Each year, the Chamber Coalition of Dakota County, which includes the Apple Valley, Burnsville, Hastings, River Heights and Lakeville Chambers, come together for this joint Coffee Connection hosted by 360 Communities. A great number of Apple Valley Chamber members attended and we and our neighbors are very grateful. THANK YOU TO ALL OUR APPLE VALLEY MEMBERS WHO ATTENDED. We are grateful.

Over 290 pounds of donated food shelf items were brought in by our collective members. We all heard a heartfelt and impassioned presentation from Jeff Mortensen, CEO of 360 Communities. He summarized the numerous areas they are involved in, including food shelves, domestic and sexual violence programs, Lewis House protection facilities as well as grand future plans to expand the Lewis House in light of an increasing need.

Goals of 360 Communities:

• Decrease domestic and sexual violence
• Increase family stability
• Reduce homelessness
• Increase access to healthy food
• Prevent child abuse and neglect
• Improve early childhood development
• Increase high school graduation rates
• Raise awareness of community needs