Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
During 2016, Opportunity Neighborhood achieved the following outcomes:
Began out-of-school time programming at a brand new 47-unit affordable housing complex in North Minneapolis called Commons at Penn.
Received a third Allina Neighborhood Health Connection Grant to provide healthy community dinners and nutrition education session to residents. To date, the project has served over 190 households in 4 different affordable housing communities
For the fourth year in a row, our agency was names a “Top Rated Nonprofit” by Greatnonprofits.org. (http://greatnonprofits.org/org/opportunity-neighborhood)
Increased the number of board members to six by adding Siyad Warsame, the Founder and Executive Director of the Africa Reconciliation and Development Organization (ARDO). ARDO is a Twin Cities non-profit specializing in cultural resolution among the African community. Siyad’s background working with Somali youth assists us in better serving the large number of Somali youth participating in our out-of-school time programs in North Minneapolis and on St. Paul’s Eastside.
For the fifth year, our agency has met the Charities Review Council’s Accountability Standards. (https://www.smartgivers.org/Charity/Review/opportunity_neighborhood)
Created a partnership with the Twin Cities Mobile Market (TCMM) to bring their grocery store on wheels to Garden View Apartments every Saturday from 1:30-2:30 pm. The TCMM is stocked with fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, meats and canned goods at reduced prices. There are no grocery stores within walking distance of Garden View Apartments. Having the TCMM come directly to the property is a convenient and accessible way to promote healthy eating among the resident population.
Current Goals
Opportunity Neighborhood has 3 consistent goals we work to achieve each year at the affordable housing communities we serve. They are:
1. Increasing community safety
2. Increasing housing stability
3. Increasing opportunities for family success
Community or Constituency Served
We serve children, families and individuals who live in affordable housing communities throughout the Twin Cities.
Geographic Area Served
Currently, we serve the following affordable housing communities:
Ames Lake Neighborhood, St. Paul’s Eastside neighborhood
Commons at Penn, North Minneapolis
Garden View Apartments, New Brighton
Hyde Park Apartments, New Brighton
Wilder Square, St. Paul’s Frogtown neighborhood
