It's about connection a message from President & CEO Jeff Mortensen “360 Communities saved my life. I stayed in an abusive relationship for 12 years, and now I’m free and looking to inspire someone facing a similar situation to let them know that there is hope,” says domestic violence survivor Cheryl. “I am grateful to [...]
Introducing the Dakota County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) SART is a collaborative effort between Dakota County Government, Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, Apple Valley Police Department, Burnsville Police Department, Allina Health, M Health Fairview, and 360 Communities. Together, we promote supportive outcomes for victims/survivors after they experience a sexual assault and need help. We recently [...]
“For your years of steadfast and passionate advocacy for Equity, Racial and Social Justice for All,” reads the Community Hero award presented to 360 Communities on December 19, 2022, “by the Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing (MICAH) Board of Directors, Staff, Congregations, Friends and People who are at risk or have experienced homelessness.” Receiving [...]
Mother of two faces adversity Ella and her husband split up after her husband abused her. She and her two elementary school children were traumatized. She was alone, afraid, and uncertain of what to do next. Without financial stability, she fell behind on rent and faced eviction. She worried about her children’s emotional well-being with [...]
Dedication to quality child care When Mischelle Ulrich first applied to work at 360 Communities, she recognized that the organization did more than address immediate needs. They had their eye on prevention and investing in future generations. This upstream vision inspired Mischelle to work on supporting quality child care access in her community in various [...]
360 Communities works upstream to prevent violence and promote healthy relationships February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, an excellent time to spread awareness and share tools to help young people navigate relationships as they mature. Domestic Violence Advocate and Community Educator Molly Hayes delivers presentations throughout the community about these often complex topics. She [...]
Enduring violence Heather remembers almost passing out as her estranged husband choked her in a rage, with her eight-year-old daughter asleep in the other room. She hit him with her phone, escaped to another part of the house, and locked herself in a room. She called 9-1-1. Police arrested him that night and took him [...]
Family faces homelessness Jasmine is an optimistic person and looks for the positive in every situation. But recently, she faced a crisis that has become all too common in Dakota County: the prospect of homelessness. Jasmine and her nine-year-old daughter moved from one apartment to a larger one in the same complex and became involved [...]
Investing in early childhood development Research shows that high-quality early childhood education is an extraordinary way to promote future success in life. Improving children’s experiences in their early years can have powerful long-term impacts on all racial and economic groups. The 360 Communities Child Care Aware program helps day care providers increase the quality of [...]
Instability at home affects performance at school The start of Alejandro’s kindergarten year should have been full of excitement, making new friends, and learning. But he was often absent, and when he would return to school, it was like starting the year over again. His behavior and class participation suffered, and he was not getting along [...]
