its sights set on something bigger: a permanent trans resource center in Minneapolis where community, resources, and joy can live under one roof.
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People Making A Scene
Meet Katie Halpin: The Plymouth Insurance Agent Building an Agency Where Everyone Belongs
August 26, 2026
A proud Minnesota native, hockey fan, and State Farm agent on why she's made welcoming the LGBTQIA+ community central to her business
Insurance isn't usually the industry people associate with warmth and belonging — but Katie Halpin is working to change that. As the owner of a State Farm agency in Plymouth, Minnesota, Katie has built more than a business; she's built a place where LGBTQIA+ neighbors and their families can walk in and know, without wondering, that they'll be welcomed. Here's a closer look at who she is, what her agency stands for, and what you need to know before your next insurance conversation.
Meet Katie
My name is Katie Halpin, and I'm a proud Minnesota native — something you'll probably notice the moment we start talking, because my Minnesota accent is definitely still going strong!
I've been married to my wife, Casey, since 2018, and together we're raising our little guy, who turned one this past March. I'm also a proud animal lover and fully embrace my role as the "crazy cat lady" in the family. When I'm not at the office, there's a good chance you can find me cheering on the Minnesota Frost at a hockey game.
I became a State Farm agent in 2019 after spending four years working for another State Farm agency. From the beginning, what I've loved most about this work is the opportunity to build real relationships with people and help them feel confident about protecting what matters most. While our office is here to welcome all neighbors, we are especially passionate about serving and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community.
A Local Insurance Agency That Truly Cares
For many LGBTQIA+ individuals, walking into a business and wondering whether you'll feel comfortable or accepted is, unfortunately, a familiar experience. That's why creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment is at the heart of everything we do.
At our agency, we want you and your family to feel like part of our own. Insurance may not sound especially exciting at first glance, but it is deeply personal. It's about your home, your car, your family, your business, and your future. It's about making sure you have the right protection in place when life takes an unexpected turn.
When you work with our office, we take the time to get to know you. We believe in honest conversations, thoughtful guidance, and coverage recommendations tailored to your life — not a one-size-fits-all approach. We're proud to do business the right way, and we're honored that our commitment to service has helped us earn more than 250 five star Google reviews.
Rooted in Community
Being part of the community means more to us than simply doing business here. Our team stays involved in local events, supports area nonprofits through our Quotes for Good program, proudly serves as a Pink Partner of Women's Health Initiative Be Pink, and is honored to be a member of Quorum, Minnesota's LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce.
Our office is located in Plymouth, Minnesota, but we proudly serve customers across the entire state. We're also licensed in Wisconsin, Iowa, and North Dakota.
What We Offer
We provide a full range of insurance services, including:
- Auto Insurance
- Home Insurance
- Renters Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Business Insurance
Whether you're protecting your first apartment, your family home, your future, or your growing business, our goal is always the same: to make insurance simple, clear, and personal.
We believe insurance should never feel overwhelming. It should help you feel informed, prepared, and confident in your choices.
Why Guidance Matters
Insurance is, in many ways, a business of language. A lower price may look appealing at first, but cheaper coverage is not always better coverage. What really matters is understanding what your policy will and won't cover if you ever need to file a claim — because that's the whole reason insurance exists in the first place.
That's why we believe it's so important to sit down with your agent and truly understand your coverage. I encourage my customers to review their insurance with me every two years, because life changes — relationships grow, families expand, homes change, businesses evolve — and your coverage should keep pace with those changes.
Our job is to help make sure you're properly protected at every stage of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I get car insurance quotes?
A: Getting car insurance quotes is simple — you can start online, over the phone, or walk into our agency. Quotes are typically based on factors like your vehicle, driving history, and coverage preferences, helping you explore options that fit your needs.
Q: How soon can I get insured for my car?
A: Car insurance coverage can often start the same day, depending on your situation.
Q: What happens when you have life insurance in place?
A: Life insurance provides a payout to your chosen beneficiaries if you pass away while the policy is active. It can help give your loved ones financial support when they may need it most.
Q: What's typically covered by a homeowners insurance policy?
A: Homeowners insurance can help protect your home, personal property, personal liability, and additional living expenses after a covered loss.
Q: What does renters insurance cover?
A: Renters insurance can help cover your personal belongings, personal liability, and additional living expenses if your rental becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, what sets Katie Halpin's agency apart isn't just the coverage options — it's the intention behind them. In an industry that can feel impersonal, and for a community that hasn't always been made to feel at home in local businesses, Katie has built an office where being known, respected, and genuinely cared for is the standard, not the exception. Whether you're insuring your first apartment or your growing family's home, she and her team want to be the local agency you can actually trust.
Let's Connect
If you're looking for a local insurance agency that combines personal service, trusted guidance, and a genuine commitment to making people feel welcome, we would love the opportunity to connect with you!
We're here to answer your questions, learn about your needs, and provide a personalized quote that fits your life.
Address: 187 Cheshire Ln, Plymouth, MN 55441
Call/Text: 952-476-8080