17 Jun 2020
Life as a Case Manager

Life as a Case Manager

Working as a case manager for Rare Breed is rewarding but not always easy.  When we first meet the youth, they are overwhelmed and scared by the circumstances of their lives. Most have been repeatedly told they are worthless and will never amount to anything until they believe the words others have said.  When we meet these youth, they may have mental and physical illnesses related to the repeated trauma they endure.  Medical help is not a priority for our youth, surviving the day is. Some may self-medicate with anything they believe will help them through that painful moment. Our…
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10 Jun 2020
Rare Breed Youth Services Success!

Rare Breed Youth Services Success!

When I first came to Rare Breed, I tagged along with a friend who was dating a Rare Breed youth. I did not need Rare Breed services, but I quickly found friends, and became a “Breed Kid” myself. My dad would drop me off at Rare Breed and pick me up on his way home from work. Being a rural kid, I did not have much to do during the day, so many of my friendships were from here. I went to every “Life Skills” class and involved myself in every group. Face painting at Neighborhood Night Out, and back-to-school…
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03 Jun 2020
Happy Birthday Rare Breed

Happy Birthday Rare Breed

By Kathy Westmoreland - Youth Services Coordinator It is strange to sit in Rare Breed Youth Outreach Center during COVID 19 guidelines as the building is never this quiet. Youth are still coming in and receiving services, but our buzz is a little bit quieter these days. It gives me a moment to pause and reflect on all the shifts, challenges, and wins that this program has seen over the course of twenty years. Countless youth have walked through our doors seeking assistance and they have all brought their own story. The one thing that I can say I have…
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14 May 2020

The Kitchen, Inc.’s Home at Last program is still housing Veterans!

Springfield, MO – The Kitchen, Inc.’s Home at Last program is still housing Veterans! In the months of March and April, Home at Last has housed 26 people, 35% under the age of 18. As a community, we understand and appreciate the importance of helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19, while providing a home. “During this COVID-19 crisis, Home at Last has been working hard to help Veterans who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless” said case manager Patrick Haenni. “Our goal is to help Veterans in an at-risk situation to maintain stable housing. We assist Veterans…
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23 Apr 2020

We Are Continuing To Provide Services!

April 23, 2020 Contact: Stefanie Nentrup Community Development Coordinator Snentrup@thekitcheninc.org 417-209-6191 (Cell) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Springfield, MO- We are continuing to provide services and resources during the COVID-19 “shelter in place” order. In the first 20 days of April, The Kitchen, Inc. has housed 28 individuals experiencing homelessness, making that a total of 379 individuals for the year! Need never stops, neither do we! We are still providing case management services along with food and hygiene deliveries. We are doing our part to provide a safe environment by maintaining enhanced cleaning protocols, which includes disinfecting surfaces in all common area’s…
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25 Mar 2020

The Kitchen, Inc. continues to follow the directions put forth by the local health officials, the CDC and WHO.

March 25, 2020 Contact: Stefanie Nentrup Community Development Coordinator Snentrup@thekitcheninc.org 417-209-6191 (Cell) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Springfield, MO – With the recent order to “shelter in place”, The Kitchen, Inc. continues to follow the directions put forth by the local health officials, the CDC and WHO.  We recognize the impact and uncertainty this creates for all in our community. “Can you imagine how scary it is to hear 'shelter in place' if you don’t have a home? Where do you go? The Kitchen will continue to provide housing and support services for clients currently in our housing programs and those referred…
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