Since 1986, Open Arms has been a beacon of hope and support for individuals facing life-threatening illnesses. Founded by Bill Rowe during the AIDS pandemic, Open Arms emerged from a profound sense of compassion and a call to action. As a teacher, Bill witnessed firsthand the isolation and suffering of his friends and students who were grappling with AIDS. Eager to provide more than just sustenance, he began cooking meals in his kitchen and delivering them to those in need, offering not just food but a message: “Someone cares about you.”
In the early days, the meals were calorically dense—laden with cheese and butter—designed to combat the wasting syndrome that many faced during that challenging time. However, as the organization evolved, so too did its mission. Today, Open Arms serves individuals living with a variety of severe health conditions, focusing on meals medically tailored to each client’s specific needs. It’s not just about filling bellies; it’s about providing essential nourishment that enhances health and well-being.
With a humble yet impactful vision, Open Arms continues to deliver hope alongside every meal, serving between 2,000 to 4,500 clients each year and producing over 1.5 million meals. Each delivery reflects a personal touch—a volunteer or staff member connects with clients, reinforcing the notion that they are never truly alone.
This simple act of kindness, according to current CEO Leah Hébert Welles, “transforms meals into meaningful interactions, ensuring that each recipient feels valued and cared for.” Hébert Welles has been the CEO for 11 years and “loves being able to make a difference in the health of the community.” She continues, “we are a big family at Open Arms and this is very dear to my heart.”
The non-profit’s referral process for clients often originates from healthcare or social service professionals who recognize the profound impact that proper nutrition can have on health outcomes. Each client, whether battling HIV, cancer, heart conditions, or other serious illnesses, receives a weekly delivery of meals, typically amounting to 14 nutritious offerings. Furthermore, each client benefits from personalized counseling with registered dietitians, reinforcing the importance of nourishing both body and soul.
At the heart of Open Arms is not just a dedicated staff of 90—many of whom work tirelessly in the kitchens—but also a vibrant community of volunteers. In both the Minneapolis and St. Paul locations, hundreds of volunteers contribute their time and energy, facilitating meal preparation, packaging, and delivery.
“We could not do it without our amazing community and volunteers,” Welles says. “With volunteers donating hours equivalent to 34 full-time staff members last year, the collective effort is a testament to the power of community support.”
Open Arms thrives on a diverse funding model, relying on contracts for meal services, generous individual and corporate donations, and community sponsorships. With an annual budget of approximately $13 million, the organization is profoundly grateful for the continued generosity of the community, which fuels its mission to provide life-affirming meals to those in need.
The recent establishment of the St. Paul kitchen has allowed Open Arms to expand its reach, ensuring it can serve clients across the entire metro area. This expansion, which opened about 18 months ago, not only increases capacity for meal preparation but also enhances the organization’s ability to ship meals throughout Minnesota, reaching individuals who may otherwise face barriers to accessing healthy food.
As Open Arms continues to grow, there remains a dedicated desire to innovate and serve even more people battling life-threatening illnesses. The commitment to satellite programs, where meals are stored and delivered from partner sites like hospitals and churches, exemplifies the organization’s determination to meet clients where they are.
In a world where isolation can be overwhelming, Open Arms stands as a powerful reminder of the impact that nourishment and human connection can have. Each meal delivered is a reaffirmation of care, proving that no one needs to face their health challenges alone.
For those looking to join this meaningful mission, Open Arms welcomes individual volunteers, groups, and corporate sponsors to help continue their legacy of compassion. To learn more or to get involved, visit openarmsmn.org. Together, we can nourish bodies and uplift spirits, one meal at a time.