About Us
Foothold Twin Cities is a non-profit organization founded and operated by Minneapolis locals.
100% of donations are given to recipients.
HOW WE STARTED
Terry Walsh and Amber Lampron founded Foothold after a discussion about a family that Amber encountered while in her position in Education. The family needed $600 to fix their furnace and were not able to pay the bill.
Terry suggested to Amber that they turn Terry's next band gig into a fundraiser to raise money for the family. Terry is the leader of bands, The Belfast Cowboys and St. Dominic's Trio, and has the fan-base to support ongoing fundraising. Thankfully, the idea was a success, and the family was able to pay for their furnace and once again have a safe and warm home for the winter.
Terry and Amber realized that this family was not the only one in need and they committed to using their resources to help as many people as possible.
100% of donations are given to recipients.
HOW WE STARTED
Terry Walsh and Amber Lampron founded Foothold after a discussion about a family that Amber encountered while in her position in Education. The family needed $600 to fix their furnace and were not able to pay the bill.
Terry suggested to Amber that they turn Terry's next band gig into a fundraiser to raise money for the family. Terry is the leader of bands, The Belfast Cowboys and St. Dominic's Trio, and has the fan-base to support ongoing fundraising. Thankfully, the idea was a success, and the family was able to pay for their furnace and once again have a safe and warm home for the winter.
Terry and Amber realized that this family was not the only one in need and they committed to using their resources to help as many people as possible.
Get to know our team
Terry Walsh - President and Founder
Terry and Amber co-founded Foothold after realizing the great need in the community. With Terry's platform and fan base - with his band - he began hosting fundraisers to raise money and help as many families as possible.
"I remember all too well the feeling of worrying how I was going to pay the bills," Terry explains. "I'd go to work when I was sick because I couldn't afford to miss a day. There was always an underlying tension in our day-to-day life, knowing that if our car broke down or any other unforeseen problem arose, we wouldn't be able to pay for it. If one of our bills would be late, resulting in late fees, we would go more into debt. Being poor is EXPENSIVE. Foothold tries to change the lives of people who need and deserve help by showing them the unexpected kindness of paying a bill that may be hanging over their heads, thus helping through hard times."
Terry's favorite thing about Minneapolis:
"I've lived in Minneapolis my whole life. I endure the winters because I love the other seasons. The city is unique because of sprawling parks, lakes and trails that are woven into the urban landscape. The music scene is fantastic!"
Amber Lampron - Vice President and Founder
Amber Lampron brings over 25 years of educational and administrative experience in Early Childhood Special Education. She currently works for Richfield Public Schools as an administrative leader of Early Childhood Special Education. Amber has worked in education in five states and brings perspectives on family life and needs from all of these experiences. She recently obtained her second master's degree in Educational Administration and enjoys her work days that are full of interactions with families and teachers. Amber believes Foothold is unique in the nonprofit world because of three things: how quickly and efficiently they help families, the fact that all referrals come from professionals who know the family, and all donations go directly to an expense to ease the burden on a family during a crisis.
Amber's favorite thing about Minneapolis:
"I love meeting people and families from different backgrounds and cultures in the city. I grew up in the country in small towns with very little diversity, and Minneapolis brings new experiences and a chance to learn about something new each day. My absolute favorite part of the city is the variety of restaurants and amazing food. Minneapolis a wonderful place to live!"
Laura Burns - Consultant and Volunteer
Laura developed a friendship with Amber over five years ago. Their friendship began over mutual love of the music community. Laura works behind the scenes with recordkeeping, administration, organizing and hosting monthly board meetings. Doing anything necessary to keep Foothold moving forward and growing.
"Foothold embraces the philosophy of helping neighbors selflessly." Laura explains, "I have grown to realize that small actions towards others can make a big impact. Foothold is a small non-profit that can make a big impact to one family. That one family can make a big impact on a neighborhood. One neighborhood can make a big impact on the city -- and so on. These small actions have the potential to impact our world in a big way."
Laura's favorite thing about Minneapolis:
"I was born and raised in Minneapolis, my roots go down as deep as they can. Minneapolis is safe, beautiful, smart, understated and filled with love for community. We have a culture that embraces all and recognizes differences within all ethnic backgrounds. Plus, the music community is better than any other in the United States."
Dave Kirby - Consultant and Volunteer
Dave has been in bands with Terry Walsh since 1996. Shortly after he and Amber began the charity, they asked if he would serve in an advisory capacity. As a business owner with extensive contacts, Dave felt that he could contribute in a meaningful way.
"I am the oldest of five children and while we didn't grow up in poverty, we all had jobs in our teens and contributed to the household income." Dave explains, "I did have friends though, who were not so fortunate. I remember how difficult it was for them to be excluded from activities that required money, or how they would gravitate to our home at meal times because at their home there was nothing there. I believe that at one time or another every one of us has felt like we were just 'one good year' away from gaining the stability - the Foothold - to continue moving forward on our own."
Dave's favorite thing about Minneapolis:
"I love the Minneapolis/St. Paul area for many reasons... people are very open-minded and progressive and there is a high value placed on quality of life and the arts. Whether you love art, music, theater or outdoor activities there are countless options available to you. As a musician, I love that the area has a strong music scene with not only outstanding musicians, but dedicated and enthusiastic fans."
Terry Walsh - President and Founder
Terry and Amber co-founded Foothold after realizing the great need in the community. With Terry's platform and fan base - with his band - he began hosting fundraisers to raise money and help as many families as possible.
"I remember all too well the feeling of worrying how I was going to pay the bills," Terry explains. "I'd go to work when I was sick because I couldn't afford to miss a day. There was always an underlying tension in our day-to-day life, knowing that if our car broke down or any other unforeseen problem arose, we wouldn't be able to pay for it. If one of our bills would be late, resulting in late fees, we would go more into debt. Being poor is EXPENSIVE. Foothold tries to change the lives of people who need and deserve help by showing them the unexpected kindness of paying a bill that may be hanging over their heads, thus helping through hard times."
Terry's favorite thing about Minneapolis:
"I've lived in Minneapolis my whole life. I endure the winters because I love the other seasons. The city is unique because of sprawling parks, lakes and trails that are woven into the urban landscape. The music scene is fantastic!"
Amber Lampron - Vice President and Founder
Amber Lampron brings over 25 years of educational and administrative experience in Early Childhood Special Education. She currently works for Richfield Public Schools as an administrative leader of Early Childhood Special Education. Amber has worked in education in five states and brings perspectives on family life and needs from all of these experiences. She recently obtained her second master's degree in Educational Administration and enjoys her work days that are full of interactions with families and teachers. Amber believes Foothold is unique in the nonprofit world because of three things: how quickly and efficiently they help families, the fact that all referrals come from professionals who know the family, and all donations go directly to an expense to ease the burden on a family during a crisis.
Amber's favorite thing about Minneapolis:
"I love meeting people and families from different backgrounds and cultures in the city. I grew up in the country in small towns with very little diversity, and Minneapolis brings new experiences and a chance to learn about something new each day. My absolute favorite part of the city is the variety of restaurants and amazing food. Minneapolis a wonderful place to live!"
Laura Burns - Consultant and Volunteer
Laura developed a friendship with Amber over five years ago. Their friendship began over mutual love of the music community. Laura works behind the scenes with recordkeeping, administration, organizing and hosting monthly board meetings. Doing anything necessary to keep Foothold moving forward and growing.
"Foothold embraces the philosophy of helping neighbors selflessly." Laura explains, "I have grown to realize that small actions towards others can make a big impact. Foothold is a small non-profit that can make a big impact to one family. That one family can make a big impact on a neighborhood. One neighborhood can make a big impact on the city -- and so on. These small actions have the potential to impact our world in a big way."
Laura's favorite thing about Minneapolis:
"I was born and raised in Minneapolis, my roots go down as deep as they can. Minneapolis is safe, beautiful, smart, understated and filled with love for community. We have a culture that embraces all and recognizes differences within all ethnic backgrounds. Plus, the music community is better than any other in the United States."
Dave Kirby - Consultant and Volunteer
Dave has been in bands with Terry Walsh since 1996. Shortly after he and Amber began the charity, they asked if he would serve in an advisory capacity. As a business owner with extensive contacts, Dave felt that he could contribute in a meaningful way.
"I am the oldest of five children and while we didn't grow up in poverty, we all had jobs in our teens and contributed to the household income." Dave explains, "I did have friends though, who were not so fortunate. I remember how difficult it was for them to be excluded from activities that required money, or how they would gravitate to our home at meal times because at their home there was nothing there. I believe that at one time or another every one of us has felt like we were just 'one good year' away from gaining the stability - the Foothold - to continue moving forward on our own."
Dave's favorite thing about Minneapolis:
"I love the Minneapolis/St. Paul area for many reasons... people are very open-minded and progressive and there is a high value placed on quality of life and the arts. Whether you love art, music, theater or outdoor activities there are countless options available to you. As a musician, I love that the area has a strong music scene with not only outstanding musicians, but dedicated and enthusiastic fans."
Board of Directors• Terry Walsh, President/Chair
• Amber Lampron, Vice President/Vice Chair • Joe Baumgart, Treasurer |
Consultants and Volunteers• Dave Kirby
• Nicole Jerome • Laura Burns • Laura Poehlman |