Open Arms of Minnesota

🎉 Celebrating National Nonprofit Day with Open Arms of Minnesota 🎉

National Nonprofit Day, celebrated tomorrow on August 17, is a moment for organizations like Open Arms to reflect on our community impact. Our mission is to deliver nourishing, medically tailored meals to our Minnesota neighbors facing life-threatening illnesses, fostering a more inclusive and joyful community.

With 1.97 million nonprofits in the U.S. economy, nonprofits accounted for 10.2% of private-sector jobs in 2017. As we celebrate National Nonprofit Day, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our volunteers, donors, and community partners who make our work possible. We remain committed to serving our community with compassion and excellence, knowing that every act of kindness profoundly impacts the lives of our clients.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Lunds & Byerlys! 🍰

Cupcakes for a Cause, one of the sweetest events of the year, returns in just three weeks! From September 5-11, our friends at Lunds & Byerlys will generously donate $1 from each of their delicious gourmet cupcakes to Open Arms – up to $10,000!

All 29 Lunds & Byerlys locations are participating, so be sure to stop at your favorite spot. This is your chance to enjoy a tasty treat and give back at the same time!

Not in the mood for a cupcake? No worries! You can always contribute using donation tear sheets at checkout.

Thank you, Lunds & Byerlys, for being a trusted partner and supporting our mission in so many ways! ❤️

https://www.lundsandbyerlys.com/sm/pickup/rsid/1007/store/

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible Foundation Partners!

We are profoundly grateful for the generous support of the HRK Foundation, Ray Edwards Memorial Trust, and HRH Foundation. Your commitment to our clients allows us to continue nourishing our community with medically tailored meals!

At Open Arms, we are incredibly grateful for our volunteers' time and dedication. In a new series called the Volunteer Spotlight, we are going chat with a different volunteer every week. First up is Pete!

🍏How have you been volunteering for Open Arms?
A little over 2 years

🍉How did you become an Open Arms volunteer?
My wife Jenny was here and said a lot of great things about Open Arms and I've always wanted to be involved in food since I have worked in food companies. My wife's mom also struggled with long-term care, so I have a passion for helping others in that situation.

🥕What do you enjoy?
It's super well organized and the people are in a great mood. Deliveries are a highlight because you get to meet the clients and bring joy right to their doorstep.

🍪What’s your favorite cookie:
Snickerdoodle

This Sunday, our friends at Butcher & the Boar are hosting a Meat Raffle to support Open Arms! The event will take place at Char Bar from 4-6 p.m. Join us and help make a difference for our clients!

We are incredibly grateful to our friends at Takeda Oncology for their longtime support of our mission! Your commitment helps us provide nourishing, medically tailored meals to our critically ill Minnesota neighbors, ensuring our clients receive the nutrition and support they deserve.

Did you know that your generous time spent with Open Arms could be even more impactful? Through the Double the Donation tool on our website, you can now easily check if your employer offers volunteer incentives!

Simply visit our volunteer page below and use the tool at the bottom of the page to see if your company provides rewards for your volunteer hours. It's a great way to amplify your contribution and support our mission!

https://www.openarmsmn.org/volunteer/volunteer-individuals/

Thank you for your incredible dedication and support! Together, we can make an even greater difference for our clients!

🌟 Introducing our new series, "Peer Perspectives: Client-to-Client Stories"! 🌟

We're thrilled to share the inaugural entry of this heartfelt series featuring stories written by Kathleen Brogan, a dedicated volunteer and client of Open Arms. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2023, Kathleen channels her passion for writing to provide a fresh perspective on the lives of some our clients.

In this edition, Kathleen shares the journey of Brad, a client embracing second chances. After facing trauma, a brief jail stint, and multiple health diagnoses, including HIV and Parkinson’s, Brad has turned his life around with the support of Open Arms. For three years, our nourishing meals have enhanced his well-being and sense of community. Now, as a member of our Client Advisory Committee, Brad is dedicated to servicing other clients like him.

Read more about Brad's journey and the impact of our community efforts via the link below.

https://www.openarmsmn.org/peer-perspectives-client-to-client-stories/

Do you have a new driver in the family who could use some practice behind the wheel? Sign up to be a meal delivery driver! Is someone looking for community service hours for National Honor Society? Help chop veggies in our kitchens!

At Open Arms, volunteers are not just helping hands; they are a crucial part of our community! Follow the link below to find the opportunity that's best for you!

https://www.openarmsmn.org/volunteer/volunteer-individuals/

It's great to see more and more fresh veggies grown at our Open Farms making their way into our kitchens!

🚨BREAKING NEWS🚨

We are thrilled to announce that Open Arms of Minnesota is now an accredited member of the Food is Medicine Coalition! Open Arms is part of the leading group of FIMC-Accredited agencies that follow approved standards to prepare and provide a high quality medically tailored meal intervention for clients living with severe, chronic or complex illness(es).

To learn more about FIMC Accreditation, please follow the link below.

https://www.openarmsmn.org/fimc-accreditation/

Open Arms of Minnesota is excited to announce a new partnership with M Health Fairview to provide medically tailored meals to individuals who are pregnant and those living with diabetes. This collaboration aims to address the critical need for nutritious, medically appropriate food among populations facing chronic health conditions and barriers to accessing proper nutrition.

Through this collaboration, we'll be able to provide 32,760 new or additional meals over the next year, supporting local health outcomes, improving quality of life, and promoting health equity.

Follow the link below to read the full release and to learn more about this exciting new partnership!

M Health Fairview Partnership - Open Arms of Minnesota Open Arms of Minnesota and M Health Fairview Partner to Provide Medically Tailored Meals to Patients MINNEAPOLIS, MN (July 16, 2024) — Open Arms of Minnesota is excited to announce […]

Thanks for coming out to support our Hope Farm Allina Health Aetna!

Check out some of the fun images of our farm team and volunteers assembling Community Supported Agriculture Share boxes at Hope Farm in St. Paul last week!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.900181575473611&type=3

"This has been amazing. We can’t thank you enough."

At Open Arms, we understand that every meal can make a difference. We're committed to providing nourishing, medically tailored meals to those in need, especially during challenging times. Thank you for supporting our mission and helping us bring hope to our neighbors! Have a great weekend everyone!!

🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ JOIN OUR CHARITY RUNNING TEAM! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

📅 October 6, 2024

Open Arms is looking for enthusiastic runners to join our Twin Cities Marathon team! We cover the cost of entry and currently need 4 runners for the 10 Mile Run.

Each 10-mile runner is asked to raise $500 towards our overall team goal. Don’t worry, we’ll provide you with fundraising tips to help you succeed!

For more info, reach out to Dana at [email protected]. Let’s run together to support a great cause! 💪❤️

Thank you to everyone who joined us at our Abundance Farm on Saturday for the Eat Local Co-Op Farm Tour! We had a fun time sharing information about our Open Farms program!!

www.coopfarmtour.com

Happy Culinary Arts Month! At Open Arms of Minnesota, we are thrilled to celebrate the creativity and dedication of culinary professionals. Our talented chefs are the heart of our mission, transforming fresh ingredients into nourishing, medically tailored meals for our clients. Their passion and skill ensure each dish is not only delicious but also crafted with utmost care to meet the specific dietary needs of those we serve.

This month and every month, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible chefs. From comforting soups for those undergoing chemotherapy to hearty entrées for clients with HIV/AIDS, their work ensures every bite is nourishing and joyful.

Follow the link below to learn more about our meals and the intersection of culinary arts and research-based food as medicine intervention.

https://www.openarmsmn.org/get-meals/nutrition-services/

July is Disability Pride Month! Join us in celebrating the diverse abilities, ages, races, and backgrounds of people with disabilities. At Open Arms, we honor their unique contributions and advocate for inclusivity every day. Our mission is to provide nourishing and healthy meals to critically ill individuals, including those with disabilities, ensuring they have access to the meals they need to heal.

Disability Pride Month is a time to recognize and uplift the voices of the disabled community, acknowledging the barriers they face and the resilience they show. Let's work together to create a more inclusive and accessible world for all.

Learn more about Disability Pride Month and its history below:

https://www.disability.state.mn.us/events-and-outreach/community-outreach/disability-pride-month/ #:~:text=July%20is%20Disability%20Pride%20Month,empowerment%20of%20people%20with%20disabilities

OPEN ARMS WILL BE TAKING PART IN THE EAT LOCAL CO-OP FARM TOUR!

📅Saturday, July 13
⌚10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
📍Abundance Farm - 668 Victoria St S, St. Paul 55102 (West 7th and Victoria)

Explore local sustainable and organic farms as they open their doors for a day full of fun, learning, and discovery brought to you by your local food co-ops. The Co-op Farm Tour is a unique opportunity to explore the farms in your area, connect with the families that bring fresh food to your table, and to tap into our local, sustainable food system.

This year, 16 urban and rural farms in Minnesota and western Wisconsin are offering exciting activities such as guided tours, farm goods for sale, farming demonstrations, food trucks, games, and pick-your-own berries. It’s a free, self-guided event, so no need to sign up!

For more information, visit the site below. Check the farm tour website regularly for updates about this event, and use the Co-op Farm Tour guidebook to plan ahead. Share your photos on social media using , and tag us when you visit. Have fun exploring local farms and enjoy a day of fun and learning at the farm!

www.coopfarmtour.com

Nedia Salon is hosting a free cancer resource event on Thursday, July 11 from 5-7 p.m. at 13540 Wayzata BLVD, Minnetonka, MN. Open Arms will be amongst the organizations offering services and support! For more information about the event, please head to

Nedia Salon, Hair Loss Specialist & Spa | Minnetonka, Minnesota We offer hair services, hair loss solutions, facials , massage and nail services to guest looking for excellence and quality services.

Happy Fourth of July to everyone in our community! Our offices are closed today as we join in the celebrations. Operations will resume tomorrow, and we look forward to continuing our mission to support and nourish our critically ill neighbors. Have a safe, fun, and fantastic Fourth of July! 🎉❤️🤍💙

Check out all the action from this weekend's Pride celebration in the album below!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.886410103517425&type=3

Thank you to Tina of T-Rex Cookie Company, LLC for stopping by Open Arms to deliver some good news! We truly appreciate your support during our first Great Minnesota Bake Sale!

Pride Festival Highlights Day 2

Pride Parade Highlights

🌈 What an amazing weekend at the Twin Cities Pride Festival and Parade! 🎉

We had a fantastic time celebrating love, diversity, and community with everyone who stopped by our booth and cheered us on during the parade. It was wonderful to connect with so many people, share our mission, and see the joy on your faces!

A huge thank you to our incredible volunteers and staff for their hard work and dedication. Your energy and passion made this weekend unforgettable!

Marching in the parade was a highlight, and we were thrilled to be part of such a vibrant and inclusive event. Together, we continue to nourish and support our community.

Thank you for celebrating Pride with us! 🏳️‍🌈

🌈 Day 1 of Twin Cities Pride Festival is in the books, and what a day it was!

We had an incredible time connecting with the community, sharing our mission, and spreading joy. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth. Your support means the world to us! And thank you to the volunteers and staff who helped out throughout the day! Lets do it again tomorrow!! ❤️

Here's a quick rundown of what Sunday looks like for Open Arms!

Pride Festival
10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
📍Find us at Booth #85 located on West 15th Street, across from Dunn Brothers

Pride Parade
📆Time:
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
📍The parade starts at 3rd & Hennepin and proceeds down Hennepin to Spruce.

🚨 WE NEED YOU to help us finish June with a BLAST! 🚨

Before celebrating the holiday next week, please consider a gift to Open Arms by June 30. Thanks to a generous match, every dollar you donate will be doubled, supporting nourishing, medically tailored meals for our critically ill clients. That’s twice the nourishment for our neighbors in need!

At Open Arms, we believe no one who is sick should be without the nutrition, support, and care they deserve. Our meals and services offer healing, peace of mind, and hope.
Your donation today will make a bigger impact than ever before. Let's unlock every matching dollar!

Thank you for your compassion and for helping us end June on a high note. 🧡💛

https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/OpenArmsofMinnesota/June2024.html?mc_cid=1ed5c2565c