As we reflect on the past year the word Resilience comes to mind. “ Resilience is overcoming adversity, whilst also potentially changing, or even dramatically transforming, (aspects of ) that adversity.” — Angie Hart

KOOTASCA Community Action, like the rest of the world, experienced a very different 2020 than we had imagined. Through the midst of a global pandemic we strove to keep our mission, clients, and staff at the forefront of all that we did. As an agency we kept on top of the everchanging environment by staying nimble, adjusting our operations, and evolving our services to keep people safe while providing much needed services and relief to those in need and in crisis.

Even amongst all the chaos some really great things happened! KOOTASCA was able to work with a variety of funders and partners to rise to the challenge to tackle issues exacerbated by the pandemic, like the digital divide, hunger, and homelessness in real ways. We provided internet services and computer equipment to more than 500 clients, distributed thousands of food bundles, provided by AEOA and the State of Minnesota, to hungry families through drive-through food distribution events, and our COVID Housing Assistance Program provided nearly half a million dollars to help 302 clients stay in their homes.

So much has been done to address the real challenges and needs that have arisen. As an agency, we continue to navigate through the many twists and turns this pandemic continues to provide and are dedicated to doing our best to support those we serve.

I am very proud to be a part of such a resilient organization and truly appreciate our staff and Board who continue to innovate and find ways to support our clients and the communities we serve.

Maureen Rosato
Executive Director