MN Second Chance Coalition

180 began operating in 1973 as a halfway house for men returning from correctional facilities. The original house, a stately red brick building that was once the home of the founders of General Mills, was large enough to accommodate 34 men. Robinson did not believe in taking the easy route. To make 180 Degrees a real safety net for the community, he believed that all offenders deserved the chance to redirect their lives, even the men that no one else wanted.
Today, more than 5,000 residents later, 180 Degrees, Inc. is still fulfilling Robbie''s dream. Our programs have expanded throughout the twin cities metro area and include services to both juveniles and adults at all points of justice system involvement from intervention and prevention to re-entry and accountability. Robbie Robinson died in 1982, but his ideas live on. The mission statement of 180 Degrees and its programs, "turning lives around to ensure safer communities,” pays homage to Robbie’s vision.