Oasis for Youth

Our Mission & Vision

Oasis for Youth is the trusted resource committed to elevating youth in their own community. We imagine our communities of Bloomington, Richfield, and Edina as places where every young person has an opportunity to thrive.

Our Guiding Values

Young People: We believe in the powerful solutions of youth and the wisdom they possess.

Connection: We believe relationships rooted in respect and support lead to a positive sense of self and transformation.

Belonging: We believe youth need a place to go to feel safe, comfortable, and at home.

Prevention: We believe prevention work requires addressing systemic issues and developing methods to support youth before experiencing homelessness and poverty.

Justice and dismantling racism and poverty: We believe in a fair and unified community where all identities are seen, safe, and valued. Racism and inequality are the leading factors causing homelessness in Minnesota, we work to address and dismantle systems that create barriers for youth.

Innovation: We recognize young people’s lives are often complicated and the environment can quickly shift, requiring creative responses to current situations.

Key Program Areas  

• Drop-in Center: Our drop-in center provides youth access to computers, showers, laundry, food, personal care items, clothing, transportation, benefit navigation, vital documents, educational assistance, life skills programming, emergency assistance and, most importantly, individualized case management. Community collaborations provide free on-site access to health and wellness services, health insurance navigators, employment opportunities, and more. In 2023, young people made over 1,000 visits to the Oasis drop-in center.  
• Outreach: Our “Mobile Oasis” connects young people to immediate needs and resources. We are where youth are. Our school-based outreach works in nine area high schools, alternative learning programs, and Normandale Community College. In 2023, 73 students received support, keeping them connected to school.  
• Housing: Oasis provides tailored support to youth, helping them find the best housing solution for their specific situation and needs. In 2023, we completed 32 coordinated entry assessments for youth to access housing opportunities, supported 16 youth in our Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Program and provided 10 youth with emergency hotel stays.
• Workforce Innovation: Oasis' innovative employment program offers a range of services to help young people access and maintain meaningful employment in partnership with the Mall of America. We served 150 youth employees at the MOA in 2023, doubling employee retention rates and increasing overall stability for workers and employers. 
• Youth Voice: We provide leadership opportunities for youth and ensure authentic programs through our youth advisory board, internal youth employment opportunities, internships, and more.