John Tumino

LLeigh Ann is a guest speaking tonight at Zonta (Empowering Women through Service and Advocacy for over 100 Years) Club of Syracuse. She will be sharing about our New Program Life House. To learn more about Life House click on the services tab on the website

Hire Ground is a collaborative partnership with the County of Onondaga and is an IMFK outreach to the unemployed homeless and panhandlers in the City of Syracuse and Onondaga County.

The “Hire Ground” program gives panhandlers and the unemployed homeless in Syracuse and Onondaga County an opportunity for change in their lives by offering work experience through day labor and connections to needed support services.

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, the Hire Ground van picks up nine individuals at various locations throughout the City of Syracuse and Onondaga County. Once they complete the intake process the Hire Ground team transports our friends to job sites to work on beautification and other various projects. These projects include but are not limited to, picking up litter after a concert at the St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater, building picnic tables for the NY State Fair, and picking up trash from area parks and roadways.

In addition to working a five-hour shift and receiving a $50 stipend, Hire Ground feeds them breakfast, lunch, and snacks for the day and provides transportation back to the pickup locations. We have served over 450 panhandling individuals to receive A Hand Up, Not A Handout. Our Care Managers connect participants to service providers in the Housing Coalition of CNY, as well as the Department of Social Services. Without this collaborative effort, serving the needs of our participants would not be possible.

Lunches are a big part of what we do at IMFK. Lunch opens a door to conversations! The conversation leads to trust where change can occur. Check out the Story on Spectrum News 

We met Kevin back in June of 2013. Kevin was addicted and homeless living on the streets of Syracuse. We met Kevin with a lunch when he was panhandling on the offramp of 690 East at the Teall Ave exit (picture 1). As the weeks turned into months we quickly released that Kevin was a man with a huge soft heart. He shared with us that he had three daughters and a beautiful granddaughter. We find out the story behind the cardboard sign, the story of having a full-time job, living in his own place with his children and their mother. That all changed the day that he started to use crack cocaine. The addiction took over and Kevin started to slowly slide down the slippery sloop of addiction. This story is a story we hear over and over again from many of our friends living outdoors. Kevin didn’t wake up one morning and decide he was going to through his life away, it’s the little choices that are made with bad decisions that lead to a life of chaos. In late October of 2013 Kevin’s brother Mark who was homeless himself dies in an abandoned house due to a fire. That event was a major catalyst for Kevin for change in his life. The following March of 2014 Kevin admits himself into Salvation Army long-term rehab. John receives a call from Kevin on this decision and asks if  John would become his mentor while working the program. Upon graduating from the program IMFK was able to assist Kevin into his own apartment in October of 2014 and to acquire his first job. Kevin started volunteering with IMFK (picture 2) and became John’s, right-hand man. With assistance from a friend of Johns from church, Kevin was given his first vehicle to be able to get back and forth from work, what a blessing. After 5 years of sobriety and being reunited with his girls and granddaughter Kevin was offered a position as the Hire Ground Van Supervisor. Kevin accepted the position and has been a wonderful addition to our team. (picture 3) This passed St. Patricks Day John was honored as the Gael of the parade and Kevin was able to drive the Hire Ground Van in the Parade with his granddaughter. There was an event after the parade and we were able to get a great picture of Kevin and Jalah after lunch. Looking at their faces in this picture brings joy to our hearts. It all started with a lunch and unconditional love. Kevin did the footwork we provide Hope and support for him to take the steps into his bright future!  Love Never Fails and with your continued support Sous Chefs, we will continue to reach out to those who feel Invisible! 

When assisting our friends outdoors we have found that pain relief is one of the most important things we can provide. Whether it’s physical, mental, or Soulical pain it’s all-important. Today during street outreach our friend asked if Doc could take a look at his finger. Our friend was in so much pain and discomfort that he was willing to do whatever it took to bring relief. Doc said that he could numb the area and then lance the wound to express the infection, our friend was ready. As soon as Doc was done our friend felt immediate relief in his finger and was so appreciative of the help. Many times a kind gesture to our friends in the middle of their suffering can be the catalyst for true change to occur in the other areas of their lives.  Believe with us that our dear friend will make some other great choices going forward into a total recovery. We will do whatever it takes to gain the trust of our friends. With your support days like this are made possible!