Last Thursday, we welcomed Leah Hébert Wells, Executive Director of Open Arms of Minnesota. With more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Leah shared a comprehensive overview of the organization's history, growth, and impact. Here are a few highlights she shared with our members:
- Open Arms began during the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The organization's founder prepared and served meals from his own kitchen, helping people whom others feared coming into contact with.
- This year marks Open Arms' 40th anniversary. Over the past four decades, the organization has expanded to two locations and now delivers meals throughout Minnesota and into Wisconsin.
- Open Arms is the only organization in the Midwest that provides medically tailored meals at no cost. They also provide meals for clients' dependents and caregivers.
- Their annual budget is $13.5 million, down from approximately $15 million in recent years. To adapt, the organization has shifted toward a more diversified revenue model through Open Farms' Community Supported Agriculture program, catering services, and charitable donations.
- Open Arms serves 1.5 million meals each year and has provided more than 14.5 million meals since the organization was founded.
- The Edina Rotary Club has supported Open Arms since 2017.
- More than 7,000 volunteers support Open Arms each year. The organization is currently seeking drivers and kitchen volunteers. You can learn more about volunteer opportunities and sign up HERE!
