Troost is not just a historic dividing line in our city, but a line running through all of our hearts -- the truth is we all have someone who we consider “other” who lives on the other side of that line.

What does it mean to be a “Saint of the Open Door”? For Mother Maria of Paris, it meant living the radical and revolutionary calling to LOVE one another and to be a mother of all.

See how Foster Grandparents are working to support kids’ academic and emotional needs in the midst of bust classrooms.

Learn more about Natasha Bailey, Head Chef at Thelma’s Kitchen. She embraces the healing nature and community-building power of food for Reconciliation Services’ social venture and donate-what-you-can community cafe.

Learn about the history of Juneteenth and how the holiday still affects everyone today.

RS is so thankful for our volunteers. We talked with Becky and learned more about her experience volunteering at RS and Thelma’s Kitchen.

As we reflect on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. today - we celebrate the strength and influence that was displayed during a time where challenges seemed to be insurmountable.

Eight years. That’s how long our neighbor, we’ll call him Tom (not his real name), spent living in the woods around Kansas City until last spring when, with the help of Kimberly Henderson, our Client Care Supervisor, he signed a lease on his very own apartment. With his key in hand and a safe place to call his own, Tom said it was like finding a sense of healing for the first time in nearly a decade. “I have a door I can lock,” he said. “I almost feel human again.”

When Janet unknowingly walked into a work presentation and heard RS Executive Director, Father Justin Mathews, talking about the work of Reconciliation Services, she was overcome. "I was one ... I benefited from your services," she shared in front of a room full of her coworkers at Humana. 

“Changing my perspective to gratitude is part of what keeps me sober,” Emily Spadling said. “As the saying goes, 'You can't feel grateful and feel sorry for yourself at the same time.’”

Trauma and depression therapy is at the heart of what we do here at Reconciliation Services. It is our pleasure to introduce you Shaleese Rockett, LMSW, our new therapist!

For 20 years, Nora has been a part of our Reconciliation Services community. We walked with her through hard times and rejoiced with her when her strength and success shone through. As a graduate of our Women's Group Therapy, a mother and grandmother in the community, and as a friend and neighbor who calls RS her own, Nora knows the effect that love can have on revealing strength in others.

“COVID definitely brought me and my sister closer. It reminded us of what family is about.” When her sister and five kids became homeless, Stephanie stepped in to help.

Thelma’s Kitchen is turning three years old this August. Much has changed in the cafe’s short three years, but what hasn’t changed is the commitment to increasing food access and promoting deeper community engagement.

When Jenny first walked in the door to Reconciliation Services, she thought it would be her only visit. Instead, she found a community that has helped her begin to heal from trauma and has reconnected with her passion for life through urban farming.

Deborah started coming to Reconciliation Services (RS) for help getting her ID card, and for meals. “The staff didn’t judge me,” she says. “I felt encouraged and I felt like I was somebody.” She soon joined the RS REVEAL trauma therapy program where she received even more encouragement and learned about healthy relationships.

Ronald Gillum is a Foster Grandparent through a program which connects older adults with limited incomes to mentorship opportunities with at-risk youth in Kansas City. He’s a local who shares his wisdom with the youngsters and gets even more back in return.

Wally was getting ready to take his own life when Kimberly, one of our case managers, introduced herself at the bus stop. They got to talking, and that’s when Wally shared that he was seriously contemplating suicide. Kimberly gave him her card, told him to stop by Reconciliation Services the next day, and offered case management services. Wally accepted and said, “Thanks. Everybody else made me feel invisible, but you noticed me.”

“No amount of thought will ever result in any greater formulation than the three words, ‘Love one another,’ so long as it is love to the end and without exceptions.” — Mother Maria of Paris