John Tumino

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.

Kevin and I were able to sign up to receive the first round of the Moderna Covid-19 Vaccine. We were a little anxious today about receiving the Vaccine due to the newness off this new treatment. The Process was was very easy, first sign on to website and apply for your dose. If there was availability they sent you an appointment time and were to go. We arrived at the Oncenter and stood in line for our 12:40 appointment. We then proceeded through three stations and arrived at our fourth were we were both administered the Vaccine. I looked down at the time and it was 12:58, I thought to myself that this was a quick process just 24 minutes. We were asked to sit and wait for 15 minutes after receiving the Vaccine to see if we would experience any side affects. We walked out at 1:15 and went back out to do Street Outreach. The only symptom I had for the remainder of the day was a very sore left arm form were the shot was given. Our next appointment for round two is in three weeks. I am very excited that we were able to receive the vaccine not just for our own peace of mind but also knowing that we are one step closer to bringing an end to this Pandemic. Now its time for us to figure out how to vaccinate all those living out on the streets, its all about logistics. Living in this great community gives me confidence that a way will be made for our homeless friends as well. God Bless everyone we are in this together.