Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
We served nearly 1,000 households (nearly 3,300 people). We filled 5,600 food orders through the food shelf, which provides a 5-7 day supply of food. In addition, clients visited our food pantry 13,200 times. The pantry may be accessed weekly and provides fresh produce, breads and other perishables. 68% of 150 clients surveyed indicated that because of PROP's help, they don't go hungry. 68% said they don't run out of food before they get money to buy more. 57% reported that they have adequate size meals and 54% said they had more balanced, nutritious meals.
We provided rent/mortgage assistance to 84 families. In a 2012 follow up survey with 43 families three months after they received rent help from PROP, we found that 89% were in the same residency, 78% were current on rent, and 49% would have been evicted or homeless without PROP's help. We continue to collect this 3 month follow up data.
We provided 81 emergency gas or bus cards, 21 utility payments, 14 auto repairs, 10 prescriptions, 6 furniture referrals, 6 childcare payments and 8 emergency hotel stays.
Our case managers met with all 270 new clients; they also conducted annual reviews with current clients. Trained volunteer resource assistants conducted 3, 6 and 9 month follow-up reviews. Altogether, 1,762 reviews and assessments were conducted. Because our case managers and volunteers have knowledge of a myriad of community resources, clients are more connected to additional important programs and services. We provided over 1,000 resources to clients last year.
Of the 51 clients who met with our employment counselor, 50% found a job (or better paying job). 31 clients met with our mental health counselor and 18 met with our money manager.
We provided 1,314 summer snack packs, 524 back packs filled with school supplies, and holiday gifts to 577 children. We provided 111 gifts to seniors.
Finally, our Board adopted a 3-year Strategic Plan, reviewed the bylaws, and revised our mission statement.
Current Goals
At least 1,000 families will utilize the food shelf.
Provide additional produce by growing our garden partnerships. Currently, 3 churches and a local business grow gardens on our behalf. A volunteer garden ambassador is working to encourage other organizations and individuals to "grow a row" for PROP.
1,000 children will receive special program support - based on the results of the 2013 Snack Pack pilot program, we will provide a full-blown Summer Food for Kids program, with a two-week supply of breakfast and lunch items added to a household's monthly food order for those with school-age children. While the Snack Pack program was limited to existing clients and served 800 children, any family in need in our community may receive Summer Food.
Provide 50 youth scholarships, school supplies to over 500 children, and holiday gifts to over 600 children and seniors.
Determine the need for free food order deliveries from our food shelf/pantry for seniors and disabled adults.
Prevent homelessness for at least 80 households and provide 65 additional emergency financial services (utility payments, child care, etc).
Promote our wrap-around, or "pathways," programs and serve at least 50 clients with employment coaching, 30 with counseling and 20 with money management.
Community or Constituency Served
We meet the basic and immediate needs of families and individuals experiencing financial crisis and instability. Nearly all (97%) are living below the poverty standard for Minnesota. Half of the households we serve reported earnings of less than $1,000 per month. Often, they are precariously housed and struggle to afford enough food.
Geographic Area Served
Eden Prairie and Chanhassen
