2024 Annual Impact Report What Guides Our Work
A M E S S A G E F R O M F R . J U S T I N M AT H E W S
PROBLEM STATEMENT
It takes courage and hard work to revive places and people who carry deep wounds – areas of disinvestment, bruised hearts and bodies, buildings held together by duct tape, plaster, and prayer – like our block on Troost, and too many of our neighbors.
Historic discrimination and disinvestment made Troost Avenue the racial and economic dividing line of our City. As a result, there are thousands of people struggling to survive and succeed, trapped in poverty and trauma. Our City is divided and the strength of our neighbors and community remains hidden. Reconciliation is our guiding framework and the ultimate vision and mission.
MISSION To address the root causes and symptoms of poverty and trauma in our City, Reconciliation Services engages with individuals to: 1. Promote dignity by increasing personal well-being 2. Foster healthy community by transforming dividing lines into gathering places 3. Help people advocate for themselves, their families, and their neighbors
CORE VALUES • DIGNITY – each person is worthy of love and respect • COMMUNITY – we are interconnected and created to live in relationship with one another • ADVOCACY – is our response to the call to walk with others on their journey
But this year, unexpected joy blossomed like the blue chicory from the cracks in Troost’s sidewalks as nearly 500 friends celebrated our reopening after three years in our temporary space on Linwood. After community listening sessions, generous donations, and difficult construction, we paused to give thanks for all that the Lord has accomplished. Amidst the celebration, we still heard the cry of the homeless, despairing, lonely, mentally ill, hungry, and rejected. But we also heard cries of relief and deliverance. We opened our doors to find beauty in the midst of chaos and strength revealed where many only saw weakness. Inspired by St. Maria of Paris, we built a chapel honoring her labors as the “Saint of the Open Door,” embracing all. We invite you to follow her example, expanding the borders of your heart in love. In this building, your gifts are now lifted up in thanksgiving, blessed, and distributed for the sake of others as rent, utilities, IDs, safe housing, medicine, counseling, peer support, nutritious meals, renewal, and comfort. With every act of mercy, each of us becomes more reconciled with others, and we affirm the inherent dignity of our neighbor, venerating each as a living icon of God. Troost is home to our inn of mercy where you join us — not only as donors, patrons, and volunteers, but as guests, neighbors, and co-laborers in renewal. Thank you! For those we serve,
Fr. Justin Mathews, CEO
RS3101.ORG | INFO@RS3101.ORG | 816-931-4751 |
@RECONCILIATIONSERVICES & @THELMASKITCHENKC