Staff | Board | Volunteers | Supporters | Finances
Founded in 2021, Power of Story is a small organization, with one part‑time staff member and a board of four, and we carry deep experience and a big vision for change in Minnesota.
At the heart of our work is the vision that all people who have experienced out-of-home placement will have consistent, equal, and person-centered access to their history, stories, photos, and medical records.
While it is essential that young people in foster care are safe and well cared for, those who have been in out‑of‑home placement often lack access to vital information about their lives both while they are in care and long after they leave it.
This information is foundational.
It can break generational patterns, strengthen identity, and build self‑esteem. When blocked, it can create confusion, secrecy, and long‑term harm.
Power of Story engages young people, caretakers, and professionals in the research and curation of life histories, provides training rooted in youth-centered best practices and advocates for increased awareness and quality implementation of life histories, in order to make sure everyone has access to and support as they understand the past.
Staff
Alisa Matheson
Founder and Executive Director
Alisa Matheson received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Counseling, from the University of Northwestern – St. Paul and completed an Advanced Certificate in Therapeutic Lifestory Work and The National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training Initiative Courses.
She has child welfare system experience as an adoption recruiter, educator, and contractor, since 2009.
Board
With lived experience in adoption, foster care, child welfare, and nonprofit management, Power of Story is led by a board of directors who are dedicated and involved.
Volunteers
A dedicated group of volunteers is tirelessly working behind the scenes to make a difference in the lives of foster youth and adoptees. Thank you!
Supporters
A variety of individuals and corporations have donated to make sure every story counts.
Connections to Independence
Minneapolis-based, Connections to Independence (C2i) provides holistic and unique programming and advocacy for foster care youth, ages 14–24, to promote a successful and healthy transition to living independently as they reach adulthood.
Sauer Family Foundation
The mission of the Sauer Family Foundation is to invest in strengthening the well-being of children so they thrive in their families and communities. And the vision is that children experience well-being. They grow up and develop in environments where they are supported and nurtured, safe from abuse and neglect, resilient in the face of trauma, successful in school, thriving in their families and communities.
Finances
Power of Story is honored to have received Candid’s 2023 and 2024 Silver Seal of Transparency. Our current financials can be found here.
Power of Story 