Kennedy Vision’s Impact on the Community

Kennedy Vision Health Center community involvement hero
Kennedy Vision Health Center proud to serve the community

We’re Proud to Serve Our Community Beyond Eye Care

The patients we serve are our family, and this community in northwest Minneapolis is our home. That’s why we work hard to support organizations that we believe will help strengthen the connection people have to their neighborhoods, because for us it isn’t just philanthropy — it is what is expected of us as key members of the community we all share.

Check Out Our Past Community Events!

Take a moment to see our past initiatives and how we’ve helped our friends and neighbors flourish. We’re all stronger when we work together.

Minnesota Elk’s Fastpitch Youth Softball

The Minnesota Elks is a competitive fast pitch club that was founded in 2022 and serves the Northwest Metro Area of the Twin Cities. They provide a year-round season that starts in the fall and includes a full schedule of practices, off-season training, league games, and participation in local and out-of-state tournaments. The aim is to provide an outlet that helps players develop positively as athletes and as people.

MN ELKS Fastpitch logo

Wayzata Youth Hockey

The Wayzata Youth Hockey Association is an ice hockey program in School District 284 to provide developmental and recreational support for kids aged 5-19. Anyone can participate at the level of skill they feel comfortable, from leisurely practice to competitive games. This association provides the facilities for games and helps promote and sponsor the program’s activities, with the ultimate goal of instilling recreation, sportsmanship, and excellence in the players.
Wayzata youth hockey association logo

Dylan’s Hope Charity Golf Tournament

In loving memory of Dylan Britt Aaseby, the Dylan’s Hope Foundation is a local non-profit dedicated to preventing suicide. Their mission is to raise public awareness and facilitate community discussions on suicide prevention in Minnesota. They want to do everything they can to reach as many troubled people as possible, to prevent similar tragedies from happening to others.

Dylan's hope Foundation

Taste of Elk River — Rotary International

We support the annual Taste of Elk River, which is a local event hosted by the Elk River Rotary Club where locals can sample food and beverages from local vendors, and the proceeds are donated to other local organizations. We are proud to support our local rotary club chapter, because it has donated tens of thousands of dollars to help encourage the growth and development of other critical Elk River organizations.
Taste of Elk River, Rotary International

Plymouth Civic League

The team of all-volunteer board of directors that helps guide the Plymouth Civic League is composed of citizens and businesspeople who are tasked with promoting Music in Plymouth, an annual festival devoted to bringing families and the community together through local musical acts, events, fireworks, and more.
Plymouth Civic League logo

Two Blind Brothers

Run by Bradford and Bryan Manning, Two Blind Brothers is a group that makes and sells comfortable clothing and gifts to benefit the blind community. 100% of their profits are donated to the Foundation Fighting Blindness to help support eye disease research. Two Blind Brothers also works with organizations like Industries for the Blind to hire and support blind workers.
Two Blind Brothers logo

Home Free Women’s Shelter

The Home Free Women’s Shelter provides a sanctuary for victims and survivors of domestic abuse, including children. More than 600 female-identifying people and their children are brought in and supported each year, providing life-saving support and emergency services offered free of charge to all residents.
Mission Inc. programs logo

Open Doors for Youth Elk River

Another important emergency program, Open Doors for Youth Elk River serves vulnerable youth who are experiencing homelessness and housing instability. The program provides a safe and welcoming environment where kids and young adults aged 16-24 can receive help with employment, education, housing, and well-being. Open Doors for Youth understands that each person is unique, so this program works hard to meet youth where they are in life and tailor the aid they receive according to their needs.
Open doors for youth logo

Plymouth Lions Club

The mission of the Plymouth Lions’ Charitable Giving is to promote a healthy city where all people can enjoy a higher quality life. Their organization serves the people in the greater Plymouth area by providing funds and grants that contribute to the health and well-being of our community.
Plymouth lions club logo

Helping Paws

Helping Paws aims to increase peoples’ independence and quality of life by using assistance dogs. They provide dogs to people with physical disabilities, vets, first responders with PTSD, and other trauma-healing services. These dogs serve people from all careers and walks of life; including firefighters, legal professionals, and many more.

Helping Paws Assistance dogs

Other Philanthropic Initiatives

  • School Supply Drive. Collected school supplies that were distributed to several different nearby schools.
  • Sunset Hill Elementary Fun Run. A fundraiser for a local elementary school.
  • Elk River High School Hockey & Softball. We support Elk River High School’s hockey and softball teams.
Other philanthropic initiatives

Testimonials

Check out our reviews to see what patients think of our eye care experience!
Testimonial Quote

- Renee Q.

“Kennedy Vision in Elk River was able to get me in for a last minute exam when I had some eye problems. Everyone there is so friendly and helpful.”

Testimonial Quote

- Douglas Y.

“Dr. Traverse and Dr. Rossow are both consummate professionals in every sense, carefully explaining the details of the exam process and options for treatments. Orrin is as fastidious as you will ever find, great with helpful tips and ensuring that you are completely satisfied. The entire staff at both locations are extremely friendly and helpful. It is very apparent that they put the customer first in all that they do. Thank you all for making the process very simple, each and every time.”

Testimonial Quote

- Jackie B.

“I always have a great experience during my annual eye exam. The staff here is so friendly and makes you feel very welcome. I have been seeing Dr Traverse for many years and although thorough explains things in layman terms. It never feels like he is rushing to get you out the door.”

Testimonial Quote

- Jill P.

“Everyone from scheduling, insurance, eye exam, and the multiple ladies helping me and my husband find glasses were amazing! They were all super helpful and friendly. Highly recommend!”

Testimonial Quote

- Deanna G.

“Very careful, thorough exam by Dr. Kennedy. Support staff is knowledgeable and efficient, friendly.”

Testimonial Quote

- Megan W.

“I made an appointment here because it was in my VSP network and ended up LOVING it. The staff, from when you walk in the door to when you get to the exam room, are friendly, welcoming and kind. Dr. B is great, and I am happy to say I have new glasses & contacts with the RIGHT prescription for the first time in my 15+ years of wearing them! I actually helped one of my patients get an appointment after he broke his glasses on accident and he loved them as well.. Highly recommend!!”