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Minnesota United is an amazing community organization dedicated to helping bring Minnesota’s missing home for over 10 years.

The organization was created after Steven Matula’s sister Mandy went missing in May of 2013. Steven took charge with planning and executing searches for his sister, and during that first week, learned that two other women, Kira Steger and Danielle Jelinek, were also missing. Steven wanted to do something to help all three families, and so, Minnesota United was created.

They had a tragic ending for those three women, but Steven and other members of Minnesota United leadership decided to continue to help others in our state. Minnesota United quickly became a place people turned to for help when a loved one disappeared. Not only are they known for sharing info and helping with search and rescue, but they also offer support to those who have to live the unthinkable reality of having a loved one go missing. Operating on Facebook, they have been credited, in several cases, for a missing person being found safe due to their posts.

Recently, Minnesota United, in partnership with Maddi’s Army (Finding Madeline Kingsbury), has been hosting a toiletries drive with the donations to be shared with Cornerstone and other great community partners. And on December 9th, 2023 from 5-9pm at the Unmapped Brewing Company, they will be hosting a silent auction. The proceeds from the auction will go towards purchasing gift cards for gas and groceries. All collected items will be taken to the following advocacy organizations: Advocacy Center of Winona, Alexandra House, Missions Inc. Programs, Cornerstone, and Women’s of Nations.

At the auction, they will also have a small remembrance to honor the girls behind the creation of Minnesota United as well as for the other domestic violence cases they have assisted with over the years. For those interested in attending the silent auction, visit here.

If you are unable to make it to the event and/or one of our donation drop off zones, they have also created an Amazon Wishlist of commonly needed items.

Thank you to Minnesota United for all they do for our community and for their generosity with Cornerstone and other organizations! We are so grateful for all they do. Follow them on Facebook here.