At the Pine River-Backus Family Center, all programs are still running in an adjusted way to protect staff and clients.
Jodi is still running the food shelf during regular hours by "drive-up" shopping along Second Street. Boxes are prepackaged and ready for pick up.
Parent-Child + is Andi’s area and she is still keeping in touch with families, as well as Amy with the family center home visiting families.
Heather is keeping abreast of the opioid program by contact with the key partners. MNsure applications are still being handled by Karen (by appointment) along with answering the phones. Karen continues to be a resource via phone.
Leslie is paying the bills, writing grants, overseeing programming of staff and looking for support from the services available to continue building a strong community. They are proud to say all staff are being paid as normal. There is always something to do to keep staff busy.
ADVERTISEMENT
Volunteers are still coming in to help as usual with the exception of a few elderly we have asked to stay away and stay safe due to their health conditions.
One big area of concern is the CommUnity Meals being served in Pine River and Backus. The number of people served has increased exponentially from the COVID-19 isolation. One of the greatest sources of food for the CommUnity Meals was from restaurants. Now that they are closed to serving in their dining areas, the volume of food preparation is way down, which results in a lack of leftovers to donate.
They need your donations now to continue to serve Pine River and Backus families. Send to the Pine River-Backus Family Center at P.O. Box 1, Pine River, MN 56474. Just note "CommUnity Meals" in the memo section.
Call 218-587-4292 with questions.
Kathleen Stephan is a volunteer at the Pine River-Backus Family Center.
