As we move into fall, I wanted to talk a bit more about My Very Own Bed the Northeast Minneapolis non-profit we support (I am also on the Board of Directors). My Very Own Bed’s mission is to provide new beds and linens to children of families who have recently secured stable housing (primarily in Minneapolis, St. Paul and surrounding suburbs). CEO Michael Allen started with a vision that all children should have a bed where they can sleep well, dream, and find comfort in a place of their own. Michael saw a great need while working in social services and helping families move out of shelters and into homes. What struck him was seeing so many children with poor sleeping conditions because basic furnishings like a child’s bed and bedding was beyond reach financially for these families.

Michael felt we should be doing more for our communities and founded My Very Own Bed in 2014, providing a new bed and Dream Kit (sheets, blanket, pillow, mattress pad, stuffed animal, and book) to each child who might otherwise go without. The impact is immediate; improving where and how children sleep improves their overall health and wellbeing, promoting healthy sleep that can, in turn, improve all areas of their lives. With support from a strong network of volunteers, donors, and referral partners, the team can get new beds and Dream Kits to children who need them. As funding and awareness grow, the ability to impact even more kids’ lives grows as well.

Congratulations to My Very Own Bed for providing their 5000th bed this past weekend!

— Terri