The Liemandt Foundation

Introduction The Liemandt Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private operating family foundation whose vision is to be active in the creation of a more just and compassionate world. Emboldened by the belief that no person or neighborhood is hopeless, we support those who work on behalf of others to create a community where spirits are renewed, hope is restored, opportunities abound and dignity is ensured. Together with our family and other organizations, we use a strength-based approach in our work to affect community programs and public policy. The foundation works to put the Search Institute's research-based 40 Developmental Assets® into action through its multi-faceted approach.

The goal of our community based outreach initiative is to build mutual relationships with neighborhood organizations to create opportunities for families to celebrate the treasures of their neighborhood, build positive relationships with neighbors and volunteers, and build assets in their families, neighborhood and schools. The assets are the framework used to create program efforts, train volunteers, and evaluate progress.

Our work is based in socially and economically disadvantaged communities. Recognizing the need for the large scale change that is necessary in order to sustain healthy communities, we actively seek out and engage with cross-sector efforts to build a child-centered asset rich community. Integral to our work is the belief that efforts will fail if they are not built on a foundation of mutual relationships that cross boundaries of race, culture, socio-economics and a diversity of life experiences.

Primary Activities The Liemandt Foundation focuses its resources on Minneapolis' Northside, an urban community faced with the social isolation and dearth of opportunities that accompany racial, economic and educational disparities. The heart of our work is our partnership with Church of the Ascension and is best illustrated by our monthly Peace Dinner.

Peace Dinner In 2007, in response to a plea from Near North neighborhood families for a safe place to bring their children and gather with neighbors, the Peace Dinner program was launched as a monthly community dinner and family night. The gathering is carefully designed to nurture the 40 Developmental Assets® in families and youth in a safe and supportive environment and build mutual relationships across generational, cultural and socio-economic divides. Each month we welcome 100-150 guests; half of which are children, approximately two-thirds of which are returning families. During our 2009-2010 season volunteer hosts served 1000 dinners and take-home meals for neighborhood families, provided a safe place for children to play and strengthened relationships within and among families who face significant challenges everyday.

The strength of the Peace Dinner program is in large part due to our Youth Team whose responsibilities include welcoming our guests, leading an intergenerational activity, serving as emcees for the evening and leading gym games for the children who attend the dinner. With the support and encouragement of adults, the team has succeeded in engaging a diverse group of youth who use peer mentoring and the 40 Developmental Assets® to grow leadership and create a cohesive and committed team.

Lemonade Day Part of a national effort led by the Liemandt Foundation and a cross-sector Advisory Team, Lemonade Day - Twin Cities teaches youth how to start, own and operate their very own lemonade stands. Participants are trained in the fundamentals of sound business and financial management. Youth, mentored by caring adults, learn how to create budgets, secure investors, select a site, purchase supplies, serve customers, set profit-making goals, repay investors, and give back to the community. For many young people, Lemonade Day offers them their first experience of earning money and opening a bank account. Lemonade Day sets them on a path of financial learning and goal setting that will continue throughout their lives.

Our work with Lemonade Day - Twin Cities and proven success helping communities to realize their full capacity, has served as an effective catalyst for furthering our active participation in cross-sector collaboration and sustained community partnerships. Looking ahead to Lemonade Day 2011 our goals include providing more youth with the opportunity to benefit from the program, strengthening relationships with our sponsors and community partners, deepening our impact particularly in disadvantaged communities by supporting neighborhood-based collaboratives and broadening the reach of the Youth Team.