|
|
|
|
Better Futures Minnesota Inspires Entrepreneurship
 Elbert has been a member of the Better Futures community since 2011. Elbert purchased a used vending machine from a business partner and placed it in the warehouse to provide additional revenue for Better Futures. Last December, Elbert purchased another vending machine that is now located in the Community Room at Better Futures Minnesota. The idea to start a business developed while Elbert was still incarcerated. He explained, "I wondered what I was going to do when I got out. I knew I had to be realistic about job possibilities." He knew he would face barriers in seeking employment with a criminal background and with his age. Elbert decided the best path of success would be to create his own business with low start up costs and overhead fees. Elbert earned a degree in business administration and small business operation while he was incarcerated.
Elbert was referred to Better Futures by a friend and contacted the organization immediately following his release. He says Better Futures was extremely "useful and helpful. It has a lot to offer someone who is willing to change."
His business began by selling soft drinks out of the refrigerator in the Better Futures Guest House. Later, he had the opportunity to purchase a vending machine, and a year after that he acquired his second vending machine.
By the end of this year, Elbert hopes to continue the growth of his business by acquiring more vending machines and placing them in locations outside of Better Futures. "I plan to have ten vending machines by the end of this year and keep growing after that."
|
|
Better Futures Welcomes New CEO, Dr. Thomas Adams!
Better Futures Minnesota is pleased to welcome Dr. Thomas Ad ams as our new President and Chief Executive Officer. After founding Better Futures and serving for eight years as the first President and CEO, Steve Thomas will continue with the organization as the Senior Advisor for Strategy and
Business Development. This transition in leadership is one of several key strategies being advanced to ensure the sustainability of Better Futures' lines of business and its model of integrated care.
Dr. Adams earned a master's degree in social work from Augsburg College and a doctorate in organizational leadership from Regent University. He has held leadership roles with the Association of Minority Health Professions Schools, Summit Academy OIC, and Pillsbury Neighborhood Services. Most recently, Dr. Adams has served as the CEO for African American Family Services. "I am excited to be a part of this dynamic and innovative social enterprise. I am eager to build on the past success of the organization to amplify the impact of our work and produce even better outcomes," said Dr. Adams.
Steve Thomas stated his successor "is bringing the leadership, knowledge, and experience that Better Futures needs to transition from a proven pilot to a sustainable enterprise." Dr. Adams noted, "change will occur. That is the world of social enterprises. We will continue to be flexible, adaptive, and innovative." We are excited about the skills, leadership, and energy that Dr. Adams brings to the organization. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Adams to the Better Futures community!
|
|
|
|
Bloomberg Highlights Better Futures Participants
Bloomberg columnist Jeanna Smialek featured Better Futures member, Archmiguel "Arch" Murphy, in an article about the difficulty to find employment for individuals who have experienced incarceration.
The article highlights the struggle to end employment discrimination based solely on criminal background. Read the article here!
Photographer: Ariana Lindquist/Bloomberg |
|
Check Out Sale Items at the Warehouse!
New light fixtures, kitchen and dining cabinets, and door knobs have just arrived. Come to our warehouse and pick up what you need at a great price!
Hours:
Monday-Friday 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Telephone Number: 763-710-7325
Warehouse Address: 6100 Olson Memorial Highway Golden Valley, MN 55422 |
|
|
|
|
|
Why Better Futures Minnesota?
We believe everyone deserves a fair shot at the American dream. This dream includes a decent job, a safe place to live, a chance to have meaningful relationships and connections, a chance to be a good parent and raise children, and a chance to be a contributing member of society.
We believe in personal redemption and second chances. The men we embrace and serve did some bad things but they are not bad people. Like all of us, they need to take responsibility for their past and they should have a chance to pursue a better future.
We believe current systems and practices are unfair and produce unacceptable outcomes. We believe our participants, taxpayers and our society deserve much better results.
We believe work matters; a job has practical and intrinsic value. We think about and look at the challenges experienced by the men in a dramatically different way. A different perspective inspires creative, new approaches which lead to much better outcomes for the men, their families, and our society.
| 
|
|
|
