“See the person, not just the need.”
Meet John Kreicbergs, Board Member at Reconciliation Services for over 2 years and General Manager at Propaganda3 in KCMO. We asked John to reflect on his experiences serving and learning how to live out the ethos to “love thy neighbor”:
I remember when we were serving Friday Night Meals (before Thelma's Kitchen was launched), one evening I was washing dishes in the back and my sons were serving up front. They were getting to know folks, having conversations with a wide variety of people. Some were homeless, others had mental health issues, but all of them were just looking for a hot meal. And to be honest – I was nervous. Fear is a natural reaction to the unknown.
I made my way up front to pick up some dishes and check on them, a gentleman reached out, grabbed my hand and asked, “Do you recognize me?” I told him I recognized his face, but sorry, I can’t remember your name.
“Last time I was here, I was teaching your son chess,” he said. “Is he still playing?”
Just then I had to laugh, and I answered, “Yes, he has been playing. And someone taught him some trick moves, and now that’s all he ever does!”
He laughed with me, “Yep. That was me!”
It’s interactions like that that make the RS mission to reveal strength very real to me. He was there for a free meal, but he also had something to give. He was teaching my kid.
I learned that when you see someone down on their luck or having a hard day, it’s important to see the person, and not just the need. Every neighbor I’ve met at RS has made an impact upon me in ways I'll probably never fully understand.
Serving Friday night meals taught me a lot about meeting poverty eye to eye and not through the lens of a camera or the words of a newspaper article. While those conversations and meetings were sometimes difficult, mostly with regard to my ability to engage and assist, the result was always rewarding and enriching.
What initially drew you to serve at Reconciliation Services? Why do you serve on the board and stay connected?
My wife introduced me to Reconciliation Services about 10 years ago. She got our family active with the organization through volunteering and other service opportunities. We're also members of the Eastern Orthodox Christian community here in Kansas City and are well acquainted with St. Mary of Egypt Orthodox Church, the parish that was responsible for laying the foundation for RS.
What part of this work are you most passionate about?
I have a tremendous amount of respect for the community on Troost and its role in both the bright future of Kansas City as well as its rich past. Meanwhile, Troost is also an example of the larger reality of historical socio-economic inequities in this country. I am most passionate about the mission of transforming Troost from a dividing line into a gathering place for all Kansas Citians while honoring the cultural and social characteristics that make it a unique and vibrant place. Through conversation and collaboration, hope and reconciliation can take root.
Why do you believe the work of RS is important right now?
The work of RS is front and center on my heart and mind right now. We know statistically that the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting people of color more, in neighborhoods like 31st and Troost.
I look at what RS does as essential work. Mental health services, helping people secure IDs so they can get back to work, getting folks the medicine they need to survive… All of that and more is incredibly vital, especially when there is a public health crisis. It’s no surprise that people who are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 are people of color and people of less economic means. Unfortunately, we knew this could happen.
I’m proud that RS continues to serve the community under these extraordinary circumstances. It’s important that we’re using this moment to point out inequities that have existed for generations and that we need to continue to build solutions.
As a busy professional, why do you choose to serve?
My mom and dad taught me since I was young that when you have enough, it is your job to give back the rest to others, to give your time, talent, resources in service of others. With blessing, comes responsibility. You never know when you'll be the one who needs the help.
Serving has taught me a lot about myself, my family, and my kids.
How are you using your professional talents in service?
I enjoy applying my marketing and advertising expertise to my work at RS. I appreciate the fact that RS is not a "traditional" non-profit, that it is a very forward-looking and entrepreneurial organization. Given that model, it means that the communications work required to support it needs to be just as innovative and non-traditional.
What would you say to someone interested in volunteering, donating, or just wanting to do something meaningful in the City?
If you want to understand Kansas City's bright future, it starts by looking at communities like Troost. If you want to get a better understanding of the complexities and challenges these communities face today in order to build towards a better tomorrow, you need to become familiar with the work of Reconciliations Services.
That all starts by volunteering. A small investment of time again and again will have a great return, in more ways than you can imagine.
>>>>> Ready to invest in the community at 31st and Troost? Sign up to volunteer at Thelma’s Kitchen now. You can also help reveal the strength of our neighbors at 31st and Troost by donating $25 per month. Give a little, love a lot.