2022 Community Report
Building
a more
connected
community,
together.
2022 Report to the Community
Your kindness and support are helping more neighbors in need.
Over the last two years, we all have lived with uncertainty, worries and isolation, and many more of our neighbors are turning to Keystone for food, resources and support. As our community’s needs increased, you generously increased your support. Last year, your generosity ensured 43,326 of your neighbors had a helping hand when they needed it most. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected community where everyone has access to the resources and support they need. Thank you for being part of our community!
You Keep Seniors Connected
Tom
Tom first delivered Keystone Meals on Wheels at age five with his father and has been delivering a weekly route for over 15 years. Tom loves the routine of his weekly route and getting to know his neighbors.
“It feels really good to start each week doing something nice for other people by delivering Meals on Wheels. I love meeting people who are in all walks of life and in all different situations, but who all live together in our city.”
Patrick
A former Meals on Wheels volunteer himself, Patrick now receives meals from Keystone to limit trips to the grocery store and stretch his budget. Patrick recently entered a hospice program, and he appreciates the convenience of the meals and kindness of the volunteers.
“I like the security of knowing the food is there. I always said with Meals on Wheels, love is delivered with a little food on the side.”
You Provide Food Security
Steve
Steve worked for 25+ years doing pastoral and missionary work in South America, but has slowed down a little after having a stroke a few years ago. For Steve and his wife, money can be pretty tight, especially now, so they appreciate getting monthly groceries from Keystone’s Foodmobile.
“Keystone’s Foodmobile has been a blessing to us. It is a great help for so many people who run into needy situations, are unable to work or are elderly and need some extra help. Caring for one another means people helping people.”
Nancy
After retiring, Nancy combined her passion for gardening with her commitment to helping her neighbors. She volunteers at Keystone’s Rice Street Food Shelf and encourages her friends in the Ramsey County Master Gardeners to donate fresh produce.
“Donating fresh vegetables is our way of giving back to the community. It is nice to show a little kindness and do just a little extra for people.”
Together, we are paving the way to expand support for people in our community.
We continue navigating through the pandemic and the economic impacts that are bringing unprecedented challenges for so many people. Neighbor by neighbor, block by block, we are building a community where everyone has the resources and support to thrive.
You Enrich Young People
Jeremiah
The last few years have been hard for Jeremiah, who just finished sixth grade, because he struggled to keep up during online school. He’s happy he could come to Keystone’s Community Kids program every day not only to catch up with school work, but also to enjoy fun activities with his teacher and friends.
“School is hard for me, but I still like it. At Community Kids, Ms. Cathalina helps me so much. She is a great person and helps me and the other kids with our homework and plans so many fun projects for us too.”
Ananyia
Community Kids has been part of Ananyia’s life for the last five years. He started out as a student in Ms. Cathalina’s classroom, and today, the 10th grader works part time in the classroom as a youth apprentice.
“As I’ve worked here, it feels great to work with the kids, and help the teachers however I can. I am really proud to be working here and being part of something that means so much to me.”
Ms. Cathalina
For Ms. Cathalina, the last few years have been challenging because she saw how isolated youth were during the pandemic. Creating new ways to make lessons fun and keep students engaged in learning has been a rewarding challenge.
“Right from the beginning of the pandemic, I noticed learning loss and saw how disconnected some students were becoming. Thankfully, we’d built trusting relationships with the families, worked creatively with the students and found new ways to stay connected.”
You are a vital member of our community
Your generosity helps build a more connected community for us all. Thank you!
Thank You
You can read more about your impact at Keystone in our 2021 Annual Report.
Read the Report »