Small Gifts Leave Lasting Impressions for Once Homeless Mother and Child
Small Gifts Leave Lasting Impressions for Once Homeless Mother and Child
As a young rebellious teen, Krisen made some rash decisions that put her in difficult circumstances for the early part of her adult life. A quick marriage, a move far from family and the birth of a daughter left her alone and helpless when she realized her husband was unfaithful and abusive.
Krisen made the difficult decision to leave her husband to keep her daughter and herself safe. At the time she was located in the suburbs of Philadelphia and hoped to find a job and finish her education. But with no family connections or other support, she found herself homeless and unable to support a young child.
Her search for help directed her to an Interfaith Hospitality Network shelter program where she worked hard to find a job and move into a more stable situation. Of course, her focus was on her future and that of her child. Not thinking about the typical first-time mother things like taking baby pictures for a scrapbook, she was most concerned about how to feed, clothe and provide for her daughter with no family or child support to help.
The gift of photos taken by one shelter volunteer is now one of Krisen’s most treasured possessions. As she and her daughter were able to stay together and gradually move out on their own, Krisen realized that she would not have any baby photos to share with her daughter were it not for the kindness of a stranger.
Krisen finished school, connected with a church family, remarried and is currently living a life she never dreamed possible. Having faced many struggles in her life, she has made the decision to work with organizations similar to the ones which helped her get back on her feet.
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.