Mission Statement
Increasing Skills, Improving Lives
Who are we?
Our Saviour’s Community Services walks with people in community in the heart of Phillips, one of the most diverse neighborhoods in South Minneapolis.
We provide dignified shelter and housing for single adults and education for adult English language learners through our two programs – Our Saviour’s Housing and the English Learning Center.
Are we a religious organization?
Our Saviour’s Community Services takes its name from Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, which founded our programs in the early 1980s. In 2004, we became a legally and financially independent nonprofit organization.
Although OSCS is not a religious organization today, we honor and value the support and involvement of many faith communities. OSCS welcomes people from all backgrounds as board and staff members, and as volunteers, supporters, and program participants.
Who are we?
Our Saviour’s Community Services walks with people in community in the heart of Phillips, one of the most diverse neighborhoods in South Minneapolis.
We provide dignified shelter and housing for single adults and English language classes to immigrants and refugees through our two programs – Our Saviour’s Housing and the English Learning Center.
Are we a religious organization?
Our Saviour’s Community Services takes its name from Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, which founded our programs in the early 1980s. In 2004, we became a legally and financially independent nonprofit organization.
While we honor our history and value continued support from many faith communities, Our Saviour’s Community Services is not a religious organization. We welcome residents, students, staff, board members, and supporters from both diverse faith backgrounds and no faith background.
Our Saviour’s Housing
We are a community of hope for those who need a home. We work to end homelessness by providing shelter, support, and a chance to start over. We take on homelessness through two different solutions – emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing.
English Learning Center
We are a learning community of refugees, immigrants, and advocates. We build knowledge for better lives and livelihoods. We provide educational services for adult immigrants and refugees – including classes in English, math, digital literacy, and citizenship preparation.
OSCS Timeline
1981
Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church opens The Language Project (now called the English Learning Center)
1982
Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church opens the winter Shelter at Our Saviour’s
1986
Shelter begins year-round in Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church basement
1990
The Language Project becomes the English Learning Center
1991
Transitional Housing begins
1995
- Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church burns down
- Shelter relocates to Community Emergency Services
- English Learning Center relocates to Mount Olive Lutheran Church
1997
- Shelter and Transitional Housing unite under the name Our Saviour’s Housing
- Permanent, 40-bed shelter for single adult men and women opens at 2219 Chicago Avenue
2000
The English Learning Program returns to permanent classrooms in the new Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church basement
2002
Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church votes unanimously to permit the creation of Our Saviour’s Outreach Ministries as a legally and financially separate nonprofit corporation
2004
IRS grants 501 (c) (3) status to Our Saviour’s Outreach Ministries, whose programs include the English Learning Center and Our Saviour’s Housing
2009
Permanent Supportive Housing begins as a part of Our Saviour’s Housing
2010
- The English Learning Center adds morning classes (previously only offered in the evening)
- Name legally changed to Our Saviour’s Community Services
2016
- Granted status as a Service Enterprise organization, distinguishing us as a “best” place to volunteer
- Our Saviour’s Housing joins the Hennepin County shelter community in moving away from a lottery system to Adult Shelter Connect
2017
English Learning Center launches distance learning and prioritizes use of technology in classrooms
2018
Transitional Housing shifts to serving all women, prioritizing those who have experienced domestic violence
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2315 Chicago Ave. So.
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Phone | 612.871.5900
Fax | 612.871.0017
Our Saviour’s Housing
2219 Chicago Ave. So.
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Phone | 612.872.4193
Fax | 612.872.4442
English Learning Center
2315 Chicago Ave. So.
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Phone | 612.874.9963
Fax | 612.871.0017