Foundation 2

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Foundation 2. On July 6, 1970, Foundation II (which was the name until the 1990s) opened its doors at a small house on C Avenue NE that was donated by Coe College. Founded by an “anti-establishment” group of Coe College and Kennedy High School students, Foundation 2 intentionally positioned itself outside the mainstream. Early Foundation 2 staff and volunteers made this structure their model. The 1970's were a time of tremendous social change, in which issues like drugs, sexuality and women's issues resulted in mental health needs that were not being met through mainstream providers. Foundation 2 was a behind-the-scenes place where individuals in need could feel comfortable and understood. Forty years later, that grassroots spirit of helping others in need is still alive and well in the agency's mission: to be a trusted, compassionate resource for people in crisis by offering counseling, safety, and support during difficult times.

Although Foundation 2 was originally a small volunteer-run organization, services have expanded dramatically over the past four decades to meet growing community needs. Foundation 2 Youth Services include:

• the Foundation 2 Youth Shelter, offering temporary shelter for youth ages 11-17;
• Transitional Living programs;
• Street Outreach Services for youth at risk of homelessness;
• and after school programming for youth who need help in developing more effective living skills. 

Foundation 2 Crisis Services includes a 24 hour crisis hotline providing local and state-wide service, the Mobile Crisis Outreach (MCO) program.  MCO provides face-to-face services 24 hours a day in Linn County, support groups for persons with depression or anxiety, and for those who've lost a friend or family member to suicide, as well as an young men's anger management therapy group.

Foundation 2 also offers family counseling and therapy services and serves the community through the After Hours Food Pantry, which provides access to food for those who cannot be served in the daytime.

In celebration of 40 years of services to the Cedar Rapids community, Foundation 2 is hosting an event in collaboration with the Carl and Mary Koehler History Center. This event will raise awareness of Foundation 2's services and reinforce the vital role the organization has played in Cedar Rapids over the years.

As part of the celebration, Foundation 2 has a special display in their History Center called "40 Stories for 40 Years."  The display honors the organization's origins and some of the people who have been a part of their story so far.  Interviews, photos and videos of 40 people involved with the agency since 1970 have been compiled to create a compelling story of a community connected through service and support.  Featured community members includes former clients, staff, donors, volunteers and board members.

Foundation 2 invites new and old friends to visit the display at the Carl and Mary Koehler History Center - it is a labor of love that has taken 40 years to create!

Please visit www.foundation2.org to learn more about our organization.