Pictured- Julie Andrews (Exchange Club Program Chair), Sue Furr (Sturgis Woman’s Club President), Vincent Laporte (Sturgis Helping Hands Director), Kelli Tackett (KeyStone Place Director), Anna Brand (SACF Programs Manager), Mike Habig (KeyStone Place Director of Marketing/Grants)

KeyStone awarded $2,750 from the William & Helen Doyle/Exchange Club Fund

The Sturgis Exchange Club has just announced the latest recipients of the annual William & Helen Doyle/Exchange Club Community Service Awards. These esteemed awards are funded by the William and Helen Doyle Fund, which supports charitable and educational programs that benefit the community of Sturgis. Established in 1991 by a generous gift from William and Helen Doyle, this fund has granted over $130,522 to more than 80 deserving charitable programs since its inception. This year’s winners include Sturgis Helping Hands, KeyStone Place Homeless Shelter, and Sturgis Woman’s Club. It is encouraging to see that these organizations are being acknowledged for their hard work and positive contributions to the Sturgis community.

KeyStone Place is an emergency housing facility governed by a board of directors and operated by a professional staff that works with volunteers. The facility offers services to the homeless and those at risk of homelessness in St. Joseph County. Being a non-profit organization, KeyStone relies heavily on the involvement of volunteers to succeed in its mission. The volunteer program is designed to support the facility’s mission and provide opportunities for the community to give back. Volunteers are crucial in supporting the guests, staff, and the community in promoting self-sufficiency with respect and dignity. Thanks to the grant from the Doyle/Exchange Club Fund, KeyStone will be able to expand its Beds, Pillows, and Sheets Drive, which will have a direct impact on those coming into the facility, providing them with a comfortable space where they can feel safe and secure. When asked how long guests may stay at the KeyStone Place Homeless Shelter, Kelli Tackett, Director, explained:

“For a long time guests could only stay up to 30 days. Now we look at service plans, and if people are working really hard, such as going through substance abuse classes and working on their barriers, that allows us to extend their stay indefintely.” Kelli Tackett, Director

Annually the shelter serves around 500 people each year, and on average,120 of them are children. This means the community’s support is crucial to KeyStone in achieving its goals and positively impacting the lives of the homeless and at-risk populations they serve.