PERLEY, Minn., June 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Cenex®the CHS energy brand, and Perley Community Co-op have awarded the Rural Enrichment and Advisory Headquarters (REACH®) Inc. with a $25,000 Hometown Pride Scholarship. REACH was nominated by Perley Community Co-op for his countless contributions to the Perley community and surrounding areas through the organization’s programs designed to help seniors, help locals find employment and combat food insecurity with its food pantries and school backpack programs.
“REACH’s main goal is to serve each and every person in our area, making sure no one is left behind,” he says. Peggy Chisholm, Executive Director of REACH. “During the last few years we have made it a priority to expand the services we offer and meet the needs of our neighbors. With this grant, we know we can strengthen our impact, develop more personal ties and continue to provide resources for the people who need them most “.
Founded in 1991, REACH began as an organization focused on providing mental health resources. Over the years, REACH has grown to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. In addition to providing adults with interview clothes and regularly stocking food pantries, REACH also serves its senior community, offering transportation services and mobility classes to help aging neighbors remain independent and connected to their community.
REACH has also fostered a culture of innovation, constantly working to improve and maintain the critical services most needed as the community evolves. With the nearest food shelf and mental health resources located 25 miles from the Perley community and 67 percent of Perley residents who do not have access to a moving vehicle, REACH works to address these needs in many ways, including:
- Serving over 600 people in 191 homes through backpacking programs, winter gear, holiday meal events, food pantries and more.
- Dispersing more than 37,000 pounds of food through their pantries.
- Christmas gift to more than 213 children.
- Provide 178 children with warm winter clothing.
- Donation of school supplies to 127 students.
“We can’t even begin to express how much REACH has done for our community and how much we appreciate all of their efforts,” she says. Sarah Ramsey, office manager of Perley Community Co-op. “For more than 20 years they have always put people first, and as recipients of the Hometown Pride grant, we know they will continue to Perley even better for residents.”
As recipients of the Hometown Pride grant, REACH plans to expand its backpack program, a supplemental feeding initiative that provides food for children to take home for the weekend. Having provided more than 60,000 bags to more than 200 children, REACH aims to make this program accessible to all children in need. Perley and surrounding towns.
With continued investments in local organizations through its Hometown Pride grant program, the Cenex brand continues to demonstrate its commitment to rural neighborhoods. By the end of 2023, Cenex will have given more $500,000 to local organizations in 15 states since the program’s inception in 2019. Through this initiative, Cenex and its network of locally owned and operated stores keep neighbors supported and connected, preserving the bonds that make these communities special.
“The Cenex brand prides itself on the opportunity to support its local communities,” he says Sarah Haugen, director of marketing communications for CHS. “By supporting organizations like REACH, we can continue to uphold our company mission by highlighting the importance of fostering community connection in the small towns we serve.”
To learn more about how the Cenex brand gives back to local communities, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, or visit www.Cenex.com/local-giving.
About Cenex
Cenex (www.cenex.com), the energy brand of CHS, offers high quality refined fuels through more than 1,400 locally owned convenience store locations in 19 states. Consumers depend on Cenex fuels, lubricants, propane and renewable energy products to power homes, businesses and communities. CHS Inc. (www.chsinc.com), owner of the Cenex brand, is a leading global agri-food company owned by American farmers. the united states with domestic and international operations including energy, agronomy, grain trading and food processing.
SOURCE CHS Inc.
