1983
Sr. Lorraine Serves the First Meal
On Palm Sunday, Sister Lorraine Biebel took $50 and turned it into meals for the homeless. She served 39 people from the St. Agnes Grade School cafeteria. The soup kitchen soon moved to the Missouri Hotel Grill on Commercial Street.
1985
The Missouri Hotel Opens as Shelter
Sr. Lorraine leased The Missouri Hotel as a shelter for folks experiencing homelessness. GED/ABE classes were held for residents.
1985
The Medical Clinic Starts
A mobile medical clinic was started with nurses one day a week and doctors one day a month at The Missouri Hotel.
1987
Franciscan Villa Opens for Affordable Housing
The original St. John’s Hospital is purchased. Patient rooms are converted into apartments for elderly, disabled, and formerly homeless residents.
1992
Family Nurturing Center
From the beginning, The Kitchen provided care for children living in the Missouri Hotel. In 1992, the Family Nurturing Center was formalized with it’s own building. The Center served infants through school-age children living in the Missouri Hotel.
1994
The Kitchen Foundation is Formed
Dedicated supporters formed The Kitchen Foundation to ensure the mission and lasting work of The Kitchen, Inc. continue to serve the homeless in the Springfield community. The Ollis building opens as a second transitional living apartment building.
1995
Comprehensive Case Management
Comprehensive case management and counseling system began with a major HUD grant.
1996
Dental Services Begin
The Medical Clinic begins dental services and addiction treatment. A jobs program begins at The Missouri Hotel.
2000
Rare Breed Opens
Rare Breed Youth Outreach Center for homeless and at-risk youth opens on Walnut St.
2002
Sr. Lorraine Retires
Sister Lorraine Retires. Tobias Meeker is hired as CEO.
2008
The Kitchen Celebrates 25 Years
Bill Stalnaker retires, and Rorie Orgeron is installed as CEO.
2012
Rare Breed Moves to Main Ave
Rare Breed Youth Services moves to a 10,000 square feet building at 301 N Main Ave.
2013
Beacon Village I Opens
Beacon Village I opens as affordable housing for families.
2014
Sister Lorraine Celebrates her 90th Birthday
Sister Lorraine Biebel celebrates her 90th birthday.
2015
Capital Campaign for New Campus Begins
The Kitchen announces plans for a new non-congregate shelter and case management offices.
2016
Beacon Village II Opens
Beacon Village II expands affordable housing for families.
2017
McClernon Villas Opens
McClernon Villas opens to provide affordable housing for seniors and Veterans.
2017
Groundbreaking at O’Reilly Family Campus
The Kitchen breaks ground at the new O’Reilly Family Campus, future home of the emergency shelter and Hamra Family Support Services Building.
2017
Meleah Spencer Named CEO
Rorie Orgeron resigns, and Meleah Spencer is installed as CEO. Commercial Street properties are sold.
2018
The Kitchen Celebrates 35 Years
The Kitchen Celebrates 35 years and prepares for the new emergency shelter to open.
2018
New Emergency Shelter Opens
The Emergency Shelter opens on the new campus with 13 apartments for families and individuals. The Kitchen earns accreditation from the Council on Accreditation.
2022
Groundbreaking for Maplewood Villas
Maplewood Villas will add more affordable housing for seniors and Veterans.
2023
The Kitchen Celebrates 40 Years
2023
Maplewood Villas Opens
In August, Maplewood Villas opened and now offers affordable housing to seniors and Veterans.