Reconciliation Services

Last week, we celebrated an incredible milestone: the graduation of our latest REVEAL Works cohort! 🎉

Over the past six months, these four participants invested in themselves, gained valuable experience in Thelma’s Kitchen, and developed skills in culinary arts, customer service, leadership, and professional excellence. Along the way, they also received support through case management and trauma therapy, helping them build a strong foundation for whatever comes next.

We are so proud of each graduate and all they have accomplished.

We’re also excited to share that Kimberly Rowe will be staying on for an additional three months to help mentor and lead our next cohort, which begins next month. Congratulations, Kimberly!

Please join us in celebrating these remarkable individuals. We can't wait to see where their hard work, determination, and new skills take them next. ❤️

An essay from our very own Director of Culture & Insights, James Bryant, was featured in the Kansas City Star last weekend!

In his Juneteenth reflection, James explores a powerful truth: freedom is not just something declared — it is something carried forward, protected, and lived out. While Juneteenth commemorates the delayed arrival of freedom to enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, it also challenges us to remember that justice requires ongoing work, courage, and community.

We're proud to see James's voice and perspective shared with a wider audience, and grateful for the thoughtful conversation his essay invites.

Read the Kansas City Star version here: https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/article316152546.html

Or read the full, unabridged essay on our blog: rs3101.org/blog

Reconciliation Services and Thelma's Kitchen will be CLOSED tomorrow, June 19, in observance of the Juneteenth Holiday. We will reopen at 9:30 on Monday, June 22!

We are absolutely blown away.

Because of your incredible generosity, Project Pay-it-Forward raised enough to provide 3,536 meal tokens for neighbors in our community.

That means more than 3,500 people can enjoy a nutritious, filling, delicious meal with dignity — in a place where they are welcomed, valued, and treated like family.

To every person who donated, shared a post, told a friend, encouraged others to give, or cheered us on along the way: thank you. Your support will have a lasting impact on the lives of our neighbors.

A special thank you to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City for providing the challenge gift that helped launch this effort, and to Tom and Kathy Marincel for their generous challenge gift that helped us finish strong.

Kansas City, your compassion and generosity continue to inspire us. Thank you for helping us make room at the table for everyone.

Missed the campaign but still want to help provide meals for neighbors in need? It's not too late to make a gift: donate.rs3101.org/ge/ppif ❤️

We're thrilled to share that Fr. Justin Mathews has been named the recipient of the Social Impact Award at the 2026 Keystone Innovation District Awards! 🎉

This award recognizes leaders whose work strengthens communities and creates meaningful, lasting change. Anyone who knows Fr. Justin knows that his heart has always been for bringing people together, building belonging, and creating opportunities for neighbors to thrive.

While this honor bears his name, it reflects the collective work of our staff, volunteers, partners, supporters, and community members who make Reconciliation Services what it is. Together, we're proving that reconciliation isn't just possible — it's transformative.

Congratulations, Fr. Justin, on this well-deserved recognition. We're grateful for your leadership and proud to celebrate this moment with you!

🚨 We're SO close.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, Project Pay-it-Forward has already raised $11,451 to support Thelma's Kitchen's meal token program!

That means 1,145 meals have already been funded, and we're just $3,549 away from unlocking a generous $10,000 challenge gift from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City.

With less than 48 hours remaining, we have a real opportunity to reach our $15,000 community goal and unlock the additional funding needed to help provide meals for neighbors and clients in our community.

For many of the people we serve, these meals are more than food. They provide dignity, care, connection, and a place where everyone is welcomed and valued.

We've come this far together — let's finish strong!

Every $10 provides one meal.

Donate today: https://donate.rs3101.org/ge/ppif

We're hiring a Foster Grandparent Program Project Manager!

This role is perfect for someone who is highly organized, relationship-driven, and passionate about connecting older adults with opportunities to make a difference in the lives of children and families. We're looking for a strong communicator who can manage programs, support volunteers, build community partnerships, and help our Foster Grandparent Program thrive.

We're also currently hiring a Director of Finance, Case Manager, and Catering Business Development Manager — so if you're looking for a meaningful career that strengthens our community, we'd love to hear from you.

Ready to make an impact?

Learn more and apply at rs3101.org/careers.