Good morning, my name is Janet Hutchinson and I am the Director of Development for Catholic Charities. It is a great pleasure to be here today to share with you what we do at the Marian House Soup Kitchen.
To begin, I would like to quote a verse from Matthew’s gospel, chapter 25 which reads: “Amen I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.”
I chose this verse because it sums up what the programs at the Marian House are really all about. The Marian House is about the entire community coming together to help those less fortunate. The new Marian House complex which houses the soup kitchen and the Hanifen Center for Self-Sufficiency, are beautiful testimonies to what our community has come together to accomplish.
People in the community supported this project because they saw a need to help people who are less fortunate. The people who come to the Marian House for help are people who are low income or living on a set income and are having a tough time making ends meet. They are individuals and families who are homeless. They are people who have come upon some tough times – maybe because they lost a job or they have an unexpected medical expense or car repair – but most importantly, they are ourneighbors.
The people who serve at the Marian House are God’s instruments here on earth who are called to help one another – whether it be to give of their time to serve and prepare the meals; or to provide food for the meal; or simply to give a warm welcoming smile to comfort someone in need.
Just by walking into the Marian House you can sense this love in action!
About 45 volunteers come together (with our staff) every single day of the year. They prepare, serve and clean up the meal. This is no small task because they serve an average of 510 people every day in 2 ½ hours. They ensure the meals are well-balanced. For example, a typical meal includes soup, an entrée containing meat, a vegetable, bread, a green salad, a fruit salad and, if available, milk or yogurt. Many of these volunteers belong to groups represented by churches of all faiths, military groups, youth groups, and businesses.
Approximately 95% of the food used at the Marian House is donated – again by members in the community, like grocery stores, businesses, restaurants, farms, and dairies.
In addition to providing a meal to those in need, people can receive other services by visiting the Hanifen Center for Self-Sufficiency, which is attached to the soup kitchen complex. Through our Life Support Center and Client Services program, we distribute diapers, baby food, formula, school supplies, clothing, and blankets. We also provide help obtaining ID’s and information and referrals to other agencies. And for those who want to better themselves and become more independent, we work with them through case management. For example, our Community Outreach program does all of the above except they deliver these items and more to people who are unable to come to us or other agencies for help. Plans are being put in place for other agencies to have space at the Hanifen Center to help those seeking housing, medical needs, job training, child care and transportation. The SET Medical Clinic is already located there.
Again, thank you for your time; I really appreciate your support and interest in what we do at the Marian House.
(The following address was delivered this past Sunday at First Christian Church by Janet Hutchinson, Director of Development for Catholic Charities, Colorado Springs, CO. It has been edited for this blog.)