employees share why they work at 180 degrees

180 Degrees employees work in different part of the state from Chanhassen to St. Cloud, back to the Twin Cities, and south to St. Cloud.  Gathering as team, even virtually, is one way to strengthen and build culture. 

All new employees meet with the CEO and get introduced to their colleagues.  In a recent meeting, the 180 Degrees "veterans" shared why they continue to work to "Turn Lives Around." Their words describe a work culture that is mission-driven, embraces diverse life experiences and cultures, and taps deeply into personal values. 
Here's what they say....

Amie Kirby, St. Cloud Youth Shelter, grew up in a foster home that was run by her parents. Some mornings she would wake up to find there were new kids at the breakfast table that she had never seen before! She is motivated to serve at 180 Degrees as a tribute to a foster brother who is serving a 20 year prison sentence.

CJ Hallman, Work Readiness, Worked in education for 13+ years after college and working at 180 is “a breath of fresh air.”

Mary McRoy, Safe Harbor, “Every day, I see 180 put it’s values into action in a very real manner .”

Chaz Hooten, ACE, “My passion is working with youth. I love seeing youth develop at all levels and helping clients to achieve their potential. I like to help clients identify barriers to what is holding them back. I’ve never worked with such a diverse group of staff members and it speaks volumes to what we do as an organization.

Michelle Hall, Brittany's Place, “…what we do is important because it changes the world.”

Olivia Menke, Advancement, “I like working at 180 Degrees because we are committed to changing the status quo, finding out what works. Everyone at 180 cares about the mission”

Sara Marquardt, Mobile Case Manager at VonWald, “I started as an intern, then came back as an employee. I feel more at home at 180 Degrees than at other orgs. I am encouraged to share my gifts and abilities at VonWald.”

Alison Westphal, Youth Advocate at VonWald, started as an intern. She likes the relationships she can develop with youth and knowing that she’s making a difference every day, even if that means the simple things like making a meal that the youth enjoy.

Madeleine Munro, Sr. Case Manager with ACE, “I was looking for a way to give back to the community. I enjoy working with families to make youth successful.”

Candi Gibson, Case Manager at Clifton Place, “I enjoy working at 180 because I like helping men transition back into the community after prison.”