A message from President & CEO,
Kelly Matter

As I reflect on the past year, I am deeply thankful and confident about the path forward. Thanks to your support and the tireless dedication of Avivo’s staff, we have seen tremendous impact through our programs and services. More than 11,000 Minnesotans advanced toward recovery, stability, and employment through Avivo’s integrated services; nearly 1,800 individuals secured housing support; and new educational and workforce opportunities helped more than 7,700 people move toward economic independence. These outcomes remind us that when dignity and opportunity meet, transformation happens.

These outcomes are especially remarkable given the budget pressures and staffing transitions of the past year. During this time, Avivo closed a nearly $3 million deficit while prioritizing the well-being of our team through a 32-hour work week. This commitment not only reduced staff turnover but also fostered a stronger, more sustainable workforce. Our employees bring renewed energy and creativity to their work, amplifying our impact across the community.

Our partners are essential to this success. In 2024, Avivo’s volunteer program earned national reaccreditation from AL!VE as a Service Enterprise Organization—placing us in the top 11 percent of nonprofits nationwide for volunteer engagement and performance.

Of course, challenges remain. Looming federal and state cuts threaten lifeline programs. Yet Avivo has never shied away from hard work or hard times. We will continue to serve, adapt, and find ways forward—together with you.

This year, we are breaking ground on Avivo Village Central Minnesota in St. Cloud, extending the success of our North Loop community. We will also open a first-of-its-kind intensive outpatient substance use treatment with housing program for fathers —allowing dads to care for their children while pursuing recovery.

These innovations bring Avivo’s values of absolute dignity, radical welcome, and curiosity to life.

Thank you for standing with Avivo. Your partnership makes every step forward possible. Together, we are building communities where everyone can thrive.

With gratitude,

Kelly Matter
President and CEO, Avivo

2024 at a glance

11,191

people served

1,729

individuals found work or entered careers

1,479

people moved from public assistance to employment

98%

of people served live in poverty

2,198

individuals increased wellness through chemical & mental health services

56%

of individuals served identify as people of color

1,790

people experiencing homelessness find housing or keep supportive housing

313

individuals served at Avivo Village North Loop

ABSOLUTE dignity

We walk alongside our community without judgement while offering an integrated continuum of services to help people thrive. Everyone is deserving of happiness, health, and value. People trust Avivo with their lives, their next steps.

Avivo hosts career fairs

After a move for the Avivo Institute of Career & Technical Education programs and employment services, Avivo began regularly hosting career fairs, linking Avivo participants and members of the general public to jobs at dozens of employers.

Avivo goes to the Minnesota State Capitol

Avivo staff and participants joined together for two important advocacy days at the Minnesota State Capitol: Mental Health Day on the Hill and Homeless Day on the Hill, meeting with legislators to share personal stories and advocate for greater mental health support and housing supports across Minnesota.

Avivo staff speak at national conference

Two senior members of Avivo’s Ending Homelessness team, Charlotte and Brandon, were invited to present at the Housing First Partners Conference in Atlanta alongside safety partners from Relative Intel, highlighting High-Fidelity Harm Reduction in site-based programs.

Savannah

Overcoming obstacles is nothing new to Savannah. After losing her parents young and enduring hardships—from a broken leg leading to amputation and early responsibility supporting her family—to addiction after her daughter’s birth, she found herself alone and struggling. Determined to change, Savannah entered treatment. At Avivo, she discovered hope. “I got a huge response from Avivo staff. Between Damon in housing and peer support specialists, my case manager, my counselor, and going to meetings… I realized how much support I have, and how great it is to wake up and not be sick or crave anything,” she recalls.

Now, with renewed purpose, Savannah is rebuilding her life, pursuing a cosmetology license and strengthening her bond with her son.

Artists in Avivo’s ArtWorks program launch new artist-teacher workshops

With support from the Minnesota State Arts Board, Avivo’s ArtWorks program launched a multi-month series of arts workshops led by artists in the program. The grant allowed program members/artists to be paid for their teaching, which strengthened their sense of identity, reduced stigma, and empowered them professionally. The peer-led format enhanced the experience for participants, and fostered connection, creativity, and mutual growth. This initiative highlighted the value of community-based art in supporting mental health and personal development for all involved.

Since 2004, Avivo ArtWorks has supported artists living with mental illness through inclusive programming, peer support, exhibitions, and advocacy.

Avivo’s career education programs relocate to improve access

Avivo relocated several programs to its Chicago Avenue campus to improve access and better serve participants. The move centralizes career education, employment services, and support programs for dislocated workers, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities. This shift enhances coordination and eliminates barriers like transportation, especially for those also accessing Avivo’s mental health, housing, and recovery services.

The new setup offers a holistic approach all in the same general area, or campus, allowing individuals to receive comprehensive support in one accessible location – “The Avivo Way.”

Kat

When Kat Vann entered retirement, she decided that she would be the best volunteer she could be. Kat coordinated donation drives for Avivo and Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative that effectively provided household move-in items for 46 residents moving out of homelessness and into home. With her background at Beacon, Kat brought together congregations to provide essential household items – like bedding, dishes, and hygiene supplies – for residents at Bimosedaa, a supportive housing development designed to serve Native Americans experiencing homelessness. Her work mobilized twelve congregations and community groups, ensuring every unit was fully stocked. Kat continues to advocate for housing justice through legislative outreach and donation efforts. Her dedication reflects her belief in collective action and the power of community. “We are keeping the need for housing at the forefront,” she says, emphasizing the many ways people can contribute to ending homelessness.

“We can do big things together if we step into it.”

Avivo Receives Northern Light Award

Avivo was honored to receive the 2024 Northern Light Award for Inspiring Organizational Leadership from the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless (MCH). The award recognizes Avivo’s commitment to addressing homelessness through a holistic, equity-driven approach that goes beyond housing – advocating for racial justice, LGBTQ+ equity, and support for other marginalized communities.

MCH praised Avivo as “an exceptional organization” tackling housing challenges at both local and statewide levels, with a focus on the intersectionality of social justice issues.

This honor reflects Avivo’s dedication to not only ensuring equal access to housing but also building a more just and equitable society for all.

LEAN into curiosity

We ask questions, take risks, listen to people we serve, and humbly embrace learning. Challenges aren’t barriers; they are opportunities. We do what it takes and leverage relationships, science, and service to have life-changing impact in individuals’ lives and communities.

Avivo celebrates 200 housed at Avivo Village

Avivo celebrated 200 individuals permanently housed at Avivo Village with a BBQ for team members and residents, with food provided by partner Involve MN.

Artists in Avivo ArtWorks have artwork displayed on Hennepin Avenue

Artists from Avivo’s ArtWorks program have their work featured in the “Beginnings” poster show, now on display at The Sidewalk Gallery in downtown Minneapolis thanks to a partnership with Hennepin Theatre Trust (now named Hennepin Arts).

Avivo’s annual all-staff event highlights Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Avivo hosted an all-staff event put on by the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Team focused on allyship! Staff were honored who were identified as champions of Avivo’s values of a Radical Welcome, Absolute Dignity, and Leaning into Curiosity.

Amber

After her daughter was diagnosed with a serious medical condition, Amber needed a reliable career to support herself and her three children. A friend introduced her to Avivo’s Medical Office Support training, whose flexible, self‑paced classes fit around her parenting schedule. While studying, Amber worked with an Avivo mobility mentor, who helped her polish her resume and explore job leads. Avivo provided not only accommodating classroom hours but also essential equipment, like a laptop to use. Armed with her new certification and Avivo’s guidance, Amber landed a receptionist position – allowing her to care for her daughter while earning steady income. Amber credits Avivo’s understanding of students’ real‑world responsibilities for her success.

“Avivo is unique … They really understand that people have other lives besides school. They’re really accommodating and provide you with any equipment you might need, like laptops.”

Avivo’s Mental Health Clinic Grows

Avivo’s Mental Health Clinic grew and changed to offer advanced, holistic services tailored to individuals with limited or no income, and to offer those services at multiple Twin Cities locations – including Avivo’s main campus, YouthLink, and Avivo Village. These services include EMDR and trauma-sensitive therapeutic yoga, designed to support recovery from complex trauma and mental health challenges.

With a diverse team of practitioners, the clinic ensures culturally responsive care that fosters safety, connection, and healing for individuals from all backgrounds.

Avivo Partners with Xcel Power Up

Avivo partnered with Xcel Energy’s Power Up program to offer Construction Pre-Apprentice Training. Graduates of Avivo’s inaugural Xcel Energy Power Up Construction Pre-Apprentice training program shared that they secured union apprenticeships in trades like electrical work, insulation, ironwork, and carpentry—entering high-demand careers with strong starting wages and long-term opportunity. Marfred, now a first-year apprentice with St. Paul Local 110 IBEW, shared thoughts at a graduation celebration, “I want to appreciate Avivo for the opportunity to excel in my career … Through financial and moral support from Avivo, my career as an electrician is well on course.”

“I am honored to be a first-year apprentice at the St Paul local 110 IBEW and presently working…”

RADICAL welcome

Avivo provides radical hospitality – spaces that are safe, inclusive, and culturally relevant to all. We celebrate the power of living authentically. We commit to fostering a culture that rewards the courage to do so.

Avivo works with partners toward ending veteran homelessness

Recently, a proclamation by Hennepin County of “effectively ending” veteran homelessness has sparked pride and reflection among the Avivo Village team. Avivo is proud to be a partner organization working toward ending veteran homelessness in Hennepin County. Other partners include staff from the Veterans Administration (VA), the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MAC-V), Hennepin County, and the Military Records Research Center (MRRC) to create a safety net of resources for veterans.

“Avivo Village is home to many different populations of folks. We get
people coming in from all kinds of backgrounds and histories of their lives. We started to notice a lot of people were coming in who were veterans experiencing homelessness,” shares Winnie Tynddol, housing case manager at Avivo. Winnie shares that Avivo provides supportive services which address each individual’s unique needs. She’s proud that Avivo Village, Avivo’s 100-unit tiny home shelter in Minneapolis’ North Loop, has served as a temporary home for 40 veterans since 2020 as they work toward permanent housing.

Celebration of Avivo Village in the North Loop includes theater by zAmya Theater Project

Avivo and partners zAmya Theater Project and the North Loop Neighborhood Association hosted a celebration titled “It’s Working: Avivo in the North Loop Celebration” highlighting the success of connecting Avivo Village residents to permanent housing.

New, culturally relevant, housing opens in downtown Minneapolis

Bimosedaa, a brand-new 48-unit apartment complex in the former Rockler Fur building on 4th Street in downtown Minneapolis was opened by Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, with Avivo and Beacon partnering to provide culturally relevant services and housing for Indigenous people experiencing homelessness.

Art-A-Whirl showcases the art of artists in Avivo ArtWorks

Avivo’s ArtWorks program staff and participants hosted public art demonstrations during Art-A-Whirl 2024, sharing their talents through activities like keychain-making and fabric weaving, and showcasing their original artwork throughout the weekend.

Avivo expands its employment services to Wright and Mille Lacs Counties

Avivo expanded its services to Wright and Mille Lacs Counties, opening new offices in Buffalo and Milaca to support an additional 274 families receiving public assistance. Chosen through a competitive grant process, Avivo is now the sole provider in these areas. Avivo focuses on removing barriers and offering tailored support – such as interpreters, transportation aid, and employment resources – to help families achieve stability and independence. Staff emphasize the importance of community connection and individualized care. This expansion reflects Avivo’s continued commitment to empowering families across Minnesota.

“I feel grateful to be in a position to make a positive impact in the community I grew up in,” shares Tessa Holgate, program supervisor at Avivo’s new Buffalo location.

Avivo expands its programs to keep participants safe and healthy

Avivo expanded its harm-reduction practices across the organization thanks to a $175,000 grant from Hennepin County. The grant allowed Avivo to bolster opioid prevention, response, and treatment to communities disproportionately impacted by the opioid epidemic, and also supported the hiring of a harm reduction manager. This initiative reflects Avivo’s long-standing commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care in addressing the opioid crisis.

“Individuals struggling with opioid use deserve a caring response to help keep them alive and safe so they can take their next step to stability.” – Kelly Matter, President & CEO, Avivo

Avivo Career Fairs create intersection of employers, jobseekers, and career counselors

Staring down the modern job market can feel like needing to slay a dragon. That’s why Brett Sietsma, recruitment and business development specialist at Avivo, started working with employers to create regular Avivo Career Fairs, which create an intersection of job seekers, employers, and Avivo’s career counselors.

“It’s that intersection of people and services which helps jobseekers develop a network to find a job,” shares Brett Sietsma, recruitment and business development specialist with Avivo. “Career fairs can be stressful for people. Networking can be stressful … but we really try to make it as welcoming as possible.”

Erin from Beacon Hill Staffing often tables at Avivo Career Fairs. She shares that the fairs are a much-needed hub in the battleground of the modern-day job hunt.

“Job hunts are so hard and so many people feel their resume just goes into a black hole,” she says.

So regardless of how well your armor fits, or if your sword hasn’t been polished in a few years, Avivo is here to help you slay that dragon.

Erin Koolen – Beacon Hill Staffing

“I was a former career counselor, so I worked in higher ed for years, so I love what Avivo does, and I want to do anything I can to continue.”

Sunny Kounlabout – Cassia

“What I see in Avivo is that the people you serve are the people I was back then … so having resources to give that pathway people are looking for, that gives me an extra touch to my heart.”

Ava Heinrich – Aon

“You’re always wanting to diversify your talent, diversity your pipeline, switch up where you’re sourcing your candidates – I noticed at the job fair that some people I spoke with had masters degrees, or high education from other countries, all over the place – ages, abilities, I think it also allows employers to have a finger on the pulse of the community.”

Brianna Taggart – Monarch

“Working with Avivo and working with the students, and going through the hiring process with them makes me feel hopeful. When I see and I get to work with people in the community, and helping them – it’s nice, it’s a really rewarding feeling.”

Marney Curfman – MnDOT

“I really think that partnering with places and partners like Avivo is so important to reach out to those jobseekers, and honestly a lot of times that brings us to people who have not traditionally been in these roles. Women, people of color, people working with different abilities. And I think going forward we really have to double down on getting those folks involved in public service.”

FINANCIALS

REVENUE

Government Contracts

$26,990,827

65%

Programs

11,121,773

27%

Unrestricted contributions

1,403,328

In-kind Donations

878,293

Other Income

1,008,010

TOTAL

$41,402,231

EXPENSES

Ending Homelessness

$6,288,637

15%

Chemical & Mental Health

17,659,838

42%

Employment Services & Career Education

11,342,172

27%

Management & General

5,451,864

13%

Fundraising

854,832

Avivo Roots Consulting

5,558