See all posts in the Libraries series

Inspired by a quote from Fred Rogers, who encouraged children to “look for the helpers” in difficult times, the Chanhassen Library hosted a powerful community gathering on July 12. Look for the Helpers was a panel of local nonprofit leaders organized by Communities of Belonging Chanhassen. 

The event brought together 11 nonprofits and the Carver County Public Health Department to share their work, missions and needs with the public. The live-streamed event had 40 people attend in person and nearly 300 people viewed the program online by the same afternoon.

From housing and food access to mental health, grief support, veteran outreach and public health, the scope of services represented reflected the diversity and the interdependence of support systems available across Carver County.

Jill Engeswick, program director at Beyond New Beginnings, shared how deeply she appreciated the wide range of support represented.

“Mostly I just want to thank the communities for all their support,” she said. “They just come out of the woodwork. Like, what can we do? Do you need toys? You got books? So they have a lot of support for us and I want to thank them.”

That spirit of connection and discovery ran throughout the event. Though many of the presenters were longtime leaders in the nonprofit space, several said they learned about programs they hadn’t encountered before. Attendees and panelists alike spoke of how energizing it was to hear directly from fellow community workers.

Leaders shared stories of impact and emphasized how volunteers and community partnerships play a crucial role in delivering services.

Attendee Ellen Cerchia reflected on how meaningful it was to learn about so many organizations in one space.

“It was kind of beautiful. I feel so strongly about feeling part of a community and that they’re actually making a difference in a group of lives,” she said. “I wasn’t thinking about the volunteer part. But it gives me a thought about things I can do at my age.” Many others echoed her takeaway, this event didn’t just spotlight resources, it inspired action.

For those who missed the live session, a recording of the panel is available on the Carver County Library’s Facebook and YouTube pages.

Communities of Belonging leader Sharmeen Al-Jaff shared, “These organizations are often the first to respond during times of crisis or hardship, and the public health department provides critical, evidence-based support that protects and promotes community health. Being aware of these resources before a need arises helps ensure we can access timely support for ourselves, our families, or our neighbors, fostering a stronger, more connected, and resilient community.”

Organizers hope the forum continues to evolve as a welcoming space for connection, learning and mutual support among those doing the work, and those just beginning to discover it.

Featured Nonprofits and Organizations

The following organizations participated in the July 12 panel. For more information, visit their websites or follow them on social media.

Organizer: Communities of Belonging Chanhassen – cobchan.org 

• Beyond New Beginnings – Jill Engeswick, Program Director – beyondnewbeginnings.org 
• Bountiful Basket Food Shelf – Patti Sinykin, Executive Director – bountfiulbasketfoodshelf.org 
• Carver County Pride – Darcie Bauman, Media Spokesperson – carvercountypride.org 
• Carver County Health and Human Services – Dr. Richard Scott, Public Health Department – carvercountymn.gov/departments/health-human-services 
• The Grief Club of Minnesota – Sarah Kroenke, Executive Director – griefclubmn.org 
• Latino Voices – Grecia Lozano, Executive Director – latinovoicesmn.org 
• Scott Carver Dakota CAP Agency, Inc. – Terry Hassan, Chore Program Coordinator – capagency.org 
• Love INC Carver County – Kathleen Werneth, Associate Director – loveINCcc.org 
• PROP (People Reaching Out to People) – Jessica Kuenzli, Director of Client Services & Community Partnerships – propfood.org 
• Revitalizing Veterans Dreams – Syn Robertson, Executive Director – revitalizingveteransdreams.org 
• Southern Valley Alliance – Kim Lohse, Community Outreach Manager – svamn.org 
• WeCAN – Shirley Spraguer, WeCAB Coordinator – wecab.org 

(Bhakti Modi is also a part of Communities of Belonging Chanhassen leadership.)