Nave’s Neighbors

In My Father’s Kitchen

In My Father’s Kitchen (IMFK) is a 501(c)(3) faith-based non-profit organization founded by John and Leigh-Ann Tumino in 2011, dedicated to assisting homeless individuals in Syracuse, NY. Through direct street outreach, IMFK offers non-denominational and non-discriminatory support, focusing on those who are not yet ready to leave the streets or utilize emergency shelters. By consistently providing food and basic necessities, IMFK builds trusting relationships with the chronically homeless, helping them transition to community services and secure housing when they are ready.

Key Programs and Initiatives
IMFK operates several impactful programs, including Street Outreach, which helps individuals living on the streets with disabilities such as substance abuse, mental illness, and chronic health issues. Their Hire Ground initiative, a partnership with Onondaga County, offers homeless individuals and panhandlers work experience through day labor while connecting them to vital support services. Additionally, Life House provides a safe, rent-free home for survivors of human trafficking, offering trauma-informed care and professional support to help residents make lasting changes in their lives.

Community Engagement
IMFK also encourages community involvement through its Taste & See product line, where proceeds from the sale of delicious foods directly benefit the organization’s outreach efforts. By “eating with a purpose,” supporters help spread the mission of IMFK while contributing to positive change. Through its various programs and compassionate approach, IMFK remains committed to restoring hope and transforming lives for the most vulnerable in Syracuse.