CHARITIES
The following is a list of charities supported by the Plymouth Lions
Bloom Early Learing
Bloom Early Learing offers up to fifty percent of its capacity to children needing tuition assistance. The SRSF relies on gifts from individual donors, grants, fundraising events, as well as corporations, public organizations and faith communities. For additional information: bloomearlylearning.org
Camp Courage Friendship Ventures
In November 2012 - Courage Center Camps of Golden and Friendship Ventures of Annandale partnered to create a new camp organization to serve people with disabilities. This collaboration brings together two of Minnesota's largest and most dynamic camp providers in the disability community. For more information: www.campscouragefriendship.org
Children’s Hospital and Clinic of MinnesotaChildren’s champion the special health needs of children and their families. Children's is committed to improving children's health by providing high-quality, family centered pediatric services. We advance these efforts through research and education. For additional information: www.childrensmn.org
College PossibleCollege possible makes college admission and graduation possible for low-income students. High school students in the program receive 320 hours of direct support over two years through afterschool programming led by Americorps coaches. Students continue to receive coaching through the completion of their college degree. For additional information: MSPinfo@CollegePossible.org
Cooper Legacy Project (Cooper High School)The graduating class of 1969 in cooperation with Cooper High School created a fund to help Cooper students in need. 42% of Cooper students qualify for free or reduced lunch and for many school lunch is the only substantial meal of their day. The Legacy Project provides winter coats, prescription eye wear or eye exams. For additionl information: www.robbinsdalehs.org
The Cookie CartThe Cookie Cart’s is centered in a community nonprofit bakery. Cookie Cart builds better lives by providing lasting and meaningful work, life and leadership skills. The organization’s primary goal is to prepare young people to find and keep jobs in the 21st century workforce. It achieves this objective by giving teens the opportunity to gain transferable employment and interpersonal skills that will help them be successful in work and in life. For additional information: www.cookiecart.org
Courage KennyCourage Kenny specializes in rehabilitation services for children, teens, adults and seniors dealing with neurological conditions such as brain injury, orthopedic issues, chronic pain or autism spectrum disorders. Courage Kenny serve more than 11,000 clients annually by providing inpatient, outpatient, and community-based medical rehabilitation services. Courage Kenny advocates on behalf of all Minnesotans with disabilities. Located in Golden Valley, MN and Stillwater, MN For additional information: www.couragecenter.org
Gilda’s ClubGilda’s Club Twin Cities is the local affiliate of the Cancer Support Community, a network of more than 57 supportive, free and welcoming “clubhouses” where everyone living with cancer can come for social, emotional and psychological support. Gilda’s Club mission: To ensure all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action and sustained by community. For additional information: www.gildasclubtwincities.org
Gillette Children’s HospitalGillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare provides specialized health care for people who have short-term or long-term disabilities that began during childhood. Gillette helps children, adults and their families improve their health, achieve greater well-being and enjoy life. Each year, nearly 25,000 patients come to Gillette because of our unique focus on disabilities and complex medical conditions. For additional information: www.gillettechildrens.org
Greater Minneapolis Crisis NurseryThe Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery works to end child abuse and neglect and create strong, healthy families. The Crisis Nursery supports families in crisis 24 hours a day, 365 days a year through voluntary services. For additional information: www.crisisnursery.org
Hammer ResidenceHammer has a long, rich history of providing innovative services for people with disabilities to live meaningful, selfdirected lives. Founded in 1923, Hammer has served the Minnesota community for over 90 years. They continue to be a successful leader in the industry with self-direction is the core of their mission: to provide adults and children with developmental disabilities the opportunity to experience life to its fullest. For additional information: www.hammer.org
Hennepin Tech CollegeThe Plymouth Lions scholarship program is run through Hennepin Technical College. An endowment account is maintained and periodically added to. Scholarships are granted out of interest received on the principal investments. Selection of recipients is based on Plymouth residency, scholastic achievement, demonstrated (volunteerism) and financial need.
Home Free Mission Inc.Home Free opened in 1980 providing battered women with immediate safety and the opportunity to explore alternatives to living with a violent partner. Emergency housing, advocacy and support services are available at the shelter for up to 30 women and their children. Women's and children's advocates provide information and resources, supporting the decisions each woman makes and providing specific programming for children. Advocacy and support services are available to women living in the community through the Home Free Community Program. For additional information: www.missioninc.org
Homeward BoundHomeward Bound provides quality and innovative services to support children and adults with disabilities in leading fulfilling lives. Homeward Bound serves children and adults with a variety of disabilities, but have the unique capacity of meeting the needs of those with the most severe and profound disabilities. For additional information: www.hbimn.org
IOCPInterfaith Outreach & Community Partners responds to emergency needs, moves families toward stability and positive change through food shelfs, housing assistance, and employment development. For additional information: www.iocp.org
Leader Dogs for the BlindFounded by three Detroit-area Lions Clubs members in 1939, Leader Dogs for the Blind provides guide dogs to people who are blind and visually impaired to enhance their mobility, independence and quality of life. Each year clients attend our 26-day residential training program to be paired with a guide dog. For additional information: www.5m5lions.org
Lions Club International FoudationLCIF helps Lions improve peoples’ lives around the world, from combating vision problems to responding to major catastrophes to providing valuable life skills to youth. Because LCIF helps Lions carry out large-scale projects through our grant programs, Lions increase their impact in their local and global communities and serve even more people in need around the world. For additional information: www.lcif.org
Minnesota Lions Diabetes FoundationThe Minnesota Lions Diabetes Foundation is founded by the Lions Clubs of Minnesota and their dedicated volunteer members who are strongly committed to improving the lives of people with diabetes by raising funds and collaborating partners to do diabetes research, diabetes education, and sponsor preventative health activities that provide a caring and valued community service while helping to find a cure for diabetes. For additional information: www.5m5lions.org
Lions International Sight FirstWith a focus on building comprehensive and sustainable eye care systems, SightFirst provides funding for projects that deliver eye care services, build or strengthen eye care facilities, train professionals and build awareness about eye health in underserved communities. For additional information: http://www.lcif.org/EN/ourprograms/sight/index.php
Lions Multiple District Hearing FoundationThe Lions Multiple District 5M Hearing Foundation was founded in 1973 to promote to the fullest extent the advancement of research and programs concerned with hearing health and communication disorders. Further it was founded to provide assistance in organization and administration of these activities throughout the Lions Multiple District 5M which encompasses Minnesota, Manitoba, and Western Ontario. For additional information: www.5mhf.org
Lions Youth ExchangeThe Lions International Youth Camp and Exchange Program is life-changing. Participants have a unique cultural learning experience whether in their own country or traveling to another, living with a host family and taking part in a camp. For additional information: www.5m5lions.org Lions Vision FoundationThe Vision Foundation is one of the largest eye banks in the United States and a leading provider of eye tissue for research, helping professionals learn more about conditionssuch as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Since opening in 1960, the eye bank has provided more than 25,000 corneas for transplant and helped countless others through research donations. For additional information: www.5m5lions.org Make A Wish MinnesotaGrants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. The Plymouth Lions sponsors a child from Plymouth as they are brought to our attention. Magnus Veterans Foundation At Magnus Veterans Foundation, our goal is to promote healing and restoration for veterans and their families. We may never know the true impact of war on each veteran, but we can honor our heroes by providing the resources they need to bridge the gap between service and home. Join us in restoring the body, heart, mind, and spirit — and helping our veterans and their families heal. magnusveteransfoundation.org Medicine Lake Fire DepartmentThe Fire Department’s mission is to continually protect and preserve lives and property through quality education, prevention and rapid emergency response. The Plymouth Lions hold their monthly dinner meeting at the Medicine Lake Fire Department Hall. Northern Voices Parents dream to have their child reach his or her full potential. At Northern Voices, those dreams become reality. Whether your child has a cochlear implant and/or hearing aids, through early, specialized intervention, children with hearing loss can learn to use listening and spoken language to find their voices. We believe that families should have a choice in the communication modality of their child, and our goal is to provide a center of excellence for families who choose listening and spoken communication. www.northernvoices.org Northern Plains Vision of Sports CampVisually Impaired and blind children/youth from throughout Minnesota participate in an annual sport and recreation camp in June at Bemidji State University. The goal is to introduce individuals with VI or B to sports and athletic involvement in their communities, including possibly representing our country in the Paralympics. For additional information: www.visionofsport.org
Plymouth Fire and Crime PreventionMission: to support the pursuit of higher education in law enforcement, the fire service, and EMS (Emergency, Medical Services) professions. For additional information: www.Plymouthmn.gov
PRISM (People Responding In Social Ministry)PRISM is a social service agency that helps local families during time of financial hardship. Volunteers and staff at PRISM work with families: counseling, education and stabilizing basic needs to empower them to take an active role in their own solutions. For additional information: www.prismmpls.org
Robbinsdale District 281 -New Hope Early Childhood Learning CenterEarly Childhood Family Education (ECFE), a Community Education program of Robbinsdale Area Schools. ECFE believes that the years before a child begins school are the most important in their development. ECFE is based on the recognition that the home is the child's first learning environment and that parents are the primary most important teachers. For additional information: www.andrdale.org
Seeing HandsSeeing Hands is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing reading material to blind children in a format that both the sighted and the visually impaired can enjoy. We specialize in books for children ages 4-10 years free of charge. For additional information: www.seeinghards.org
Special OlympicsSpecial Olympics Minnesota offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round sports training and competition. Through Special Olympics’ athletic, health and leadership programs, people with intellectual disabilities transform themselves, their communities and the world. For additional information: www.5m5lions.org
teens ALONETeen Alone is a community-based organization that provide free crisis, counseling and referral services to youth and families in partnership with four school districts and their communities in the western suburbs of Minneapolis. For additional information: www.teensalone.org
Tree HouseTreeHouse is a faith based, non-profit organization offering hope and guidance to hurting teens, alumni, and parents during difficult times. TreeHouse serves parents and nearly 1,500different teens annually, amassing over 45,000 outreach contacts in the communities of Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Chaska, Mahtomedi, Minnetonka, New Hope, Plymouth and St. Louis Park. For additional information: www.treehouseyouth.org
Wayzata Schools Destination ImaginationDestination Imagination is an educational program where student teams solve open-ended Challenges and present their solutions at tournaments. The mission of DI is to develop opportunities that inspire global community learners to utilize diverse approaches in applying 21st Skills and Creativity. For additional information: www.mndi.org
West Suburban YMCAThe West Suburban YMCA is a conerstone to our community. The Suburban YMCA is a nonprofit partner in strengthening families through youth development, health living and social responsibility. Last year, the YMCA gave back $300,000 in financial assistance to over 450 local families and children in need allowing them to participate in our vale-based programs and summ camps. For additional information: http://www.ymcatwincities.org/locations/ridgedale_ymca/
College PossibleCollege possible makes college admission and graduation possible for low-income students. High school students in the program receive 320 hours of direct support over two years through afterschool programming led by Americorps coaches. Students continue to receive coaching through the completion of their college degree. For additional information: MSPinfo@CollegePossible.org
Cooper Legacy Project (Cooper High School)The graduating class of 1969 in cooperation with Cooper High School created a fund to help Cooper students in need. 42% of Cooper students qualify for free or reduced lunch and for many school lunch is the only substantial meal of their day. The Legacy Project provides winter coats, prescription eye wear or eye exams. For additionl information: www.robbinsdalehs.org
The Cookie CartThe Cookie Cart’s is centered in a community nonprofit bakery. Cookie Cart builds better lives by providing lasting and meaningful work, life and leadership skills. The organization’s primary goal is to prepare young people to find and keep jobs in the 21st century workforce. It achieves this objective by giving teens the opportunity to gain transferable employment and interpersonal skills that will help them be successful in work and in life. For additional information: www.cookiecart.org
Courage KennyCourage Kenny specializes in rehabilitation services for children, teens, adults and seniors dealing with neurological conditions such as brain injury, orthopedic issues, chronic pain or autism spectrum disorders. Courage Kenny serve more than 11,000 clients annually by providing inpatient, outpatient, and community-based medical rehabilitation services. Courage Kenny advocates on behalf of all Minnesotans with disabilities. Located in Golden Valley, MN and Stillwater, MN For additional information: www.couragecenter.org
Gilda’s ClubGilda’s Club Twin Cities is the local affiliate of the Cancer Support Community, a network of more than 57 supportive, free and welcoming “clubhouses” where everyone living with cancer can come for social, emotional and psychological support. Gilda’s Club mission: To ensure all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action and sustained by community. For additional information: www.gildasclubtwincities.org
Gillette Children’s HospitalGillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare provides specialized health care for people who have short-term or long-term disabilities that began during childhood. Gillette helps children, adults and their families improve their health, achieve greater well-being and enjoy life. Each year, nearly 25,000 patients come to Gillette because of our unique focus on disabilities and complex medical conditions. For additional information: www.gillettechildrens.org
Greater Minneapolis Crisis NurseryThe Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery works to end child abuse and neglect and create strong, healthy families. The Crisis Nursery supports families in crisis 24 hours a day, 365 days a year through voluntary services. For additional information: www.crisisnursery.org
Hammer ResidenceHammer has a long, rich history of providing innovative services for people with disabilities to live meaningful, selfdirected lives. Founded in 1923, Hammer has served the Minnesota community for over 90 years. They continue to be a successful leader in the industry with self-direction is the core of their mission: to provide adults and children with developmental disabilities the opportunity to experience life to its fullest. For additional information: www.hammer.org
Hennepin Tech CollegeThe Plymouth Lions scholarship program is run through Hennepin Technical College. An endowment account is maintained and periodically added to. Scholarships are granted out of interest received on the principal investments. Selection of recipients is based on Plymouth residency, scholastic achievement, demonstrated (volunteerism) and financial need.
Home Free Mission Inc.Home Free opened in 1980 providing battered women with immediate safety and the opportunity to explore alternatives to living with a violent partner. Emergency housing, advocacy and support services are available at the shelter for up to 30 women and their children. Women's and children's advocates provide information and resources, supporting the decisions each woman makes and providing specific programming for children. Advocacy and support services are available to women living in the community through the Home Free Community Program. For additional information: www.missioninc.org
Homeward BoundHomeward Bound provides quality and innovative services to support children and adults with disabilities in leading fulfilling lives. Homeward Bound serves children and adults with a variety of disabilities, but have the unique capacity of meeting the needs of those with the most severe and profound disabilities. For additional information: www.hbimn.org
IOCPInterfaith Outreach & Community Partners responds to emergency needs, moves families toward stability and positive change through food shelfs, housing assistance, and employment development. For additional information: www.iocp.org
Leader Dogs for the BlindFounded by three Detroit-area Lions Clubs members in 1939, Leader Dogs for the Blind provides guide dogs to people who are blind and visually impaired to enhance their mobility, independence and quality of life. Each year clients attend our 26-day residential training program to be paired with a guide dog. For additional information: www.5m5lions.org
Lions Club International FoudationLCIF helps Lions improve peoples’ lives around the world, from combating vision problems to responding to major catastrophes to providing valuable life skills to youth. Because LCIF helps Lions carry out large-scale projects through our grant programs, Lions increase their impact in their local and global communities and serve even more people in need around the world. For additional information: www.lcif.org
Minnesota Lions Diabetes FoundationThe Minnesota Lions Diabetes Foundation is founded by the Lions Clubs of Minnesota and their dedicated volunteer members who are strongly committed to improving the lives of people with diabetes by raising funds and collaborating partners to do diabetes research, diabetes education, and sponsor preventative health activities that provide a caring and valued community service while helping to find a cure for diabetes. For additional information: www.5m5lions.org
Lions International Sight FirstWith a focus on building comprehensive and sustainable eye care systems, SightFirst provides funding for projects that deliver eye care services, build or strengthen eye care facilities, train professionals and build awareness about eye health in underserved communities. For additional information: http://www.lcif.org/EN/ourprograms/sight/index.php
Lions Multiple District Hearing FoundationThe Lions Multiple District 5M Hearing Foundation was founded in 1973 to promote to the fullest extent the advancement of research and programs concerned with hearing health and communication disorders. Further it was founded to provide assistance in organization and administration of these activities throughout the Lions Multiple District 5M which encompasses Minnesota, Manitoba, and Western Ontario. For additional information: www.5mhf.org
Lions Youth ExchangeThe Lions International Youth Camp and Exchange Program is life-changing. Participants have a unique cultural learning experience whether in their own country or traveling to another, living with a host family and taking part in a camp. For additional information: www.5m5lions.org Lions Vision FoundationThe Vision Foundation is one of the largest eye banks in the United States and a leading provider of eye tissue for research, helping professionals learn more about conditionssuch as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Since opening in 1960, the eye bank has provided more than 25,000 corneas for transplant and helped countless others through research donations. For additional information: www.5m5lions.org Make A Wish MinnesotaGrants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. The Plymouth Lions sponsors a child from Plymouth as they are brought to our attention. Magnus Veterans Foundation At Magnus Veterans Foundation, our goal is to promote healing and restoration for veterans and their families. We may never know the true impact of war on each veteran, but we can honor our heroes by providing the resources they need to bridge the gap between service and home. Join us in restoring the body, heart, mind, and spirit — and helping our veterans and their families heal. magnusveteransfoundation.org Medicine Lake Fire DepartmentThe Fire Department’s mission is to continually protect and preserve lives and property through quality education, prevention and rapid emergency response. The Plymouth Lions hold their monthly dinner meeting at the Medicine Lake Fire Department Hall. Northern Voices Parents dream to have their child reach his or her full potential. At Northern Voices, those dreams become reality. Whether your child has a cochlear implant and/or hearing aids, through early, specialized intervention, children with hearing loss can learn to use listening and spoken language to find their voices. We believe that families should have a choice in the communication modality of their child, and our goal is to provide a center of excellence for families who choose listening and spoken communication. www.northernvoices.org Northern Plains Vision of Sports CampVisually Impaired and blind children/youth from throughout Minnesota participate in an annual sport and recreation camp in June at Bemidji State University. The goal is to introduce individuals with VI or B to sports and athletic involvement in their communities, including possibly representing our country in the Paralympics. For additional information: www.visionofsport.org
Plymouth Fire and Crime PreventionMission: to support the pursuit of higher education in law enforcement, the fire service, and EMS (Emergency, Medical Services) professions. For additional information: www.Plymouthmn.gov
PRISM (People Responding In Social Ministry)PRISM is a social service agency that helps local families during time of financial hardship. Volunteers and staff at PRISM work with families: counseling, education and stabilizing basic needs to empower them to take an active role in their own solutions. For additional information: www.prismmpls.org
Robbinsdale District 281 -New Hope Early Childhood Learning CenterEarly Childhood Family Education (ECFE), a Community Education program of Robbinsdale Area Schools. ECFE believes that the years before a child begins school are the most important in their development. ECFE is based on the recognition that the home is the child's first learning environment and that parents are the primary most important teachers. For additional information: www.andrdale.org
Seeing HandsSeeing Hands is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing reading material to blind children in a format that both the sighted and the visually impaired can enjoy. We specialize in books for children ages 4-10 years free of charge. For additional information: www.seeinghards.org
Special OlympicsSpecial Olympics Minnesota offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round sports training and competition. Through Special Olympics’ athletic, health and leadership programs, people with intellectual disabilities transform themselves, their communities and the world. For additional information: www.5m5lions.org
teens ALONETeen Alone is a community-based organization that provide free crisis, counseling and referral services to youth and families in partnership with four school districts and their communities in the western suburbs of Minneapolis. For additional information: www.teensalone.org
Tree HouseTreeHouse is a faith based, non-profit organization offering hope and guidance to hurting teens, alumni, and parents during difficult times. TreeHouse serves parents and nearly 1,500different teens annually, amassing over 45,000 outreach contacts in the communities of Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Chaska, Mahtomedi, Minnetonka, New Hope, Plymouth and St. Louis Park. For additional information: www.treehouseyouth.org
Wayzata Schools Destination ImaginationDestination Imagination is an educational program where student teams solve open-ended Challenges and present their solutions at tournaments. The mission of DI is to develop opportunities that inspire global community learners to utilize diverse approaches in applying 21st Skills and Creativity. For additional information: www.mndi.org
West Suburban YMCAThe West Suburban YMCA is a conerstone to our community. The Suburban YMCA is a nonprofit partner in strengthening families through youth development, health living and social responsibility. Last year, the YMCA gave back $300,000 in financial assistance to over 450 local families and children in need allowing them to participate in our vale-based programs and summ camps. For additional information: http://www.ymcatwincities.org/locations/ridgedale_ymca/