User:Nateleboeuf/In My Father's Kitchen

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Overview

About

In My Father’s Kitchen, Inc. (IMFK) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Syracuse, NY registered with the New York Department of State. The organization was established on September 7, 2011, by John and Leigh-Ann Tumino. IMFK offers non-denominational and non-discriminatory aid to unhoused individuals through direct street outreach initiatives.

John Tumino, co-founder of IMFK, attributes the inspiration behind the organization's formation to a short yet highly significant encounter he shared with a homeless individual near Destiny USA.^[1] Reflecting on this moment that started as an exchange of lunch, Tumino expresses his desire to offer more than fleeting assistance to those holding cardboard signs on street corners, striving to ensure they feel acknowledged rather than invisible. This notion of visibility, fused with their spiritual values, forms the cornerstone of IMFK's mission: “We feed people spirit, soul, and body; using food distribution and supplying material necessities to break down barriers, build relationships, and bring hope to those who feel invisible.” As listed on their organization’s homepage, their values are as follows:^[2]

“We develop trust by building relationships that bring value and dignity to those we encounter.”

“We honor those we serve by offering them a hand up not a hand out.”
“We build hope to foster positive change.”
“We challenge and educate ourselves and the community to promote a culture of dignity and respect to those we serve.”

IMFK relies on the collective efforts of the Syracuse community, including donations and participation in fundraising events, to advance their vision: "To create a world without chronic homelessness, where individuals are nourished, housed safely, and liberated from systemic challenges."

Services

Street Outreach

An integral part of their services is their Street Outreach program which aims to assist the chronically homeless individuals of Syracuse, New York. The distinguisher between “temporary homelessness” and “chronic homelessness” is time and circumstance. A chronically homeless individual is someone who has either experienced homelessness for at least a year or has faced repeated episodes of homelessness.^[3] They are also often people who struggle with a disabling condition such as mental illness, physical disabilities, and or substance use disorders. The additive stress of living homeless compounded with the reality of living with a disabling condition makes it difficult for these individuals to adequately care for themselves (2).

In June of 2023, IMFK extended its resources to include a medical van to help homeless individuals in Syracuse^[4]. The vehicle aims to navigate city streets providing clothes, food, and emergency supplies twice a week. Their emphasis on building individual relationships with homeless individuals creates the groundwork for trust that can help lead people to accept assistance from IMFK.^[5] This assistance includes facilitating transportation to and aiding in accessing homeless assistance programs, mainstream social services, and housing programs. In My Father’s Kitchen frequently collaborates with the Housing and Homeless Coalition’s coordinated entry housing list to expedite the process of finding permanent housing for individuals. Continued support for these individuals is considered quintessential to the Street Outreach program as IMFK aims to encourage them to remain living in housing. Evidence suggests that residing in stable living environments establishes a fundamental basis for fostering better health promotion behaviors and enhancing overall health status^[6].

Hire Ground

Hire Ground is an IMFK service in collaboration with the County of Onondaga.^[7] This program is designed to assist unemployed homeless individuals and panhandlers in Syracuse and Onondaga County by providing them with work experience through day labor and linking them to crucial support services.

The program aims to offer these individuals an opportunity for positive change in their lives by providing them with employment opportunities and connections to resources. Their work accelerates in then winter season, as temperatures make the discomfort worse for homeless folks.^[8] It emphasizes empowering individuals struggling with homelessness to gain valuable work experience, access support services, and establish newfound independence in themselves. Overall, “Hire Ground” represents a proactive approach to addressing the challenges faced by homeless individuals in Syracuse and Onondaga County, offering them an alternative way to play the cards they had previously been dealt.

Every Monday through Thursday, Hire Ground navigates the city of Syracuse by van, providing transport for homeless people to job sites where they are tasked with varying projects. On top of the pay they receive for these workdays, they also receive meals and snacks throughout this time as well as transportation back to the original pick-up site.

Life House

Life House is a Christian housing option for women that are victims of human trafficking and abuse. It was founded in early 2018. The women can stay in the housing unit during their transition out of sex work.^[9]

Media Reception

IMFK emphasizes community collaboration through educational opportunities by teaching younger community members about their mission. On April 2024, the staff of IMFK paid a visit to Roxboro Road Elementary School, where children assembled goody bags for the homeless.

A June 2023 news story perceives IMFK positively, saying "John and his team do such great work in In My Father's Kitchen. They have supported more than 700 people and assisted 300 in finding housing".^[10]

IMFK also interacts with the public through their partnership with New Horizons to sell coffee, pasta sauce, and maple syrup. This creates awareness for the organization and helps with finances. It is sold in 14 local stores, including Wegmans.^[11]