Stories - The Kitchen

26 Aug 2020

A Family in Crisis

A Single father and his 8-year-old twin daughters were homeless before finding The Kitchen, Inc. A Single Father The father is originally from Chicago and moved to Springfield when he was 20. He was living with his girlfriend before she started using drugs. Her drug use forced him to leave their house. When his daughters were 5 years old, their mother dropped them off at Isabel’s House. Isabel’s House contacted him and he was able to gain custody of the girls. He and the girls lived with his mother while he was enrolled in an automotive program at Ozarks Technical…

19 Aug 2020

Meet Patty, a Resident of Beacon Village

Homeless, Not Hopeless Patty was homeless, struggling with alcoholism and living on the streets when she was referred to The Kitchen, Inc.’s Community Housing program. Through The Kitchen, Inc., Patty was able to sign a lease for an apartment at Beacon Village, one of The Kitchen, Inc.’s affordable housing properties. Working Towards Sobriety Once housed, Patty began working on the barriers that led to her homelessness. Alcoholism was a huge barrier to living a healthy, stable life. Her case manager, Nancy Galetti, connected Patty to MSU Care and Burrell Behavioral Health. Part of Patty’s treatment includes injections once a month…

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…

07 Jul 2020

Meet Glendy, a Veteran served by Home at Last

Glendy is a 62-year-old Army Veteran from Riverside, IL. She spent about 20 years in Sacramento, CA before finding her way to Springfield over a year ago. Glendy became homeless in 2019 after fleeing an abusive and hostile environment. Finding Home at Last Glendy found Home at Last through a referral from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Within a month, she was able to move into her new apartment. Glendy likes her landlord and was happy to find a place that allows her Cocker Spaniel, Artemis, to stay with her. Working Towards Stability Once stably housed, Glendy worked with her…

24 Jun 2020

There is no One True Face of Youth Homelessness…

Michael was adopted internationally at age three along with his sister. Once in the United States, there was a clear divide between the attention his sister received and what he received from his family. Michael was severely abused by his mother and given age-inappropriate house chores, while his sister was spoiled and well cared for. As a preteen, Michael was sent from New York to a religious boarding school here in Missouri, while his sister remained in the home. When he turned 18, he asked his parents if he could come home to New York. Not only was he told…

10 Jun 2020

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…

Category: Stories