East Side Neighborhood Services Inc. (ESNS) has transferred control to AccessAbility Inc. (AAI) who has now acquired ESNS’ liabilities, assets, and programs.
AccessAbility, Inc. (AAI), a Northeast Minneapolis mainstay serving the community for 78 years, has taken control of East Side Neighborhood Services (ESNS) and created a new consolidated board that will act as the organization’s governing board. The united organization will be known as AccessAbility, Inc. moving forward.
All existing ESNS and AAI programs and services will continue operating without disruption while the united organization assesses opportunities for integration and expansion. All currently available programs are listed at here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the consolidation?
East Side Neighborhood Services was operating at a deficit in recent years. As a result, people weren’t getting paid and services were impacted, eventually leading to several programs being transitioned to another organization or completely shut down. Once the full scale of the situation was understood, East Side Neighborhood Services hired a consultant to find a partner organization. After several options were identified and pursued, AccessAbility emerged as the right fit.
Why was AccessAbility the right option to take control of East Side Neighborhood Services?
ESNS and AccessAbility have long served the same community. Our organizations’ missions, strategic visions, and values of community, innovation, and inclusion align. We have the financial resources and stability to take on their debt and provide a solid foundation for the operations of the services we provide to those living in Northeast Minneapolis and the surrounding area.
What will be different with the new combined organization?
We plan to continue operations of the existing ESNS and AAI programs as we assess opportunities for integration and expansion. We will begin uniting our organizations by transitioning our Day Support Services (enrichment classes, community integration outings, etc.) programming to the ESNS building and integrating it with the existing Vital Living program serving older adults and caregivers.
Our building on Hoover Street will continue to house our work center and business services—including Bumblebee Coffee production, Works of Heart, our custom printing shop, and our manufacturing recycling facility. Together, these programs provide jobs for people with disabilities and those who are justice-impacted. We plan to extend workforce development opportunities to Menlo Park students and older adults served by ESNS as well. These programs are essential to our diverse funding model, helping reduce reliance on government funding because earned revenue directly supports programs and operations.
To round out our intergenerational services, we intend to reopen the child development center and are exploring restarting senior transportation services. Additionally, we plan to reopen Camp Bovey in Spring 2027.
We hope to build a hub of meaningful opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, and cultures to connect, learn, and thrive together, strengthening pathways to employment, stability, and community inclusion.
What operational changes can we expect moving forward?
There will be operational efficiencies by consolidating administrative functions to cover all the programs and employees at both buildings. The seasoned, competent AccessAbility Accounting department will be taking over the accounting and finance of all programs, while the HR department will be managed and run by the current ESNS team. The administrative teams, including admin support and reception services, and the facilities teams for both buildings have been consolidated to better serve the needs of both sites.
What is different about the new leadership?
The AccessAbility Inc. leadership team has a proven track record of being fiscally responsible, innovative, and efficient while making a noticeable impact. AAI leadership is excited to welcome ESNS leader, Kim Ferencik, as its new Chief Administrative Officer, and believes Kim will complement the team well both with her commitment to ESNS programs legacy and to the vision for our future Learn more about our leadership team
What will happen to the East Side Neighborhood Services building?
The services center will continue to be a community asset. The building on 1700 NE 2nd Street will continue to house Menlo Park Academy, food programs, and Vital Living while AccessAbility moves its enrichment programs like art, cooking, and fitness classes and similar programs to also reside in the building. The work center and our employment programs will be run through the building located at 360 Hoover Street NE.
Additionally, AAI is committed to creating new ways to bring more community members into the center with frequent public events and by adding some of its business services to the service center, including a sales counter for its custom printing business and its Bumblebee Coffee Co. shop as soon as we can obtain proper permits.
When will you open Camp Bovey?
It is important to AccessAbility that Camp Bovey be reopened by spring of 2027.
Have you uncovered any fraud?
No. Outside independent parties conducted a 2024 audit of East Side Neighborhood Services, which is available on our website. The 2025 audit is almost complete and that too will be made available on our website. Additionally, the experienced, seasoned legal and financial team of AccessAbility conducted a thorough due diligence process and found no fraud.
How can I help?
As a donor-supported organization, our community plays an important role in our success. While AccessAbility has strong financial health, recently several funding contracts and grants for East Side Neighborhood Services programs have been lost, making the bill a bit steeper to climb.
We are committed to the possibilities for growth and expanding our reach in the community, and invite all who are as excited as we are to consider donating to help make our shared dreams a reality.
Other ways to get involved:
• Attend or volunteer at our events and fundraisers. Join our email list to make sure you don’t miss out on upcoming opportunities.
• Volunteer and share your skills with our enrichment programming. We are seeking musicians, artists, crafters, and those who enjoy cooking! If interested, please email tdavidson@accessability.org to discuss how we can utilize your talents.
• Support the businesses that provide paid work for those we serve by shopping for home and garden gift products at Works of Heart, ordering Bumblebee Coffee (coming soon), or partnering with us for printing, production, assembly, fulfillment, and other business services.
