Kelly, age 48, has been coming to Cathedral Kitchen four to five days a week for two years with her two children, Connie and Ashton. Kelly and her family love coming to Cathedral Kitchen for the meals, groceries, and personal care items. They especially look forward to coming to CK on Wednesdays when Connie and Ashton can get books from the Free Books Project, one of our weekly partners. Connie has been on a James Patterson kick and Ashton loves all things Stephen King. They’re such avid readers that Tom, the director of the Free Books Project, will save books he thinks the kids will like for their next visit.
Living in Woodbury without a nearby support system and unable to drive, Kelly relies on Access Link transportation to make the trip. She manages multiple chronic illnesses stemming from undiagnosed Lyme disease in childhood, along with the demands of caring for her daughter with autism, and managing many doctor’s appointments. These challenges have made steady employment nearly impossible. Today, she lives on just $890 a month in Social Security Income for her family of three. This can often mean making hard choices between two necessities. Cathedral Kitchen’s meals mean keeping the lights on—literally.
“I make sure the food at home is for the kids so a lot of the time, this meal at Cathedral Kitchen is the only time I eat in the day. The meal, snack bag, and groceries are extremely helpful.”
Even so, Kelly is hesitant to ask for more. When asked about CK’s empowerment services, she admitted, “I feel bad asking. I have a roof over my head, and I don’t want to take away from someone who needs it more.” Like many guests, she puts others before herself. With encouragement, she is now considering using these services to help her daughter obtain a state ID—something she’s struggled to navigate alone.
In addition to the food itself, Kelly finds Cathedral Kitchen an important social resource. She met her best friend here who she describes as chosen family. The routine of coming to Cathedral Kitchen also helps push her to shower and get out of the house, especially when she’s struggling with her mental health.
“It seems small, but when I walk in they know me by name. It feels nice to know there’s friendly people. You’re welcome and you’re wanted.”
Meals are just the beginning of what makes Cathedral Kitchen special for Kelly. It has become a place of community where she feels safe, welcomed, and happy.
