PROP reflects back on its history, looks toward future

To celebrate PROP’s five decades of service, the non-profit has been taking a virtual walk down memory lane on its digital media platforms. 

Videos and messages with the hashtag #PROP50 are being posted through Nov. 24 on the organization’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. (Two Instagram posts are shown below.)

According to Janet Palmer, PROP has “grown immensely over the years to meet the needs of our community.” Palmer, who has been PROP’s executive director since 2015, is retiring at the end of the year.

Currently, PROP has a staff of 11, including four in case management. This group, Palmer said, works directly with clients to help provide resources and financial assistance.

“PROP went from only providing food assistance and seasonal gifts to robust financial support to keep families stable,” she said. 

For instance, Palmer said it added employment services and a partnership with Relate Counseling to offer free mental health support.  

Two years ago, PROP changed its holiday program to gift cards. She said the program is more equitable and allows all families to use the gift card to purchase gifts of their choice or for a special meal. 

PROP also supplements food donations by purchasing culturally diverse foods, perishable foods, and fresh produce, she said. It also added a garden a few years ago to provide fresh produce to clients. 

“The beauty of the size and independence of PROP is that it can be nimble and try new programs as the community changes,” Palmer said.