May 23, 2013

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Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach

Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach

Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach (MTKO) is a faith-based hunger relief and outreach program that was established in 1992. Devoted to serving homeless and near homeless men, women, and children, MTKO provides meals twice daily, everyday of the year. We have also expanded our services to include education, outreach and advocacy. MTKO also assists a growing number of working poor families with crisis assistance to prevent their homelessness. Our extensive outreach and advocacy programs include such services as on-site monthly health clinics, basic and emergency needs, life skills training, transitional housing, case management, nutrition counseling, and vision care. Above all, we believe in providing a warm meal, open heart, and unconditional love to all who walk through our doors. MTKO depends primarily on the time, talents, and financial contributions of its generous volunteers for hunger relief.

See How You Can Help at Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to the Community

Information for Moms

Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach FAQ

Q: Who was Matt Talbot?
A: Born in Dublin, Ireland in 1856, he was thought to be a hopeless alcoholic by his 13th birthday. At age 28 he experienced a spiritual transformation of sorts and pledged to God, through his Catholic faith, to remain sober. He died years later, in 1925 without ever breaking his pledge.
Matt Talbot worked in a lumberyard on the docks in Dublin. He was always very poor, partly because he was well known for being generous to people in need. His life consisted of prayer, fasting and service to his brothers and sisters. Matt Talbot gave God all the credit for his conversion. Those involved in a 12 Step program know this sounds remarkably like the spiritual “Steps” through Alcoholics Anonymous, which would not be founded until after his death.
The lives of so many of those served by our program have been derailed by drug, alcohol, and addictive disorders. Our Outreach Staff work to connect many of them into treatment. Many more are still suffering. We ask, Matt Talbot, a human model of recovery and spiritual growth, and God to watch over the ones who suffer most and help us to be instruments of hope and recovery for them.
Q: What services do you provide?
A: In addition to two nutritious meals provided for lunch and dinner each day, Matt Talbot offers a wide array of outreach and homeless prevention services. Such services include a transitional housing program, case management services, a six weeks series of life skills classes, vision care, nutrition counseling, cooking classes and gardening, assistance in obtaining identification, street outreach, access to basic and emergency needs, information, advocacy and referral.
Q: What new services have you added since moving to your new location?
A: Since moving we’ve added shower and laundry service for people who are homeless. We’ve expanded our volunteer opportunities for the outreach program, and we’re currently developing a drug and alcohol counseling program.
Q: How are you funded?
A: Funding comes from a variety of sources. General donations make up the majority, followed by grants, direct mail appeals, and special events. Significant in-kind donations are obtained by from volunteers for the feeding program. Dana F. Cole & Company provides professional accounting and auditing services for the organization.
Q: How can I help?
A: You can help by volunteering for hunger relief, office support, fundraising, or outreach drives. Monetary donations are always needed and appreciated. Donations may be made in person, online at www.mtkserves.org or mailed to our PO Box at 80935, Lincoln, NE 68501. Credit cards are also accepted.

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Contact Information

Address: 2121 North 27th St.
City, State, Zip: Lincoln NE, 68503
Phone: (402) 477-4116
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Matt Talbot Ktichen and Outreach

Alcohol Education Classes at Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach

Case Management at MTKO Transforms Lives

Christine

 Ann Heydt, Case Manager at MTKO, works in collaboration with the Lincoln Housing Authority to help people who are homeless become successfully housed. The Homeless Voucher Program allows individuals and families to receive a housing subsidy while being case managed and actively working on goals to improve their lives.  We have seen this program have a tremendous positive impact on people’s lives. Today I’d like to share Christine’s story with you. 

 

Christine, pictured above, became homeless after leaving an abusive relationship and being evicted from her apartment. She stayed in shelters or with friends for two years before having the opportunity to participate in the Homeless Voucher Program. She began meeting with Ann on a regular basis and found an apartment, allowing her to focus on areas of her life she wanted to improve.  Despite physical and mental health struggles, Christine was motivated to continue to make positive changes in her life and learn new skills. A year and a half later, she began receiving disability benefits.

 

With a roof over her head and income coming in, she began piecing her life back together.  Her monthly bills not only are paid, but she is ahead on them. She bought a car, paid off some debt, and consistently volunteers doing office work to learn new computer skills. Christine regularly sees her doctor and counselor to help her develop healthy habits and coping skills, and she continues to build her parenting skills and her relationship with her 12-year old daughter. She has shown constant motivation to improve her situation and is thankful for the opportunity to develop a good quality of life. All she needed was support, encouragement, and hope that her present and future could be better than her past. 

 

This is one of the many success stories that results from MTKO’s intensive case management outreach programs. With this kind of support, clients can rebuild their lives after leaving abusive relationships, suffering health crises, or battling substance abuse. Thanks to the generosity of the Lincoln community, MTKO can offer this kind of life-changing outreach service to help people improve their lives and become more self sufficient.