Agape Oasis offers unconditional love and liberation
Agape Oasis stands in the heart of North Minneapolis, anchored by five pillars: early childhood education, parent and youth empowerment, community engagement, crisis support, and healing.
Under the leadership of President and CEO Jori Thibodeaux, the nonprofit works tirelessly to strengthen families and equip them with the tools they need to achieve their goals. Thibodeaux, inspired by her mother-in-law’s vision, continues the legacy of building a brighter future for those who need it most.
The name of this service-centered foundation is inspired by Christian theology. “Our organization is made up of two departments, Agape [pronounced “a-gah-peh,” meaning unconditional love], and Oasis” [meaning a well-watered field]. We bring them together to provide wraparound supportive services for our community,” Thibodeaux said.
Agape Oasis was established in response to the pressing needs of women experiencing and escaping domestic violence. With a deep commitment to fostering safety and stability, Thibodeaux and her team have expanded their mission to create a supportive space for families.
This social enterprise was founded by Thibodeaux’s “mother-in-love,” Diane Thibodeaux, a visionary who recognized the urgent need for support within her community. After witnessing the struggles of a friend affected by domestic violence, she sought to educate others on recognizing and addressing those challenges. Thus, Oasis was born—the first branch of today’s organization.
As Diane Thibodeaux and her team were helping families reestablish their lives in the wake of domestic violence, the women they assisted often took on multiple jobs. The abuser typically holds and wields power financially as well, so many survivors had to work hard to support themselves after extracting themselves from the dangerous situation they had been in.
That often left survivors with few options for securing care for their children. A need for child care arose. Enter the second branch, Agape, Minnesota’s first 24-hour 7-days-a-week child care center.
Today, the nonprofit cares for 154 “young scholars” who benefit from an innovative curriculum centered on protection, education and wellness. “We keep them safe and healthy while ensuring they become brilliant,” Thibodeaux said, noting that her team embodies this mission daily.
Agape Oasis offers a curriculum and a nurturing environment, but they also have Oasis Kids Place, an education program that supports the healing process for children who’ve been witness to violence or victims themselves. The goal is to cultivate awareness and equip students with the tools they need to be leaders in ending relationship violence.
“We ensure that this is a nurturing environment for our young scholars by prioritizing a curriculum that teaches kids what safety looks like,” Thibodeaux said. “The key is infusing culture and education into the classroom.”
Agape Oasis emphasizes community involvement and youth empowerment. Their initiatives include annual awareness walks, health fairs, and interactive workshops designed to engage youth in meaningful conversations about violence prevention. The organization recently hosted its second youth violence prevention summit, where young participants explored their voices and leadership potential.
Thibodeaux highlights the importance of family involvement in their child care initiatives. “We have a lot of initiatives wherein we meet throughout the year that parents are required to attend,” she said. This collaborative approach strengthens the connection between families and the services they receive.
Agape Oasis also runs a robust crisis-intervention program, the Oasis of Love, which offers essential support for families affected by domestic violence—providing everything from advocacy to housing assistance. “It’s not just about fleeing a situation; we want to help people stay free,” Thibodeaux said.
Through programs that span weeks, participants learn such vital skills as financial literacy, enabling them to secure stable housing and achieve independence. “We’ve been able to work with our partners to help people secure micro and macro loans to purchase their first homes,” she said. The impact is profound, not just for individuals but for the messages they send to their children about empowerment and self-sufficiency.
The grace extended doesn’t stop short at those who may be victims of domestic violence; perpetrators are encouraged to seek out help and education as well at their crisis center.
“Whether they were victims or perpetrators, we want to provide everyone with the tools to restore their family and transform their lives for the better. For example, the IN HIM program promotes accountability and healthy relationship development for men who may have been abusers,” Thibodeaux said.
She is working hard to establish a comprehensive environment wherein she can facilitate healing and advancement for those who may have been struggling alone.
Looking ahead, Agape Oasis is expanding to better serve the community. Plans for an infant center are in motion, ensuring that the youngest community members receive the care they need.
At the core of Agape Oasis’ mission is a profound message of liberation. “Freedom is a right!” Thibodeaux said. That certainty is what the nonprofit thrives on and is the message inspiring staff and families alike.
To sustain this vital work, Agape Oasis welcomes community support through donations, volunteers, and partnerships.
For more information, visit the website at www.agapeoasis.com or call 612-287-9775.
Alexzia Shobe welcomes reader responses to ashobe@spokesman-recorder.com.