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Our Stories
S.T.A.R.S.
"Thanks to S.T.A.R.S., my children started the school year on a positive note. They were able to concentrate on learning instead of worrying about school supplies."
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~Kim, mother of three
Senior Nutrition
"Just talked to my mom! She's in love with the Meals on Wheels program. Nice for me knowing she has a great balanced meal! Great program!!"
~Sandy from Oquawka
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One of our Senior Nutrition participants called to thank us. "the lunch was great and to be honest, I probably would not eat if it's not ready for me."
~Anonoymous
Pattee Learning Center
"Dear Ms. Kathy,
Thanks for having us here, It helped me learn a lot. This program has taught me how to be a better reader. I am so proud of us."
~A student spontaneously wrote a letter to our PLC Coordinator
Community Marketplace
"This place has been a life saver because of kids clothes!"
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~Thrift Store Shopper
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Recently, a man came to Community Market Place to use the food pantry. He was very pleased with how clean the place looked and how easy it was to use the pantry. As he was bagging his groceries he shared with the staff, “My wife used to come into the thrift store all the time, but she stopped a few years ago. She uses a wheelchair and was unable to get through the aisles to shop, so she stopped. Now, there is so much space between the aisles and racks, I think she will be able to get her wheelchair through.” He was so excited, he couldn’t wait to go tell his wife.
Liz, JCC Administrative Assistant, recalls a young lady, “Mary” who just moved into town. She didn’t have a home, any food, or a job. Liz talked to her about the JCC food pantry and how she could visit once a week since she had kids. The next resource on Liz’s list was Warren County Housing. She gave Mary the number so she could see if they had any available apartments to rent. About three weeks later, Liz called to follow up. Mary had been using the pantry, but was staying with a friend because she was waiting on housing to call her back. Liz told her to not lose her hope and that she wasn’t alone. Three weeks after that, Liz called again and Mary shared she finally got her own apartment. She kept thanking Liz for all the follow ups because it kept reminding her that somebody cared and was looking out for her.