A non-denominational, 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable and educational organization, the Jabbok Foundation was created in 1998 as the governing and funding umbrella for initiatives designed to support residents of the Whittier neighborhood as they strive to achieve self-sufficiency and success. The two following programs were independent initiatives, both needing assistance in sustaining the much needed and utilized services.

In 1994 two women and one nun, who had extensive experience working with low-income families acted on their first-hand observation that lack of childcare was one of the greatest deterrents to these families’ successful efforts toward independence and wellness. A needs assessment confirmed the shortage of appropriate childcare for low-income families. Together these women founded INSTEP at St. Stephens Convent in South Minneapolis, with the sanction and assistance of the Council of the St. Paul Province of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. The program moved to Calvary Church in the Whittier neighborhood in 1995 when the convent building was sold. In 1999, the Jabbok Foundation took over governance of the program.

Center of Our Lives (COOL) Youth Center grew out of a shared concern by Calvary Church and Whittier residents for the youth of the Whittier neighborhood. COOL was formally launched in January 1997. The Jabbok Foundation assumed governance and funding responsibility at its creation in September 1998.

The Whittier Neighborhood
The Whittier neighborhood is defined by Franklin Ave to the north, 35W to the east, Lake Street
to the south, and Lyndale Ave to the west. The 2000 census reports median annual income is
$29,313 and 95% of the Whittier Community School students qualified for free lunch or lunch
subsidy in the 2005-2006 school year.

The 2000 census indicates a 47% minority population made up of:
43% African American
28% Other single race
12% Asian
12% Mixed race
5% Native American
22% of those listed above identify themselves as Hispanic