Our Beginnings…
ABOUT MASTERKEY, FROM THE BEGINNING…
MasterKey Ministries of Grayson County officially opened in September, 2009 to provide hope and loving assistance to those in our community that live with the greatest challenges and disadvantages. The ministry began by focusing on the educational needs of the family in the low-income community. In its early years, the organization began its work with children after school and in the summer and also with adults with limited English. During those early years we understood only one or two factors that had contributed to educational lack for those living in poverty generationally. Over time, the organization developed a deeper understanding that would direct its strategies for the future years.
Starting with seven children and three adults, MasterKey programs have increased to serve 75 children, maintaining a rotating waiting list, and 40 adults every year. The
children’s programs have grown not as a child care alternative but rather as a serious academic answer for children who are at risk for failure in the school system. In fact, the full enrollment year round is a direct result of SISD teacher referral and parental feedback from the community. For those adults that have faithfully attended classes every year, many have become strong participators in our community and have advanced to higher income level employment.
In 2011, in order to provide snacks for the children after school, MasterKey applied to be a member of the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) Snack program. This allowed the organization to order and receive free items from the weekly NTFB food drop. In its third year, MasterKey noted a growing request by parents for leftover food. A call list was maintained that would allow us to share with families that were the most vulnerable. By 2012, the need became so apparent that the organization voted to become a community pantry with the North Texas Food Bank. This process of applying, funding a building, and developing the program took two years. In 2014, MasterKey opened the first client choice pantry in Sherman with the goal of distributing 100,000 pounds in its first year. With only a small announcement, the pantry
opened with immediate response from the community. In its first year, MasterKey’s pantry distributed more than a quarter million pounds of food. The food assistance program has quickly expanded to a second fresh produce pantry, serving 375 families weekly in addition to supporting a satellite pantry in Howe that serves the surrounding rural area.
We currently serve 1000-1500 families a week.
Wrap up here……
