OPEN HANDS FOUNDATION
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Mission Statement
Open Hands Foundation addresses the unmet, needs in the Chanhassen, South Lake Minnetonka, and Carver County areas.
About This Cause
I. ORGANIZATION INFORMATION 1.Summary of organization history: The Open Hands Foundation was founded in 2003 by Westwood Community Church with the intent joining with other community members to make a positive difference within the community through a community based foundation. The Foundation sat largely dormant for several years. In 2010, an assessment was conducted by Westwood to identify what needs exist within the community that the church or foundation should consider tackling . The fact that there is a group of youth in crisis with no apparent emergency resources to meet their needs became a driving force to get the foundation on its current course. In the past 3 years we have validated this need, assessed the marketplace, evaluated models, vetted partners, and ultimately on November 9, 2015, opened Hope House, an emergency shelter for youth between the ages of 14 and 19. 2.Organization mission and goals: The Open Hands Foundation exists to meet the unmet needs of vulnerable people within our community. The goal of the Open Hands Foundation is to identify community needs, develop solutions, and ensure long term sustainability within the community, with an emphasis on long term sustainability. 3.Description of organization current programs and activities: On November 9, 2015, a six bed emergency shelter opened in Chanhassen called Hope House. The mission of the shelter is to provide a safe place for youth in crisis with the support of caring adults and support services ultimately to get them back on track for a successful life. Specifically, this shelter provides emergency services for youth who are in crisis and are between the ages of 14 and 19. Services provided include medical treatment, shelter, food, counseling (individual, group, family), case management. The goal for youth that overnight in the shelter is to reunite with their families. This program is a partnership between three organizations: The Open Hands Foundation, Westwood Community Church, and the 180 Degrees. Westwood Community Church has donated a home free of charge and is providing all general maintenance and utilities on the property. The Open Hands Foundation, in addition to putting the partnerships together, is the resource arm of the partnership providing introductions to the community, volunteers, and all required funding beyond public support. Since 1971, 180 Degrees has played a critical role as a 24-hour access point for youth and families in need in Minnesota. They have an amazing track record serving people in crisis of all types, and we are happy to help them extend their hands into our community. The service area of this program is the southwest suburban area of the Twin Cities. It is expected that youth from several school districts will utilize this program including: Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, District 112 (Chanhassen/Carver), and Waconia. Hope House is listed on the Minnesota Youth Services Network (ysnmn.org) as an emergency shelter.