30+ Years Supporting Minnesota's Diverse Communities
People's Development Services (PDS) is a mission-driven organization delivering accessible, inclusive, and holistic services that empower individuals and strengthen families across Minnesota.
Compassionate care for every community
To provide culturally responsive mental health, housing, employment, and family services that help individuals overcome barriers, build stability, and live with dignity.
Thriving, connected communities
A Minnesota where every person — regardless of background, language, or circumstance — has the support they need to reach their full potential.
Three decades of community care
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1984
PDS Opens Its Doors
Founded in Minneapolis as Employee Development Services (EDS) by a vocational rehabilitation counselor in 1984, the organization began providing vocational and rehabilitation services to adults returning to the community after incarceration.
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1990s
Expanding Community Services
EDS expanded its vocational, employment, rehabilitation, and community-based services throughout the Twin Cities.
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2010s
Peoples Development Services
EDS became Peoples Development Services (PDS) and expanded its services to include mental health, 245D Services, MNsure, immigration application support, and other social services with a growing focus on culturally responsive care.
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2020–Present
Growing Programs & Partnerships
PDS expanded programs including SOAR-SSI/SSDI, benefits support, Housing Support Services, Family Navigation, Conditional Release, Gambling Treatment, and other community-based services.
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Today
Ten Programs, Two Offices
PDS operates offices in Saint Paul and Minneapolis, partnering with counties, health care providers, courts, and community organizations to serve individuals and families across Minnesota.
Who you'll work with
- Licensed therapists (LICSW, LMFT, LPCC) providing psychotherapy
- Mental health practitioners and ARMHS workers
- Certified SOAR advocates and benefits specialists
- Housing case managers and family navigators
- State-certified problem gambling counselors
- Bilingual and bicultural staff across seven languages
Leadership biographies and headshots are being finalized and will be published here.
Certified and county-contracted
- Minnesota DHS-certified provider for ARMHS and problem gambling treatment
- Contracted with Hennepin County (including DOCCR) and Ramsey County
- Medical Assistance and most major insurance plans accepted
- Partnerships with United Way, Wilder Foundation, City of Minneapolis, and M Health Fairview
665 Snelling Ave N, Saint Paul, MN 55104
3617 E. Lake Street, Ste A-3, Minneapolis, MN 55406
What guides our work
Compassion
We meet every person where they are, with dignity and respect.
Cultural Responsiveness
Multilingual staff who reflect and understand the communities we serve.
Integrity
Trusted for over three decades by partners, agencies, and families.
Community
Whole-person, whole-family, whole-community approach to care.
Empowerment
Helping people build the skills and confidence to thrive independently.
Collaboration
Working alongside counties, clinicians, and community organizations.
Ready to work with us?
Whether you need services, want to refer a client, or are looking to join our team — we'd love to hear from you.