About PDS

30+ Years Supporting Minnesota's Diverse Communities

People's Development Services (PDS) is a mission-driven organization delivering accessible, inclusive, and holistic services that empower individuals and strengthen families across Minnesota.

Our Mission

Compassionate care for every community

To provide culturally responsive mental health, housing, employment, and family services that help individuals overcome barriers, build stability, and live with dignity.

Our Vision

Thriving, connected communities

A Minnesota where every person — regardless of background, language, or circumstance — has the support they need to reach their full potential.

Our History

Three decades of community care

  1. 1984

    PDS opens its doors

    Founded in Minneapolis to provide housing support for adults experiencing long-term homelessness.

  2. 1990s

    Mental health services expand

    Added rehabilitative mental health and counseling services for adults across the Twin Cities.

  3. 2000s

    Culturally specific programming

    Multilingual staff and community partnerships grow to serve Somali, Oromo, Hmong, Karen, Latinx, Native American, and East African communities.

  4. 2010s

    Benefits, employment & family programs

    SOAR disability advocacy, wraparound employment and MNsure support, and Hennepin County family navigation launch.

  5. Today

    Ten programs, two offices

    PDS operates from Saint Paul and Minneapolis, partnering with counties, clinics, courts, and community organizations statewide.

Our Team

Who you'll work with

  • • Licensed therapists (LICSW, LMFT, LPCC) providing psychotherapy
  • • Mental health practitioners and ARMHS workers
  • • Certified SOAR advocates and benefits specialists
  • • Housing case managers and family navigators
  • • State-certified problem gambling counselors
  • • Bilingual and bicultural staff across seven languages

Leadership biographies and headshots are being finalized and will be published here.

Credentials & Partners

Certified and county-contracted

  • • Minnesota DHS-certified provider for ARMHS and problem gambling treatment
  • • Contracted with Hennepin County (including DOCCR) and Ramsey County
  • • Medical Assistance and most major insurance plans accepted
  • • Partnerships with United Way, Wilder Foundation, City of Minneapolis, and M Health Fairview
Saint Paul Office

665 Snelling Ave N, Saint Paul, MN 55104

Minneapolis Office

3617 E. Lake Street, Ste A-3, Minneapolis, MN 55406

Our Values

What guides our work

Compassion

We meet every person where they are, with dignity and respect.

Cultural Responsiveness

Multilingual staff who reflect and understand the communities we serve.

Integrity

Trusted for over three decades by partners, agencies, and families.

Community

Whole-person, whole-family, whole-community approach to care.

Empowerment

Helping people build the skills and confidence to thrive independently.

Collaboration

Working alongside counties, clinicians, and community organizations.

Ready to work with us?

Whether you need services, want to refer a client, or are looking to join our team — we'd love to hear from you.