John Tumino

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

Kevin and I were invited to share our stories on the Nick Cannon Show! FRom the work, we do at IMFK to Kevin sharing his personal story. The team at the show surprised us with a video from Kevin’s daughters as well as me receiving the Big Heart award. At the end of this segment, we were showered with items for our friends outdoors that were donated by sponsors of the show. Check out the link below to see the show!

We met Tiffany in October 0f 2015 homeless living outdoors and addicted to Heroine. We were able to love her through that time by feeding her, clothing her and getting her connected to housing. Many times housing someone is the first step in the journey to even think about getting sober. Many of our friends do continue in addiction after being housed, but not our Champion Tiffany. She is sober reconnected with her children and doing awesome. Here is a thank you note we received from her last week after she read a post of ours regarding assisting the under served.

Tiffany God bless you John!! 5 years sober and still to this day I remember how you impacted my life! I was just telling a friend recently who did not believe I was once homeless, addicted, flying signs by the mall for money and how this kind man used to bring us amazing food! He bought me boots and jackets! That was you! Love that your still out there helping others. Times are harder now out there then years ago when I was! God bless you all and much love!!

IMFK We sent her the pictures from the past when we were assisting her as well as getting them indoors 

Tiffany Oh wow!!!! Its so crazy to look at!! I cant even imagine being back in that position!!! You never realize how bad it really was until you step away for some time!

IMFK How are your boys doing ?

Tiffany Boys are doing great. Getting good grades in school. Healthy. I was given my mothers home and she moved into my grandmas house when she passed last year. So I’m a home owner. Have all my kids. Working for the nys health department remotely from home. Its a whole new reality now days. Im out in the country. Enjoying nature! Praising god! My faith has never been stronger! Just amazing what can happen when you turn your life to god and step away from drugs and alcohol!

If you would like I don’t mind if you use my first name. A lot of people know my story and I’m ok with that. I’m not ashamed, and hopefully it inspires someone that recovery is possible. A normal life is possible, getting your kids back is possible. Its all possible. With Jesus its definitely possible. I had a lot of family praying for me those 10 years and putting in prayer requests all the time and I truly believe that prayer works! Early in 2020 i was baptized by the lighthouse church in Mexico and watch their services online (due to pandemic). Listen to scripture & read scripture. Pray and talk to god through out the day. Blessings just keep on coming. Jesus works in our lives when were ready to accept him! God spared my life a few times during addiction. So now I owe it to him to serve!

 Great talking to you and for us who made it out of the mess and were graced with your help we never forget! Always appreciate what you did for us and others! God bless!!

Tiffany

Sous Chefs with your support we are making stories like this Possible!