Did you know that every other week, we host a support group for our guests right inside the Miriam’s Kitchen dining room?
What began earlier this year as a promising idea quickly became a meaningful part of our community. When Case Manager Jennifer Martinez joined MK, she brought with her a wealth of experience facilitating support groups. The case management team immediately saw the potential—and together, they launched something special.
Jenny’s support groups offer more than just activities—they create a moment of calm and connection in the often-chaotic lives of our guests. Sessions include journaling and drawing exercises, thought-provoking Jenga prompts, and “gratitude jars” filled with handwritten notes.
They are also intentionally bilingual. Jenny translates for Spanish-speaking participants to ensure that everyone feels welcomed, included, and heard. The goal is simple yet powerful: help participants develop the habit of giving voice to their emotions, thoughts, and experiences.
Brendan’s Story
As Brendan shared, there’s nothing else in the city quite like MK.
One of the regular participants is Brendan, who has been visiting MK since last year. He approaches every prompt with enthusiasm, but what he appreciates most is the sense of respite he finds in the MK dining room.
For neighbors living outdoors, there are very few places where they can rest, warm up, or simply exist after dark. That’s why seeing our doors open at 6:30 a.m. can feel like a lifeline. Guests come for a hot, delicious meal, but they also come to see the warm smiles of our kitchen staff, charge their phones, pick up their mail, and connect to vital services—everything from getting ID documents to receiving support on their journey toward housing.
More Than a Dining Room
When we talk about offering dignity and hope, we mean far more than good manners. The MK dining room is not just a cafeteria—it’s a community hub. A place where people can rely on consistency, compassion, and connection.
Jenny’s support group is just one example of how we continue to enrich our services and deepen our relationships with our guests.
Creating a welcoming, stable, and nurturing environment in our dining room takes commitment—and it’s made possible because of supporters like you.
By becoming a monthly donor and joining our MK Club, you help ensure that our doors stay open five days a week, year-round, for guests just like Brendan. You help us maintain a place where dignity and hope aren’t just words—they’re lived every day.
We’d love to have you join us.
Your support keeps this community strong.
*Artwork by Brendan from a recent support group session.
