Mother's Kitchen - made with love

 Today we volunteered at Mother’s Kitchen. Here is some background information. In 1996, individuals inspired by Amma’s (Mata Amritanandamayi) love, compassion, and seva (selfless service) towards humanity started the first soup kitchen. In the U.S, Canada and Costa Rica there are over 42 “Mother’s Kitchen projects. It is run by a group of volunteers from all walks of life whom are dedicated to making a difference at the local community level. Here in Maui, “Mother’s Kitchen” is a sponsor group at Ka Hale A Ke Ola (KHAKO) Homeless Resource Centers, Inc. KHAKO began sheltering the homeless in 1986. They work in conjunctions with 50 human service agencies to provide for the clients’ needs, such as medical, mental health, vocational rehabilitation, and financial services. The client enters 6 weeks program, if qualified they can transition into long term. The program is made up of:

• Courses- “Money Magic” for basic financing, Life Skills, Family and Parenting classes, Computer and GED classes.
• Chores- everyone is required to do chores: cleaning, taking out trash, laundry
• Food- sponsor night anyone in the program can eat. On a non-sponsor night emerging/transitionary clients can eat.
• Mother’s Kitchen serves food to around 35-60 individuals, men, women and children.
• Each meal cost around $35-$150 depending on donations received.

 
Mother’s Kitchen does feedings 2-3 times a month. The volunteers do everything from gathering the food, preparing, cooking, set-up and clean up. They takes different shifts for example; some take the morning shifts in going to the local markets and gather the food, some just the afternoon prep, and some the evening serving. Volunteers are welcome to participate in all or some of “Mother’s Kitchen” project.
 
One of the most important things we practice is being present. We work towards preparing the food with Love and care. Food preparation and serving is done in awareness to also reduce waste.

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"One should see any opportunity to serve as a rare and precious gift...and never waste such an opportunity.” - Amma

​Many of the people coming have many stressors in their life. It is nice to lesson the load with home-cook meal made with love.

Thought of the day: May we support one another, move away from coping and help one another thrive in the light of our beings. May the minds stressors subside, may we hand over our fears to our angels, the master, and divine light. The grace of God may we tap into our power and remain optimistic.