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 1,100 families we serve, but also provide skills to set clients on a path toward greater self-sufficiency.
Many services. One goal.
We offer support through an array of programs to help people get back on their feet, regain control, and live a life where they can thrive.
Food Insecurity
76% visit our food shelf every month
Housing Instability
Nearly half spend 50% of income on housing
UnderEmployed
65% say income doesn’t cover basic expenses
Limited Transportation
11% don’t have reliable transportation
Health Barriers
Nearly 25% struggle with physical challenges
Our Approach
The first time a person or family approaches us for services – even if only for a short-term emergency food supply – they meet with one of our case managers for a comprehensive assessment of their situation. We first 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. Oftentimes, what we give is hope, and ongoing support as our clients work towards achieving self-sufficiency.
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
Mary Brown, Development Director, maryb@propfood.org, 952-746-1890
Cindy McPherson, Director of Food Programs & Operations, cindym@propfood.org, 952-294-8378
Tricia Ode, Case Manager, patriciao@propfood.org, 952-746-1891
Crystal Winston, Case Manager, crystalw@propfood.org, 952-746-0007
Jessica Kuenzli, Employment Program Counselor, jessicak@propfood.org, 952-767-2977
Paul Harcey, Food Shelf Coordinator, paulh@propfood.org, 952-746-1239
Gary Olson, Director of Social Services, garyo@propfood.org, 952-746-1853
Board Members
CHAIR, 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.
VICE – CHAIR, ERIK MILES, TECHNICAL SUPPORT MANAGER AT STARKEY.
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.
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.
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 currently has the privilege of serving as its Housing Director.
Julie believes in PROP’s mission and is committed to working alongside her neighbors to advance local solutions to help those in need.
EX – CHAIR, 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.
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.
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.”
KIM LARISH
Board Member since 2021
Kim and her family have been residents of Eden Prairie for over 35 years. She has been employed by the E.A. Sween Company, based also in Eden Prairie, for 33 years and has held the position of V.P. of People and Strategies and a member of the Leadership Team since 2000. Kim is also the President of a local Human Resource networking group called the Southwest Human Resource Association (SWMHRA). This group serves communities in the SW Metro area with membership of 250+ companies and 350+ individual members.
As a member of the Human Resource committee with PROP for the past seven years, Kim has been a part of the PROP organization and is excited to join the PROP board. She is looking forward to working with a great team of people dedicated and committed to supporting those in our own community with the many helpful programs and services they provide.
BRYAN WURSHER
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. He is currently Senior Vice President at The Scoular Company with responsibility for the company’s Food Ingredient Division. 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.
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 Mary Brown, Director of Development at 952-937-9120.
Our legal name
People Reaching Out to Other People, Inc.
Our EIN (Tax ID#)
41-1430172
Audited Financial Statements
Financial Statements for 2021(pdf)
Financial Statements for 2020(pdf)
Financial Statements for 2019(pdf)
Form 990
Annual Report
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