News & Updates

We are working to make a difference in Kansas City and beyond! Check out these recent stories about our work in the community.

  • $10.5 Million in New Market Tax Credits Awarded for Reconciliation Services “Reveal Strength” Capital Campaign Project

    “This is an important moment not only for Reconciliation Services but, most especially, for the thousands of low-income neighbors struggling to survive and succeed that we serve,” said Fr. Justin Mathews.

  • Some Missourians impacted by COVID-19 can get thousands in housing assistance

    Check out this article from The Beacon to learn more about how RS is helping renters and homeowners apply for SAFHR funding.

  • 2022 NextGen Leaders: Justin Mathews

    “I am a social entrepreneur at heart, and I think that shapes and defines my leadership perspective and my nonprofit leadership because of that passion for social entrepreneurship. I consider myself a social venturer, not just a nonprofit leader — a social entrepreneur.”

  • KCBJ announces the 2022 NextGen Leaders

    The Kansas City Business Journal has selected our executive director, Fr. Justin Mathews, as a 2022 NextGen Leaders honoree!

  • Despite setbacks, Thelma's Kitchen continues to feed the underserved

    “Throughout the pandemic and now in the middle of record inflation, Thelma’s Kitchen has continued to feed the underserved. It's not business as usual. But it's finding a way to meet the need.”

  • With its boxed lunch model, Thelma’s Kitchen is still helping Kansas Citians pay it forward from Troost Avenue

    Take a look at this article in Feast Magazine for a preview of the new Thelma’s Kitchen menu, and to learn more about how we’re continuing to provide the community with healthy meals while our facility undergoes renovation!

  • Renovations underway on Reconciliation Services historic building

    Check out this post from Metrowire Media for details on our renovation, information about our construction partners, and updates on funding for the project.

  • Reconciliation Services undergoing major renovation

    Check out this Fox 4 News coverage of our recent wall-breaking ceremony where RS staff and supporters gathered to kick off demolition for our upcoming renovation!

  • Reconciliation Services expanding reach

    Check out this video from Fox 4 News for details on our renovation plans, which will allow us to offer more services to more neighbors in need.

  • “Reveal Strength” Campaign funds renovations on building at Southeast corner of 31st and Troost

    “This project is far more than the renovation of a historic building at 31st and Troost. The real importance is the equitable impact this project will have on the Troost Corridor, the surrounding neighborhoods, and the over 4,000 neighbors we serve annually,” says Fr. Justin Mathews.

  • Transformation underway at Reconciliation Services

    Watch this story from KSHB 41 on how remodeling our historic building will help us expand our services to neighbors in need across Kansas City.

  • Final capital push expected to bring $13M rebuild to Troost, replacing building held together by ‘duct tape, plaster, and prayer’

    Check out this article from Startland News about the public launch of the Reveal Strength Capital Campaign to remodel our building on the corner of 31st & Troost!

  • The Best Places for Soup in Every State

    This blog post states that Thelma’s Kitchen serves the best soup in Missouri, and we can’t help but agree!

  • Best of Kansas City 2021: Thelma’s is serving up great food and community

    Check out this article from The Pitch which details Thelma’s Kitchen’s nomination for Best of Kansas City 2021!

  • At Thelma’s Kitchen, every table is a holy table and every guest a living icon

    This article from The Christian Century dives into the history of RS founders Fr. Alexii and Thelma Altschul, and the legacy of Mother Maria of Paris, whose hospitality inspired their mission.

  • Thelma’s Kitchen makes investing in the community as easy as buying lunch

    Check out this comprehensive article from The Pitch on how Thelma’s Kitchen has adapted to continue serving our neighbors over the course of the pandemic.

  • Reconciliation Services offers rental assistance to those affected by pandemic

    Watch this story from Fox 4 News about how RS is working to provide relief for Kansas City tenants who are facing eviction due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Give the gift of food and community

    Watch this story from KMBC 9 News about the Thelma’s Kitchen Birthday Challenge and how you can get involved.

  • Thelma's Kitchen launches birthday fundraiser to help those in need

    Check out this story from KSHB 41 News about how we’re celebrating the 3-year anniversary of Thelma’s Kitchen.

  • How Thelma’s Kitchen is Using Food to Improve Mental Health

    Watch this insightful story from Flatland on the connection between nutrition and mental health, and how Thelma’s Kitchen is helping increase access to healthy meals for neighbors on Troost.

  • You need an ID to do just about anything. This KC nonprofit is helping unhoused people overcome that barrier

    “For unhoused people, living without a valid photo ID… is a major obstacle. It can make it more difficult or even prevent them from accessing shelter, getting a job, receiving medical care, opening a bank account or applying for crucial aid like food stamps or Social Security benefits. “

  • KC group helps people at Westport, City Hall homeless camps with simple service

    Check out this Fox 4 news story about how RS is helping “people experiencing homelessness overcome obstacles preventing them from moving into more stable environments.”

  • Ruby Jean and Thelma

    Listen to this Podcast about the namesake for Thelma’s Kitchen and how RS is “striving to give Troost a healthful economic boost by feeding the community in more ways than one.”

  • Orthodox-Affiliated Nonprofit Helps a Neighborhood Heal from a Legacy of Trauma

    Read this article in the Duke Faith and Leadership Online Journal about how RS is working to build community on Troost.

  • A Priest, a Chef, and a Hunger to Feed Kansas City: Thelma’s Kitchen Puts Building Community Atop Its Menu

    Read this thoughtful article about a personal experience of volunteering in Thelma’s Kitchen.

  • Follow King’s Advice: Grapple with Underlying Causes of Poverty

    Read the Kansas City Star editorial by our Executive Director, Fr. Justin Mathews!

  • Donate-What-You-Can Cafe Hopes to Bring Community Together on Troost

    Check out this article from Fox 4 News about our new donate-what-you-can cafe, Thelma’s Kitchen.

  • KCUR “Up To Date” Interview: Everybody Needs an ID

    Listen to this edition of KCUR’s "Up To Date” for insight on why an ID is essential to survival.

  • Five Things to Know About Thelma’s Kitchen

    Read this wonderful Kansas City Star article about Thelma's Kitchen and watch the video they made while visiting with us!

  • RS Foster Grandparents are “Win-Win” for KC Schools

    Grandma Tillie and Grandma Barbara are working to reveal strength in our kids! Check out this 41 Action News - KSHB-TV story about the RS Foster Grandparents and the way they are giving back to the next generation of young people!

  • Having an ID is Essential for Survival in Our Country

    Helping someone get an ID is somewhat akin to digging a well for a family in a third world country. An ID offers access to a deep well of possibilities for self-sufficiency and dignity that everyone should have access to.

  • Murals create change in Troost community

    Watch this short news story on the moving of two special murals from Troost Ave. into Thelma's Kitchen at Reconciliation Services.

  • “Troost Transformed”—Art that Brings East and West Together

    Here's Reconciliation Services' own Fr. Turbo Qualls talking about his mural as part of the Troost Market Collective project. And you can see the mural dedicated to our co-founder Michaela Thelma Altschul painted by Lori Bury and Stuart Bury.

  • RS Cafe Awarded $110,000

    “One of the best ways to improve health in our community is to support organizations working to make healthy habits become the norm,” said Bridget McCandless, M.D., President/CEO of HCF of Greater KC.