John Tumino

16
Oct

Looking For A Homelss Veteran

This past week we were able to meet a Veteran who served 4 years in the Air Force and 4 years in the Army National Guard and who is now homeless. Our new friend showed up to a HIRE GROUND pick up location to work for the day. During his work day Paulette (IMFK’s Care Manager) discovered that he was a homeless Veteran. Paulette called back to the office to speak with JD (IMFK’s Care Manager) to let him know that we had a homeless Veteran on the work van. JD is a Veteran as well and served in the Marine Core. JD drove out to meet our new friend to make an introduction and start the ball rolling to get him connected to Veteran Services. The call was made to Catholic Charities a housing provider who could assist him. We received a call that housing might be available by the weekend so our Team went out to look for our new friend. He does not have a phone so we went to look for him at his sleeping spot. In this picture you are seeing a location that he made himself for shelter. No one should be sleeping in these condition especially someone who served our country with HONOR. He was not there during our visit but we will continue our efforts to find him to give him the good news that housing is available. With your Continued support we are truly making a difference in the lives of those who feel INVISIBLE. Together we are Building Hope and Changing Lives

John and Leigh Ann

16
Oct

She Is In Her Own Place

This is what its all about coming off the streets, excitement! The things we might take for granted are big deals for someone coming indoors off the streets.

9
Oct

Elena’s Pickle Stand Raises Money For The Homeless

We received a Call from Elena’s mom last week that their beautiful daughter was moved to action when seeing a homeless person outside. She wanted to give pickles to the homeless but after talking with Mom and Dad a bigger plan was hatched. Elena was going to have a Pickle Stand and sell the pickles to raise Money for In My Fathers Kitchen. Using a Vermont Family Pickle recipe to create these wondeful Pickles Elena started jaring in her home kitchen. Dad told me today that the neighbors were continually asking when the pickles were going to be ready. Elena set up her stand and started selling, im excited to share with you today that Elena raised $364! It never ceases to amaze me that a child with an idea a pure heart with family support can accomplish the most astonishing things. Elena it was such an honor to meet you today, thank you for the support and thank you you for the wonderful jar of Pickles. They were delicious!

John

A Child Shall Lead Them

9
Oct

Shepherds Pie Opens Door For Eye Exam

Using food to Build Relationships is a wonderful opportunity. The mornings of outreach I start to imagine what we could make thats special for our friends outdoors experiencing homelessness. When the idea comes we go shopping to buy the fresh ingredients needed to make our meals. Todays imagination brought me to a childhood favorite “Shepherds Pie”. After shopping we get down to our facilty put on the chef coat and start cooking, two and a half hours later the meal is ready. Bringing value and dignity to our friends starts with a wonderful meal that turns into a powerful tool for true conversation to begin. Well during outreach today our friend asked if Doc could check on his eyes were we dicovered a minor concern. Doc proceeded to make a referal to an optomtrist were our friend can find out exactly whats going on. Who would have thought while we were making Shepherds Pie that this lunch would create an opportunity for an exam to take place. Together with your support we are Building Hope and Changing Lives and it all starts with a lunch.

7
Oct

IMFK Assists 206th Friend Indoors

We met our dear friend T on a cold January day 2017. While working with our friends there can be many ups and downs, over the last 3 1/2 years T has worked on our Hire Ground Crew, we were able to connect her to medical service with Housecalls for the Homeless as well as showing her she was not Invisible. There were moments during our relationship were T diasappeared for a time which always raises concern because there are so many things that can happen to someone living outdoors, especially a woman. This summer T made a descision to move forward by doing all the paper work needed to help her get connected to a provider that could house her. T was put on a housing list were she was matched with Catholic Charities, we were able to get T to her housing intake and this morning she received her keys to her own place. Collaboration is the key when working with our friends outdoors and in Onondaga County we have a wonderful Homeless Housing Coalition (HHC) that works wonderful little miracles. Together with your support we can make this house a home by filling all the gaps with items she may need for her new place. If you feel inclined please consider making a donation to IMFK, together we are Building Hope and Changing Lives

John and Leigh Ann