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About 360 Communities
Building community momentum, inspiring positive action
Founded more than 40 years ago by a group of volunteers, 360 Communities provides hope and support to more than 13,000 individuals each year with 11 programs in over 40 locations, including a network of five food shelves, two domestic violence shelters, two resource centers and three programs that support school success from birth through high school graduation. More than 1,000 volunteers donate their time, energy and talent in support of 360 Communities every year.
We employ data-driven research to identify trends, strengths and vulnerabilities, and then work with key community partners to build and implement action plans. At the same time, we offer an interconnected web of opportunities that develop individual and community strength. Doing this work in partnership with caring residents creates ongoing change for the better, which leads to a healthier future for everyone.
Our History
Local church volunteers, who wished to combine their community service efforts, formed 360 Communities in 1970 as a nonprofit organization serving the south suburban metropolitan area of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. Working together, the founders realized much more could be accomplished by pooling their time and resources. 360 Communities' original mission focused on meeting the personal, economic and social needs of people in the area.
By the mid 1970s, both Minneapolis United Way and St. Paul United Way had recognized the value of 360 Communities' services to surrounding communities and provided substantial funding assistance. 360 Communities had become the chief vehicle for social services and community organizing in northern Dakota County.
Throughout our history, 360 Communities has offered more than 50 services including primary prevention of domestic violence, sexual assault services, Partners For Success, Child Care Resource and Referral, Dakota Healthy Families, New American Services, food shelves, and Armful of Love. All services rely on a pool of trained volunteers. These dedicated volunteers will always be a key component to 360 Communities' vital work in the community.
Among our many well-known services, 360 Communities' Lewis Houses, located in Eagan and Hastings, provide shelter to large numbers of women and their children who are victims of domestic violence.
In the early 1990's, 360 Communities joined with School District 191 to create the Family Support Worker role, now known as Partners For Success®, focusing on learning readiness in schools. This highly acclaimed service has since expanded to Lakeville, Farmington, West St. Paul and South St. Paul.
We know that meeting the basic needs of families is not enough. 360 Communities has found that to truly help families we must address underlying problems and approach issues holistically, with prevention as the goal.
Part of what makes 360 Communities so unique is our expertise and strong community partnerships with faith communities, police departments, schools, businesses and professional groups. Ranging from established communities to growing suburbs and rural areas, we serve a diverse population. We have 73 professionals who are supported by more than 2,000 volunteers.
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