Looking back — and looking ahead at Onward
By Tricia Wright
executive director
This week, I met for coffee with Kim Rathjen, one of the founders of Onward and its first board president, and Crystal Madison, Onward’s current program manager. We talked about how Onward got started and how the program has grown over the years.
Kim shared stories from Onward’s early days. One thing became very clear: Onward started because people in the community saw a need and wanted to help.
From left to right: Tricia Wright, Crystal Madison, and Kim Rathjen at Onward House, reflecting on Onward’s beginnings and the future of the program.
More than 10 years ago, people in Eden Prairie recognized an unmet need in the community: local young adults experiencing homelessness or housing instability had very few housing options or services available to them.
At the time, there were no transitional housing programs for single young adults in Eden Prairie or nearby communities.
Churches, nonprofits, schools, city leaders, and community members started meeting together. They asked a simple question: What can we do to help?
Those conversations eventually led to the creation of Onward.
In October 2018, the first resident moved into Onward House.
Today, Onward still focuses on the same goal: helping young adults build stable lives and move toward independence.
As we talked about the program, Crystal said that “Onward was ahead of its time.” From the beginning, Onward believed young adults need more than just housing. They also need support, encouragement, and caring relationships.
One of the clearest examples of that today is Onward’s aftercare program.
Many housing programs support young adults while they are in the program, but support ends once they move out.
At Onward, moving out is not the end of the relationship.
Former residents can continue meeting with our program manager for support and guidance. Last summer, Onward expanded aftercare to include rent support, helping young adults adjust to living on their own and build long-term stability.
The goal is not just helping someone move out. The goal is helping them stay stable and successful afterward.
We also talked about some things that are working especially well right now:
one-on-one support from the program manager
monthly house meetings where residents share meals and learn life skills together
volunteers who continue to support the home in many different ways
Looking back, it’s amazing to see how many people helped make Onward possible.
What started as a community idea has become a place where young adults can live, learn, and launch toward greater independence.
