What's New at Open Arms
Join the fun and by doing so, ensure that no one who is ill will go hungry! Get your Mirror Wraps today - for every pair on the road, $5 goes back to Open Arms' Meal Programs. Ask to have a pair sent via our Facebook Page, or email Kirsten.
Support Suraya and Eric on their IRONMAN journey,
all while supporting Open Arms! Check it out>>
Designate Open Arms for your United Way Contributions
It's that time again and many of you will be starting your workplace United Way campaigns. Did you know that you can designate Open Arms to receive all or part of your United Way contribution? It's a great way to participate while helping support our programs!
Simply include Open Arms' name and address on your United Way pledge form:
Open Arms of Minnesota, 2500 Bloomington Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Please contact Kay Mitchell with questions or visit the United Way Gift Designation Policy for more information.
Kitchen Food Safety Re-Certification
Those of you who have volunteered in our brand new kitchen have probably noticed that we have new sophisticated equipment, new cleaning solutions, and a brand new hairnet policy! We have revised our kitchen orientation and our overall food safety plan to reflect current food safety standards AND the new space in which we all work. As a volunteer, you are an integral part of ensuring the food we serve our clients is safe.
We wish to continue building a culture of food safety and accountability so that we never have to worry about our clients getting food-borne illness from Open Arms. To help us accomplish this goal, over the next several months we will be conducting mandatory Kitchen Food Safety Re-Certification for all of our kitchen volunteers who started volunteering with us prior to March 1, 2010 (the date we moved into 2500 Bloomington Ave).
Please join us for one of our Food Safety Re-Certification trainings this month (Food Safety Month), upcoming dates are below:
· Monday, September 13th from 6:00pm-6:30pm
· Thursday, September 16th from 10:30am-11:00am
· Friday, September 17th from 2:00pm-2:30pm
· Saturday, September 18th from 2:00pm-2:30 pm
Contact Lila to sign up now!
Re-certification FAQ
1. Why are we doing this?
The new facility brings exciting opportunities for Open Arms; its size also involves greater cleaning challenges and upkeep. Many of our sanitation procedures have changed in conjunction with the new space and revised Dept. of Health regulations. We want YOU to know all about it. We can only be successful if everyone has the same knowledge base to draw from as we work together in this awesome new kitchen (new volunteers, long-time volunteers, and staff). We care about the safety and well-being of our clients, who are extremely prone to food borne illness because of their compromised immune systems.
2. Are you going to tell me I've been doing everything wrong?
NO. You are a key partner with us ensuring that the food we produce here is safe. There might be small adjustments to what you are currently doing, or things you would have liked to have known earlier but simply haven't been addressed in the course of your shift. Or maybe you are a sanitation rock star and the re-train will confirm that. Wherever you are at, we want you as trained volunteers to be our stewards so that you're an extra set of eyes in the kitchen - we need YOU to keep those new volunteers and each other on the right path.
3. Can I ask questions?
Of course! We want our volunteers to have the most current information so they can be mentors to new and less experienced volunteers. Your question might be just the one that makes a difference to our clients.
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