Neighbors, Inc.'s End-of-Year Campaign

For Nahuel and Veronica, life in Minnesota hasn’t been easy. Veronica, a recent widow, works part-time while caring for her son and grappling with the pain of multiple family losses. Nahuel, a burn survivor, has faced his own challenges, compounded by the tragedies of losing his stepfather and brother. With bills piling up and hope slipping away, they found themselves at a crossroads.

That’s when they turned to Neighbors, Inc. Initially, it was the food support that brought them through the door. But what they discovered went far beyond meals. “Neighbors gave us hope,” Nahuel reflects. “The first time we came, they didn’t just see our struggles, they believed in our potential.”

Veronica shares how a single conversation with a financial coach changed the course of her life. “After everything I lost, my husband, my son, my mother, I had no direction. For the first time in five years, someone helped me see a purpose in life. They believed in me, and that belief changed everything.”Veronica and NahuelThrough personalized guidance, encouragement, and networking, Nahuel found a career at one of Neighbors’ partners, Key Community Bank, building confidence and skills he never thought possible. Veronica, inspired anew, is pursuing her CNA training with the goal of serving seniors in her community. Together, they are reclaiming stability, rediscovering joy, and learning to breathe again after years of fear and uncertainty.

Veronica poses with Career & Financial Empowerment Coach, Rebecca, after finishing her CNA courses and begins the process of studying for her certification tests.

Their story is not just about triumph, it is about the power of community. Nahuel now volunteers at Neighbors, Inc., giving back the hope he once received. “When you return that kindness, it fills you up,” he says. “I help because I’ve been helped.”

This year, Neighbors, Inc. helped thousands of families like Nahuel and Veronica’s, offering food, financial guidance, and the unwavering belief that brighter days are possible. Your support makes stories like theirs possible. 

As we approach the end of the year, will you join us in giving hope to families who need it most? Your matched gift can help someone not just survive, but thrive. Give today, and help create the next story of hope.

Matching Gift Eligibility

Donations made for this campaign can qualify for Otto Bremer Trust's $50,000 matching opportunity. Matching funds are anticipated to be submitted in February 2026 through the Otto Bremer Trust match program. Eligible gifts include the following:

• First-Time Donor and those who have not donated since June 30th, 2024
• Increased contributions over the previous fiscal year (July 1st, 2024 - June 30th, 2025)

If you have any questions about your donation being matched, please reach out to Neighbors' Annual Fund & Communications Coordinator, Jacob Krzysiak, at jacob@neighborsmn.org.