It's a beautiful parking lot.

For those of you who visit our building on Franklin Avenue, you'll understand why we're so excited about the parking lot at the new building. (For some volunteers, I bet this will be your favorite part!) So here it is. We've got a parking lot! And room for a LOT of friends.

And for our biking friends, we'll have great spots to park & lock your bike.

Keeping Warm

We're getting ready to keep warm AND cold this week. The coolers continue to be installed, and the heating and cooling unit is being lifted onto the roof of the structure today. It's incredible to think of all of the details that go into a building.

A big thank you to all of our partners in the construction process, including Bremer Bank, Tegra, Watson-Forsberg Construction, KFI, DJR Architects, Gephardt Electrical, Ironwood and so many others who have helped us get this far!

Capturing Open Arms Through a Lens

This week's post is from Kurt Moses, who has been one of the many talented photographers to have documented Open Arms events, volunteers and clients over the years. You've seen his work throughout the pages of Scoop (our newsletter) and our Annual Report. He has been documenting the construction of our building as of late, including documenting our recent Tree Topping Ceremony last week (10/13). We asked him to blog about his experiences with Open Arms.

My photography says something about my vision of the world. I attempt to capture honest moments that tell a story. In order to capture such moments, I have to invest part of myself in each and every subject I photograph. I believe if you are genuinely invested in your subject, the image will convey the reality of the moment.

When I first started photographing events for Open Arms of MN ( http://www.kurtco.com/Siyaya21st ), I was preoccupied with the technical aspect of event photography. What type of light is available? Indoor or outdoor setting? What is the client looking for: group shots, candid? Who is who? and so on. Although technical details are important , ultimately photographing a moment that truly captures the essence of the subject, is the goal.

Recently, I have had the opportunity to document the construction of the new Open Arms building. Similar to photographing people, I had to find a way to capture the structure's personality. The shapes and the lines of this building are energetic and welcoming similar to the personalities that will be working there. I enjoy capturing the rawness of the construction and making it look intriguing. ( http://www.kurtco.com/OAConstructionNight. ) And most recently, I was able to capture the tree topping ceremony last week.

What I have observed through my camera these past few years, and what struck me the most are the people of Open Arms of MN. Their dedication, passion and tireless efforts to helping those in need are a great source of inspiration to me personally as well as professionally.

I believe I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to document a part of their history and growth through my pictures. -Kurt Moses

Brick by Brick

... and meal by meal. Thanks for all that you bring to Open Arms. We can't do it without you.

And we ARE making progress, and you ARE making a difference in the lives of those with illness in our community.

New Logo Has Wheels!

Because of our generous friends, we have a beautiful new brand with a great logo. And some other friends donated their expertise in putting it on our van! If you haven't taken time to see the latest video, which is on the front page of our website, I'd invite you to do so. It tells a great story.

Isn't it fun?! And it's going to help us get our message and nutrition to more people with illness in this community. Literally.

Getting ready for coolers

At 2500 Bloomington Ave this week, they are bringing in the walls for the coolers and freezers. As it starts to get cooler outside, the building is also getting ready to be closed-in. The walls are nearly all there - in some state of construction - so as you walk through, you're able to tell room from room. It's looking more like our future home with each visit.

TREE TOPPING In construction, a topping off ceremony is held when the roof of a new building is completed. Please join us on Tuesday, October 13 at 5:00 p.m. at our new site (25th Street & Bloomington Avenue) for a brief tree topping ceremony. No need to RSVP, just show up on the site to see a tree placed on the building to mark this construction milestone.