Keystone Mission

Tell us a brief history/background of your organization?

 Keystone Mission began its work in the NEPA community in 1995. A pastor moved from California to start a ministry with individuals experiencing homelessness. For 10 years, the pastor and other community members served meals and food from the back of a box truck on the weekends. In 2005, Keystone Mission purchased the 8–12 W. Olive St., location and introduced distribution programs. 2008, the organization expanded to Wilkes-Barre after a generous donor gifted the 290 Parkview Circle location to Keystone Mission. 2008–2019 the organization had several programs aiding men and women experiencing homelessness and the low-income families. The Board of Directors decided to re-focus on the original mission of Keystone, providing help and hope to men and women experiencing homelessness in NEPA. Entering 2022, Keystone Mission now provides Emergency Shelter, Code Blue in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, Mobile Outreach on the weekends, Day Center at 12 W. Olive Street, and the 15-bed male Transformation Center which opens spring 2022. The programming is rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ seeking opportunities to build life skills in the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness.

 Tell us an interesting and fun tidbit about your business. e.g., your company mascot or pet, a fun outing your company held, the unorthodox way your leadership team brainstorms, the unusual ways your team communicates, etc.

 This past October, CEO & Executive Director, Justin Behrens held Keystone Mission’s second annual REAL TALK event. Behrens will sit outside for 24-hours straight to educate and engage with the NEPA community on homelessness. He will answer questions about the myths and negative stigmas surrounding the subject. The past two years the engagement with the community has increased significantly and allowed good conversations with political leaders, business leaders, individuals experiencing homelessness, and more.

 How is your organization a leader in your industry?

 Keystone Mission is an award-winning non-profit organization. The organization has been featured on NBC News and advocates for men and women experiencing homelessness. The CEO & Executive Director, Justin Behrens sits on the National Summit of Homelessness at the White House where he advises law makers regarding homelessness in our country. Most recent, Keystone Mission was accredited by The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA). To be accredited by the national financial organization is extremely tough because of the high standards the board of directors for ECFA have established for organizations and ministries.

 How is your organization a leader in the community?

 Keystone Mission won the 2021 Non-Profit of the Year Award through the Scranton Chamber of Commerce. The organization is dedicated to be advocates in the community for men and women experiencing homelessness. Justin Behrens, CEO & Executive Director sits on the advisor board for the community and helps determines which organization should receive federal grants. A few months ago, Keystone Mission received notice regarding the HLA Grant from the Pittsburg Bank that will go to the 15-bed Transformation Center. Most recent, Keystone Mission partner with Restored Church to provide temporary emergency shelter for the fire victims at the Genetti Apartments. As of date, 15 individuals have been housed.

 Keystone Mission is an award-winning, faith-based local non-profit organization with locations in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. Recently, Keystone Mission was accredited with ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability). We are also a mission member with Citygate Network and a 95% rating with Charity Navigator.