Blog - The Kitchen

11 Aug 2020

Meet Maria, a Case Manager in Community Housing

I am a Community Housing case manager for chronically homeless individuals. I have been with The Kitchen, Inc. for almost two years. More than a Job Being a case manager for the homeless is more than a job. It’s a calling, a love-hate relationship of give and take, ups and downs, successes and defeats. It’s a “never the same day twice” kind of job that fills you with pride when things go right and hurts your heart when they go wrong. At its simplest, my job is to empower others to bring about change in their lives. At its most…

05 Aug 2020

116 Children Served by Community Housing Since January

Since January, Community Housing has served 255 people, including 116 children and 6 individuals aged 62 or older. The program is on track to surpass total served numbers from 2019 (298 served, with 130 children and 8 individuals 62 or older). What is Community Housing? Community Housing is a program of The Kitchen, Inc. designed to help families and individuals quickly exit homelessness and return to permanent housing. We use the Housing First model to place people in safe, affordable housing, and then address the barriers that led to their homelessness. Housing First recognizes the need for safety and shelter…

29 Jul 2020

2020 Charitable Nonprofit of the Year

Last Thursday, The Kitchen, Inc. was recognized as the Charitable Nonprofit of the Year at Springfield Business Journal’s 2020 Economic Impact Awards. Housing is the Key For 37 years, we have provided services to homeless individuals and families in Springfield and the surrounding communities. As our community of nonprofits grew, we adapted our services and focused on what we do best: housing. Helping people get back into permanent housing is the first step towards long-term stability. Once housed, our case managers work with clients to overcome the barriers that led to their homelessness and create plans for them to remain stably…

22 Jul 2020

Road to Stability

Our spotlight this week features a 51-year-old Army Veteran. He was happy to share his story but wished to remain anonymous. Growing Up Old School This Veteran grew up in Springdale, AR and “found out real early there is nothing in life for free.” At nine years old, he began working with his dad blocking mud on construction sites. He recalls returning to school in the fall as “quite a buff kid.” He credits his country, old-school upbringing for his work- and life-ethic. Connecting to Home at Last After losing his home, this Veteran found Home at Last after talking…

22 Jul 2020

Thieves stole a catalytic converter from The Kitchen, Inc.’s box truck this past weekend.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Thieves stole a catalytic converter from The Kitchen, Inc.’s box truck this past weekend. This is the third catalytic converter stolen from the Kitchen in the past year. Last September, a converter was stolen from the truck, which is used to move clients into their new homes and transport donations. In February, a converter was stolen from the company van used for transporting clients and maintenance around the properties. Deliveries and donation pickups will be halted until the truck is fixed. About The Kitchen, Inc. The Kitchen, Inc.’s mission is to bring stability and purpose to people who…

14 Jul 2020

Life of a Case Manager

As a case manager, we are steadily finding the balance between office work and providing direct real-time service to our Veteran clients while out in the community. No day is the same as life happens, and we handle ongoing circumstances as they occur. Working the Case We are present at the beginning stages when a Veteran is looking for permanent housing, but really step in after they are housed. It is unrealistic to expect someone to focus on other goals before their basic needs of shelter and safety are met. Once the Veteran is stably housed, we help the Veteran…