Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Jeffrey Thompson
MINNEAPOLIS

Photos: A morning with Mary Jo Copeland

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Mary Jo Copeland
Mary Jo Copeland greets Tqra Muse, 3, at Mary's Place, Sharing and Caring Hands' apartment complex, in downtown Minneapolis, Minn. Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013.
MPR Photo/Jeffrey Thompson

It's not uncommon for Mary Jo Copeland to be greeted with bear hugs or hand clapping as she enters a room at Sharing and Caring Hands, the Minneapolis-based nonprofit that provides those in need with everything from food to shelter.

The tireless mother of 12 has been touching the lives of the impoverished since she started Sharing and Caring Hands in 1985.

Copeland is being recognized Friday by President Barack Obama for the work she has done in the Twin Cities community. Copeland will be awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal, the second-highest civilian honor, for her charitable efforts.

We spent a morning with her recently at Sharing and Caring Hands.

Gallery
12 of 12
Mary Jo and Dick Copeland
Mary Jo Copeland and her husband Dick Copeland talk with staff members at Sharing and Caring Hands in downtown Minneapolis, Minn. Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013. Mary Jo and Dick Copeland have been married for 51 years and have 12 children.
MPR Photo/Jeffrey Thompson
1 of 12
Mary Jo Copeland
Mary Jo Copeland greets Tqra Muse, 3, at Mary's Place, Sharing and Caring Hands' apartment complex, in downtown Minneapolis, Minn. Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013.
MPR Photo/Jeffrey Thompson
2 of 12
Saying goodbye
Mary Jo Copeland talks with Willard Garrett as he and his family leave Mary's Place, Sharing and Caring Hands' apartment complex, in downtown Minneapolis, Minn. Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013.
MPR Photo/Jeffrey Thompson