John Tumino

One of the Great things we love about CNY is the willingness that people have to get involved in community ptojects. Meet Andy from Andy’s Produce, I met Andy back in 2002 when my family was running a local restaurant in town (Asti). Since starting In My Fathers Kitchen in 2011 Andy and his company have been collaborative partners with us for many events. When I reached out to Andy last week to inform him of Elenas Pickle Stand and that we were in need of Pickling Cucumbers to continue her efforts in raising money and awareness for IMFK, he didnt hesitate to donate a full bushel of Cucumbers. This is what its all about, a young lady with a dream a business with a community mindset and a Non-Profit reaching out to our homeless in CNY. Do you know who the winner is in this scenario? Our homeless friends living outdoors. The money raised goes towards direct street outreach each week to show our homeless friends that they are not invisible. Now we need you our partners to purchase some of Elenas pickles and with your support we are building hope and changing lives in our City.

We met Kdog in 2015 Standing on a corner by Destiny USA on Park Street. Our relationship all started with a Lunch and unconditional Love. Well its six years later and Kdog is doing fabulous. Come on in and check out htis wonderful interview as Kdog shares his journey with us. 

These wonderful transformations are all made possible by your generous financial support. Thank you for being wonderful Sous Chefs,

John and Leigh Ann 

This past week we were able to meet a Veteran who served 4 years in the Air Force and 4 years in the Army National Guard and who is now homeless. Our new friend showed up to a HIRE GROUND pick up location to work for the day. During his work day Paulette (IMFK’s Care Manager) discovered that he was a homeless Veteran. Paulette called back to the office to speak with JD (IMFK’s Care Manager) to let him know that we had a homeless Veteran on the work van. JD is a Veteran as well and served in the Marine Core. JD drove out to meet our new friend to make an introduction and start the ball rolling to get him connected to Veteran Services. The call was made to Catholic Charities a housing provider who could assist him. We received a call that housing might be available by the weekend so our Team went out to look for our new friend. He does not have a phone so we went to look for him at his sleeping spot. In this picture you are seeing a location that he made himself for shelter. No one should be sleeping in these condition especially someone who served our country with HONOR. He was not there during our visit but we will continue our efforts to find him to give him the good news that housing is available. With your Continued support we are truly making a difference in the lives of those who feel INVISIBLE. Together we are Building Hope and Changing Lives

John and Leigh Ann

This is what its all about coming off the streets, excitement! The things we might take for granted are big deals for someone coming indoors off the streets.

We received a Call from Elena’s mom last week that their beautiful daughter was moved to action when seeing a homeless person outside. She wanted to give pickles to the homeless but after talking with Mom and Dad a bigger plan was hatched. Elena was going to have a Pickle Stand and sell the pickles to raise Money for In My Fathers Kitchen. Using a Vermont Family Pickle recipe to create these wondeful Pickles Elena started jaring in her home kitchen. Dad told me today that the neighbors were continually asking when the pickles were going to be ready. Elena set up her stand and started selling, im excited to share with you today that Elena raised $364! It never ceases to amaze me that a child with an idea a pure heart with family support can accomplish the most astonishing things. Elena it was such an honor to meet you today, thank you for the support and thank you you for the wonderful jar of Pickles. They were delicious!

John

A Child Shall Lead Them