The foundation of the Rotary Club of Edina recently awarded a grant of $2,500 to Oasis for Youth. Oasis for Youth was created in 2010 by community members in response to the alarming rise in the number of suburban youth experiencing homelessness and the lack of any services designed to meet their needs in south suburban Hennepin County. Oasis for Youth was the first suburban drop-in center in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, focusing on youth who live, work or attend school in Edina, Bloomington and Richfield.
This year, Oasis for Youth is working to increase and improve access for youth, meeting them in their own community. The organization is obtaining two vans to get to youth and bring youth to various community events and meetings. The grant from the Edina Rotary Foundation will be used to pay for insurance and gasoline.
“In order to reduce barriers to access, like the lack of reliable and efficient transportation, Oasis has the goal of owning and operating two vans for client transport and mobile outreach efforts,” wrote Executive Director Nicole Mills in the grant application. “Our strategic plan identified the attainable goal of purchasing two vans that can be used to expand our services and increase access. Transportation is especially critical to suburban organizations.”
Money for grants awarded by the Edina Rotary Foundation is raised at an annual fall fundraiser and gala and donations made throughout the year.