Events from March 1, 2019 – March 9, 2019

Miyona Zayla Miller

Miyona Zayla Miller
Age 2

Keona Sade Foote
Age 23
Rochester
September 10, 2020

Keona Sade Foote, 23, and her two-year old daughter, Miyona Zayla Miller were shot and killed by Keona’s ex-boyfriend, Renard Carter, 29, on September 10. Police report that Keona was strangled and both she and Miyona died from trauma. Keona was pregnant with Carter’s child at the time she was killed. Carter had recently made social media posts threatening to kill the mothers of his children and multiple witnesses reported hearing Carter make threats in person. Friends and family became worried on September 12, when they had not heard from Keona in a couple of days, and entered her apartment to find her and Miyona dead. A warrant was then issued for Carter, who was on probation after he pled guilty last year to felony domestic violence no contact order violation, and was sentenced to prison. He was released from prison in April 2020. Videos of Keona’s killing were posted to Carter’s social media. Carter was eventually apprehended in Columbia, South Carolina, on September 13, where it is believed he traveled to kill another ex-girlfriend, and mother of his children. When police arrived to arrest Carter at a hotel, he opened the door holding a BB gun. He was shot multiple times by officers. Carter livestreamed a portion of this incident online. He is currently in the hospital in South Carolina, but will be extradited to Minnesota on two charges of second-degree murder.

Thank you to Violence Free Minnesota for originally compiling this memorial.

Keona Sade Foote

Keona Sade Foote
Age 23

Miyona Zayla Miller
Age 2
Rochester
September 10, 2020

Keona Sade Foote, 23, and her two-year old daughter, Miyona Zayla Miller were shot and killed by Keona’s ex-boyfriend, Renard Carter, 29, on September 10. Police report that Keona was strangled and both she and Miyona died from trauma. Keona was pregnant with Carter’s child at the time she was killed. Carter had recently made social media posts threatening to kill the mothers of his children and multiple witnesses reported hearing Carter make threats in person. Friends and family became worried on September 12, when they had not heard from Keona in a couple of days, and entered her apartment to find her and Miyona dead. A warrant was then issued for Carter, who was on probation after he pled guilty last year to felony domestic violence no contact order violation, and was sentenced to prison. He was released from prison in April 2020. Videos of Keona’s killing were posted to Carter’s social media. Carter was eventually apprehended in Columbia, South Carolina, on September 13, where it is believed he traveled to kill another ex-girlfriend, and mother of his children. When police arrived to arrest Carter at a hotel, he opened the door holding a BB gun. He was shot multiple times by officers. Carter livestreamed a portion of this incident online. He is currently in the hospital in South Carolina, but will be extradited to Minnesota on two charges of second-degree murder.

Thank you to Violence Free Minnesota for originally compiling this memorial.

Lauren Summer Koffi-n’guessann

Age 22
West St. Paul
September 4, 2020

Lauren Summer Koffi-n’guessan, 22, was shot and killed by her boyfriend, Steven Buford, 21, on September 4, in West St. Paul. Police were called to an apartment building in West St. Paul on the night of September 4, in response to a couple arguing. When officers arrived, they heard a gunshot, and found Lauren with a wound to her head in the parking lot. Buford shot and killed Lauren before attempting to steal another woman’s car in the parking lot. The woman, and her two young children, all witnessed Buford shoot Lauren before he ran to their car with Lauren’s 15-month-old child in his arms. He threw Lauren’s child at the woman in the car, entered the backseat, and told her to drive, but was arrested by police before he could flee. Steven Buford is charged with second-degree murder (with intent), first-degree attempted aggravated robbery and possession of a firearm by ineligible person. Lauren Summer Koffi-n’guessan leaves behind her 15-month-old son.

Thank you to Violence Free Minnesota for originally compiling this memorial.

Angela Lynn Mesich

Age 47
Bloomington
August 30, 2020

Angela Lynn Mesich, 47, was shot and killed by her husband, Jason Mesich, 48, in their Bloomington home on August 30. Jason shot Angela in the garage before going outside and shooting two of his neighbors in their front yard. The neighbors were sisters who were loading a moving truck when Jason shot them. One of the sisters, a 29-year-old, was shot three times in the lower body and is in stable condition. The other sister, a 12-year-old, was shot in the head while she was holding her 1-year-old niece and running away from Jason. She remains in critical condition, and her niece was unharmed. When police arrived to the scene, Jason barricaded himself in his home, and exchanged gunfire with officers. He fired over 40 rounds at police, and was later taken into custody unharmed. In 2015, Jason was charged with domestic assault, which was eventually dismissed. Jason Mesich is being held on charges consisting of probable cause second-degree homicide, second-degree homicide, and first-degree assault.

Thank you to Violence Free Minnesota for originally compiling this memorial.

Yuliya Khort

Age 47
Blaine
August 17, 2020

Yuliya Khort, 47, was shot and killed by her husband, Maksim Krechetov, 44, in their Blaine home on August 17. Before she was killed, Yuliya convinced her husband to let their two young daughters leave the house safely. Krechetov then shot Yuliya before killing himself. While Krechetov was never charged with assaulting Yuliya, he had a long history of abusing her. Yuliya Khort leaves behind two daughters and one son.

Thank you to Violence Free Minnesota for originally compiling this memorial.

Klara Eugenie Wright

Age 72
Dakota
July 10, 2020

Klara Eugenie Wright, 72, was stabbed and killed in her Dakota apartment by her husband Joseph Wright, 79, on July 10. Police arrived to the home after Joseph called 911 and said he killed his wife. Upon arrival, officers spoke with Joseph, who explained that he killed his wife and then tried to commit suicide. When officers asked Joseph if Klara was breathing, he stated, “she’s not, she better not be.” A suicide note was found in the apartment, and Joseph had cuts on his wrist. He was charged with second-degree murder and transported to a hospital. Police were informed by the apartment landlord that Klara had dementia. Klara Eugenie Wright is survived by her three children, four grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

Thank you to Violence Free Minnesota for originally compiling this memorial.

Leneesha LaDell Columbus

Leneesha LaDell Columbus
Age 4 weeks

Leneesha Helen Columbus
Age 27
Minneapolis
July 5, 2020

Leneesha Helen Columbus, 27, was shot and killed in Minenapolis on July 5, by Zachary Robinson, 27, the father of her child. On the night of July 5, Leneesha and Robinson were seen arguing outside of her vehicle in Minneapolis. Leneesha then got in the car and started to drive away when Robinson fired several shots at her. When police arrived, bystanders were attempting life saving measures on Leneesha, but she later died at the hospital. Shortly after the shooting, a man who witnessed the shooting confronted Robinson, who shot the man in the foot. Leneesha was five months pregnant with Robinson’s child at the time of her death. Doctors were able to deliver the child, Leneesha LaDell Columbus, born roughly three months premature at less than 2 pounds. She died after being in intensive care for four weeks. Zachary Robinson was prohibited to possess a firearm when he killed Leneesha due to past criminal convictions. He is charged with second-degree murder, second-degree assault, and felon in possession of a gun.

Thank you to Violence Free Minnesota for originally compiling this memorial.

Leneesha Helen Columbus

Leneesha Helen Columbus
Age 27

Leneesha LaDell Columbus
Age 4 weeks
Minneapolis
July 5, 2020

Leneesha Helen Columbus, 27, was shot and killed in Minenapolis on July 5, by Zachary Robinson, 27, the father of her child. On the night of July 5, Leneesha and Robinson were seen arguing outside of her vehicle in Minneapolis. Leneesha then got in the car and started to drive away when Robinson fired several shots at her. When police arrived, bystanders were attempting life saving measures on Leneesha, but she later died at the hospital. Shortly after the shooting, a man who witnessed the shooting confronted Robinson, who shot the man in the foot. Leneesha was five months pregnant with Robinson’s child at the time of her death. Doctors were able to deliver the child, Leneesha LaDell Columbus, but she died after being in intensive care for four weeks. Zachary Robinson was prohibited to possess a firearm when he killed Leneesha due to past criminal convictions. He is charged with second-degree murder, second-degree assault, and felon in possession of a gun.

Thank you to Violence Free Minnesota for originally compiling this memorial.

Brandon Jerome Salter

Age 27
Minneapolis
June 4, 2020

Brandon Jerome Salter, 27, was shot and killed by his sister’s ex-boyfriend, Ryan Frazier, 23, in Minneapolis on June 4. Prior to the shooting, Frazier and his current girlfriend arrived at Brandon’s sister’s house with the intent to fight her. Brandon’s sister then called 911 and asked Brandon to come over, because she was fearful of Frazier. Brandon arrived to his sister’s home as she opened the front door and was assaulted by Frazier’s girlfriend. The sister told police she heard Frazier repeatedly tell Brandon, “I’m going to shoot you,” and saw him with a pistol. After running inside to check on her crying baby, Brandon’s sister heard 4-6 gunshots. When she returned outside, she found Brandon on the ground across the street, while Frazier and his girlfriend left the scene. Ryan Frazier was eventually arrested in Chicago last week and charged with second-degree murder. Brandon Jerome Salter is survived by his three-year-old daughter.

Thank you to Violence Free Minnesota for originally compiling this memorial.

Richard Alhag Stephen

Age 33
Moorhead
June 3, 2020

Richard Alhag Stephen, 33, was killed in Moorhead by Cameron St. Claire, 33, on June 3. Richard and his girlfriend were walking home on June 3, when two men and one woman began catcalling Richard’s girlfriend from a parked car. The girlfriend told them to stop “catcalling” her, and as she and Richard walked toward her apartment building, the woman in the car, Erin Sundby, got out and assaulted Richard’s girlfriend. Sundby pulled the girlfriend down by her hair and began punching her. While this was happening, St. Claire and the other man in the vehicle got out and began beating and “pulverizing” Richard. After the assault, St. Claire, Sundby and the other men left, and Richard and his girlfriend went into her apartment. Richard fell asleep on the couch, but when his girlfriend was unable to wake him up she called 911. Richard Alhag Stephen was pronounced dead at the hospital. Cameron St. Claire was charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter and receiving stolen property. Erin Sundby has been charged with accomplice aiding an offender of 2nd degree murder, accomplice aiding an offender of 3rd degree murder, accomplice aiding an offender of 2nd degree manslaughter, 3rd degree assault and receiving stolen property. The other man involved in the assault has not been identified, arrested, or charged.

Thank you to Violence Free Minnesota for originally compiling this memorial.

Ashli K. Johnson

Age 29
St. Paul
June 3, 2020

Ashli K. Johnson, 29, was shot and killed in St. Paul by the father of her unborn child, Clinton Delaney, 28, on June 3. Ashli had been in contact through texts and Facebook messages with Delaney’s other girlfriend, who has a child with him. Ashli told the girlfriend that she was pregnant with Delaney’s child, and the two arranged to meet to verify the pregnancy through a test on June 2. Early the next morning, on June 3, text message exchanges indicated Ashli was trying to arrange a money drop-off with Delaney and the two began arguing. Two minutes after the last text was sent, 911 received a call reporting shots in the area. Ashli was found dead by police in her “bullet ridden” vehicle a short time later. A week after her murder, a witness told authorities they overheard Delaney say he shot Ashli on June 3, because he was mad at her for “messing things up with his baby mama.” Ashli had told friends that she was upset with Delaney for having a girlfriend and that he gave her a sexually transmitted disease. Delaney has a documented history of domestic violence. He has been convicted of misdemeanor domestic assault three times and violated a Domestic Abuse No Contact Order. He was previously charged with domestic assault by strangulation on two separate instances, along with a dismissal for felony level domestic assault. Clinton Delaney is charged with second-degree murder. Ashli K. Johnson leaves behind four children, and was pregnant when she was killed.

Thank you to Violence Free Minnesota for originally compiling this memorial.

Maria Fernanda Bliss Pew

Age 28
Maple Grove
May 2, 2020

Maria Fernanda Bliss Pew, 28, was strangled and killed by her husband, Joshua Fury, 28, in their Maple Grove home on May 2. Fury called police on April 30 to report his wife missing and allowed them to search the home at the time. Searches around the area were conducted over the following two days. At this time, Maria’s family and friends told police the couple had problems and that Fury was “controlling and possessive.” Maria’s mom stated her daughter was planning to leave Fury. During a search on May 2, a police K9 indicated the presence of human remains at the home. After a search warrant was issued, Maria’s body was discovered in the crawl space of the house. Fury was arrested. He told police he did not harm his wife and blamed it on one of her former boyfriends. Later, Fury confessed to strangling Maria, putting a plastic bag over her head, and burying her in the house’s crawl space. He also told officers he attempted suicide after killing his wife. Joshua Fury has been charged with second-degree murder of his wife, Maria Fernanda Bliss Pew.

Thank you to Violence Free Minnesota for originally compiling this memorial.

Patricia Ann Valley

Age 65
Ham Lake
April 29, 2020

Patricia “Pat” Ann Valley, 65, was shot and killed by her husband Neal Valley, 67, in their Ham Lake home on April 29. Neal then shot and killed himself. Police responded to a 911 call that provided the address of Patricia and Neal’s home and no other information. When officers arrived to the home they heard a gunshot from inside. Once police were able to enter the residence, they found the bodies of Patricia and Neal. Patricia “Pat” Ann Valley is survived by her two adult sons and three grandsons.

Thank you to Violence Free Minnesota for originally compiling this memorial.

Kevin Logan Jr.

Age 31
Maple Grove
April 19, 2020

Kevin Logan Jr., 31, was shot and killed by Rodney Velho on April 19 in Maple Grove. Kevin arrived to drop off his children for a scheduled supervised visit and celebrate the birthday of their mother. Kevin and Velho, the boyfriend of Kevin’s children’s mother, got into a verbal argument, and Velho shot Kevin two times. When police officers arrived at the Maple Grove apartment, they found Kevin dead on the kitchen floor. Rodney Velho has been charged with second-degree intentional murder. Kevin Logan Jr. is survived by his two children.

Thank you to Violence Free Minnesota for originally compiling this memorial.

Brandon Jose Nieves

Age 20
South St. Paul
April 2, 2020

Brandon Jose Nieves, 20, was shot and killed by Marcelino Lopez, 19, in South St. Paul, on April 2. Prior to the shooting on April 2, Lopez posted threatening social media messages, including threats to kill, directed at Brandon after he began dating Lopez’s ex-girlfriend. The social media exchanges escalated and Lopez and Brandon met with the intention to “fight.” When Brandon arrived at the location, he and a 16-year old friend exited his vehicle. Lopez then took a shotgun from his car and shot the unarmed Brandon and 16-year old, before fleeing. He later called 911 and stated he had shot two people. When police arrived, Brandon was dead. The 16-year old was transported to a hospital with a gunshot wound to the chest, where he remained in critical condition. Lopez was arrested and told police he had made several death threats to Brandon before April 2. Marcelino Lopez has been charged with second-degree murder of Brandon Jose Nieves, and second-degree attempted murder and first-degree assault for shooting the 16-year old boy.

Thank you to Violence Free Minnesota for originally compiling this memorial.

Pauline Hollman

Age 58
Minneapolis
March 10, 2020

On March 10, Pauline Hollman, 58, died from injuries sustained when her boyfriend, Michael Cloutier, 65, stabbed her the previous month. On February 15, officers responded to a call at a Minneapolis apartment from a man saying someone broke in and stabbed his girlfriend. Cloutier, who lived in the apartment with Pauline, initially denied calling 911 when police arrived. However, upon entering the apartment, officers found Pauline lying on an air mattress in a pool of dried blood. Cloutier became upset and combative with police, and he was taken into custody where he later confessed to the stabbing. Since the blood on the air mattress was dried, authorities believe Pauline was left untreated for several hours. Pauline was transported to a hospital for emergency surgery, but eventually died on March 10. While Michael Cloutier was originally charged with assault, the charges have since been amended to homicide.

Thank you to Violence Free Minnesota for originally compiling this memorial.

Yang Liu

Age 40
Maple Grove
March 10, 2020

On March 10, Yang Liu, 40, was shot and killed by her husband, John Wiseman, 54, in their Maple Grove home. When police officers arrived at the home, multiple witnesses reported Yang and Wiseman had a “volatile” relationship, and they often fought over “money and fidelity.” Witnesses described Wiseman as wealthy and mentioned that the couple owns businesses in China. Wiseman also has homes in Minnesota, Nevada, and China. Police were also notified by witnesses that Wiseman was seeking a divorce, but did not want to contribute to a divorce settlement because he, “earned this.” Inside the home, police found a letter showing that Wiseman met with an estate planner in February, along with a passport and hidden cash. John Wiseman has been charged with second-degree murder of Yang Liu.

Thank you to Violence Free Minnesota for originally compiling this memorial.

Kevin Shabiash Jr.

Kevin Shabiash Jr.
Age 20 months

Jackie DeFoe
Age 27
St. Paul
March 7, 2020

On March 7, Jackie DeFoe, 27, and her 20-month-old son, Kevin Shabiash Jr., were killed in their Cloquet home on the Fond du Lac Indian Reservation by Jackie’s boyfriend Sheldon Thompson, 33. During a welfare check on the home, police officers found Jackie’s body covered with lacerations and blood in a bedroom closet. Kevin’s body was found in a separate bedroom with “observable bruising to his head.” Shortly after police discovered the bodies, Thompson called 911 to turn himself in for the murders and was taken into custody. An autopsy found Jackie died from multiple stab wounds, and was 13 weeks pregnant at the time of death. Kevin was killed due to blunt force injuries. Thompson has a long history of relationship abuse including a conviction for misdemeanor domestic assault in 2013, and gross misdemeanor domestic assault in 2016, both against previous partners. He also had multiple domestic assault by strangulation charges that were subsequently dropped. Thompson’s ex-wife had a protective order and a Domestic Abuse No Contact Order (DANCO) against him after several assaults. One assault resulted in a broken jaw; doctors were initially prevented from performing surgery on her due to excessive swelling. Thompson received a felony conviction after he violated his ex-wife’s DANCO in 2017. In 2006, he was charged with second-degree murder but took a plea deal that reduced his conviction to felony seconddegree assault with a dangerous weapon. Sheldon Thompson has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder of Jackie DeFoe and her son, Kevin Shabiash Jr.

Thank you to Violence Free Minnesota for originally compiling this memorial.

Jackie DeFoe

Jackie DeFoe
Age 27

Kevin Shabiash Jr.
Age 20 months
St. Paul
March 7, 2020

On March 7, Jackie DeFoe, 27, and her 20-month-old son, Kevin Shabiash Jr., were killed in their Cloquet home on the Fond du Lac Indian Reservation by Jackie’s boyfriend Sheldon Thompson, 33. During a welfare check on the home, police officers found Jackie’s body covered with lacerations and blood in a bedroom closet. Kevin’s body was found in a separate bedroom with “observable bruising to his head.” Shortly after police discovered the bodies, Thompson called 911 to turn himself in for the murders and was taken into custody. An autopsy found Jackie died from multiple stab wounds, and was 13 weeks pregnant at the time of death. Kevin was killed due to blunt force injuries. Thompson has a long history of relationship abuse including a conviction for misdemeanor domestic assault in 2013, and gross misdemeanor domestic assault in 2016, both against previous partners. He also had multiple domestic assault by strangulation charges that were subsequently dropped. Thompson’s ex-wife had a protective order and a Domestic Abuse No Contact Order (DANCO) against him after several assaults. One assault resulted in a broken jaw; doctors were initially prevented from performing surgery on her due to excessive swelling. Thompson received a felony conviction after he violated his ex-wife’s DANCO in 2017. In 2006, he was charged with second-degree murder but took a plea deal that reduced his conviction to felony seconddegree assault with a dangerous weapon. Sheldon Thompson has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder of Jackie DeFoe and her son, Kevin Shabiash Jr.

Thank you to Violence Free Minnesota for originally compiling this memorial.

Monique Saraya Robbins

Age 28
St. Paul
February 26, 2020

Monique Saraya Robbins, 28, was killed in her St. Paul apartment by her boyfriend, DeMarea Clay, 24, on February 26. Neighbors called police in the early morning of February 26, to report loud noises coming from Monique’s apartment, and a man dragging a woman’s body into a car. When officers arrived they found Clay standing outside his vehicle. He told police Monique had a seizure while showering, and that she was overdosing on drugs. Officers performed CPR on Monique, who did not have a pulse, before she was transported to a hospital. The drugs Clay said Monique had taken were not found in her system. She did have significant bruising and bleeding to her head and face, and her cause of death was determined to be asphyxiation. Clay has a history of documented domestic violence. Two weeks before Monique’s death Clay was charged with domestic assault and given a criminal Domestic Abuse No Contact Order (DANCO) to stay away from her and her apartment building. He was also charged with domestic assault against Monique in September 2019, and police responded to domestic disturbances at her apartment in August and November of that year. Monique had told her friends and family about Clay’s controlling behavior, his threats to her life, and that he strangled her. Relatives said Monique recently arranged for her daughter to live with family members because she didn’t think her daughter was safe around Clay. Clay’s previous girlfriend had a protective order against him for abusing her, which he was charged with violating, but was eventually dismissed. DeMarea Clay has been charged with second-degree unintentional murder. Monique Saraya Robbins is survived by her 8-year-old daughter.

Thank you to Violence Free Minnesota for originally compiling this memorial.

Abigail Elise Simpson

Age 21
St. Paul
February 26, 2020

Abigail Elise Simpson, 21, was killed by her boyfriend, Terrion Sherman, 23, in her St. Paul apartment on February 26. Police responded to the apartment after calls of a loud and violent argument between a man and a woman. Upon arrival, officers heard a child crying through Abigail’s apartment door, along with a man saying, “Stay down or I’ll kill you.” When police entered the apartment, they found Sherman and his 2-year-old nephew covered in blood. Abigail was also found bloody and unresponsive with a knife close to her body. While Sherman was being transported to the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center, he told officers he was on drugs and broke out of the back window of the police car. He was taken to Regions Hospital, but was soon medically cleared and discharged. Later, while talking to investigators, Sherman said he remembered punching Abigail and hitting her head against a radiator before blacking out. Abigail was also stabbed several times and the medical examiner ruled her cause of death to be from multiple traumatic injuries. Sherman was civilly committed less than a week prior to Abigail’s murder, but he was not held in a secure hospital. Instead, he was connected with various services provided by the county. Sherman was committed previously in 2019. While he initially told officers he was on drugs, in his confession Sherman later said he was not on drugs and did not take his prescribed medication because, “he is not crazy.” Terrion Sherman has been charged with second-degree murder of Abigail Elise Simpson.

Thank you to Violence Free Minnesota for originally compiling this memorial.

Joseph McRunnel

Age 39
Minneapolis
February 15, 2020

Joseph “Moochie” McRunnel, 39, also known as Perry Joseph Bellcourt II, was stabbed and killed by his girlfriend Zara Case, 35, in their Minneapolis apartment on February 15. In the early morning of February 15, police responded to a call from Joseph and Case’s neighbor that Case broke his window and was attempting to enter his apartment. When officers arrived, they spoke with Case – who was intoxicated – and later Joseph. While officers spoke with Joseph, the neighbor called police again to state that Case was trying to enter his apartment. The officers left when Case returned to the apartment she shared with Joseph. Shortly after, police were contacted a third time by the neighbor who stated Case was outside screaming that her boyfriend was stabbed. When police returned to the scene, officers found Joseph with a stab wound to his chest, along with visible bite marks and bruises. Joseph later died at the hospital due to the stab wound. Case told police she and Joseph were intoxicated and angry when she stabbed him. She also told police she has been addicted to methamphetamine and alcohol for the last 15 years, and had recently left a rehab facility. Zara Case has been charged with second-degree murder.

Thank you to Violence Free Minnesota for originally compiling this memorial.

Steve's Story

Last week I missed my regular shift at the Pine County food shelf as I had foot surgery. I told Jackie, the director, I would let her know my future status as soon as I could . I had my post-op exam today and learned that the doctors and nurses carry their exam

gloves in their pockets as the patients were stealing the boxes out of the exam rooms and that the hand sanitizers were removed from the entrances as they were being

stolen as soon as they were put out. To say that my view of humanity was dimmed a bit is an understatement. As I parked at the food shelf I could see lines of people and vehicles waiting for assistance As soon as I was inside I talked to Jackie and told her my status. The phones were ringing off the hook and she asked if I could help . So for 2 hours the phone rang nonstop. During that time I observed that there were at least 5 high school kids and all of the regular volunteers working to pack boxes and stock shelves. No one was panicking and no one complained. Family Pathways, our staff and volunteers , you brightened my view of humanity. A huge and heartfelt thanks to all that make Pathways so great .

– Steve Ovick, Board Member and Pine County Food Shelf Volunteer

Jackie's Story

For years, he abused me. He took away my freedom, career, money and my power. Family Pathways helped me find a lawyer and my power. I have my life back.

– Jackie , Domestic Violence Services client

Kim's Story

My passion in life is empowering individuals to reach their full potential. It’s so much fun to garden with the kids and moms at the shelter – they talk and I listen. My hope is that it gives them a sense of peace.

– Kim H, Domestic Violence Shelter volunteer

J's Story

It was such a pick me up. I don’t know what I would have done without the help of my volunteer. She saved me from having to move from my house. She is there when I call and even comes over on weekends!

-“J,” Aging Services Client

G's Story

After meeting with a Family Pathways Aging Care Specialist, I had resources and a plan so I could make good decisions for my wife’s care. It has allowed me to get help for her and eased my mind enough to go back to work.

-“G,” Aging Services Client

AH's Story

I am a domestic violence and sexual assault survivor. It is amazing that I can be that support for survivors like myself. It is so rewarding to be apart of another person’s healing, making a positive impact on their life. I know that when a client says thank you before moving on to their next stepping stone in life that I made a positive change in their life. We are the difference. We stand for change, justice, and whole hearted support!

-“AH,” Domestic Violence Staff

C's Story

My family is happier, because where we were before there was a lot of yelling, I didn’t like it. [Being at the shelter] was great because I got to be helped by you and other advocates. You helped me to be happy when I was sad.

– “C,” a 7 year old Domestic Violence Shelter client

Trisha's Story

Family Pathways Food Shelf has been a reliable source of groceries, resources such as gas cards, and other helpful resources. Without Family Pathways our family would struggle more than it does, I’m disabled on disability, and have my granddaughter staying with me. This means the difference between fresh vegetables and canned, Frozen and fresh meat or canned meat oh, maybe no meat at all. Thank you for your support in helping Family Pathways, thank you Family Pathways for being that support.

-Food Shelf Client, Trisha

B's Story

individuals and groups volunteering

When I think of Family Pathways and all the good work they do in our community, the word that comes to my mind is GRATITUDE. I’m grateful that the individuals and families in our community can turn to Family Pathways when they are in need. I’m grateful for the dedication of the employees and volunteers who work at Family Pathways. As a donor I am so grateful that I am able to be a part of this community service and in a small way contribute to the well being of our neighbors. Thank you!

– “B” from Wyoming

Steve's Story

Last week I missed my regular shift at the Pine County food shelf as I had foot surgery. I told Jackie, the director, I would let her know my future status as soon as I could . I had my post-op exam today and learned that the doctors and nurses carry their exam

gloves in their pockets as the patients were stealing the boxes out of the exam rooms and that the hand sanitizers were removed from the entrances as they were being

stolen as soon as they were put out. To say that my view of humanity was dimmed a bit is an understatement. As I parked at the food shelf I could see lines of people and vehicles waiting for assistance As soon as I was inside I talked to Jackie and told her my status. The phones were ringing off the hook and she asked if I could help . So for 2 hours the phone rang nonstop. During that time I observed that there were at least 5 high school kids and all of the regular volunteers working to pack boxes and stock shelves. No one was panicking and no one complained. Family Pathways, our staff and volunteers , you brightened my view of humanity. A huge and heartfelt thanks to all that make Pathways so great .

November 2020

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– Steve Ovick, Board Member and Pine County Food Shelf Volunteer

– Steve Ovick, Board Member and Pine County Food Shelf Volunteer

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