Our Impact

Doris and her late husband Kenneth raised a family in Dexter – both biological and adopted children.

“(Kenneth) was a pastor at the First General Baptist Church here in town for 29 years before he passed,” Doris said. “I did home healthcare and worked intensive care. I was a CNA.”

Now 80 years old, Doris continues to live independently, though she has had health challenges, including a heart attack four years ago. She said remains active and tries to take care of herself. She visits Southeast Missouri Food Bank mobile food pantries whenever she needs a little extra help.

“I do appreciate it,” Doris said. “It does help because when you’re on Social Security and you’ve got a light bill, a water bill, groceries, and whatever, every bit helps. I’m grateful.”

When severe storms left Dexter without power for multiple days, Doris lost the food in her refrigerator. Fortunately, a neighbor shared a generator, helping save the food in her freezer.

“I’m very thankful,” Doris said when speaking of the support she receives from the community that’s been her home for more than three decades.