John Tumino

Dear Friends and Supporters,

I am thrilled to share with you the heartwarming experience we had at Roxboro Road Elementary School. Our visit was nothing short of magical, as we had the honor of meeting a group of bright and enthusiastic young minds, our “Rising Rock Stars.” Their attentiveness and interaction surpassed all expectations, making our mission to inspire even more fulfilling.

Our presentation on the mission of IMFK resonated deeply with the students. They were not just passive listeners; they were active participants, eager to understand how they could contribute to making a positive impact in their community. It’s moments like these that reinforce our belief in the power of the younger generation. When a young person decides to look beyond themselves and extend a helping hand to others, that’s when real change begins to take root.

The highlight of the day was witnessing the students’ commitment to assembling goody bags for IMFK. Their dedication is a testament to the idea that everyone, regardless of age, can be the hands that reach out and touch the lives of others in need. We are incredibly proud of these young individuals who are already moving mountains with their vision and compassion.

A special shout-out goes to Ms. Katie and the entire staff at Roxboro Road Elementary School. Your dedication to nurturing these children’s sense of importance and ability to make a difference is truly commendable. Together, we are not just teaching them about the world; we are showing them how they can change it.

Thank you all for your unwavering support and for believing in our mission. Let’s continue to inspire and be inspired, for the ripple effect of today’s actions will shape the world of tomorrow.

With heartfelt gratitude,
John and Leigh Ann

Dear Friends and Supporters,

What an incredible journey it has been at IMFK! Assisting our friends indoors is not just our goal, it’s our passion. But the journey begins much earlier, right in the waiting room, where we provide comprehensive support to prepare for this significant transition.

From connecting individuals to essential county services to navigating the complexities of paperwork for housing lists, we’re there every step of the way. And it doesn’t stop there; once indoors, we ensure they have everything needed to transform a house into a warm, welcoming home.

Take a moment to picture this: Eliesh and Alysia, our dedicated IMFK care managers, making the bed for Mark, a dear friend who’s just moving indoors. Mark’s story is one of hope and perseverance, and he joins over 300 individuals we’ve had the privilege of assisting off the streets of Syracuse since 2011.

None of this would be possible without you, our sous chefs of compassion. Your financial support fuels our mission to serve those who feel invisible, making days like these a reality.

Thank you for being part of this extraordinary mission. Together, we’re not just changing lives; we’re nurturing souls.

Warm regards,
John, Leigh Ann, and the IMFK Team

Dear Taste and See Family,

We are thrilled to announce a delightful addition to our community! Let’s extend a warm welcome to our new purveyor Thanos Import Market, joining the Taste and See family with open arms. It’s always a joy when local businesses unite with us, fostering awareness for the impactful work we do right here in central New York.

Our corporate teammates play a pivotal role, contributing essential finances that empower us to serve those on the streets who often feel overlooked. Their support is invaluable, and we are incredibly grateful for their partnership.

Next time you’re nearby, please take a moment to stop by and greet Soula, the owner. Let’s show our appreciation and thank her for being an integral part of our team!

Thanos Import Market
105 Green Street
Syracuse NY 13203

In My Father’s Kitchen/Housecalls Fundraiser Thursday | April 11th | 5:30-7;30 PM (EDT) The Palace Theatre 2384 James Street, Syracuse, NY 13206 For the past 6 years In My Father’s Kitchen (IMFK) and Housecalls for the Homeless (Housecalls) have been collaborating to provide medical treatment, food, and material necessities to people experiencing homelessness throughout Onondaga County. The need for our services continues to grow every year. IMFK and Housecalls will be holding our first combined fundraiser! At this event, our guests will enjoy appetizers provided by Christiano’s check link below https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094721662097&mibextid=ZbWKwL tour our new outreach van, and hear about the positive impact our programs are having in our local community. All funds raised will be divided evenly between the two organizations and will be used to help HouseCalls expand its dental program and IMFK provide care for homeless women who have been involved with sex trafficking. We hope that you will join our effort and support this worthy event. We have five levels of sponsorship opportunities. To purchase tickets or become a sponsor follow the link below https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/dHkG1Q?utm_medium=qr&utm_source=qr&vid=1389k5

Providing adequate and compassionate care for our homeless friends with mental health issues who reside in outdoor settings is a complex and multifaceted task. Our friends with mental health issues face many barriers to accessing appropriate services, such as stigma, discrimination, lack of trust, lack of identification, and lack of transportation. Moreover, living outdoors exposes them to harsh weather conditions, violence, infections, and substance abuse. These factors can exacerbate their mental health conditions and make them more vulnerable to physical and psychological distress. Therefore, it is essential to adopt a holistic and person-centered approach that addresses their needs and preferences in a respectful and dignified manner. Some of the strategies that can help in serving this population include:

– Building relationships and trust with the individuals through frequent and consistent outreach visits, listening to their stories, and respecting their autonomy and choices.
– Assessing their mental health status and needs using culturally sensitive and trauma-informed tools, and referring them to appropriate services as needed.
– Providing them with basic necessities such as food, water, clothing, hygiene items, and blankets, as well as harm reduction supplies such as needles, and naloxone kits.
– Educating them about their rights, entitlements, and available resources in the community, and assisting them with obtaining identification documents, benefits, housing applications, and legal aid.
– Collaborating with other service providers such as shelters, health clinics, mental health agencies, substance abuse programs, and police to coordinate care and ensure continuity of services.
– Advocating for systemic changes that address the root causes of homelessness and mental health issues, such as poverty, social exclusion, lack of affordable housing, and inadequate mental health care.

We know that serving our friends with mental health issues living outdoors is not a simple task. It requires patience, perseverance, and empathy. But we also know that it is rewarding and meaningful work. We see the positive impact we make on their lives every day. We see them smile, laugh, and express gratitude. We see them take steps towards recovery and stability. We see them as human beings, not as problems. Serving our friends with mental health issues while living outdoors can be a challenge. But it is also a privilege and an opportunity to make a difference in the world.