Community Giving in Action
Highland Bank's goal is to strengthen the communities in which it operates by reciprocating the support it has received from its customers. In deciding upon its gifts, the bank gives priority to organizations that develop commerce and to those that strengthen families. All grant recipients must have offices or activities located within the bank's seven Minnesota markets.
"Our charitable giving is one more way for us to achieve our mission: to help the bank's customers, employees and shareholders achieve prosperity," says Rick Wall, Highland Bank CEO. "Our core activity is promoting commerce by helping small businesses expand and by helping people manage their personal finances. So, we make charitable contributions that advance commerce and support families. You cannot have thriving communities with vibrant economies unless you also have strong families."
Community Partners
Every year Highland Bank organizes a week-long campaign to raise money to benefit the Greater Twin Cities United Way. The latest drive, held in October 2004, was a huge success and raised $59,200 from Highland Bank and it's employees to help those in need. United Way has the expertise and leadership to bring together business, government and community resources to define the most critical issues in our communities and create innovative solutions. The Greater Twin Cities United Way supports over 500 programs in over 200 non-profit groups. Success is ensured through measurable results and visible impact in six areas: Nurturing Children and Youth, Empowering People Through Jobs and Training, Providing Basic Needs, Strengthening Families and Communities, Supporting Seniors and People with Disabilities, and Promoting Health and Wellness. Click here to find out more about the Greater Twin Cities United Way!
VECINOS
Vecinos is a Spanish word meaning neighbors. It is located on 13th Avenue in Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis. Vecinos takes the metaphorical shape of a house with each room having a unique personality that provides a warm and inviting environment where dreams for community and empowerment intended for our neighbors unfold. At Vecinos one will find children being mentored, adults learning English, people being fed, people being clothed, neighbors working on resumes, children reading, and children and adults alike sharing life together. Vecinos is much more than what seems like a community center, it is where people exchange not only culture, but services and talents as well, making Vecinos a unique and beautiful experience for all involved.
SIMPSON Housing
Recently, Highland Bank employees worked together to prepare and serve a hot dinner to 70 residents of the Simpson Housing Men’s Shelter. In the heart of Minneapolis, Simpson Housing offers a variety of services that reach from the street to stability. During the harsh winter months of 1981, Simpson United Methodist Church began the first SHS program by opening the emergency shelter for single adults. Three years later, the program was expanded to include support services and transitional housing for adults and single-parent families. Simpson Housing Services incorporated into an independent nonprofit in 1993. Since its inception, SHS has expanded services to meet the needs of shelter guests and transitional housing residents in order to help them make the journey from homelessness to self-sufficiency. In 1999, in response to a lack of shelter beds, SHS added a 20-bed women's shelter. To learn more about donating or volunteering visit http://www.simpsonhousing.org/.
Since 1902, the Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency has been providing home health care and public health service to the Twin Cities Metro Area. MVNA serves individuals and families that are economically disadvantaged and at high risk for critical social and health issues. More than 60% of MVNA clients residing in Minneapolis are living at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines. Many of these individuals, children and families require special support due to social issues and poverty and emotional/ behavioral problems that put them at-risk for abuse or neglect.
The Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency employs over 140 full-time staff members including - Public Health Certified Nurses, RN's, LPN's, Home Health Aides, Homemakers and Interpreters. Masters prepared Clinical Nursing Managers supervise nursing field staff and paraprofessionals. Their staff performs nearly 80,000 home care visits a year. Learn more by visiting the MVNA website at www.mvna.org!
The Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation-Twin Cities was formed in 1970 by the Minneapolis business community. GMHC's mission is to preserve, improve and increase affordable housing for low and moderate-income individuals and families, as well as assist communities with housing revitalization. GMHC opens doors for homeowners, neighborhoods and developers through homebuilding, technical assistance and predevelopment lending. Over the past 32 years, GMHC has been an essential ingredient in the development of affordable housing and livable neighborhoods in the greater Minneapolis area. Initiated by the Minneapolis business community in 1970, GMHC has been a model public/private partnership. To learn more about the Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation-Twin Cities, visit www.gmhctc.org.
As a Poplar Bridge Elementary Business Partner, Highland Bank is involved with several programs at this Bloomington school. Bankers work closely with teachers, students and parents to host the annual Toys-for-Tots drive during December and Highland Financial Advisors teach students about investing and apply their learning through the month long stock market game.
The Poplar Bridge School Mission: We are committed to educating all students to their fullest potential, encouraging them to be lifelong learners and responsible individuals.
