When Joy Annas left her secure life as an elementary school teacher and local resident to move to New Hampshire and take care of her mother, she knew her life would never be the same. When she decided to return to Pennsylvania to be closer to her children, her path became difficult. The reality of finding another teaching position at her age was an issue. She had sold her home when she left to care for her mom. Unemployed and living with friends, she struggled with juggling several part time jobs. Her only constant seemed to be her strong ties to her church and family.
A member of Souderton Mennonite Church, the staff and congregation were aware of her situation. Pastor Sandy Drescher-Lehman, who recognized Joy’s experience and passion for teaching, suggested that she contact Keystone Opportunity about a possible teaching position. In 2012 she joined the Adult Education department teaching one English as a Second Language class. She added a summer GED class to her schedule and started the 2013-14 school teaching three classes, then added the Tutor Coordinator role this fall. Not only has her work at Keystone helped her life transition, but she is helping others along their journey as well.
Her elementary teaching experience immediately translated to her adult students, as many of their language and reading skills are at the beginner level. One blessing she sees with the adults is that they are motivated to learn and want to be in the classroom. She sees remarkable persistence and progress with the serious students. “I just love coming to class everyday—it’s always an adventure!” she laughs.
As Tutor Coordinator, Joy is always looking for volunteers who share her love of teaching and have the right blend of patience and understanding which is essential to a good tutor match. Volunteers are needed to tutor Reading, Math and English Language. Interested community members may contact Joy at 215-723-5430x 128.
For program year 2021-2022, Keystone is offering remote classes via Zoom and in person classes for high school equivalency and some ESL levels. For details, click here.
Potential students should contact our education hotline at 267-663-1001.
Food Pantry
Keystone’s food pantry clients can pick up their groceries in the parking lot of Keystone Opportunity Center on:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
1st Thursday of the month from 4 pm to 6 pm
If you are a new client to our pantry, we ask that you bring proof of residency showing that you live in Souderton School District.
For details, click here.
Food Donations accepted Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at our Food Pantry entrance of Keystone.
Fresh For All
Fresh For All is open every Tuesday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. To reduce the risk of spreading the virus, clients will drive up for a contactless pickup.
Case Management
To reduce the risk of spreading the virus, our Community Case Manager is conducting case management meetings via telephone. For details, click here.
Housing
To reduce the risk of spreading the virus, all housing programs are being operated remotely. For details, click here.
Keystone Tenants
To reduce the risk of spreading the virus, our affordable housing clients are encouraged to stay home, and are able to pay rent online by clicking here.
Administrative Offices
Keystone’s building is closed to the public, but our receptionist will be answering the phone line every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. All other times, people can access recorded information and leave messages for staff.