John Tumino

We met K-Dog with a lunch back in March of 2015, that was first contact but that is were our journey began. K-Dog was Homeless living outdoors addicted to drugs and spinning his wheels in the ever revolving door of addiction. We would see K-Dog panhandling week after week and would visit him in the place he would stay to keep himself warm especially in the winter season. We would love him encourage him and let him know that we believed in him and that there is a way out of this cycle and that we would assist him. When we started the Hire Ground day labor program K-Dog became a regular on the work van. During one work day we surprised K-Dog with a Birthday cake for his Birthday, we all sang Happy Birthday to him. He was so appreciative and surprised that we would remember his special day. On another occasion we found out that his Dad living in Florida was very sick and hospitalized, we asked him if he would like to go see him. We said that we would buy him the round trip ticket to go see his dad, he couldn’t believe that we would do that for him. The next week he was on a plane for Florida, when he got back he was so thankful for the opportunity not to just see his dad but his extended family. That’s what its all about at IMFK building relationships that establish trust. Well just after Thanksgiving of 2020 K-Dog said he was ready for a change and we were able to assist him into rehab with Helio Health. While he was there we made sure he had everything he needed from clothing to footwear. He completed a 28 day program and now is in a half way house to outpatient treatment. K-Dog is now volunteering with IMFK by assisting Kevin on Hire Ground off days and he even keeps are side walks shoveled at IMFK, what a Blessing. K-Dog is a person of Faith and has always served at a food pantry even during his  while out on the streets. Now that he is sober for over 60 days he is attendinaddictiong Church with Kevin right here on the northside of Syracuse. To see this mans determination to change is so powerful as Kevin says “You cant argue with the evidence”. A transformation has truly begun and we will assist K-Dog in whatever means possible to ensure that he stays on the positive tract. These stories are priceless you can not put a price tag on it but because of your faithful financial support days  and moments like this would not be possible.

Partnership is a great Key for the success of the work we do at IMFK. We were able to present Gary Crisalli from G.M. Crisalli & Associates inc the Homeless Hero Award. This award is presented to individuals and organizations that go above and beyond the call of duty by bringing Value and Dignity to those who feel Invisible. Gary and his team have been wonderful monthly supporters of our Mission as well as providing assistance and man power in our yearly 5k. On behalf of all of our friends outdoors and those that were housed we say thank you. Gary you and your Team are truly Homeless Hero’s!

Our Hire Ground Team was out shoveling sidewalks throughout the City of Syracuse last week. Kevin brought the Team to one location across from the old Central Tech High School to shovel around the park. To be out in the cold Panhandling to survive is one thing but to WORK to earn your way is another. Its all about a Hand Up not a Hand Out. The Team at the end of the day felt so accomplished and they came back to IMFK at the end of the day feeling like the accomplished and completed a mission. To be able to work for 5 hours and escape the noise that harasses our friends minds is irreplaceable. Instead of escaping the noise through drugs they escape by joining together as a unit working and talking about life. Thank you Paulette IMFK (Care Manager) and Kevin IMFK (Van Driver) for showing our friends they are not Invisible.

Great Morning with Brandon Roth from CNY Central sharing about our Mission and Eating with a Purpose

Hire Ground had the opportunity to work at the Public Safety building to assist Onondaga County in cleaning out the old Jail. Paulette Hire Ground Care Manager (pictured here) is a survivor of the streets and addiction. Kevin Hire Ground Van driver as well, many of our friends on the streets have experienced many nights behind bars. When you are addicted and trying to survive out on the streets many opportunities to make bad choices occur. To see Paulette and Kevin now have victory over their passed demons and now shinning a light out for our friends brings joy to our soul. Paulette said many of the participants were telling their jail stories not making light of it but talking about the struggles of trying to survive. Kevin shared with me after work that it was hard to be on that floor, he said he does not like to remember those moments. I totally understood and encouraged him that he is not that person anymore, that he has done the 180 degree turn and that he is a shinning light to all that change can happen. Our passed scars should not be looked at as shame but as reminders of who we were but no longer are! The pains of yesterday are the stories we can share to assist others to not go down those pathways. I’m so proud of Paulette and Kevin and we are excited to be examples for our friends that their lives can change to.