Program redesign brings mental health activities into the community

Due to the pandemic, a major program redesign was needed for our site-based Community Support Program, to switch gears to a community-based approach.

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Q&A: Learn how Avivo is innovating to link more people to services, faster

We speak with two Avivo staff about a new mobile program, which allows people experiencing long-term homelessness to complete comprehensive assessments where they live or stay.

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Avivo evacuates encampment to hotels & finds people housing

On May 28, just hours before a night of rioting and violence in Minneapolis following the murder of George Floyd, Avivo outreach staff coordinated a swift evacuation of more than 70 unsheltered people.

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We believe everyone deserves the chance to live well and work well.

Avivo serves nearly 13,000 individuals each year; helping them achieve recovery, find housing stability, and achieve employment and economic advancement. Serving Minnesota since 1960, we specialize in helping individuals and families who face complex barriers – poverty, homelessness, unemployment, chemical addiction or mental health concerns – achieve recovery and economic stability. Avivo’s holistic approach to providing chemical and mental health services, career education, and employment services embraces each person’s unique journey. Ultimately, our paired services lay a foundation of health, and social and economic wellness, that transforms lives.

Chemical & Mental Health

Assessments, addiction treatment programs, mental health services, and more for individuals and families.

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Employment services

Unique to low-income adults, youth, single parents, immigrants, individuals with disabilities, and more.

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Avivo Institute of Career & Technical Education

Our licensed school of career and technical education offers credentialed training with employment services.

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David

“Avivo works with people with disabilities … I just wanted to get back to where I’d be able to work.”

David had to overcome two major health barriers, heart failure and vision loss, to find work. With Avivo’s help, he got the support he needed and now has a job he loves at the downtown Minneapolis YMCA. Read David’s story

Sara

“I’m very thankful for Avivo being there – and simply existing and supporting [me].”

Read about Sara. After 20 years of fighting addiction, Sara needed a major change to achieve sobriety. Sara has re-shaped her life with help from Avivo and started working, and learning, at All Square (a one-of-a-kind nonprofit social enterprise centered on a craft grilled cheese restaurant, with aims of reducing recidivism).

LaFern

“Being with my daughter is probably the greatest thing that’s happened to me.”

Read about LaFern. He credits Avivo with helping fast-forward his transition from homelessness and unemployment to a more stable and positive life situation. He’s proud of the work he’s put in to support his daughter and restart his life, and can’t imagine doing it without her.

Danielle

“It was a major reality check – being a single mom. I had to quickly figure out how to do it all on my own.”

Read about Danielle. After separating from her daughter’s father, Danielle needed to quickly learn how to support herself and her daughter. She came to Avivo for career education and job search help, starting volunteering, and has now found employment.

Ahmed

“I want to be a translator for my people.”

Learn about Ahmed. He’s a student in Avivo’s ESL program, which helps new Americans learn English to find full-time employment. He is a proud father and is working with Avivo to find employment that supports his family and allows him to help fellow immigrants find success living in the United States.

Glenn

“I remember the first day I came to Avivo … When I walked into the art studio, I knew this is where I belonged.”

Learn about Glenn. Released from HCMC with the clothes on his back and a bus token, Glenn knew he needed to change. Since then, he’s thrived in Avivo’s ArtWorks program and his career as an artist is just beginning.

Antoinette

“I love being a mom. It’s the best thing ever.”

Learn about Antoinette. Antoinette’s drive to find housing stability and to support herself and her daughter led her to Avivo’s youth employment programs.

Theresa

“Avivo is helping me grow, and we are growing together … I love the fact I can be with my daughter.”

Learn about Theresa. She’s entering a new stage of her life; completing treatment and moving on to Avivo’s short-term career training courses.

Paul

“I’ve always liked working. I really enjoy it.”

Learn about Paul. He lives with a disability, but doesn’t let that major detail get in the way of a productive work and family life. After a layoff he’s back in the workforce after graduating from Avivo’s IT Support Training program.

Rania

“I wanted a career. I have a dream to be working in accounting. That’s why Avivo was so important.”

Learn about Rania. She moved to Minnesota from Egypt, where she held a bachelor’s degree in accounting. When her husband was laid off from his job, she took Avivo’s accounting support training to help her re-enter the workforce.

2,816

individuals found work or entered careers

12,751

individuals served last year

1,972

people moved from public assistance to employment

96%

of people served live in poverty

4,420

Individuals increased wellness through chemical & mental health services

64%

of individuals served are people of color

813

people experiencing homelessness find supportive housing

Ready to make a difference?

Avivo is a proud partner of the American Job Center Network