Our story begins more than 135 years ago with flashes of insight that we take for granted today. Because the late 19th century was a time of social and cultural upheaval brought on by the industrial revolution, people and cultures that had never really experienced each other except as exotic concepts were thrown together in close proximity.

The founders of the Settlement House movement of which we spring recognized that the diverse residents of the new urban core were not born into these conditions of poverty but instead carried centuries of cultural history and acheivement with them into trying circumstances.

As Arnold Toynbee, the British economist and historian created with inspiring the Settlement House Movement, said, “We—the middle classes I mean, not merely the very rich—we have neglected you; instead of justice we have offered you charity, and instead of sympathy we have offered you hard and unreal advice; but I think we are changing.”

135 years ago, In 1879, Plymouth Congregational Mission founded the Plymouth Mission in order to bring Settlement House values to Minneapolis-St. Paul. The Plymouth Mission became Bethel Settlement in 1897 and then Pillsbury House in 1906.

With such a long and diverse history, from the new immigrants and factory workers of the late 19th century to the immigrants of the 21st century, the number and diversity of Pillsbury United Communities alumni could populate their own quintessentally 21st Century city all its own.

As we celebrate our successes, we also recognize that inequity, discriminiation, and racism still exist. Poverty, both materially and spiritually, still keeps people from fulfilling their potential.

Pillsbury United Communities, steeped in the insight and creativity born from a uniquely compassionate moment 135 years ago, is proud to carry that spirit of the Settlement House forward for 135 years to come.

Stay tuned for opportunities to join us during our 135th Anniversary Year.