About Us
The foundation works to put in Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets® into action through its three-fold approach:
1. discovering the overlooked treasures within the community and fanning the flames by partnering with a neighborhood parish to create a neighborhood family dinner program.
2. partnering with a community organization committed to a cross-sector approach to ending violence in the neighborhood through positive youth leadership development, policy work, and collaboration with congregations.
3. nurturing a family climate that creates asset rich experiences, fosters positive intergenerational relationships, and invites family members to reach out beyond their immediate family to build assets.
The common denominator among all three approaches is that we are rooted in the belief that no situation or person is hopeless, and our starting point is meeting people - young and old - where they are: celebrating their gifts, the treasures within their community and family, and then building relationships that invite them to discover, name, and nurture their spark.
The goal of our grassroots outreach initiative is to partner 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 and neighborhood. The assets are the framework used to create program efforts, train volunteers, and evaluate progress.
The aim of the policy branch is to use an asset-based approach to create positive social change through policy work.
Finally, the hope for the family branch of the effort is to raise awareness and increase knowledge of the assets within the three generations of the family by inviting people to participate in foundation activities and family-wide experiences rooted in the assets.
The Minnesota branch of The Liemandt Foundation focuses its efforts on Minneapolis' Northside, an urban community faced with the social isolation and dearth of opportunities that accompany racial, economic, and educational disparities.
At our monthly Peace Dinners, co-hosted by Church of the Ascension and The Basilica of St Mary, we welcome one another and neighbors from the north side to share a meal and an activity that builds and nurtures relationships within and between families. During our 2007-2008 season volunteers served 500 dinners and take-home meals for neighborhood families, provided a safe place for children to play, and strengthened relationships with families who face significant challenges everyday.
