By Sal Mondelli
CEO Emeritus

After a very rewarding four plus years as CEO, I have handed the reins over to Jeff Mortensen effective October 1, the start of the new fiscal year, as part of an orderly transition plan which was set in motion over 18 months ago.

If five years ago you would have told me that I would lead a not-for-profit organization, I would have looked at you with a blank stare. While I had served on not-for-profit boards of directors for over 25 years, my background was in running for profit businesses, mainly in the technology sector. My experience over the past four years has proven that statement to be well off the mark.  I have a few observations that I will take away from this humbling experience.

The depth and breadth of the problems are workable with the right approach.

The problems people face can be daunting, however, at their core is a PERSON, and a FAMILY that wants their situation to change for the better as quickly as possible. Our job at 360 Communities is to assist them with guidance, and resources to help them get to a place where they can effectively “stand on their own two feet,” and say with pride, “I made it.” We understand that each person has complex, unique problems that need to be handled in a compassionate manner. The trusting relationships that we build with clients help us unpack, and address their barriers to success one by one. That’s offering hope and support to those in need in a meaningful way.

Turning the tide against domestic and sexual violence requires more resources, more awareness and men as allies.

My knowledge of domestic and sexual violence issues, like for most men, was limited to what I read about or saw on television. Being educated by our staff, who deal with life and death situations on a daily basis, was an eye opener.  I learned that the real issues are very different from how they are portrayed in the media, and that these issues affect everyone.  The “No More” national campaign helped me realize that this is a men’s problem, more than a women’s problem. The offenders are mainly men, pure and simple, and ALL men need to be advocates for women, by standing up to the perpetrators of these senseless crimes, and putting an end to the violence. Unless we do that, this issue will remain a serious problem for a long time. Since I began my tenure at 360 Communities, we have expanded our services in this area to provide increased support to victims, and efforts to hold offenders accountable.

The spirit, heart, and commitment of staff and volunteers is unmatched.

Many of our staff, and volunteers have been with 360 Communities for 10, 20, and 25 years. Their reason for staying is simple. They are all deeply committed to the mission of “providing hope and support to people” in need. The joy that everyone experiences working at all of our locations is infectious. Stop by and visit some time, and you’ll see that they genuinely enjoy being available to help others who have fallen on hard times. Giving back is a way of life that provides them with positive energy, and puts a smile on everyone’s face.

The spirit of cooperation and collaboration with all members of the extended community is impressive.

No one agency can do it all. I am a firm believer that there are sufficient resources, currently in the system, to make a serious dent in many of the social ills plaguing our society, IF more groups cooperated instead of competed. Siloed agencies and programs will not solve the problems which are too complex, and too far reaching.

Fifteen Dakota County based executive directors/CEOs of not-for-profit agencies, along with Dakota County Social Services executives, have met bimonthly for four years in an effort to share ideas, and look for authentic partnership opportunities. When organizations have missions that align and work to establish trust, collectively they can serve the community better and more efficiently by leveraging shared resources and expertise. Currently, all of the food shelves meet regularly to identify meaningful ways to better serve all the clients in Dakota County.

Another effort is the “Birth through Age 8” project that is looking at all the resources available to a family from birth of a child to age 8 in an effort to ensure that as many children as possible have the proper foundation to be able to graduate high school on time, and with their age group. That can only happen if targeted resources are applied early enough in the cycle to ensure that a student does not fall behind with little chance of catching up to their peers. This collaborative effort includes four superintendents, social service executives from Dakota County, and multiple not-for-profit agencies.

The 501(c) (3) status is a tax designation NOT a business model.

A not-for-profit organization is in fact in the ‘business’ of assisting people in need. They have all the same characteristics of a “for profit” business except the bottom line is measured in successful outcomes for clients, and not monetary gains. A compassionate approach with sound business fundamentals will result in a sustainable organization that can keep fulfilling its mission well into the future.

I feel truly blessed to have been a part of 360 Communities for the past four and a half years. Since 1970, this organization has provided hope and support for those in need, and it is well positioned to continue doing that for many years to come. Please consider being a supporter of 360 Communities. Then you can experience the joy that our staff and volunteers feel on a daily basis.