Nestled in the heart of two great communities, Waconia and Watertown, you’ll find Gather and Grow Food Shelf and Connection Center. Whether you’re a volunteer, contributor, supporter, or client, we’ve all been touched in some way by the way this organization fills plates and sparks inspiration. The Prosper Program, a holistic approach to well-being with life skills classes at its core, is one way in which the community, through Gather and Grow, helps neighbors not only survive but thrive. Angie Cruzen, Executive Director, says this program provides people who want to improve their circumstances with a free resource—and also creates opportunities to form connections and build relationships, something every community needs more of.
“During the pandemic, it became very evident to me that many were walking through our doors for food assistance, but needed help in other parts of their lives as well," Angie explains. And so, with help from Carver County Public Health, the Prosper Program, an initiative to support individuals with their entire well-being beyond access to quality groceries, was established.
“There aren’t a lot of free resources available west of Chaska, and since transportation can be a huge barrier for people, I wanted to create opportunities in our neighborhood.” Angie goes on to say that there’s usually more than one factor in play when someone finds themselves experiencing food insecurity. “If our Prosper Program can help someone get on more solid ground, then it’s worth it. It’s giving a person a hand-up, not a hand-out.”
The Prosper Program’s classes cover many topics, such as budgeting, seeking and preparing for employment, cooking skills and tips, and many more, depending on the community’s involvement. Angie shares that if an individual has a background in an area they’re willing to offer, like human resources, mental health services, or personal finance—and a couple of free hours a few months out of the year, she’d be thrilled to welcome them. “This entire program is a grassroots effort of amazing people in our community willing to offer their expertise to others to better our community.”
When Angie says to better our community, she’s pointing to a vision where the whole community thrives. “The program benefits all of us in many ways—it gives people a chance to volunteer and impact their neighbors in a life-changing way.” One powerful example of this life-changing impact, Angie shares, is a former shopper named Carla. She was recently divorced and found herself not only in need of assistance with groceries but also needing to find employment after being a stay-at-home mom for several years. Carla participated in the Employment Strategies class, created a resumé, interviewed for jobs, and ultimately was hired.
“She credits the class for helping her feel confident going into that interview. She now owns a home, has received a few promotions from that same employer, and has shared her encouraging story with others.”
And this chance to learn and grow is open to all—clients, supporters, and neighbors together. “The Prosper Program is offered to the entire community. A participant doesn’t need to be a shopper at Gather and Grow to benefit.” When a class is planned, details are shared on social channels, with online sign-ups and opportunities to sign up in-store as well. Angie adds that in addition to welcoming all, the goal is to gain enough experts to offer a more consistent schedule of classes that cover the topics most important to the community.
If you’re interested in teaching a class or helping with the administrative work of strengthening the program’s foundation so it can be more consistent and impactful, please contact info@gathernadgrowmn.org.
This entire program is a grassroots effort of amazing people in our community willing to offer their expertise to others to better our community.