Addressing Poverty and Trauma Head On!

by Dave Eckert

The group is called Reconciliation Services, and their task is to tackle poverty and trauma in Kansas City. I only found out about RS recently, but I was intrigued and wanted to learn more. That’s where Chief Impact Officer, Jodi Mathews stepped in.

“RS focuses on addressing poverty and trauma’s root causes and symptoms, believing real change happens one heart at a time. We provide social and mental health services, along with gathering spaces like Thelma’s Kitchen, our pay-it-forward café, and we run the Foster Grandparents Program, which enables older adults to mentor and offer emotional support to young children, Mathews shared. “Rooted in our values of dignity, community, and advocacy, we work to increase the well-being of our neighbors and the greater KC community.”

Mathews says she first connected with Reconciliation Services more than 15 years ago. She began as a volunteer, then became a contractor before moving into her current position of leadership. I asked her how she felt RS fit into the general parameters of Healthy Kansas City Magazine. “At RS, we understand that health is not just about the physical, but also, emotional and social well-being. Our counseling, social services, and community-building programs support more than 4,000 neighbors yearly, helping them find strength and healing so that they can thrive,” Mathews stated. “We strategically focus our work on the social determinants of health–housing, food, access to mental health, increasing positive social networks, and reducing economic barriers. Equally important to health is having safe, welcoming places to connect. Whether sharing a meal at Thelma’s Kitchen or finding support in a therapy session, every program we offer fosters genuine human connection. In a world that often feels divided, we know that building these relationships promotes holistic healing and nurtures both individual and community health.”

Mathews and Reconciliation Services recently emerged from two years of renovations to their headquarters, which is located on Troost across the street from Project Breakthrough. Mathews says it was a challenging time, but well worth the effort.

“We used to say that our old building was held together by duct tape, plaster, and prayer. But, with the help of BNIM Architects and Straub Construction, we transformed it into a space worthy of our neighbors’ dignity and potential. For nearly two years, we shuffled programs off-site while upgrading everything from top to bottom. This period demanded a lot of faith and flexibility from our team, volunteers, and clients. Today, our renewed facility doubles our service capacity and beautifully reflects our mission to promote dignity, build community, and encourage advocacy,” Mathews told me.

I asked Mathews how people could get involved with RS and its community efforts. “The best place to start is our website, rs3101.org, which explains our programs, showcases impact stories, highlights upcoming events, and offers ways to volunteer or donate,” Mathews said. Of course, being a food and beverage journalist, I wanted to learn more about Thelma’s Kitchen. Mathews says the best way to do that is to see it in action. “Come down and have an amazing and affordable lunch and consider paying it forward for someone else. Sharing our mission on social media or bringing a friend or your coworkers to volunteer is also a meaningful way to help. Especially during challenging and divisive times, we must seek opportunities to connect and serve,” Mathews said.

Finally, I inquired about the name, which Mathews says is directly tied to the past, the present, and the future. “Historic discrimination and disinvestment made Troost Avenue the racial and economic dividing line of our city. As a result, there are thousands of people struggling to survive and succeed, trapped in poverty and trauma. That is why Reconciliation is our guiding framework and our ultimate vision. Our name reflects our hope for seeing neighbors–across our physical and figurative dividing lines–reconciled to one another and to the resources they need to thrive. We see our work as carrying out the activities or services necessary to make social and economic reconciliation more possible today than yesterday,” Mathews concluded.

Good people that are doing important work, it’s what makes Reconciliation Services so special. For more information or to get involved visit their site rs3101.org.