![](https://i0.wp.com/smartgivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/step-distribution-day_volunteers.jpeg?resize=300%2C225&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/smartgivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/step-distribution-day_volunteers-2.jpeg?resize=279%2C209&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/smartgivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/7.5.23-Opening-day4.jpg?resize=287%2C215&ssl=1)
Meet St. Louis Park Emergency Program
By KRIS KEWITSCH | Executive Director | Charities Review Council
St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP) has been responding to neighbors in need since 1975 by providing access to vital services that foster stability. This community food shelf and social service agency is there for the community when they need help with food for their next meal, school supplies and clothing for their children, transportation to medical appointments, rental assistance due to unexpected circumstances, and many other concerns that families navigate with the help of STEP social workers.
We asked STEP:
Q: What would the community miss without your organization?
Our organization serves as the primary safety net of our community. Without STEP, thousands of neighbors would go hungry, lose their housing, and experience other crises associated with poverty.
STEP earned the Meets Standards® seal through Charities Review Council’s Accountability Wizard® online tool.
Q: How has assessing your organization with the Accountability Wizard® strengthened your capabilities or led to improvements?
It is frequently helpful to refer to the Council’s Accountability Standards® when discussing industry best practices with the board. Whether we are doing a periodic review of employee policies or performing a self-assessment, we are able to support the need of these activities thanks to the standards.
You can find STEP’s latest annual and financial reports here.
Motivated to donate to STEP? Consider one of their flexible volunteer opportunities!
If you are inspired by their work like we are, share this post with your networks to help spread the word about St. Louis Park Emergency Program. Thank you!
Your support of the Council builds important bridges like this between donors and nonprofits. Thank you for considering a gift to Charities Review Council – strengthening philanthropy to foster strong, vibrant, and just communities.