About Volunteers of America of Minnesota  

Volunteers of America was established in Minnesota in 1896, making us one of the oldest non-profits in the state. Throughout our history, we have responded to some of the most pressing societal needs. Our mission is to enrich the lives of our program participants and to make a significant difference in the communities in which we serve. We seek to empower program participants with the skills, education, and competencies necessary for age-appropriate independence and self-reliance. We seek to strengthen communities and foster within them the capacity to support their members in achieving this independence and self-reliance.

We pursue this mission through five program areas:

• Family and Children’s Services: A wide array of programs, including residential treatment, in-home assistance to families caring for children with a variety of disabilities, and two mental health centers;
• Housing: Community-based residencies for adults with developmental disabilities or mental illness;
• Education: Two contract alternative schools and a night school for Somali immigrants in Minneapolis as well as the charter school authorizing program;
• Correctional: A variety of facilities, including the most secure community-based juvenile correctional facility in Minnesota and a multi-approach treatment program for women leaving a life of prostitution; and
• Senior Services: The largest, most diverse array of community-based services for senior citizens in Minnesota.

Because of the wide range of our services, we are able to respond to an equally wide range of human needs. Annually, our more than 34,000 program participants include abused and neglected children, children with mental health problems, persons with developmental disabilities or mental illness, students at risk of educational failure, persons convicted of crime but now motivated to develop self-sufficient lives, independent senior citizens seeking social activities and home-bound seniors requiring significant services and supports to remain in their residence of choice.

VOA of MN is staffed by over 700 (279 Full time/ 436 Part time) well-trained and dedicated professionals. Their work is supported by approximately 4,500 volunteers who provide service in our own social service programs and in a variety of other community volunteer activities. Our 25-member board of directors is comprised of local professionals and civic leaders with vast expertise and experience who are committed to supporting our mission. Read more about our organization at http://www.voamn.org.

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Why Volunteers of America of Minnesota Authorizes Charter Schools

Charter schools offer teachers, parents and community members the opportunity to create new public schools in response to community needs. In return, these chartered schools agree to be held accountable by their authorizer for student performance outcomes. If the charter school fails to produce the promised student outcomes the authorizer may intervene in a variety of ways, and as a last resort can close the school. Quality charter school authorizing is the linchpin of the charter promise of accountability for results and the creation of quality educational opportunities. While charter authorizers are not responsible for the ultimate success or failure of a charter school, they can have a major impact on that outcome by providing strong oversight and accountability.

In 2000 the Minnesota state legislature made it possible for non-profit organizations with a $2,000,000 fund balance and membership in the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits to authorize charter schools. At this time, Volunteers of America of Minnesota became the first non-profit charter school authorizer in the nation. VOA of MN became an authorizer because we recognized it as a new and effective way of carrying out our mission. This decision was the result of a number of factors. Through our experience as an operator of two contracted alternative schools in the Minneapolis Public Schools we witnessed the significant positive impact that small, personalized learning environments can have on students and their families. The opportunity to assist teachers, parents and community members to create and sustain small schools in their communities was a natural extension of our positive experience with our alternative schools. Thus, we had both the vision and experience to assume this role.

In the years that we have been an authorizer, VOA of MN has developed a model of charter school authorizing that goes beyond the compliance-based role vaguely outlined in state statute. We engage in pro-active relationships and add value to the schools with which we work. During the start-up phase VOA of MN works closely with founding groups to ensure that tasks necessary to a successful opening (facility, finance, human resources, marketing/recruitment, curriculum development) are accomplished in a timely manner. Once operational, VOA of MN vigilantly monitors the financial and academic performance of its schools through frequent communication and site visits and regular review of financial and program documents. When signs of trouble arise, we work closely with the school’s board to problem solve and identify resources that may be helpful. This is a departure from the traditional reactive relationship between charter school authorizers and schools.

VOA of MN has much to offer charter schools in the way of expertise in non-profit management and board governance. Our track record of responding to emerging community needs with effective social service programs and experience starting and operating two alternative schools makes our organization particularly qualified to authorize charter schools. We recognize the great challenges and difficulties in starting a charter school and can help school developers navigate this complex process while respecting the autonomy and uniqueness of each school. In order to cover the costs of the program, VOA of MN charges the authorizing fee allowed in state law.

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