Our History

From the beginning, committed volunteers made a lasting impact by bringing people together, sharing resources, and responding to their neighbors’ needs. That spirit of collaboration became the foundation of our organization. Today, 360 Communities remains a place where people come together to give, receive, and care for one another, creating hope for the future.

In 1970, the Social Action Committee at Church of the Risen Savior began identifying local needs by simply writing them on a blackboard. It didn’t take long for the committee’s five members to realize they could not meet those needs alone. They reached out to other churches to explore ways to work together and share resources.

Through those conversations, they met John Johnson, who had come to the area to establish a new kind of community ministry. Together, they launched an innovative effort to connect people, share resources, and respond to the needs of the growing Dakota County community.

Building a Community of Care

By 1971, 28 churches from Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Lakeville, and Rosemount had joined the effort under the name Community Action Council. Their first projects reflected a simple but powerful idea: make it easier for people to find help and for neighbors to help one another.
 

Volunteers compiled a directory of human service resources available throughout Dakota County and created an information and referral line called IF-A-LONE. By dialing 432-5663, residents who needed assistance, felt isolated, or needed someone to talk to were connected with a caring person in their community who would listen, offer encouragement, and help them access support.
 

As volunteers listened to the challenges people faced, they also recognized gaps in available services. Those conversations inspired new programs and partnerships that addressed emerging community needs, many of which continue to shape our work today.

Becoming 360 Communities

In 1972, Community Action Council was officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to community service and education.

Nearly four decades later, in 2010, the organization adopted the name 360 Communities. The new name reflects the continuous circle of giving and receiving among volunteers, donors, community partners, and the people we serve. It also represents our holistic approach to helping individuals and families build safety, stability, and stronger futures.

Today, 360 Communities continues to grow and evolve, but the heart of our work remains unchanged: relationships.

Technology has transformed how we communicate, yet the human need for connection is as real today as it was more than 50 years ago. Even in a world where we are constantly connected, people can still experience loneliness, uncertainty, and isolation.

A caring person who takes the time to listen, encourage, and walk alongside someone can change the course of a life. That was true when people first called IF-A-LONE seeking a compassionate voice and practical support. It remains true today.