Open Arms of Minnesota, a nonprofit organization with Minneapolis and St. Paul locations, prepares and delivers nourishing meals to critically ill Minnesotans and their caregivers, free of charge. They also deliver compassion and care and strive to create a sense of community for everyone involved with their organization.
Their values and mission are a perfect fit with Securian Financial who champions “caring about others” as a core company value and is a strong supporter of Open Arms.
“While Open Arms is focused on delivering medically tailored meals, they also have a strong drive and mission to create community between their funding partners, volunteers, clients and staff,” said Kate Mayer, Securian Financial’s Community Relations senior consultant and assistant director of the Securian Financial Foundation.
“I appreciate not only their mission and what they deliver to clients, but also that it's wrapped into who they are as an organization,” Kate explained. “They want everyone involved to feel a part of an inclusive, joyful community.”
Success by the numbers
Open Arms served 1.5 million meals to nearly 5,000 people in 2023, and we played an important role in that achievement. Twenty teams from Securian Financial volunteered in the kitchen preparing meals or at Open Farms, where organic vegetables and herbs are grown and used throughout the year to make client meals and create Community Supported Agriculture boxes.
That work added up to 194 Securian associates volunteering 555 hours of time and packing 20,686 meals. In addition, the Securian Financial Foundation contributed to the ongoing operational support of Open Arms.
Kate notes that the partnership works so well because “our associates like to volunteer together. Open Arms creates a great experience for corporate groups to work together, make an impact, and have fun along the way.”
Shared values make relationship a natural fit
Danielle Brady, senior director of Volunteer Engagement and Hospitality at Open Arms, said “Our relationship with Securian is such a genuine fit; you can feel it the minute your team walks in the door.”
“We have many corporate partners, but we especially appreciate the partnerships that go deeper than just checking a box that says, ‘we got our volunteer hours in,’” Danielle explained. “Securian’s partnership is so strong and engaged. You ask us what we need and get to work, focused on us and our clients.”
It’s also helpful that Securian teams volunteer regularly and fulfill their commitments. “We are truly a volunteer-driven organization; we rely on volunteers. You truly walk the walk,” said Danielle. “You show up and do what you promised.”
Kate notes that Open Arms matches our community giving mission of creating financial stability and building vibrant communities. Open Arms clients report they stay in their homes longer due to the help they get, which helps provide stability to the entire household.
Looking ahead
Securian Financial and Open Arms look forward to what they will achieve in the years ahead, including expanded delivery and reaching more people. Clients appreciate it; one had this to say: “Open Arms meals are amongst the greatest gifts I’ve ever been given. I’ve never had anything mean this much to me.”
