Coming Home |
St. Ann's Kitchen |
The smell of homemade soup and fresh baked bread waft in the air. An Iraqi War vet knew he was in the right place. Divorced and out of work, he and his kids stood in line to welcome the hot meal. Finally, they sat down as a family. As his kids asked for more fresh fruit and vegetables, he happily passed them food from his plate. There was no rush at St. Ann’s Kitchen; he could always ask for more.
Fifteen percent of the population lives below the poverty level in Great Falls. While there are other kitchens, St. Ann’s Cathedral pastor Father Oliver Doyle noted a trend in these charities. People needed food, but many stayed away because of the proselytizing atmosphere. Rev. Doyle wanted a kitchen where people could come and eat without being forced to pray. He approached a group in his parish with his dream.
The Kitchen Steering Committee created a master plan and by September 16, 2005, the Kitchen was serving hot, free meals and free take-home lunches to anyone who asked. Steering Committee member Karen said, “I wanted to get my hands dirty…and do the work Jesus taught us.” In 2005 and 2006, they served around 158 meals per week. The record guest attendance so far is 347.
Long-term volunteer Linda said, “We serve anybody and everybody - no questions asked.”
The Kitchen Steering Committee created a master plan and by September 16, 2005, the Kitchen was serving hot, free meals and free take-home lunches to anyone who asked. Steering Committee member Karen said, “I wanted to get my hands dirty…and do the work Jesus taught us.” In 2005 and 2006, they served around 158 meals per week. The record guest attendance so far is 347.
Long-term volunteer Linda said, “We serve anybody and everybody - no questions asked.”
Four principles guide all decisions: all people are welcome, regardless of income; all adult volunteers are welcomed; all donations are accepted; and the beneficial relationships of givers and receivers are recognized.
As a result, coordination is important. Since opening in 2005, over 100,000 meals have been provided. “It is a haunting kind of responsibility,” said Father Doyle. St. Ann’s Kitchen is unique. It is a soup kitchen with a difference. All the food is homemade. “Guests” can also take home sack lunches. The Kitchen wondered where the meals ended up. They found |
32% of the take-home meals were for individuals. 27% of the lunches were for other family members, 25% were for elderly or disabled neighbors, 14% were for friends or neighbors, and 2% were for homeless people. Their ministry was growing.
The magical atmosphere at St. Ann’s Kitchen does not happen by accident. It is made by the volunteers’ dedication to create a home for their “guests”. Everyone has the opportunity to learns the jobs - from greeter to cook, from dishwasher to guest counter. This family environment benefits everyone, guest and volunteer alike. One volunteer says of his experience, “I feel like I’m wanted again.”
The Kitchen was filled with sound; everyone talking, everyone laughing. The Iraqi War vet spoke softly about his family as his young kids giggled and ate their food, “St. Ann’s [Kitchen] is a place to meet new people … bring my kids to eat and have a good time. There are good hard-working people here …. It’s a place where people come together and help each other out.”
The meal has ended for our nameless Iraqi War vet. His kids skip out of the Kitchen. They stop to say good-bye to the volunteers. He continues to look for work; but for now, he has the safety and warmth of St. Ann’s Kitchen.
_____
Corda, K. (2012, June 1). Karen Corda Interview.
Moy, C. (2005, Sep 15). Soup's on! Great Falls Tribune, p. 1.M.2.
Volunteers, S. A. (2012, 6 15). SAK.
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/30/3032800.html
http://www.stannscathedral.org/
The magical atmosphere at St. Ann’s Kitchen does not happen by accident. It is made by the volunteers’ dedication to create a home for their “guests”. Everyone has the opportunity to learns the jobs - from greeter to cook, from dishwasher to guest counter. This family environment benefits everyone, guest and volunteer alike. One volunteer says of his experience, “I feel like I’m wanted again.”
The Kitchen was filled with sound; everyone talking, everyone laughing. The Iraqi War vet spoke softly about his family as his young kids giggled and ate their food, “St. Ann’s [Kitchen] is a place to meet new people … bring my kids to eat and have a good time. There are good hard-working people here …. It’s a place where people come together and help each other out.”
The meal has ended for our nameless Iraqi War vet. His kids skip out of the Kitchen. They stop to say good-bye to the volunteers. He continues to look for work; but for now, he has the safety and warmth of St. Ann’s Kitchen.
_____
Corda, K. (2012, June 1). Karen Corda Interview.
Moy, C. (2005, Sep 15). Soup's on! Great Falls Tribune, p. 1.M.2.
Volunteers, S. A. (2012, 6 15). SAK.
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/30/3032800.html
http://www.stannscathedral.org/