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Mission Statement
VEAP is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, multi-service, human service organization with the mission of “Neighbors serving neighbors in need.” VEAP believes that helping a neighbor in need strengthens the social and economic fabric of our community. Since 1973, VEAP’s integrated basic needs program provides a range of services to help low-income individuals and families meet their immediate needs and attain long-term stability. Today VEAP operates the largest food pantry in the state of Minnesota and serves the communities of Bloomington, Edina, Richfield and a portion of South Minneapolis through unique mix of professional and volunteer services. VEAP provides services to over 7,000 individuals each month through its food pantry, children and youth services, social services and transportation programs with the help of 900 volunteers.
About This Cause
VEAP’s Integrated Basic Needs Program includes four main programs: Food, Children and Youth, Social Services and Transportation. These programs are designed to work together to help alleviate the financial stress low-income individuals and families face as the result of unexpected expenses or lapses in income. Programs are designed to address a particular need and when used together can help avoid a financial crisis. VEAP’s Food Program includes a Food Pantry, Summer Youth Food Program (breakfast and lunch for low-income children 0-18 years old), holiday groceries and holiday meals for seniors. Programs operate to provide an immediate response to a lack of resources by allowing low-income residents the opportunity to select a seven day supply of food, infant and hygiene products. Pre-packed emergency food packs are available to individuals and families in dire need of food and unable to wait the five to seven days for an appointment. The Food Pantry utilizes a client-choice model where clients select the foods they know how to prepare and their family can use. Fresh, shelf-stable, dietary and cultural foods are available. For clients who are able to get to VEAP via public transport or other means, rides home are provided by VEAP volunteers removing the transportation barrier. VEAP operates the largest Food Pantry in the state of Minnesota; over 28,000 visits were made to the food pantry in 2012. The Transportation Program helps low- and fixed-income, older adults and adults with certified disabilities in our community maintain health, quality of life and independent living to meet their basic needs. Volunteer drivers provide rides to medical appointments, to meet grocery and pharmacy needs or to visit a loved one in a care facility. In addition, this program reduces social isolation by providing interaction with program volunteers. This is a no fee curb-to-curb service for ambulatory individuals. Over 7,100 rides were given in 2012 -- a 7% increase over 2011. The primary goal of VEAP’s Social Services Program is to prevent homelessness and other crises through emergency financial assistance that re-stabilizes individuals and families in current or new housing. Licensed social workers provide professional social services to individuals and families in need through emergency financial assistance for housing, utilities, car repairs and day care. Clients also receive resources and referrals to other community organizations to help them meet their current needs and put them on the road to long-term stability. Over 7,000 households benefited from this program in 2012 and $157,000 in emergency assistance was distributed. In 2012, the Children and Youth Program served over 12,000 children from low-income families through the Summer Youth Food Program, the Holiday Toy Store, Back To School Program and Birthday Bag Program. The Birthday Bag program provides a way for families to celebrate each child’s birthday without using resources needed to meet their basic needs. Each birthday bag contains cake mix, frosting, candles, plates, napkins and one or two small, age- and gender appropriate gifts. The Back To School Program distributes grade-appropriate school supplies and backpacks in August for children entering grades K-12. In August 2012, over 3,400 students received backpacks and supplies. In December of each year, VEAP creates a “toy store” for parents to select holiday gifts for their children, infant through 18. The opportunity for parents to participate in this program eliminates the need for parents to choose between paying the rent and purchasing a holiday gift for their child.