About
IT BEGAN WITH A VISION …
SoleCare for Souls (SoleCare) began with a vision placed in the heart of one woman, in October 2005. That vision became reality in May 2006, when Kathy Jo Bissen, Founder of SoleCare for Souls, began providing free foot care at one location in south Minneapolis. In November 2007, SoleCare grew to include a second location and now has a team of foot care providers and assistants giving free basic foot care at various locations in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and in 2020, is expanding into St. Cloud, MN. Also, in late 2020, SoleCare became a program of Good in the ‘Hood (see more information on this below).
WHAT WE DO
SoleCare for Souls is a valuable outreach that promotes health through free basic foot care, kindness and the provision of critical services to over 1,400 unsheltered and hurting people every year. During the hands-on work of cleaning, trimming, and filing, SoleCare volunteers and staff listen to the men and women who entrust their feet to our care. With dignity and respect, we tend to their outer “soles” while we nourish their inner “souls” with friendship, encouragement, and kindness, bringing much needed hope to so many who are under-resourced or experiencing homelessness.
We are excited to welcome Londa Somers who will serve as the SoleCare for Souls Program Manager and has capably stepped into this very important role following the retirement of our Founder and current board member, Kathy Jo Bissen.
OUR VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are the heartbeat of the program. SoleCare services consist of a foot soak and having a nurse provide care for the feet. Our providers trim nails, reduce corns/calluses and treat common foot disease and provide foot massage for the clients; and at the end of a client’s care session, a new pair of socks is always given.
Soul care is equally important in the care of our clients. All volunteers, whether providers or assistants, are vital in providing hope. During a client’s foot care session, we engage them in conversation, offer a non-judgmental listening ear, encouragement, support and prayer. Check out how you can get involved below!
SoleCare for Souls Program History
SoleCare for Souls and Good in the ‘Hood were longtime partners and collaborators in this curative ministry for those in need of care and compassion. Recognizing the complementary services and care provided by SoleCare for Souls and Good in the ‘Hood, the two organizations entered into a formal partnership towards the end of 2020. At that time, SoleCare for Souls became a primary program of Good in the ‘Hood. SoleCare for Souls continues to offer foot care and kindness to those who do not have a safe and stable home, as well as those who are under-resourced and in need of foot care.
Get Involved
Get involved with SoleCare for Souls.
JOIN THE PRAYER TEAM
Receive our client’s prayer requests via email notification.
BE AN ASSISTANT
Tasks include preparing foot soaks, helping the clients feel welcome and comfortable, disinfecting wash basins. Training is provided; no contact with client’s feet is required.
PROVIDE FOOT CARE
Providers trim nails, reduce calluses and corns, treat common foot disease, give foot massages. All providers must be a licensed nurse; training is provided.
ASSISTANTS
PROVIDERS
To get involved, click the Volunteer button below.
Donate
Make a tax-deductible donation to SoleCare for Souls.
CASH/CHECK DONATIONS
If you would like to donate with cash or a check, please mail to:
Good in the ‘Hood
7733 W River Rd
Brooklyn Park, MN 55444
Check should be made payable to Good in the ‘Hood with a memo mentioning SoleCare for Souls
CREDIT CARD DONATIONS
If you would like to donate with a credit card, please use our secure donation form by clicking the button below that will bring you to our fundraising page.
Locations
SoleCare offers care at various locations in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN area. Locations operate on different days and times. Our locations and hours are listed below. Mobile locations coming soon!
CEDAR VALLEY CHURCH
8600 Bloomington Avenue South
Bloomington, MN 55425
First and Third Tuesdays, year-round
4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
PLACE OF HOPE
511 9th Ave.
St. Cloud, MN 56303
Third Friday of the month from 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
UNION GOSPEL MISSION MEN’S SHELTER
435 East University Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55130
Mondays, year-round
3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Note: This location is men only
BEACON OF HOPE
2827 Newton Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55411
Second and fourth Thursday of each month
2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
OPPORTUNITY CENTER
740 East 17th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Wednesdays, year round and 2nd Tuesday of every month
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
THE HILLOCK
4440 Snelling Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55406
Second Wednesday of the month
1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Contact Information
General Inquiries:
Londa Somers
(651) 358-0267
Program Manager, SoleCare for Souls
Mailing Address:
Good in the ‘Hood, 7733 West River Rd
Minneapolis, MN 55444
Volunteer Inquiries:
For volunteer information, please fill out the form on this page, Get Involved with SoleCare for Souls.
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