History

180 Degrees, Inc. has been providing intervention, prevention and supportive services to juvenile and adults since 1973. Read more about our history and our programs.
read more..

CEO | COO Bios

Learn more about 180 Degrees, Inc.’s leadership.

more..

Board of Directors

Meet the dedicated individuals who govern the organization...

more..

What does it take to turn a life around?

Robbie Robinson, a man who spent twenty years of his adult life in and out of prison, knew what it took. Alcoholics Anonymous influenced Robinson to take the lessons from his own life and direct his energy into building something positive. With support from AA, help from his parole officer and from many others dedicated to changing lives, Robbie wrote a proposal defining his vision of helping offenders turn their lives around. In 1971, 180 Degrees was incorporated.

180 began operating in 1973 as a halfway house for men returning from correctional facilities. The original house, a stately red brick building that was once the home of the founders of General Mills, was large enough to accommodate 34 men. Robinson did not believe in taking the easy route. To make 180 Degrees a real safety net for the community, he believed that all offenders deserved the chance to redirect their lives, even the men that no one else wanted.

Today, more than 5,000 residents later, 180 Degrees, Inc. is still fulfilling Robbie's dream. Our programs have expanded throughout the twin cities metro area and include services to both juveniles and adults at all points of justice system involvement from intervention and prevention to re-entry and accountability. Robbie Robinson died in 1982, but his ideas live on. The mission statement of 180 Degrees and its programs, "turning lives around to ensure safer communities,” pays homage to Robbie’s vision.