Mission In Action

When a board member or a staff leaves the organization, we give them an opportunity to make a a fairly substantial $5,000 grant to a nonprofit of their choice. When Joe announced his retirement, given his long career in cultivating ordained giving for those many years, we thought maybe instead of $5,000, we do something larger and more significant.

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In the spring of 2022, retiring Ordean Foundation Program Director, Joe Everett, was given a $100,000 Legacy Grant by the Foundation to give to the cause or organization of his choosing. A gift he passed on to the Family Freedom Center for its work with Black and BIPOC youth in Duluth's Central Hillside.
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The Center's Director, Jacob Bell, worked with Joe to realize a dream that would bring career and entrepreneurial development to youth and prepare them for their own envisioned futures. Jacob Bell wanted to implement the money in Duluth to provide support in a meaningful way.

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START, is a program at the Family Freedom Center, it stands for Skilled Trades Arts, Robotics, and Technology. A creative space focused around manufacturing, entrepreneurial development and career development. The idea of START, in its simplest form, is expanding the kids of Duluth horizons’ to see what is possible.

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“I think the important thing to do to really prepare kids for their future, isn't to tell them what direction to go, but show them how many directions there are to go.”
-Jacob Bell, Family Freedom Center Director

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At the Family Freedom Center, the team is fueled by bold ideas and a commitment to pioneering initiatives. Their ethos centers around venturing into uncharted territories, breaking new ground, and embracing unconventional concepts. Joe Everett, the driving force behind the grant, shares the team's vision and enthusiasm to make a meaningful impact, particularly within the Black and BIPOC communities. It's a collective effort aimed at creating positive change and shaking things up for the better.

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Joe's unwavering support and advocacy have played a pivotal role in their ambitious initiatives. As they reflect on their journey, they anticipate looking back with pride at the remarkable achievements facilitated by the grant. The Family Freedom Center envisions a future where the positive outcomes of their endeavors stand as a testament to the transformative power of such initiatives.