360 Communities
360 Communities is a non-profit agency founded in 1970 by a group of volunteers. Administrative offices are located in Burnsville, Minnesota.
Its aim is "changing lives and strengthening communities to a new degree."
History
360 Communities, formerly known as Community Action Council, has been helping people since 1970. Local church volunteers, who wished to combine their community service efforts, formed 360 Communities as a nonprofit human services agency serving the south suburban metropolitan area of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. The founders of 360 Communities saw the potential, not just in the power of their combined forces, but also in the combined force of engaging every community member. Community Engagement defines 360 Communities, with initiatives crafted in response to data about trends and successes, areas of concern and opportunity.
By the mid 1970s, both Minneapolis and St. Paul United Ways 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.
Strategy
360 Communities has a unique and strategic approach to building a healthier future: empowering individuals to own the future of their communities. Using data-based research to identify community trends, and identify the areas where our communities are most vulnerable. From there, we partner with individuals, businesses, civic organizations, schools, faith communities, the justice system, and local government to develop actionable plans to affect crucial positive trends, recognizing that the cost of doing nothing vastly outweighs the cost of addressing today's challenges.
Program Delivery
- 360 Communities provides safe housing, support and advocacy to women and children who experience domestic abuse.
- 360 Communities actively builds a stronger community by helping families lay the groundwork for greater educational success.
- 360 Communities provides places and ways for families to connect with resources, helping them identify their individual paths to success as well as engaging them as members of stronger, well-connected communities.
References
- 1 Retrieved 2010-06-14.