In 1976, a small group of committed women came together to address a deadly disease. Their goal was to increase community awareness around chemical dependency and its systemic consequences. With committed hearts and a defined vision, Perspectives was born. Now almost four decades later, Perspectives, located in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, has grown into an award winning, multi-program, human service agency for woman and their children suffering from addictions, mental illness, and poverty. Perspectives is the only supportive housing program that provides a 12-month, in-house academic, social, and nutritional enrichment program for children. These programs successfully return 83% of their residents to permanent housing. It has been recognized by 25 awards both nationally and locally. Self-sufficiency is at the foundation of all the programs. Hubert H Humphrey Chef Bill Niemer and some of his students are part of these efforts, working with Perspectives Chef Dan and the program’s kids on meal preparation and to improve their culinary skills.