News & Media

PEOPLE ALWAYS ASK WHAT DO I DO IF I SEE SOMEONE PANHANDLING
1. Say ‘Hello’
Most people don’t even recognize that the person panhandling is a human.
For many, we’ve been so
conditioned to disregard and not care about homelessness that the brain chemically
responds to that person on the street as if they weren’t a person at all.
These are people trying to survive. And at best, we treat them like a nuisance. You can help
those who are panhandling by just recognizing that person’s humanity.
Consider that other people passing by on the street are mostly ignoring these people
panhandling. Some people are even verbally and physically attacking them for panhandling.
The violence towards those experiencing homelessness has continued to increase.
Can you imagine what it would be like to be spit on and have insults hurled at you all day,
every day? After being questioned and humiliated all day simple
eye contact and a smile from a stranger can go a long way.
It may feel uncomfortable acknowledging them—especially if you don’t have money to give
—but that’s a personal issue
After making a concerted effort to unpack this feeling, I realized that the reason I might feel
uncomfortable when I see a person panhandling or a person experiencing homelessness is if I look at them I must do something.
NOW YOU CAN DO SOMETHING
Have the person CALL 211 and ask for the HIRE GROUND work program. It’s an Alternative to PANHANDLING
Onondaga County
I don’t have to sleep outside or ask for money to meet my most basic needs. And it’s hard
to accept that other people do.
But my being uncomfortable is not more important than their humanity.
I can do my part in supporting those who are panhandling by simply reminding myself that
they are human. I may still feel sad, upset, and uncomfortable, but I no longer allow those
emotions to make me turn away from the reality that there is still a person in front of me.
Look them in the eye. Give them a nod. Give them a friendly smile. Wish them a good day.
Do whatever you can to acknowledge your fellow human beings and Give them the #211

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 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

Every week whether through Street Outreach or Our Hire Ground work program Goody Bags are a vital tool in our hands. These Goody Bags are filled with deodarant, toothpaste, tooth brushes, socks, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, shampoo, soap, candy, feminine napkins, hair brushes, combs, underware, bras and so much more. Our friends appreciate these bags every time we see them which allows us to keep a relationship moving forward. These GOODY BAGS are tools in our hands to establishing trust were are friends will be able to make some positive choices for true change in their lives.  This is were we need YOUR HELP, will you please consider partnering with us and making your best GIFT towards this Fundraiser. We are trying to raise $1500 and every donation will allow us to keep loving on our friends. Please click on the DONATE tab here on this post and select GOODY BAGS FOR THE STREETS. Together with your support we are truly building hope and changing lives,

John and Leigh Ann

Meat, Tomato, and Mozzarella Stuffed Zucchini Cups

Ingredients:
2 large zucchini or yellow squash, total weight 1 1/2 lbs
Olive oil spray
1/2 cup finely chopped leeks
1 green pepper, finely chopped
2 T finely minced fresh garlic
1 ¼ lb. ground beef (10% fat or less)
13 oz. ground turkey (10% fat or less)
1 tsp. Spike seasoning (optional)
2 C no sugar added tomato-basil pasta sauce such as Rao’s Marinara
2 cups low-fat mozzarella
1 Jar Taste and See Pasta Sauce

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350F. Chop leeks and green pepper. Cook leeks and pepper in olive oiled sprayed nonstick pan, until just starting to soften. Add minced garlic and saute about 1 min. more, being careful not to brown the garlic. Remove the leeks, pepper, and garlic mixture to a bowl. Crumble in the ground beef & ground turkey, season with Spike seasoning, and cook over medium heat until the meat is well browned. Tilt pan to see if there is any extra fat, (remove fat) then stir cooked vegetables and garlic back into the meat. Add IMFK Taste and See Sauce and simmer until the mixture has thickened and liquid has cooked off, about 10 min.
While meat cools, cut zucchini into 2 inch thick slices, discarding ends. Use a sharp spoon or melon baller to hollow out a cup in each zucchini slice, leaving just over 1/4 inch of zucchini flesh. Be careful not to get too close to the skin or the cups will leak liquid when they cook.
Spray baking sheet with nonstick spray and stand up zucchini cups, open end up. Stir 1 1/2 cups grated cheese into the cooled meat mixture , then spoon the meat-cheese mixture into zucchini cups, pressing down with the spoon and mounding it up a little over the top of the zucchini.
Bake zucchini cups for 20 min., then remove from oven and use remaining cheese to top each one with a generous pinch of cheese. Put back in oven and bake 10-15 minutes more, until zucchini is slightly soft when pierced with a fork and cheese is melted and lightly browned. Finish with more IMFK Taste and See Sauce, top with cheese and Serve hot.

Thank you for your support of our Mission as you know 100% of the proceeds assist us in serving those who feel invisible. Click on the Taste and See tab to find locations near you, get Sauce delivered to your front door or for our out of town supporters we can ship to your home.

Eating with a Purpose could never be easier

John and Leigh Ann
Taste and See