About

For those moments of not knowing where to turn or who to call, you have an ally in PROP. 

This is invisible poverty

More than 50 years ago, People Reaching Out to People (or PROP) was founded on the principle of neighbors helping neighbors, by donating time, food, and money to those in need. More recently, we expanded our services to not only meet the basic needs of the 1,200 families we serve, but also provide support as clients build a more secure future.

Many services. One goal.

We offer support through an array of programs to help people get through a crisis,

and to support them as they strive to reach their goal of a more secure future.

silverware

Food Insecurity

76% visit our food shelf every month

housing

Housing Instability

Nearly half spend 50% of income on housing

briefcase

UnderEmployed

65% say income doesn’t cover basic expenses

transportation

Limited Transportation

11% don’t have reliable transportation

health barriers

Health Barriers

Nearly 25% struggle with physical challenges

Our Approach

The first time a person or family approaches us for services, we seek to understand the circumstances that have led to their need for food or financial help. We then provide assistance to alleviate the immediate crisis and connect clients with other resources, within and outside of PROP, to help them move toward stability. We offer clients help for today, and hope and ongoing support for tomorrow as they strive to achieve their goals.

Our case managers work with clients to design action plans to address barriers that prevent them from moving forward. Barriers could include unemployment, transportation, lack of affordable childcare, language skills, and lack of education or training. Quarterly check-ins provide an opportunity for clients to assess their progress.

STAFF DIRECTORY

Jenifer Loon, Executive Director, jeniferl@propfood.org, 952-294-8380

Jessica Kuenzli, Director of Client Services & Community Partnerships, jessicak@propfood.org, 952-767-2977

Grace Lagunes, Case Manager, Gracel@propfood.org, 952-746-1853

Tangee Cassidy, Employment Counselor,
Tangeec@propfood.org, 952-746-0007

Matt Dymoke, Development Director, Mattd@propfood.org, 952-746-1890

Keosha Greenlaw, Case Manager, keoshag@propfood.org, 952-746-1892

Sarina Bissell, Client Services Coordinator, sarinab@propfood.org, 952-767-2658

Holly Link, Marketing and Communications Coordinator,
hollyl@propfood.org, 952-746-1891

Corey Adney, Director of Food Programs & Operations, coreya@propfood.org, 952-294-8378

Paul Harcey, Food Shelf and Facilities Manager, paulh@propfood.org, 952-746-1239

Karla Lloyd, Food Mart Coordinator, karlal@propfood.org

Board Members

PAST CHAIR, ERIK MILES

Board Member since 2017

Erik was born and raised in Alexandria, Virginia. He moved to the Twin Cities in 1989 and began his work at Starkey. During his tenure at Starkey he has held a variety of positions. Currently, he is the Technical Support Manager for a staff of 16 customer service employees. He is very active in his church. At the Basilica of St. Mary’s, he is on the parish council and a core leader of an outreach program called Pathways. He is active as a mentor in a program called Kinship that is sponsored by the Minneapolis Greater Council of Churches. Erik describes himself as a “servant” leader that values helping others and valuing teamwork to meet the needs of the organization and others.ie.

Erik Miles

CHAIR, KIM LARISH

Board Member since 2021

Kim Larish and her family have been residents of Eden Prairie for over 30 years. As a long-term employee of the E.A. Sween Company in Eden Prairie, Kim was V.P. of People Strategies and a member of the Leadership Team. She also served as President of the Southwest Human Resource Association, a networking group with a membership of 250+ companies and 350+ individual members. Ten years ago, Kim began serving on PROP’s Human Resource committee, and became a member of the PROP Board three years ago. She assumed the role of Board Chair in 2024.

Kim Looks forward to continuing her service with her fellow Board Members, overseeing the programs and services PROP provides, so that people in crisis in our community can continue to receive the support they need.

DIRECTOR, MOLLY KOIVUMAKI

Board Member since 2019 

Molly has served the Eden Prairie community for over 35 years as an employee of the City of Eden Prairie. Most recently, Molly served as the Manager of Housing and Community Services, a role in which she was active in affordable housing acquisition strategies as well as oversight human services grant programs. Throughout her career, Molly partnered with PROP and built a strong network of human services providers in Eden Prairie and throughout the region. Molly has passion for public service and civic engagement. Molly brings to the PROP Board an in depth knowledge of the history of Eden Prairie and numerous, treasured community connections.

MOLLY KOIVUMAKI

TREASURER, ELAINE LARABEE

Board Member since 2022

Elaine and her family have lived in Eden Prairie for over 25 years.  She is currently employed as a Tax Accountant with a local CPA firm and has held many volunteer positions with school and community organizations in the community. She served as an Eden Prairie School Board member for two elected terms. During those terms she was Board Clerk for one year, Board Chair for five years. 

Elaine is excited to bring her commitment to community service to the PROP board.  She has seen first-hand the difference PROP can make in the lives of children and families and is dedicated to supporting the work of the organization.  

AARON SCHOENECKER

SECRETARY, JULIE SIEGERT

Board Member since 2019

Julie and her family live in Eden Prairie. Julie grew up in Iowa and moved to Minnesota in 2002 to work as an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America), where members live and work alongside community members to advance local solutions within organizations that help to eradicate poverty. After her year of VISTA service, Julie was hired by the Scott County Community Development Agency where she has held a variety of positions and is now the Executive Director.
Julie believes in PROP’s mission and is committed to working alongside her neighbors to advance local solutions to help those in need.

JULIE SIEGERT

DIRECTOR, MOHAMMAD FARIDI

Board Member since 2021

Mohammad and family have lived in Eden Prairie since 2002. Mohammad is a highly experienced software architect with over 20 years of experience developing software in a broad range of industries and currently works as an independent consultant in the Twin Cities. “I believe in PROP’s mission and hope to contribute to the organization and the community by volunteering.”

Tim Beekman

DIRECTOR, TIM BEEKMANN

Board Member since 2019

This is Tim’s 27th year with Eden Prairie Schools where he currently serves as the principal at Eden Lake Elementary.  Prior to that he spent 21 years at Prairie View Elementary as a 1st –4th grade teacher for 15 years and six years in an administrative teacher on special assignment as Educational Coordinator. Tim now resides in Golden Valley along with his husband of 20 years, Patrick.

Tim is honored and excited to join the PROP Board because it is such a vital organization and resource that benefits so many of our families and students in Eden Prairie. Tim looks forward to learning more about how to make our partnership with the schools even stronger as he joins the board.

Tim Beekman

VICE-CHAIR, BRYAN WURSCHER

Board Member since 2022

Bryan and his wife Wendy are both from Minnesota and reside in Eden Prairie with their son Owen.  In their spare time, they enjoy activities including hiking, biking and skiing.  Global travel and cultural immersion are a passion of the family.    Bryan has nearly 30 years of experience in a variety of leadership, general management, commercial, merchandising, and business development roles in the Food and Agriculture industries.  Bryan is excited to bring his lifelong passion for community involvement and philanthropy with a focus on developing youth leadership and ensuring safe and affordable food and lodging for those in need to PROP.

KIM RATHJEN

DIRECTOR, JENNIFER PAWELEK, MONDELEZ INTERNATIONAL

Board Member since 2018

Jennifer and her family have been Eden Prairie residents for 6 years and have been impressed with the many opportunities to engage in the community.  Jennifer has worked in the consumer packaged goods industry for 19 years.  Currently, she works for Mondelēz International, the parent company for Nabisco brands as well as fun confection such as Sour Patch Kids and Trident. Jennifer has 6 years of board experience with non profits organizations primarily committed to leadership and development.

 

JENNIFER PAWELEK

DIRECTOR, BEV GEFFERT

Board Member since 2023

Bev and her husband have been long time residents of Carver, Minnesota. With a Master’s degree in History and a Bachelor’s in History and Music, Bev enjoyed a career teaching history, music, government and Gifted Education. An active community member, she held the position of Executive Director for the Carver County Historical Society and was the Past President of the League of Women Voters for Eastern Carver County.

In addition to her PROP Food Board service, Bev is an election judge and a member of the Carver County Health Sub-Committee: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Abuse Prevention. Bev and her husband also assist with Families Moving Forward, Carver County, through Hope Lutheran Church in Jordan.

 

 

JENNIFER PAWELEK

DIRECTOR, OSMAN AHMED

Board Member since 2024

Osman Ahmed is the founder of Talo Table, an initiative that empowers African Immigrants through economic prosperity, advocacy and education. Osman is a dedicated public policy and community engagement expert with a track record of working with diverse communities and cross-cultural perspectives at the state and federal levels. He has worked in the U.S. Senate and the non-profit sector. Osman holds a B.A from the University of Minnesota in political science and global studies, and he also holds a master’s degree in education from Augsburg University. He has been actively involved in community and civic engagement for the past 15 years.

 

 

JENNIFER PAWELEK

Financials

We are committed to transparency in how we handle donations and all other financial accounting. Every penny donated makes an enormous impact on the community and if there any questions, please contact Jenifer Loon, Executive Director at 952-294-8380 or Matt Dymoke​, Director of Development at 952-746-1890.

Our legal name

People Reaching Out to Other People, Inc.

Our EIN (Tax ID#)

41-1430172

Audited Financial Statements

Financial Statements for 2023(pdf)

Financial Statements for 2022(pdf)

Financial Statements for 2021(pdf)

Financial Statements for 2020(pdf)

Form 990

Form 990 for 2023

Form 990 for 2022

Form 990 for 2021

Form 990 for 2020

Annual Report

2022-2023

2021-2022

Logo

PROP Logo

Featured News

2024 PROP-TOBERFEST!

2024 PROP-TOBERFEST!

Join us for "PROP-TOBERFEST - a “Day of Family Fun” on September 22, 2024, 12:00-4:00 PM at Fat Pants Brewing Company, Eden Prairie. A $10 wrist band purchased at the event enters you into a drawing for a door prize and gives access to outdoor kids’ and adult...

read more
2024 Immanuel Lutheran Church- BINGO Benefit for PROP

2024 Immanuel Lutheran Church- BINGO Benefit for PROP

2024 Immanuel Lutheran Church, Eden Prairie Bingo Benefit for PROP Saturday, September 7, 3:00-7:00pm Come and join the fun under the BIG TENT at Immanuel Lutheran Church's Bingo Benefit for PROP.  There will be prizes, food trucks, root beer floats with Culver’s...

read more

Recent News

2024 PROP-TOBERFEST!

Join us for "PROP-TOBERFEST - a “Day of Family Fun” on September 22, 2024, 12:00-4:00 PM at Fat Pants Brewing Company, Eden Prairie. A $10 wrist band purchased at the event enters you into a drawing for a door prize and gives access to outdoor kids’ and adult...

2024 Immanuel Lutheran Church- BINGO Benefit for PROP

2024 Immanuel Lutheran Church, Eden Prairie Bingo Benefit for PROP Saturday, September 7, 3:00-7:00pm Come and join the fun under the BIG TENT at Immanuel Lutheran Church's Bingo Benefit for PROP.  There will be prizes, food trucks, root beer floats with Culver’s...

PROP Business Partners Step Up to the Plate

PROP Business Partners Step up to the Plate Community is at the heart of what PROP Food does. PROP wouldn’t be what it is today without neighbors helping their neighbors, and some of those neighbors who help PROP are local business partners. PROP has several...

Faith Communities Help PROP Combat Food Insecurity

As PROP Food Shelf has expanded over its 50-year history, it has cemented itself as a pillar of the Eden Prairie and Chanhassen communities. Through community support, PROP has been able to continue its mission of combating food insecurity. Its partnerships with...