Many of PROP’s clients can’t afford to send their kids to summer camps. With a little help from PROP some dreams do come true. Here is one.

Casey, a 10-year old girl who always loved collecting toy ponies, was able to attend a five-day horseback riding camp in summer of 2014. She was thrilled to ride a real horse and even got to pick a horse of her favorite color.  Thanks to PROP.

Maria, a single mom with two children came to PROP in pain, from an infected tooth. Her dentist would not help unless she paid in advance, and the tooth couldn’t be pulled or it would have created bigger problems later. Her choice was to pay the rent or take away the pain. She chose rent and went to PROP. PROP found a dentist for her and provided funds for the first payment. A payment plan was worked out and the kind dentist even gave a discount. With Youth scholarships from PROP, both her boys were able to participate in sports activities with children of their own age. PROP also referred her to English as a Second Language(ESL) classes, which she is attending now. She continues to use PROP Food Shelf, and Summer Food For Kids. She is working and her family is stabilized.

Leyla*, a vulnerable adult client, used PROP’s food shelf and occasionally got help with utilities and scholarship services. During a recent meeting with her, PROP’s Case Manager was concerned about her and after assessment found that she was dealing with increasingly debilitating mental health challenges. She was hesitant about approaching the county for help as she fought to keep her independence. PROP was able to build a plan with Carver County Social Services and Love Inc. to get Leyla access to the mental health and wrap around resources she needed. In meantime, Leyla continued to use the food shelf at PROP, but all other care was provided at the county level.

Carlo an Eden Prairie resident was between jobs and needed help getting back on track. He first met with PROP’s employment counselor to get some help with finding new employment (resume, networking, interviewing skills, etc.). Like all new PROP clients, Carlo met with a Case Manager for a comprehensive analysis of his situation, to fully understand his needs and challenges. During this interview it was clear that he was not eating regularly, either. He was very hesitant to mention this. He was ashamed to ask for this help. Our Case Manager compassionately helped him realize that many people need temporary help when they are going through a change or crisis and getting food assistance is nothing to be ashamed of – that’s why PROP is here. He now continues his job search, with improved skills and a full stomach.

An Eden Prairie school social worker learned from a child she was working with that there wasn’t  any food at home. Mary and John were trying to get by, thinking that they have to make it on their own. Fortunately, the social worker reached out to the family and encouraged them to call PROP. They did, their needs were assessed, and they immediately got help with food assistance, including monthly grocery orders and weekly visits to the pantry for fresh produce and bread. PROP also referred the family to additional services in the neighborhood, so they could benefit from them, as well. They are now in a much more stable space- no more food insecurity.