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. Established in 1970 by an “anti-establishment” group of Coe College and Kennedy High School staff and students, Foundation 2 intentionally positioned itself outside the mainstream.  Early Foundation 2 staff and volunteers made this structure their model. The 1970s was a period 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 later, that grassroots spirit of helping others in need still underlies our agency's mission to be a trusted, compassionate resource for people in crisis by offering counseling, safety, and support during difficult times. 

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 allow Foundation 2 to both increase the community's awareness of our services and to reinforce the community's image of Foundation 2 as a vital part of the Cedar Rapids area.  One highlight of our History Center display is called "40 Stories for 40 Years."  To honor our origins and some of the people who have been a part of our story so far we have compiled interviews, photos and videos of 40 people who have been involved with our agency since 1970.  Our list of people includes former clients, staff, donors, volunteers and board members.  Some of the people highlighted in the exhibit include Lois Buntz, Craig Wood, Lu Barron and Scott Jamieson. We hope that you will visit our display at the Carl and Mary Koehler History Center- it has taken 40 years to create!  We appreciate this opportunity to show the community the impact Foundation 2 made in the last 40 years, and we look for many more years of serving youth, adults and families in crisis.