About Steinbach Community Outreach
Steinbach Community Outreach was formed in 2008 to assist people in Steinbach who were struggling to meet their essential needs. We focus our energies on those living in poverty, experiencing homelessness and those at risk of becoming homeless, by filling the gaps left by other programs and organizations. We will do this by addressing their unmet essential needs of food, clothing, shelter and relationship; and assisting them in accessing available services.
We assist approximately 12-15 people per month who are struggling with homelessness, and support approximately 250 more people per month through our outreach center for food and clothing. Those we serve are families, single parents, and individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Our guests rely on us to assist them with basic start up items as they transition from the street into a permanent home. Once their basic shelter needs are met, we offer our services for approximately two more years, to assist in overcoming struggles and help them grow into the next step of independence and wholeness.
Practically, this looks like providing food, clothing, bedding, and toiletries. It's coffee and muffins and chatting around a table. It's welcoming, listening and connecting people with other services like the local food bank, soup kitchen, and volunteer shuttle service. It is love, mercy and grace in action.
We assist approximately 12-15 people per month who are struggling with homelessness, and support approximately 250 more people per month through our outreach center for food and clothing. Those we serve are families, single parents, and individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Our guests rely on us to assist them with basic start up items as they transition from the street into a permanent home. Once their basic shelter needs are met, we offer our services for approximately two more years, to assist in overcoming struggles and help them grow into the next step of independence and wholeness.
Practically, this looks like providing food, clothing, bedding, and toiletries. It's coffee and muffins and chatting around a table. It's welcoming, listening and connecting people with other services like the local food bank, soup kitchen, and volunteer shuttle service. It is love, mercy and grace in action.
Irene Kroeker Founder, Executive Director and Client Aid Advocate
Irene is the founder and director of Steinbach Community Outreach. Irene's journey as a social justice warrior began in the classroom as an high school alternative education teacher. In dealing with these students she immediately recognized that the majority of them were hungry, living poverty and at risk of becoming homeless so she began feeding them on a regular basis at her own expense. Helping these students often meant helping their families problem solve their living situations as well. Very quickly word spread about what she was doing and the community became involved. What started in a corner of a classroom grew into a large community based organization. SCO moved out of the classroom and opened it's doors at the Steinbach Mennonite Church in February 2009. Irene was also the impetus for the founding of Today House, Steinbach's first homeless shelter.
Most of Irene's time is now spent assisting families and individuals on a one to one basis as well as organizing fundraising events, making public speaking and media appearances and managing media relations. If you are low income and looking for housing assistance, support or need help dealing with issues in your life she is your girl! She will even go to appointments with you if you need it.
Irene is the founder and director of Steinbach Community Outreach. Irene's journey as a social justice warrior began in the classroom as an high school alternative education teacher. In dealing with these students she immediately recognized that the majority of them were hungry, living poverty and at risk of becoming homeless so she began feeding them on a regular basis at her own expense. Helping these students often meant helping their families problem solve their living situations as well. Very quickly word spread about what she was doing and the community became involved. What started in a corner of a classroom grew into a large community based organization. SCO moved out of the classroom and opened it's doors at the Steinbach Mennonite Church in February 2009. Irene was also the impetus for the founding of Today House, Steinbach's first homeless shelter.
Most of Irene's time is now spent assisting families and individuals on a one to one basis as well as organizing fundraising events, making public speaking and media appearances and managing media relations. If you are low income and looking for housing assistance, support or need help dealing with issues in your life she is your girl! She will even go to appointments with you if you need it.
Myra Gerbrandt Drop in Center Director
Myra's huge heart serves her well when running SCO's drop in center located at 365 Loewen Blvd. If you are looking to volunteer with SCO she is the person to talk to! At the drop in center Myra's duties include organizing volunteers and programs; organizing fun evening events for clients and volunteers; collecting, organizing and handing out food and clothing donations; and providing a listening ear for clients when needed. In addition to running the drop in center Myra also does public speaking events with youth groups, schools and other agencies as well as coordinating media relations.
Myra's huge heart serves her well when running SCO's drop in center located at 365 Loewen Blvd. If you are looking to volunteer with SCO she is the person to talk to! At the drop in center Myra's duties include organizing volunteers and programs; organizing fun evening events for clients and volunteers; collecting, organizing and handing out food and clothing donations; and providing a listening ear for clients when needed. In addition to running the drop in center Myra also does public speaking events with youth groups, schools and other agencies as well as coordinating media relations.
Tammy Bekkering Transitional Housing Manager and Client Aid Advocate
Tammy's time at SCO is spent assisting families and individuals on a one to one basis. She helps clients find affordable housing and provides assistance with any other issues clients may face. If you need help wading through paper work, connecting with agencies, or financial advice Tammy is your girl! She is even willing to go to appointments with you if you need it!
Tammy's time at SCO is spent assisting families and individuals on a one to one basis. She helps clients find affordable housing and provides assistance with any other issues clients may face. If you need help wading through paper work, connecting with agencies, or financial advice Tammy is your girl! She is even willing to go to appointments with you if you need it!
