Multicultural Family Center

About the Multicultural Family Center

The Multicultural Family Center (MFC) empowers all families and community members of Dubuque to reach their potential and build unity through diversity, equity, and inclusion. No matter who you are, you’re accepted and respected here.

Register for programs online at www.mfcdbq.org.

Teen Programs

High School Teen Nights

Grades: 9 – 12 Free, Registration Encouraged

Tuesday & Thursdays 4:30 - 8 p.m.

Join us in the evenings for dinner and activities such as crafts, guest speakers, field trips, baking and lots of games. The MFC is the place for teens to hang out and interact in a safe, fun environment that promotes diversity and empowers youth to reach their full potential. Registration is encouraged, but not required. Sign up at www.mfcdbq.org

Middle School Teen Nights

Grades: 6 – 8 Free, Registration Encouraged

Mondays & Wednesdays 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Join us in the evenings for dinner and activities such as crafts, guest speakers, field trips, baking and lots of games. The MFC is the place for teens to hang out and interact in a safe, fun environment that promotes diversity and empowers youth to reach their full potential. Registration is encouraged, but not required. Sign up at www.mfcdbq.org.

“The Banned”

Grades: 9 – 12 Free, Registration Required

Every Other Tuesday 5 - 6 p.m.

Starting June 18

“The Banned” Book Club will provide an opportunity for teens to read banned literature in a safe, inclusion, and accepting environment that will foster meaningful conversations. Register at www.mfcdbq.org.

Teen Art Club

Grades: 6 – 12 Free, Registration Encouraged

Every Other Thursday 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Starting June 20

Teen Art Club will give teens the freedom to dive into arts and crafts beyond the classroom curriculum. This will give teens the opportunity to share their creative ideas in a supportive environment. Our club will focus on exploring different forms of art. Snacks will be provided. To register or with questions please contact Caitlin Short at cshort@cityofdubuque.org

Recreational Programs

Yoga with Coleen Frenzel

Ages: 13 yrs. & older Free, Drop-ins Welcome Thursdays, Ongoing 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

All levels welcome. Mats provided. Instructor Coleen Frenzel is an experienced yoga instructor who believes yoga to be essential for mental, emotional, and physical health. Program is in partnership with Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Dubuque. Sign up at www.mfcdbq.org. Drop-ins are always welcome, but please arrive a few minutes early so you can register in-person.

Hung Gar Kung Fu

Ages: 6 - 13 yrs. Free, Registration Required Saturdays, Ongoing 10 - 11 a.m

Ages: 14 yrs. & older Free, Registration Required Saturdays, Ongoing 11 am. - 12 p.m.

Hung Gar Kung Fu is a southern Chinese martial art training created for military defense in the southern Shaolin Temple. Hung Gar is centered on coordination, conditioning, discipline, and fighting application. Instructed by Michael Quam. This is an ongoing program. Registration is required. Sign up at www.mfcdbq.org.

Capoeira Afro-Brazilian Dance & Martial Arts

Ages: 6 yrs. and older Free, Registration Required Saturdays, Ongoing 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Capoeira (pronounced cap-oh-air-uh) finds its roots deep in the culture of slavery in Brazil. Capoeira was a way for them to blend their past culture with their newfound culture in Brazil. The movements reflect the dances of northern Africa, and the martial arts were a way for the slaves to stay limber and practice self-defense. The movements of capoeira are like zumba, gymnastics, Tae Kwon Do, and African dance all rolled into one! Instructed by Michael Quam. This is an ongoing program. Registration is required. Sign up at www.mfcdbq.org.

Support & Advocacy Groups

LGBTQ+ Support Groups

Youth Groups: Grades 6 - 8 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Ongoing, 3rd Tuesdays

Youth Groups: Grades 9 - 12 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Ongoing, 1st Tuesdays

Adult Groups: 18 yrs. and older 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Ongoing, 2nd & 4th Monday of each month

Youth and adult support groups are for community members who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, +plus. The MFC is a place where anyone can feel free to be themselves without concern about being treating differently because of sexual-orientation and/or gender identity/expression. Groups are led by volunteer adult mentors Indigo Perry & Tessie Strohm. Folx will find support from peers who are having similar experiences. Registration not required.

LGBTQ+ Families, Friends, & Advocates

Ongoing, 4th Monday

This group is for adult families, friends, and advocates to gather for questions, conversations, and to find ways to strengthen support for our loved ones within the LGBTQ+ community. The group is hosted by Tessie Strohm. Registration not required.

NAACP Public Meeting

2nd Wednesday Monthly 5:30 – 7 p.m.

The Dubuque Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was established in 1989. The purposes and aims of the Dubuque Branch are to improve the political, educational, social, and economic status of African Americans and other racial and ethnic minorities; to eliminate racial prejudice; to promote justice; to keep the public aware of the adverse effects of racial discrimination and more. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ dubuquenaacp, the NAACP website or contact dbqnaacp4025@gmail.com.

Black Men Coalition

3rd Monday Monthly 6 – 7:30 p.m.

The mission of the Dubuque Black Men Coalition is to improve the quality of life within our communities. We will accomplish this through concentrated support and leadership to programs and services that aims to offer positive alternatives in educational, vocational, and recreational activities for African Americans boys and young adult men. This is a membership organization. For more information contact: rcunning@dbq.edu.

Black Men Coalition

Cultural Programs

India Independence Day Luncheon Celebration

Save the Date! Aug. 10 | 12 - 2 p.m.

More information to come!

Spanish Café

Ages: 16+ yrs. Free, Registration Required

Monthly, 3rd Saturday 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Hablas Espanol? Join the Spanish Café for an opportunity to learn from members of your community who share in interest in the language. Whether you’re a native speaker, are just starting to learn the language, or would like to refresh on the Spanish you learned long ago, this program is for you!

Led by MFC Board Member and Clarke University Spanish Professor Evelyn Nateau. Register at your first class or sign up at www.mfcdbq.org or call 563-582-3681.

Culture Cafe

Culture Café Registration Not Required 10 - 11:30 a.m. Free

Monthly, 2nd and 4th Saturday

Gather for coffee and casual conversation with a group of cultural diverse people. Free! Registration not required.