At Stepping Stone Emergency Housing, we believe that the smallest acts of kindness can often make the biggest impact. One of our incredible volunteers, Maralynn Scott, embodies this belief through her work with residents as part of the Anoka County SCSEP (Senior Community Service Employment Program).
Maralynn first came to Stepping Stone in December 2023 through the SCSEP program, unsure of what to expect—but it didn’t take long for her to find a sense of purpose and belonging here. “When I got here, I loved it. I still love it,” she said with a warm smile. “That’s why I’m here.”
Her role began with something simple yet deeply meaningful—teaching residents how to crochet. But she quickly realized that the act of creating something together often opened doors to deeper conversations. “When you’re teaching someone a craft and they like it, they open up to you,” she shared. “The residents began to really talk to me.”
Since then, Maralynn’s impact has grown. From playing cards and board games to teaching Sudoku and helping with crossword puzzles, she brings joy and connection to Stepping Stone’s community spaces. But perhaps most notably, Maralynn helps facilitate the Anoka County Kindness Rock Garden painting group—a therapeutic and creative outlet that’s become a favorite activity among residents.
“There’s something calming about rock painting,” she explained. “It gives residents a sense of peace and accomplishment. One resident didn’t like how his rock turned out and set it aside. I told him it was beautiful, encouraged him to finish it, and he ended up turning it into a gift. It made him so happy.”
Maralynn’s presence is more than just a friendly face. Residents confide in her, seek her advice, and feel heard. “They tell me I’m a good listener, that I don’t judge, and that I keep what they say private,” she said. “That means so much to me. When I can help someone feel better, I feel better too.”
The mutual benefit of giving and receiving is something Maralynn holds dear. “It helps my self-esteem too. I want people to feel better after being with me than they did before.”
For Maralynn, the feeling of walking into Stepping Stone is unlike anything else. “I might not always feel great on the way here, but once I walk in, there’s this amazing feeling that I don’t get anywhere else.”
Her message to the community is clear: “Everyone has value. Losing your home doesn’t mean you’ve lost yourself. There’s hope, and there’s help.” She reminds us that homelessness doesn’t discriminate—it can happen to anyone, regardless of their background.
Maralynn is also looking ahead. Inspired by her experiences, she hopes to deepen her skills through classes or certifications so she can continue to support residents in even more meaningful ways.
When asked about her proudest moments, she smiled and recalled a resident who assumed she was also living at the shelter. “That was one of the best compliments. I wanted to meet the residents at their level, not seem different from them. I’m just here to connect.”
Maralynn Scott is a shining example of what compassionate service looks like. Her time, empathy, and creative spirit are helping to build a stronger, more connected community—one crochet stitch and painted rock at a time.
Interested in joining our amazing team of volunteers like Maralynn? Visit steppingstoneeh.org/volunteer to learn how you can make a difference.