About People Incorporated
Our Mission
Transform the health of communities through innovative solutions. We lead our industry in providing a system of care predicated on excellence and inclusivity in behavioral health treatment, community support, and education. We accomplish this through our people, our partnerships, and our passion.
Our Vision
Transform the health of communities through innovative solutions.
Our Values
Inclusion
- Commit to equality, parity, and access
- Celebrate unique voices and contributions
Integrity
- Steward resources effectively to achieve and sustain our charitable mission
- Champion responsive action with authenticity
Innovation
- Remain agile in the creation of solutions
- Use data and learning to inform and create change
Impact
- Drive action
- Transform lives and communities
About Our Founder, Harry Maghakian
People Incorporated began more than 54 years ago when Pastor Harry Maghakian discovered a need in his community. 
Every day, Harry saw people outside his church with no place to go. Many of these people had no home, and most had experienced some form of trauma from living on the streets. Harry knew he could do something to help these people.
He could open up his church basement to provide a safe place for them to congregate. Harry also discovered that providing this space allowed them to share their stories and experiences. So, that is exactly what Harry did. And in doing so, People Incorporated was created and has evolved into the mental health care provider it is today – meeting people where they are, assessing what kind of care they need, and providing that care.
Why ‘People Incorporated’?
People Incorporated is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt status nonprofit organization that serves people with mental illness in Minnesota. We operate various programs, including crisis residences, outpatient clinics, outreach to people experiencing homelessness, Intensive Residential Treatment Services (IRTS), case management, and behavioral health services.
People Incorporated was founded in July 1969 on the belief that those living with mental illness must not be isolated, removed, or otherwise segregated from their communities but instead should be “incorporated” and supported within the communities in which they choose to live. People Incorporated is a nonprofit community-based mental health provider servicing more than 10,000 discrete clients through various programs, from children to adults and those experiencing homelessness.
Through this work, we help individuals to take back control of determining the kind of life they want to build for themselves. We believe in our clients and are proud of their journey of life-changing goals.
Over 54 Years of Providing Mental Health Services
View the video of Jill Wiedemann-West, our CEO, and Chad Saunders, a member of our board of directors, describing our humble beginnings more than 54 years ago and how that shaped who we are today. Today we operate various programs throughout Minnesota to help members of our community, including those who are the most vulnerable, find hope and solutions through high-quality integrated mental health care.
