Today’s meeting was cancelled to allow members to attend the Community Support Center (CSC) Luncheon at St John the Baptist Catholic Church.  The Community Support Center works with Arden Hills, Mounds View, New Brighton, North Oaks and Shoreview residents to prevent homelessness, solve financial crises and provide long-term relationships that help to prevent recurring financial crises.  Their goal is to first create financial stability and then provide coaching and other financial guidance to ensure long-term financial sustainability.  Board President Iris McGinnis and Director Karen Meyer outlined how CSC makes the most of its limited funds by making sure that all other available assistance options are considered before CSC offers financial assistance to prevent evictions.  There are no cookie-cutter solutions at CSC; each accepted “neighbor” gets a plan that is tailored to their specific situation.  Each neighbor meets with a trained volunteer advocate who assesses the need and helps them set goals and a plan to achieve them.  CSC’s program is designed to keep neighbors in their homes…CSC does not provide support for emergency or temporary housing.

Iris recognized several “Amazing Neighbors” who have played a big role in CSC’s success this past year. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish has been instrumental in CSC’s mission since the beginning and members Kevin Griffin and Carol Banks were named Amazing Neighbors of 2019.  Other Amazing Neighbors Pat Yahnke, Matt Daugen and our own President, Cindy Carlson were also recognized for their service.