John Tumino

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! 

One of the greatest things we appreciate about our IMFK care managers is that they are flexible when working with our friends outdoors. JD pictured here is our Hire Ground care manager, JD has a big heart filled with compassion for our friends. When being out and about with the work crew JD must set up his mobile office to be able to do intakes and follow up care with our friends. This day in particular we were assisting the NY State Fairgrounds in preparing for this year’s RV Show. The crew swept and moped the area and made sure things looked great for the quests that would be arriving at this year’s show. JD thank you for always thinking outside the box! 

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.

Together we are building hope and changing lives.

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Our Sous Chefs are the Best partners always assisting us in serving our friends who feel Invisible! Meet Sue “The Muffin Lady” Sue offered to make home-baked Muffins for our friends once a month so that we might be able to bring something special in the midst of chaos! Sue Loves to Bake and this wonderful addition is a perfect side for our homemade lunches. Sue works at Hospice Care of CNY and has a heart for those who are suffering. Every time I meet Sue at the door of IMFK she always has a smile and a warm hug for me. What a blessing to be your hands and heart extended to our friends who feel Invisible. Sue these special Muffins are a God Send thank you for your commitment to our MISION and our FRIENDS!

With a Saddened Heart we announce the passing of one of dear friends. Neal was known to us over the last 3 years. We met him in 2019 during street outreach and He became a participant in our Hire Ground Program. Your battle is over my dear friend. No more pain no more suffering #imwrecked

Neal Allen-Murray February 7, 2022, Neal C. Allen-Murray, 31 of Minoa, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 7th. As a youth, he enjoyed being in Boy Scouts, playing soccer, and Karate. He is predeceased by his step-father, Tony Zappala. Neal is survived by his mothers, Colleen (Maria Berrigan) Murray and Terry Allen-Zappala; two step-sisters, Ashley and Brandi Zappala; grandparents, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Services will be private. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to In my Father’s Kit