Mortenson’s Enduring Commitment to the Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery

The Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery is a vital community resource that supports families in times of crisis. The relationship between Mortenson and the Nursery goes back decades, as Alice Mortenson served as a founding board member in 1983. The board’s vision and dedication helped lay the foundation for what would become a lifeline for thousands of families across the Twin Cities.  

The Nursery plays a crucial role in preventing child abuse and neglect by offering families a safe place to turn during times of overwhelming stress. In addition to offering overnight care for children, the Nursery offers parenting classes and connects them with other community resources. Their critical work includes responding to nearly 4,000 crisis calls annually and providing shelter for up to 20 children each day. In total, they deliver approximately 5,000 nights of care each year to children from newborns to six-year-olds. 

This year, Mortenson team members once again rolled up their sleeves to make a difference, lending their expertise in maintaining and upgrading the Nursery’s facilities, preparing lunch for children and staff, and leading an enrichment activity designed to engage and inspire the young minds at the Nursery. One team member volunteer shared, ‘The Minneapolis Crisis Nursery has an awesome mission; I have prepared lunch for kids and staff, who are amazing! It’s a volunteer event I look forward to each year.’ 

In 2024, the Mortenson Foundation launched a five-year, $50,000 pledge to continue supporting the Nursery’s services and maintain its vital role for families in need. These efforts illustrate Mortenson’s deep-rooted belief in building stronger communities through compassion, action, and partnership.