History
Jeremiah Program was founded in Minneapolis, MN in response to the growing number of children being born to single mothers in poverty. From the start, the focus was on higher education as the solution to develop a strong future with a career-track livable wage for mothers. Quality early childhood education, safe-affordable housing, life skills education and a network of supporters are integral to the program model.
Beginning the Jeremiah Journey
Reverend Michael J. O’Connell answered the call of Minneapolis elected leadership to engage the community in breaking the cycle of poverty for single mothers and their children. He assembled leaders from the key sectors of business, education, government, congregations of faith and philanthropy to move the vision forward.
In their early work to build a better community for all, the founders were inspired by the scriptural passage, “Seek the well being of the city where I have sent you into exile and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your own welfare.” (Jeremiah 29:7) Despite the inspiration derived from the scriptural passage, Jeremiah Program does not have any specific religious affliation.
Program Planning & Development
From 1993 to 1996, Minneapolis community leaders focused on program planning and building community awareness. Northern States Power (now Xcel Energy) donated land for the Minneapolis campus; $5 million was raised for capital and program start-up, and in 1997 ground was broken for an 18-family residence.
Serving the First Families
Beginning in January 1998, the first 18 families phased into residence, and the following year, the Child Development Center opened with temporary on-site space for 27 children, ages toddler to preschool.
In 2001, the Board of Trustees authorized 21 additional residential units and a full service Child Development Center. We broke ground for Phase II in October, 2002 and by December of that year more than $6 million had been raised for capital and program expenditures. Phase II expanded the campus to include 39 affordable housing units, and provides space for 66 children, ages infant to preschool, in the Child Development Center.
Expanding into Saint Paul
In 2004, the Board of Trustees authorized a $13.8 million campaign to establish a campus in Saint Paul, with a goal of $11.8 million for capital and $2 million of program start-up. Committees comprised of Saint Paul community members held a series of information sessions throughout the city to increase awareness of the program. A site search was underway to meet our requirements for a location that was affordable and offered easy access to schools and public transportation.
A 1.36-acre parcel of land was purchased at 932 Concordia Avenue in the Summit University neighborhood. The campaign for the Saint Paul campus closed at $14 million, with $8.5 million in low-income housing credits from the City and $5.5 million in private donations. The Saint Paul campus welcomed families in September 2007.
National Expansion
In 2009, the Board of Trustees advanced the founding vision to be a national leader in creating a road map to break the cycle of multi-generational poverty. The Board of Trustees re-wrote the by-laws to and elected a National Board of Directors to focus on replicating the program’s success in other parts of the country. Jeremiah Program’s goal is to have a presence in 12 cities by 2020.
We are actively working with volunteers from Fargo, North Dakota-Moorhead, Minnesota, and Austin, Texas to bring Jeremiah Program to their communities. Community leaders, volunteers and Jeremiah staff are working to raise awareness, fundraise, and explore housing partnerships in their communities.
