Manna Chat Soup

Final Posting...

2012-01-23T15:01:00.001-05:00

Dear Manna Friends,

By now, you probably know that I have resigned my position of Executive Director. After more than 12 years, it may seem to be a bittersweet moment; but for me there is no bitterness, only a feeling of gratitude and joy. It has been an honor to be part of such a wonderful mission, and to engage with such a supportive family of community members. While I may have been considered the face of Manna over that time, it was never about me, but rather the people we collectively serve.

To the many supporters and volunteers of Manna: I want to thank you for all you have done to help Manna grow. Whether you serve a meal, drop off food, donate financially or share your time as a volunteer or committee member, you make a difference that is impossible to measure. I now join you in this service, and encourage you to continue your support of Manna, especially as the mission grows and moves to a larger facility.

To the clients of Manna: I want to thank you for the opportunity to serve you. My constant prayer for you is that you will continue to be treated with the dignity and respect you deserve, and that through Manna, this caring community might make your lives better. I am also hopeful that you will continue to think of Manna as your extended family, a home you can always come to for help and support.

To the staff of Manna: Remember that I will remain your biggest fan. I know how demanding this important work can be; what you do is so vital to this community. I care deeply about you and will play the role of an overly-proud grandparent, bragging about how special you are and imploring the world to support and care for you as well.

Lastly, to this wonderful community: I encourage you to continue to come together; not to join hands, but to keep them ready so that we might lift up our neighbors, our friends and our extended family so that they too might share in the blessings God has so graciously given to us.

With gratitude,

Tom Allebach

Don't Change

2012-01-09T09:43:00.002-05:00

The common sentiment, when things are right with the world, is the desire to keep things as they are. With individuals and organizations, the mindset can be "don't change" we love you just the way you are.

As Manna looks to move to our new facility in the coming months, we will be seriously considering how we can change, make conditions better for the people we serve. The changes may be disruptive and challenging, but we realize that we need to continue to evolve to meet the growing needs of the people that come through our doors.

In the midst of the change, however, will be the sameness of how we engage with people; treating them with kindness, with dignity and respect, to soften the impact of changes we will all encounter...

New Year = Not Yet

2012-01-02T08:38:00.002-05:00

While many are celebrating the arrival of the New Year, we are in the mode of considering the Not Yet. It's the same perspective of anticipating, looking ahead, thinking about what may come to pass.

As we think about our impending move to a new facility, we recognize there is still much work to be done. We know that not yet, is everyone being fed; not yet, does everyone have a warm bed for the night; not yet, is everyone living in dignity.

It is with great hope and anticipation that we will have you with us in the New Year, in the Not Yet, to consider the lasting change we can bring about for our friends, our neighbors in this community.

Leaving and Staying

2011-12-12T07:30:00.002-05:00

You may have heard that Manna on Main Street will be moving from its current location. In a few months we're planning to vacate our 28-year home at 514 W. Main Street to Lansdale, and move to a larger facility at 713 W. Main Street in Lansdale.

Here are just a few thoughts on those components of leaving and staying:

Leaving - Clients waiting outside, not having access to a bathroom, poor access for the disabled

Staying - Caring volunteers, service above self, a welcoming place where everyone is fed...

Small Moments

2011-12-05T08:15:00.001-05:00

For the past few weeks, Manna has enjoyed the help of an intern (we’ll call her Megan) from a local college. Megan’s studies are focused on a career in business, but she helped work on our Christmas gift program for kids.

In one of her conversations with Kristyn, Manna’s development associate, Megan was asking questions about the people that come to us for help, their life situations and the realities they face.

After more listening and more questions, it was like the flood gates opened for her – in that moment Megan came to realize how difficult life can be for others and the limited options they have.

Even though she came to Manna with a mindset for business, she will be leaving with a different perspective on the world. Like many that come through our doors, she will probably never be the same…

Still Learning

2011-11-28T07:42:00.005-05:00

Considering Manna on Main Street's 30 years of service to the community, there could be the temptation to say that we have this all figured out. That we know people's needs, how to respond, how to best serve.

The truth is, we will never have this fully sorted out, because people's needs continue to evolve. Some of the things we did years ago (pre-packing bags of food for families, for example) would not work today, because we know they need the dignity of choice.

In fact we need to do more listening, try more innovative ways of reaching out to positively impact people's lives. While we ask more from our clients what they think, we also need to hear from you.

How do you think we can serve, do more...

Know Thanks

2011-11-21T07:31:00.003-05:00

You may not see it, but we witness it every day.

Good people, in need, coming to the table, thanking us as they leave, filled.

Good people, in abundance, bringing food to the table, we thank them as they leave, filled.

Yes, we know thanks...

The Working Poor

2011-11-14T07:02:00.001-05:00

Creative, innovative, savvy.

These are not typical words to describe the poor, but it is a common trait of people in need. Their resources are limited, sometimes fleeting, and they must be quick thinking to survive day-to-day.

As we see more and more people coming through our doors, we continue to be impressed how individuals continue to live on limited or no income, how they press on with a fragmented support network, how they continue to persevere.

The poor work very hard indeed, even more so when they have no job...

Going Green (and Red and Orange and Brown)

2011-11-07T08:14:00.000-05:00

Manna has certainly made efforts to be as “green” as possible. We recycle tons of cardboard and plastic, and have moved from using Styrofoam soup bowls to those made of biodegradable cardboard. When we eventually move to a new location, there will be the opportunity to utilize real plates and flatware that can be washed and reused, but more on that later.

How we would really like to make ourselves greener (and other earth colors) is in the food we provide to the families that shop at Manna. We are looking to offer more fresh produce. In particular, for our Thanksgiving basket distribution, we are planning to give out bags of apples, potatoes, carrots and oranges to each of the households that receives a basket (estimated at 175).

If you are interested in helping in this effort, please give us a call and let us know what you can share…

Silent Sirens

2011-10-31T07:54:00.000-04:00

If you walk down any Main Street and see an ambulance racing by, sirens blaring, you have a pretty good idea that some type of crisis is playing out. Perhaps there’s an accident nearby, or an individual at home has fallen seriously ill. The noise, the flashing lights are a warning, indicators of on-setting calamity.

If you walk the hallway of Manna on Main Street, the sirens are silent, and yet equally real. Individuals and families are in crisis, desperate for food, jobs, health care. But you can’t always tell from the surface. People continue to struggle on their own, and it’s only when we engage them, heart to heart, that we learn their life stories, and hopefully help guide them along to a better place…

Looking After Family

2011-10-24T08:14:00.001-04:00

For better or worse, we do not get to choose our family members, save for our spouse. Sometimes the dynamics are very positive, and other times relationships may not be ideal; but, in the end, family sticks together and looks out for each other.

So it is with the Manna family, those that gather around our dining table each day. Some very good friendships have evolved over the years, and there are some instances where it is best when certain people don’t sit together.

What is heartening is how they all look out for each other. If an individual doesn’t show up to eat for a few days, the word gets out. Family members will comb the streets looking for the lost loved one. Volunteers and Manna staff members become part of the family as well, showing concern for each person’s well-being.

Though most of Manna’s family would choose not to be there, they know that there is always someone there to look after them, to make sure they are fed…

Out of Control

2011-10-18T08:04:00.001-04:00

On the surface, life at Manna can appear hectic. If you were to observe the action over the next few weeks (actually until the New Year), you might think things are out of control. Phones are ringing, people are constantly streaming in, asking for help, looking to volunteer, and food donations are piling up in the hallway.

While we strive to have systems in place to accommodate people’s needs and maintain operational processes, we understand that service to others can be messy, chaotic, and not always follow a script or plan. What matters is how we treat people, how we engage them, showing them that no matter who they are, not matter their life standing, that there is a place for them at Manna, here, in our community…

Small-Big Picture

2011-10-10T07:35:00.000-04:00

Have you ever tried to take a photograph of a tight space, perhaps a room. Often it’s impossible to capture a small space and represent what it is like. The same could be said for trying to take a picture of an expansive blue sky, one filled with wispy clouds and the billowy trails of jets gone by. It's just too big to grasp without actually seeing it.

So it could be said of Manna: the space, the rooms are so small, it can be difficult for a picture to demonstrate its size. And too, the caring, the impact, is so huge, the only way to truly appreciate it, is to experience it…

Getting Put in my Place

2011-10-03T08:12:00.002-04:00

It would have been easy enough to feel self-important.

I attended three different community events this past weekend. Two of them were fundraisers put on by supporters of Manna: the Merck Federal Credit Union and Villari’s Self Defense Center. Between the two organizations, they raised over $20,000. Feeling pretty proud of the relationships I had developed, I moved on to the Lansdale Octoberfest. There I was warmly greeted by a number of prominent community members.

While standing there, Mayor Andy Szekely asked if I would help judge the pie-eating contest. After trading a few jokes about the importance of the position, I walked over to the table of contestants. There were about 20 kids sitting there with their hands behind their back, excited with the messy prospect of eating chocolate cream pie. One person at the table, however, was not a child, but a young man who I recognized as being a frequent guest at Manna. He sat there with dull eyes as his pie was set before him.

The mayor called out for the eating to begin, and after just a couple of minutes a young boy was declared the winner. Moms and dads rushed forward to congratulate their kids and help them get cleaned up, but the young man at the table lingered. I walked up to him and mentioned he had quite a bit of chocolate on his face, and that he might want to get a napkin. He noted with concern that his stuff, a backpack and jacket, were there on the ground and he didn’t want to leave them there unattended. I said I would watch his things and so he went off in search of a napkin. After wandering around a while, a woman noticed him, handed him a napkin and he came back wiping off his mouth. He wasn’t doing a very good job. There was still chocolate on his nose and chin. I took the napkin from him and began wiping him clean.

It struck me that what I was doing right then was the most important thing I had done the entire weekend, possibly the entire year. Here was a young man, and yet a child in need of simple care – wiping his face clean – so he could move on in the day, feel looked after, cared for, with a sense of self-dignity. Perhaps I’m reading too much into how he might have felt, but I know what was stirring inside of me: what makes us important is not who we are, but how we respond to the call of serving, especially to the little ones, no matter what they look like, no matter their age, no matter their standing…

Giving Up

2011-09-26T07:52:00.002-04:00

For some of the folks that come to Manna on Main Street, giving up is their only option. The rent is three months past due, the electric is turned off and the unemployment has run out. They've exhausted their family's resources and there is nowhere else to turn to.

Our task then, is to also give up, but in a different context. We give up by giving more; increasing our caring, looking for other opportunities to alleviate the suffering. We have resources, food, income, a support network, but most importantly we have a choice. Something the little ones of this earth do not have...

Enough for Today

2011-09-19T07:55:00.000-04:00

As many people know, the origin of manna can be found in a story from the Bible. One of the characteristics of the manna, the bread from heaven, was that it was to be enough for the day, not something to be stored up for the future.

That principle applies to this Manna, the one on Main Street, as well. We do not always know about our future, where all the food will come from, what kind of support we will receive to pay our bills and provide aid to those we serve. But that’s good enough for us. We know that for today, we are here. We have faith in this community that we will be here for tomorrow.

That faith has carried us for nearly 30 years, and prayerfully, for many years to come…

>0

2011-09-12T07:57:00.002-04:00

More and more. That's the best way to describe it. More and more people coming to us with impossible situations.

Just a couple of weeks ago a woman called. Her husband was ill and unable to work. She was unemployed, the home was in foreclosure, the car insurance had expired and they had no food in the house. There was no possible means for Manna to dig them out of this deep hole, and she knew that. Still, she called, as others do, to share their story.

What they are seeking is not so much a solution to their problems: they hunger for a sympathetic ear, advise on next steps, what they might expect, what options they have.

We provide a non-judgmental ear, offer them food, direct them to other resources. But mostly we show them we care. Often it's not enough, but it greater than zero...

Significant Storm Damage

2011-08-29T07:52:00.003-04:00

It is not usually the likes of a Hurricane Irene that wreak havoc on the lives of those that come to Manna on Main Street; it is the everyday, unexpected events that can pile up and do the most damage.

I think of a woman who called us a few weeks ago. Her husband was ill, their home was in foreclosure, their electric had been shut off, they had no income, no car and no food. For someone with those significant challenges, there would seem to be no hope at all. While we were not able to help with all of their issues, there are some simple things we did do: we provided them with food, made them aware of other resources available, and perhaps most importantly we listened to them.

Sometimes just having someone to talk to, someone you can trust, can offer hope and relief, even in the midst of the most severe storms...

Sowing and Reaping

2011-08-22T15:00:00.000-04:00

As we begin to wind down on our summer Vegetable Basket Program, we remind ourselves that the fresh produce we enjoyed over the past seven weeks or so, was because of the hard work that was invested many months ago. The hundreds of pounds of tomatoes, zucchini, cantaloupes, string beans and corn that was given to families in need, was because of the commitment of care made when the ground was empty. We prepare now for another season, anticipating the harvest to come, knowing that same sense of caring is still with us...

Rescuing Chickens

2011-08-15T07:42:00.004-04:00

It happened this past Friday and the Friday before. We received a phone call from a random trucker. Seems he had some left-over cases of chicken from a grocery store delivery; he wanted to know if we could pick them up. In both instances, all we had to do was drive to Versacold (the cold storage facility in Hatfield), help unload the truck and bring the goods back to Manna. The haul from both deliveries was nearly 1,000 pounds of top-quality chicken.

To a large food distributor, the amount of food was trivial. It would have been just as simple to throw it in the dumpster. But what we find in the midst of large corporations is that there are caring individuals; people that will go out of their way to help out, to make a difference. We can decry the insensitivity of big business, and all too readily forget that they are made up of decent folks like most of us...

The $5 million gift

2011-08-08T07:43:00.005-04:00

Manna on Main Street received an incredible gift last week, with the accompanying note:

To All the Good People at Manna on Main St.

Please accept this small gift along with my apology for the meager amount. I would like to help your cause more than this as I truly believe in you. However, I also, like so many these days, have been out of work since March/April of 2009. I have often thought of you for help in getting by, but thankfully have managed on my own thus far. After all, there are always people in far worse conditions than oneself. However, the important thing is knowing you are there, for all, any time. That in itself is reassurance which I cannot convey in words.

Thank you for being there.

J.

There was a crumbled $5 bill in the envelope; a fortune...

Digital Meals

2011-08-01T08:11:00.002-04:00

There can be the temptation for organizations to look to technology for answers in how to improve the delivery of their services. More foundations are asking nonprofits to become more sophisticated, and employ technology as a means to impact their operations.

We do take a serious look at the various tools available in which to streamline, to do things more efficiently and reduce costs. At the same time, by our nature, we are a very high-touch organization. At the core of what we do is feed people:

We set the plate before them
We engage them face to face
We listen to their stories; lives of frustration and hope
We encourage them, cheer them on

Sometimes, the low-tech, human touch is the ultimate in sophistication...

The Contradictions of Manna

2011-07-25T07:47:00.002-04:00

It can be complicated, serving a diverse community. Individuals and families come to Manna with a variety of wants and needs, and contradictions are apparent by the very nature of our works...

excluded = welcomed: many who sit at our table feel left out by society at large, but everyone that comes is greeted as an honored guest
poor = rich: our guests are far removed from material wealth, but enjoy the bounty of caring neighbors and friends
hungry = fed: not only the food fills them, but words of encouragement and hope nourish them for the day

It can be complicated, and yet very simple...

What's Left Behind

2011-07-18T07:53:00.003-04:00

As part of looking back at the last 30 years of Manna's life, we reflect upon the vision and legacy of those that came before us:

Love for neighbors
Encouragement for the down-trodden
Service above self

Now we get to decide. What will we leave behind...

Wasted Welcomes

2011-07-11T08:03:00.003-04:00

Bobby walks in the door of Manna for the early meal. His eyes have a far-away look, and when we greet him he doesn't respond. Bobby goes through peaks and valleys with his mental illness. Sometimes he's responsive and will share pieces of his life. Other times he shuts down, indicating that he needs to be left alone.

We never know how Bobby will be feeling, but we continue to welcome him in the same opening manner. Some would argue that we're wasting our time with the likes Bobby. Even though most of the folks that come to Manna are friendly and open, he and others like him can be distant and at times off-putting.

We continually remind ourselves, however, that every day there is the opportunity to break through, to show people that we care, to demonstrate to them that we are here for them, for the long haul, no matter what...

Small Impact

2011-07-05T07:58:00.002-04:00

Manna's Summer Cooking Program for Teens began last week, with an average of eight students attending the classes. Three days a week they have the opportunity to learn about healthy cooking and help perform a vital community service by preparing meals for the people we serve.

Immediately, one teen (we'll call her Katie), stands out from the others. It is her third year of participating in the class. She does more then participate, however: she takes ownership. Katie actively engages with the other students and to a degree helps lead the class. When other students are heading for the door, she is helping to transport the meals from the church kitchen over to Manna.

Some may wonder about the impact of the program; eight to ten students a day, many of them attending multiple classes, perhaps 50 in total involved over the summer. Rather than being possessed with increasing the number of students, we focus instead on the difference it makes on those that attend.

Even if we change only one person's life, isn't that enough...

Healing and Cures

2011-06-27T07:51:00.003-04:00

July 1st will mark my 12th year as Manna's executive director. Looking back over that time period, I reflect not so much on what we have done as an organization, but on the people we serve. For many of the them, this year is no different than 12 years ago; and the same could be said for their foreseeable future.

All they want is a decent job, good health, strong relationships. Insted, there is the frustration of living on the edge, hoping those things will come about. In the midst of that, Manna is there for them; providing a friendly place for them to come to, a means for the basics of food, and emergency help when the crises come about.

Often, we do not have a cure; but healing is always a possibility...

Ignoring the Balloons

2011-06-20T08:20:00.002-04:00

As Manna on Main Street thinks about and prepares for our 30th Anniversary celebration, we take care to remind ourselves why we celebrate:

We celebrate the vision and dedication of those that came before us, those that laid the foundation for this important work.
We celebrate our commitment to humbly serve.
We celebrate with gratitude the wonderful support of this community.
We celebrate those that come to be fed every day, those that will arrive tomorrow.

Yes, the balloons are pretty; we focus on what lies beyond...

Still Crazy

2011-06-13T07:45:00.002-04:00

As Manna begins celebrating the arrival of our 30th anniversary (more details on our web site) we look back to consider our beginning. We think about our founding and consider that at the time, creating a soup kitchen in Lansdale may have seemed like a crazy idea. Soup kitchens were considered a relic, a stigma from the depression era, something relegated to large cities. Getting started was not easy. There was resistance from some myopic community members, but the thoughtful leaders of Manna persevered.

Over the years Manna earned a solid reputation for humility and service, and because of a generous community was able to grow and meet other emerging needs; needs like emergency funding for shelter, utilities and medical costs. Outreach and community involvement was broadened, including all ages, faiths and points of view.

As we look to our future, we envision the expansion of our outreach to a larger geographic area, and becoming more involved in gaining access to food for people in need. There are those that may consider us crazy in trying to do more, but we see the needs continuing to grow and believe we can help alleviate some of the suffering around us.

We are hopeful that you will continue with us on this crazy journey of service, and dreaming with us of the possibilities for the next 30 years…

Faiths Work

2011-06-06T07:45:00.002-04:00

One of the real strengths of Manna's outreach and service is the involvement of people of many faiths. Individuals travel from their Church, Mosque, Synagogue, Temple to reach out and serve people in need. They bring food, diapers and financial gifts to lift up those who are suffering.

A popular adage from one faith group is "It's the Christian thing to do." It could be equally said, "It's the Muslim thing to do, the Jewish thing to do, the Bahá'í thing to do, the Buddhist thing to do..."

easy

2011-05-31T07:48:00.002-04:00

You may have seen the “easy” button used in the advertisements of an office supply store. The implication is that good things can happen at the push of a button.

Some might think that Manna has access to an easy button. For example, when demand for our food pantry increased by 20% we easily responded to the need. When 45 people show up for a meal, instead of the average 35, everyone is easily fed. When a struggling family on the verge of being homeless comes for aid, we easily write a check to cover their mortgage.

Anything is "easy", when you have the support of a caring community, and the heart to respond…

Following the Need

2011-05-23T07:30:00.003-04:00

Now in her 30s, Megan remembers growing up with Manna. Her parents had separated and her mom often came to shop for groceries. Megan fondly looks back at the holidays of her youth, remembering it was Manna that provided her Christmas gifts. Megan grew up, eventually married, started a family and began giving back to Manna, organizing food drives a couple times a year.

But now her family has hit a bump in the road. Last week she stopped in to sign up to receive food. Her husband was laid off, and while he found another job, the pay is very low and does not include health benefits. It was really difficult for Megan to come in, but she has a family to feed and not very many options. As she left with groceries, and diapers for her youngest child, we encouraged her to take heart; in a few years she would be back again, on the other side, giving back, lifting up and caring for another family. As things are, we know there will be others coming along behind her...

Silent Supporters

2011-05-16T09:06:00.001-04:00

When you walk into Manna on Main Street, it is best to open the door slowly... chances are that a volunteer will be coming down the hallway with a plate of food, or a client will be standing there asking for information. It’s possible too, that boxes of diapers will be stacked up nearby or that recently donated bags of food will be lying on the floor. At times it can be a challenge, finding a place for things and having a smooth flow of traffic and goods. In spite of that, none of the clients complain about the difficulty in moving about – even the woman on crutches is patient and understanding, knowing that we are doing the best we can with what we have. We continue to be grateful for those we serve and how they gracefully support our work…

Surf and Turf

2011-05-09T07:54:00.002-04:00

You might expect that if surf and turf were to appear on the menu at Manna on Main Street, it would consist of fish sticks and hamburgers. That was definitely not the case yesterday, as Barry (our Chef and Food Service Manager) prepared a seven course meal including shrimp and Filet Mignon. It was a special occasion for two of our clients, as they were the winners of our April raffle, Dinner With the Mayor (thanks Mayor Andy Szekely for being there). Every few months we have a contest to celebrate our guests; it's a way for us all to have some fun and make them feel special.

It can be easy to lose track of how difficult life can be, day after day, for many of our clients. They show up for a meal, then go on their way. Every so often it's good for them to feel like maybe they'll be the lucky one, win a prize, and feel lifted up, even if it's only for a day...

What Is This?

2011-05-02T09:01:00.001-04:00

People will often ask, what is the origin of Manna’s name. Actually, it comes from the Bible, and refers to the manna, the “bread from heaven” that God sent to the Israelites as they were wandering through the desert. The word manna, translated literally is, “what is this.” To the Israelites it was a wonder, a confounding gift given to them, something difficult to comprehend.

So it is with Manna on Main Street, now 30 years old; people still asking, what is this…

Loaves and People

2011-04-25T08:11:00.003-04:00

It could be said that bread and people are at the very core of what Manna is all about. Every day, bread is delivered. It comes from grocery stores (Giant, Acme, Genuardi) and from specialty shops like Panera and the Hearth Bakery. The bread is mostly leftovers - what the stores could not sell that day; items near their expiration date. Still, the bread is very good, and we see it as giving the bread a second chance, the opportunity to feed someone rather than winding up in a dumpster.

As for the individuals that come to Manna, they come from all walks of life: working poor, elderly, homeless, and some just barely holding on. I'm reminded of a woman that came to us years ago, just out of a rehab clinic. She had battled drugs for most of her life and was finally on the way to making herself whole. She came for bread, then eventually, bags of groceries. She was difficult to deal with, but we worked with her. To some, it might have seemed like a waste, spending so much time and energy on someone with obvious problems. But just like we take in the unwanted bread, so it is that we take in people, providing them a second chance...

Subtitles

2011-04-18T05:58:00.001-04:00

In the book The Black Swan, Nassim Taleb explores the concept of unusual events, outliers in history that have changed the world. Interestingly, the subtitle to the book is The Impact of the Highly Improbable, in that many of these events were never really predicted or expected.

To a large degree, that subtitle captures the essence of Manna. When we were founded 30 years ago, it was highly improbable that a soup kitchen and food cupboard could come to be such an important part of this small town. And yet, here we are, still serving people in need, still supported by an incredible band of community helpers. Back then, highly improbable, totally unexpected; but today, a part of who we are...

Mostly Hidden

2011-04-11T06:13:00.001-04:00

Most of what goes on in an organization like Manna on Main Street is pretty much hidden from the general public. While folks may read about Manna in the newspaper, look at our website or read this blog, most of the elements that lead to our success are hidden from the masses. What is not seen?

An energetic, engaged board of directors
A competent staff
Caring volunteers that show up to serve
Hundreds of supporters that provide food and financial help
Agency partners that share resources and ideas

The list goes on and on. While we appreciate the publicity, the features in the paper and notoriety on the web, we acknowledge that there are literally thousands of individuals that make this work possible; good people, mostly hidden...

Remembering

2011-04-04T05:20:00.001-04:00

30 years is a long time to remember. And yet that is what Manna on Main Street will be contemplating.

This year we celebrate 30 years of service to the community. The actual anniversary date is September 28, 2011, and there will be a number of special activities and events leading up to that date. But before we become consumed with the festivities surrounding our anniversary, it seems appropriate to remember why we were founded and why we are still here today.

30 years ago there were people in need. They needed food: hot meals and groceries they could take home to their families. The needed financial help as well... assistance with their rent payments, their utilities, medical care. The government had a handful of programs in place, but the structure and bureaucracy proved inadequate in responding to the needs.

Much of that remains true today. And while there are more social service agencies available to help than there were 30 years ago, the needs have continued to grow. People continue to hurt, and they need a place to come to where they will be treated with dignity and respect.

Yes, we look forward to celebrating 30 years, and we will be asking the community to join in the festivities. But first, we remember, rededicate ourselves, and look with hope to the future...

Coordinated Help

2011-03-28T06:02:00.000-04:00

It was a little after 9:00 am on Saturday that the phone call came in. It was from the Lansdale borough office. The Stanbridge Apartments were on fire, and the lobby of the borough building was filling up with people displaced by the fire. While Manna was not equipped to handle a situation of this magnitude alone, we were able to help the borough take the necessary first steps. The Red Cross, which would be a first-responder to the emergency, would need a call from a borough official to take action. We provided the borough with the number, then contacted a local response team to make arrangements for a place to gather all the individuals affected by the fire.

Arrangements were made to take everyone to Trinity Lutheran Church, where the Red Cross could meet with them. Manna had food and drinks delivered to the church, and by the end of the day, the Red Cross had made accommodations at local hotels so that the people in need had a place to stay for the next few days. Over the coming days we will work with the Stanbridge Apartments and the households displaced by the fire to provide additional guidance.

While a fire and families displaced is far from an ideal situation, it was encouraging to see how the community and various organizations came together in a time of need...

Surface Tension

2011-03-21T06:19:00.002-04:00

She came in during the evening for the food pantry. We'll call her Mary.

As part of the check-in process we looked up her record to see if she was receiving all the help possible. According to our system, Mary was 32 years old. She had recently separated from her husband and had custody of the three children. It wasn't clear if she was receiving food stamps (now called SNAP) so we asked Mary, and she said no she wasn't receiving the aid, but she could really use the extra help and could we look into making the connection for her.

When Mary lifted her head to say thank you, she had the look on her face that we've seen so many times before... this quiet fear, just below the surface. She knew that she was in a difficult situation. If she were to lose her job, have a major illness or even a significant car repair bill, life for her and her children could become almost unlivable.

With many of the good people that come to Manna for help, that surface tension is very real. At times it's difficult for us to discern; people are proud and don't want to be a burden to others. They want to be able to make it on their own. Sometimes, it's just hard...

home

2011-03-14T08:12:00.002-04:00

It's a routine for Bud, Sam and Hank (not their real names). They come in to Manna each day, twice a day, for a meal. While they are served the same food, each of them is filled in a different way. Bud is outgoing, telling his life stories, joking with volunteers and other guests. Sam will contribute to a conversation on occasion, while Hank is content to just eat and then leave. We don't pressure anyone to interact, but try to make them feel welcome, like they're at home. We recognize that home means different things to different people...

Voices from the Crowd

2011-03-07T07:37:00.003-05:00

Sometimes, passing a microphone around in a crowd can be a scary proposition. One never knows what a person might say and how long it will take them to say it. This past weekend held a pleasant surprise. It was during a faith-based service at a local retirement community. She was an elderly woman and wanted to share her experience in dealing with Manna. "I think about Manna as a Miracle on Main Street. It was a miracle that they fed me and helped me with my rent until I could get into a place I could afford on my own. I am blessed to be where I am now, but I don't know where I would be today without Manna..."

Later she commented that she was nervous about standing up in front of everyone, but she felt she owed it to Manna, to the community, so that everyone knew how her life had been changed...

Not looking ahead

2011-02-28T06:48:00.000-05:00

An important part of what the staff and board of directors do at Manna is to look out over an extended time horizon. We ask a lot of questions about how can we better serve the community next year and in the years to come:

Are there emerging needs that are not entirely visible
How are the demographics in our region evolving
How might changes in government and other agencies influence what we do

As we concentrate on the long view, we ask our daily volunteers to help in another area: focus intently on the needs of the day. We ask them to make that extra effort to be gentle, supportive and generous as the people come in to eat or to take home groceries to their families. Though they may hunger for food, we feed their souls as well.

Indeed, looking to the future is very important, and we plan carefully for the years ahead. At the same time, tending to today is critical, because for many of the people we serve, today is all they are able to deal with...

Down the drain

2011-02-21T05:24:00.001-05:00

It can drive our young volunteers crazy. A donation of soda comes in to Manna, and they ask what to do with it. We instruct them to take it back to the kitchen and pour it down the drain. They protest:

- It' still good
- Why waste it
- I'll take it home

We then explain that part of our mission is to provide healthy choices for our guests (and our volunteers). And while our diners may choose to consume soda and other unhealthy items on their own, we want to show them that we care about their well being. It also demonstrates our conviction to nudge our clients toward making sensible choices when it comes to their diet...

Stowe Away

2011-02-14T06:48:00.001-05:00

The total time invested was about 20 minutes. A young woman arrived at Manna, someone we had not seen before, and she looked troubled. We learned that she had hitch-hiked her way from Florida, with the destination being New York city. She was traveling with a male companion that had become abusive. All she wanted to do was to get back home, but she didn't know how she would be able to get away without him knowing.

Our case manager, Nadja, worked quickly. She talked with Barry, our food service manager and the two of them whisked the girl out to Manna's van. Not wanting to be seen, the girl lay on the van's floor while she was driven to the train station. As they arrived at the station, the train was about to depart, so Barry stalled them long enough for Nadja to buy a ticket and rush the girl onto the train. Already, Nadja had made arrangements with another social service organization in Philadelphia to assure that the girl would find her way to her home in Florida.

Many things, often unseen, happen in the midst of our days...

Our Kids

2011-02-07T07:40:00.002-05:00

Some people are incredulous when they learn that every school day, we send 200 healthy snacks to the Boys & Girls Clubs in Lansdale and Souderton. The Club has an after-school homework program for disadvantaged youth. The kids arrive at The Club hungry after a long day of school, their lunch period long forgotten. They need a little energy boost to concentrate on their school work and so that's what we provide them.

More than one person has asked why we spend our own money to prepare food that supports another agency's program. They miss the point. We're not supporting programs, we're feeding kids in need. Just because the children wind up at a different facility doesn't change the reality that they're still our kids...

no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, yes

2011-01-31T06:29:00.000-05:00

That's about the ratio - 8 nos for every 1 yes. On average, we receive about 100 requests for financial help each month, and the dominating response is no. The reasons are varied:

no, you're outside our service area
no, we're temporarily out of funding
no, we don't cover car repair bills
no, you didn't tell us the truth about your finances
no, even if we pay all you bills now, next month you will be in the same situation

It is frustrating for the those that come for help. For the most part, their needs are genuine, and we are often their last hope for support. For us, it is especially difficult denying them aid for necessary items like heating oil, knowing it's not a luxury item, but a matter of staying warm. Still, we are all thankful for the times we can say yes...

Who is Filled?

2011-01-24T08:06:00.006-05:00

When someone in need is served a meal, who benefits... the one serving or the one being served.

Certainly the person receiving the meal is grateful. For many of the people that find their way to Manna, the food they receive is their primary meal for the day. Without us, they may not starve, but they would undoubtedly suffer.

But for the more than 1,500 volunteers that come through our doors, it could be argued that they are the ones most satisfied by the experience. The joy of making someone's day brighter is powerful, not just in providing a meal, but in sharing a word of encouragement or leading the way to laughter. Volunteers often wait for months, just to have the opportunity to serve.

At the end of each day, everyone is filled...

Back to the Routine

2011-01-17T08:17:00.003-05:00

Life at Manna has returned to normal (the term normal difficult to define).

Only a few weeks ago it was:

gathering food for holiday baskets
coordinating parties and events
distributing Christmas gifts

Today, a typical day includes:

arriving early to put on the soup and meal
scheduling and training volunteers that want to serve
fielding phone calls

For the people we serve, it is also a return to their "normal":

thinking about food for the next meal
ignoring the thermostat, because they're out of oil
wondering if the prescription will ever be filled

The new normal is often easier for us. Less running around, consuming less food, simplifying our lives. For those in need, no necessarily so...

Unwrapping Gifts

2011-01-10T08:07:00.002-05:00

Over the holidays, you may have had the experience of watching the opening of gifts. There are probably a numbers of ways to go about it, but with a child, there's usually just one way: tearing madly to find what is hidden beneath the wrapping.

As we move into the gift that is the New Year, we proceed with the same energy, the same excitement, tearing away the wrapping to discover what lies beneath, with the hope of finding new ways to grow in serving our community...

Body Shop

2011-01-02T10:01:00.004-05:00

- A light dusting of snow covered the ice; the car slid across the road and hit a tree

- Distracted by the argument with a loved one, she didn't see the stop sign...

- He normally looks left and right, but was exhausted from the day's work; it was too late before he spotted the small pickup truck

And so the body shop is in business. Nature exerts it's influence, people make mistakes, and someone needs to make the repairs. This is not to discount the need for formal driver training or safety instruction, it is just the reality of the world we live in. Thankfully we have body shops.

It makes me think about the role on Manna. To a large degree, we are like a body shop. Things happen to people, sometimes beyond their control, other times well within their span of influence. No matter. When they hit a patch of ice, have life difficulties or just make poor decisions, we are there to help them.

We too, are all for preparedness, for taking responsibility for our lives, and giving people tools to plan for their future.

Still, there is always a need for a body shop...

Greatful Waiting

2010-12-20T07:49:00.002-05:00

The line will stretch 50-60 people long; standing on the frozen ground. It's the Monday before Christmas and that means the distribution of food baskets for the holidays. Every family will receive a ham or turkey along with all the "fixin"s" for a hearty meal. In all, about 150 baskets will be given away.

What is most striking about this event is the patient, grateful waiting that takes place. Folks will stand in line for a long time, but still smile about how cold it is, saying they're thankful it's not snowing. They will clap their hands together to help keep warm, but no one grumbles. They are thankful to live in a caring community, to have a place to come to that will help care for them...

There's Always Santa

2010-12-13T08:31:00.003-05:00

Weeks ago we concluded sign-ups for our Christmas adoption program. The parents that come to our food pantry can register their kids to receive gifts, and we pass along those gift requests to caring people to "adopt" the children. We have more then 300 children signed up that need gifts, and a waiting list as well.

One of the parents on the waiting list was particularly desperate. But her young child wasn't worried. She told her mom that Santa doesn't care that they don't have any money. He will still bring them something...

Courage

2010-12-06T07:49:00.002-05:00

On Saturday I was helping with the Penn Suburban Chamber 5K run, stationed at about the half-way point of the race. About 10 minutes after the race started, two young men were flying by with no one else in sight. A few minutes later a couple more streamed past, then small groupings of runners, then finally the stragglers.

It was these final participants that brought the word "courage" to mind. They knew from the beginning that they were not going to win - they were just hopeful to finish. But there they were, showing up for the race, giving their all. And so it was for these few that I cheered the loudest, encouraging them on.

Their effort reminded me of the people that come to Manna on Main Street. They too are doing their best. And it takes courage to show up at a soup kitchen; to say to yourself that you know you're not winning. So too for them, we cheer and encourage them along in the race...

Hiding in the Kitchen

2010-11-29T07:32:00.004-05:00

Often there are new groups that come in to serve a meal at Manna. Sometimes the group will provide the food, other times, Manna will take care of the meal. It is always interesting to see the dynamics of a new team of volunteers. They are excited to have the opportunity to serve, but there can be a hesitancy in interacting with the guests that come to eat. We encourage our volunteers to not hide in the kitchen, but to talk with the people they serve. While some guests prefer to eat then leave, most of them are more than willing to share their stories or just chat about every day events.

For many of us, we spend too much time hiding in the kitchen. There are risks to putting ourselves out there, in the middle of conversations; voicing opinions, asking important questions. Not only at this time of year, but continually, we are challenged to reach out, to make a difference, to let our voices (and our service) be heard...

Thanksgiving - Thanksreceiving

2010-11-21T19:01:00.003-05:00

This past week has been an incredible one of giving and receiving. Looking at turkeys alone, more than 750 birds have been donated so far; equally impressive is the number of turkeys that have been distributed. By the end of Monday, more than 575 will have been given to our clients and to neighboring food pantries. We receive far more than we could possibly use, so we save some for the future and share most of them with like-minded organizations. After all, the donated food does not belong to us; it belongs to the community. We are just thankful to be on both ends of the giving and the receiving...

Need?

2010-11-16T07:19:00.004-05:00

When we see clients coming in for a meal or stopping by to pick up food for their family, we know the need is there. Why would someone come to a soup kitchen if they did not have a need. But sometimes we can become distracted where the need is not so apparent.

Yesterday an individual came to the food pantry for her bi-monthly supply of groceries, and she was driving a new, high-end car. For those new to serving people living on the edge, it can be hard to understand why someone would be driving a new car and still need help with food. Often times, people in need look for immediate gratification, what makes them feel good, without taking the long term view. They'll make poor choices; choices like buying things they can't really afford that keep them stuck at the bottom.

Our role isn't so much to criticize them, but to steer them toward making better decisions...

The Echo Effect

2010-11-08T07:33:00.003-05:00

Kathy Davis recently commented about having a food drive for Manna on Main Steret. Part of her inspiration for that was her mother. Many years ago her mom had volunteered at Manna, preparing and serving soup. What is heartening is that we see this echo effect of giving being played out years beyond its founding. What kind of echo might you make...

The Long Slog

2010-11-01T07:47:00.002-04:00

There are hints of optimism; some indicators that the economy may be on the mend, and that jobs are making a slight comeback. What we see is different. Perhaps it's because of the folks we work with... for the most part working poor. Their prospects continue to be pretty bleak. They don't have the education or training to lift themselves up from where they are today.

For the others we see: homeless, elderly and people with mental and physical challenges, the outlook is even worse. If recent college graduates are having trouble finding gainful employment, what are their possibilities?

This is not to say the situation is hopeless; on the contrary, we thrive on hope. It just further reinforces the importance of our work, our reaching out and lifting up those who need it the most...

Underground - Aboveground

2010-10-25T15:53:00.003-04:00

Rob is the founder of "252 Underground" a youth ministry in Lansdale. As he was talking about the food drive they're having Manna on Main Street, he shared some of the misconceptions that some adults have about his outreach. Some believe it's a hang-out for gangs; a place where drugs and violence is prevalent; a place filled with undesirables.

It brought back memories of Manna's beginnings. There was a lot of resistance to the idea of a soup kitchen. Some thought it would attract the wrong kind of people; that it would be nothing but trouble. Frankly, there are times when troublesome individuals show up. But on the whole, what we see are people that are hurting. People looking for help, looking for some hope.

Manna is fortunate now, to be established, above ground. But like Rob, we often need to dig down deep, to help lift up those that need it the most...

Planting

2010-10-18T07:41:00.002-04:00

Post-harvest would seem to be the season at hand. Dried corn chalks, tomato vines withered, pumpkins awaiting the carving knife.

But we are always planting. Looking for opportunities to grow our service, change lives, make a lasting difference. There is simply too much need to be content, to wait for spring to arrive...

Time Out

2010-10-11T15:26:00.000-04:00

Sometimes, we all need a time-out. To be told to sit down, take a break, think about our actions.

Our guests are just like us. They act out, ignore the rules, try to take control.

So we tell them to take some time off from Manna; a couple days, a week at most. When they return, all is forgotten. They're happy to be back, we're happy to see them again.

We care too much about them to just let them do what they want. Even for folks who have fallen on hard times, it's important for them to be reminded about respect, responsibility...

Happy Meals

2010-10-04T07:42:00.003-04:00

One would think that the soup kitchen at Manna offers a very dismal atmosphere. After all, most of the individuals that eat there are dealing with significant life challenges: homelessness, failing health, dismal job prospects, loneliness.

While all that may be true, there is also a positive energy that flows around any table where people are gathered to eat. Life stories are shared, and there is comedy and laughter to be found in both the good and bad experiences. The volunteers that serve are a real treasure. They share their lives as well that at times came mirror the circumstances of those at the table. And there are also staff members that will sit at the table - listening to the guests, sharing their concerns and connecting with them at a deep, human level.

There are times when the meals are quiet, reflecting a contemplative mood. But more often than not, there is more joy in the meals served at Manna than could be found in any "Happy Meal" anywhere...

29th on the 28th

2010-09-27T08:15:00.003-04:00

September 28th, 29 years ago, the glimmer of an idea emerged.

A name was assigned at the time: Interfaith Community Services or ICS. The intent was to bring together different faith-based organizations to provide food to people in need.

From some corners of the community there were questions. Hungry people here? From others, there was down-right resistance. We don't want those people coming to our town. In the end, clearer minds prevailed.

After operating from the basement of St. John's United Church of Christ for two years, a simple brick building was contributed to the cause. The name Manna on Main Street was chosen, which raised more questions. Manna? Bread from heaven?

It all seems so logical today. So clear, so obvious. The name, the cause , the need.

The glimmer of an idea: that everyone might be fed...

It's Free???

2010-09-20T08:37:00.004-04:00

The woman came in Manna's door, looking confused. She looked to be in her late-60s.

"Can I help you?"
"Someone told me I could come here for food. I live in Hatfield and have been having some health problems." She held up her cane. "I had to give up my car because of the medical bills, so it's been hard for me lately. I'm really hungry"
"There are two food cupboards closer to you; they're in Hatfield - here's the information on how to reach them; but if you're hungry, you're welcome to eat with us now. The food's very good and it's free."
"It's free?" she said, and took off her sunglasses. Her bottom lip began to quiver. "It's free," she repeated, almost a whisper.

Another person, hungry, fed.

Nothing new or different on Main Street...

Eid

2010-09-13T14:49:00.002-04:00

To many individuals, this an unfamiliar word. To Manna, it is very well-known. Every year, our friends from the North Penn Mosque celebrate Eid ul-Fitr, the end of Ramadan. And every year as part of their celebration, they deliver Eid baskets to us: baskets filled with various food items and a generous supply of gift cards to be given to families in need.

It is a real joy to be able to share these gifts with people who struggle to make ends meet - it allows them to purchase simple, much needed items like clothing, toiletries, and the other everyday goods that most of us take for granted.

We are humbled to be a part of this unusual work, where both the mainstream and the unfamiliar find their way in making a difference in people's lives...

Small and Safe or Large and Scary

2010-09-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

Which one of these describes Manna on Main Street?

Actually, it's both. Manna is a small place: about 15 seats for dining, staff crammed into tight spaces and food everywhere. It's a safe place as well, where people can have a quiet meal without any pressure or hassles. Anyone can find refuge within these walls.

Oddly enough, that's what makes Manna large and scary. Our outreach has no bounds. Anyone can walk in, which means that folks with different, challenging issues find their way here. It can be scary, not knowing what someone has experienced in their life and how they will react to a given situation.

Fortunately, in our 28 year history, we've never had a situation where the large and scary realities have led to anyone being in physical danger. That we attribute to the sense of welcoming, that small and safeness that makes Manna an unusual, yet affirming place to be...

Back From Vacation

2010-08-30T12:02:00.002-04:00

A few of Manna's clients were sitting around the table, discussing their summer activities:

My sister lives in Oregon, so I flew up to see her and the kids. It was great, having the chance to reconnect with family.
Since my husband left a few years ago, the kids and I have never gotten away, so we spent the last week at the shore. We rented a small condo, went to the beach and got to relax for a change.
I retired 25 years ago, so to celebrate, my wife and I went to the Virgin Islands.

Obviously, this is absurd. Our clients never really get a vacation or the opportunity to recharge. For them, it is an unending, relentless saga - worrying about food, their health, often wondering if they will have a bed to sleep in for days to come...

32-Love

2010-08-23T09:48:00.001-04:00

It would have been easier to just hold a tournament. Instead, the teens from the Upper Gwynedd tennis camp changed it to a food fund raiser for Manna. Sometimes we hear comments about young people doing things only for themselves. At Manna, we find it to be just the opposite...

4,152.3 Pounds of Food

2010-08-16T07:41:00.003-04:00

No, that's not what's in the bag (obviously).

4,152.3 pounds of food is what was donated to Manna at this past weekend's community food drive. A part of the credit goes to Dena Fritz (pictured) of The Reporter, who helped promote the drive over the past few weeks with a great article on community needs, as well a some well placed advertising.

As always, the big reason for the success of the drive is the good people in the North Penn area: the community captains that distributed bags throughout their neighborhoods and delivered the bags to Manna, and the wonderful people that donated the goods. What an amazing, giving community we are a part of...

No Parking

2010-08-09T08:21:00.000-04:00

Nadja is Manna's case manger - she meets with people that need help, determines whether we can provide any type of aid, and often refers folks to other organizations. At times it can be difficult for people to see her and maneuver around our building. There are steps, narrow hallways and supplies of food stored in random places.

Last week, a client hobbled back to her office. The gentleman sat down, a bit out of breath, and said, "I left my wheelchair outside, do you think anyone will steal it?"

Just another reminder that we need to be vigilant in making Manna a welcoming place for everyone...

Scaring-up Food

2010-08-02T07:42:00.003-04:00

Gemalto, a local manufacturing company, came up with an idea last year: start a garden and donate the harvest to Manna on Main Street. They had some open space next to their facility and so a team of employees planned out the garden, planted seeds and tended the plants. Every week, the good folks from Gemalto visit Manna with fresh produce and herbs. Just another example of how folks in our community find ways to give back...

Irregulars

2010-07-26T07:22:00.003-04:00

The word irregulars can have a negative connotation to it - it indicates that something is out of synche with the norm. Lately, there have been a lot of irregulars at Manna on Main Street, and that is a good thing. But first, Manna's definition of regulars: volunteers who serve on a regular basis. We love our regulars. They help at the soup kitchen or food cupboard all year long, with some of them coming every week. During the summer time, we offer them the opportunity to take some time off so the "irregulars" can have a chance to serve.

The irregulars are often students that have off for the summer, business teams looking for a service project and families wanting to have a joint activity. More often than not, the irregulars do not have a good handle on all the activities at Manna and things can get a bit chaotic. They don't know where to find the napkins, they're unsure where to put a donation and they are baffled by the some of the requests from our guests. But all of that doesn't mean too much. What really matters is that they are excited about serving and helping others. They bring a new-found energy and passion to the work at hand. Kids that come to help often run back to the kitchen so they can serve the next plate of food. And the adults have as much fun as the young people when they have their chance to sign our walls after they are done serving.

Just like our regulars, we love our irregulars as well...

No Power

2010-07-19T07:37:00.001-04:00

This weekend the power went out at Manna. There was momentary confusion as we searched for the main circuit breaker. It took a few tries, but we figured it out and the lights came back on.

Many of the folks that come to Manna for help experience "no power" as well. Except for them, it's not as simple as flipping a switch. They may not have the tools, the knowledge, the patience (the list goes on) to make the necessary adjustment. And so we are here for them, along with many caring neighbors, to help them reset, re-energize and move on with their lives...

"Do Not Call" Listing

2010-07-12T08:02:00.002-04:00

Good people continue to struggle because of:

no job
health issues
life emergencies

More and more agencies are also out of funding. Even some of the partners we usually rely upon have told us:

don't give out our name
don't call us
we can't do anything right now.

You won't find Manna on that list...

100 Million Visitors

2010-07-06T07:11:00.000-04:00

Backdrop: Lansdale Borough; 3.1 square miles, population ~ 16,000.

What would it be like if over the course of the year, that Lansdale would have 100 million visitors. Why would they have come; what would have been so compelling that 100 million unique individuals would have trekked to this small town.

A shift in focus: Manna on Main Street, 2,000 square feet (generously); volunteers ~ 2,400.

It's the same scale! 100 million visitors to Lansdale would be the same as Manna having 2,400 volunteers over the course of a year. What is it that's so compelling about Manna. Some of that answer lies in our mission of taking care of people in need; a portion of it is because we're very accommodating when people want to help. Too, it says a lot about the type of people we are. "We" meaning, the people in this and our extended community. We all want to help and give back to a cause that is larger than all of us...

Re-Gifting

2010-06-28T19:26:00.003-04:00

This past week I attended a golf outing hosted by ITW Polymer Technologies. For the past 15 years they're been hosting the event; ITW invites their business partners to play a low-key round of golf, and all the funds collected are given to Manna on Main Street and Newark Family Services.

One of the highlights from this year's event came at the end of the day, when a 40" flat screen TV was raffled off (tickets were $20 each). When the lucky winner came forward, he held up his hands to make an announcement: he was donating the TV back to Manna and immediately kicked off a live auction. The bidding started slowly at first, but the final bid came in at $450.

What was striking was not the amount of money that was given, but the spirit of the giving. All from a gathering a caring individuals, most that will never even see Manna or the impact their giving will make...

Rules

2010-06-21T07:34:00.005-04:00

Sometimes it seems we have too many rules. Rules for our guests, like:

Turn off your cell phone
No asking for money, rides or cigarettes
Stay out of the refrigerators
No take-out meals

The list goes on and on. For the most part they protect the guests and make things somewhat easier for the volunteers, although at times guests and volunteers alike don't remember all the rules.

We have one primary rule for those who serve at Manna: that everyone is treated with dignity and respect. It's a simple, yet big rule. We try to remember that most everyone that comes to eat at Manna would rather not have to come; that they don't have much of a choice. For many of us, we are just one significant life event away from having to rely on others... for a kind word, a caring smile, a bowl of soup...

Small Choices

2010-06-14T07:37:00.002-04:00

Plastic ware seems like an insignificant topic. Plastic is plastic. What does it matter the type of plastic being used.

Actually, it's a big deal. It sends a message about the type of organization we are and how we treat our guests. Years ago we relied upon donated plastic forks, knives and spoons from a local manufacturer. It was the cheapest route for us to take. The company would frequently have rejects they couldn't sell. Never mind the fact that the forks would routinely break, that the knives couldn't cut and the spoons were hardly usable for soup. And then there were the sporks, a multi-purpose, entirely useless eating instrument.

So we changed. We now purchase heavy-duty plastic ware. The knives actually cut, the forks hold up under pressure and the spoons are designed for eating soup. It's one of the small measures we take to show that our clients have value and worth; that coming to a soup kitchen should not be denigrated by providing shoddy service. We look forward to the day when we have an industrial dish washer: just think, real silverware, plates, perhaps even linens...

Absolutely No Service (sort of)

2010-06-07T07:43:00.002-04:00

Weekends at Manna on Main Street are reserved for the soup kitchen only. We don't operate the food pantry or provide any case management services. The intent is to set boundaries for clients, to help them plan ahead and not run to us when minor emergencies arise. It also gives our staff a bit of a break from responding to crises seven days a week.

This past weekend was a little different. A young man called and explained that his insulin prescription had been exhausted. He didn't want to bother us on Friday and was hopeful he could get help from one of his family members to have the prescription filled. It didn't work out, and so he called us. We could have told him to call back on Monday, or go to the hospital emergency room; but in the long run it would made his life more difficult and more expensive for our community to provide care. So we called the local pharmacy and told them we would cover the cost of his medication.

Sometimes breaking our own rules is the best thing we do...

Good Food, Bad Food

2010-06-01T07:36:00.002-04:00

Most of the food at Manna is donated. Individuals, groups, grocery stores give what they can, and we are thankful. Still, the people who come to eat at Manna deserve good food. For many of them, the meal they eat at Manna is their only meal. It raises a number of questions:

how often should we serve pasta and tomato sauce
how many leftover donuts do we make available
are sugary drink mixes acceptable

We continue to sort out these questions, balancing what we can do, what we need to do...

All,

2010-05-24T07:26:00.003-04:00

"All you can eat" sends a message of:

Self-absorption
Gluttony, excess, hoarding
It's not free... a price is to be paid

"All, you can eat" indicates:

A moment of reflection
An openness to giving, sharing the loaf
Freedom from constraints

A simple comma changes everything. It gives a bit of space, a pause to consider what might be.

Perhaps you can be a comma, that pause, that moment of reflection that changes everything...

No Customers

2010-05-17T07:46:00.003-04:00

Many marketing experts are encouraging nonprofits today to think about the people that come to them for help, as customers. The thought process supporting that is that if we treat them like a customer, we will serve them better.

Actually, that can be a dangerous approach. The mindset behind a customer relationship is that the individual has a choice; that they can decide whether to utilize your services or not. Most individuals that come to Manna do not have a choice. As soon as we start treating them like customers, that they can leave if they don't like our services, we marginalize them.

What really works is to not treat them as anything, but to simply act as a servant...

Good Rocks

2010-05-10T08:03:00.005-04:00

Found by the sidewalk a few blocks from Manna.

What small, yet powerful action might you take to promote the good in this world...

Imagine Manna

2010-05-03T06:57:00.005-04:00

That's exactly what happened. Nearly 30 years ago, a man had a vision that there would be a place where everyone might be fed; not only in the physical sense, but in mind and spirit as well. That man, John Touchberry, passed from this earth last week, having fully lived 80 years.

Today, we're all used to having Manna around, but establishing a soup kitchen back in the early 80s entailed risks. A number of folks tried to prevent Manna from even opening, for fear of "those people" it would attract.

While it would be simple enough for us to look back on the quantity of meals served at Manna, or the tons of food distributed, or the number of families assisted in his lifetime, John would not be satisfied with sentimental reflections. Instead, he would challenge us to look beyond where we are; to look for other opportunities to learn and grow in order to serve others.

Manna is in the early stages of looking for a new facility, and it is appropriate, more than ever, for us to look forward and dream of what we might yet be. What can we imagine? Can we look beyond the edges of where we are today and dream what that might mean for this community? How can we improve our service to others? John would certainly have some ideas...

Giving Thanks

2010-04-26T06:44:00.003-04:00

This past Friday was Manna's annual thank-you dinner for its volunteers and helpers. Nearly 150 caring folks gathered at the North Montco Technical Career School - a fabulous meal was prepared by Chef Charles Cole and his students. It was a fun, low-key evening.

As part of the program, we shared some comments from the people who come to Manna. We had asked them to share their thoughts on the helpers who serve them. Some of their thoughts were:

I appreciate the volunteers at Manna because they are taking time out of their lives to make a difference in ours.
I really appreciate all the helpers at Manna on Main Street in Lansdale. I wish my sisters were as nice as them.
Great group of people - they are awesome and very helpful and willing to help with everything. Keep up the good work. Rock on!
I appreciate all the volunteer work that is done because life is hard right now and sometimes I can be very discouraged. It's good to know that there are people out there that care from their hearts. It's nice to have someone there when it is needed the most. Thank you all for everything.

Thank you all for everything; for your caring hearts; for being there when it is needed the most.

Thanks from real people in need, to those who give...

Little by Little

2010-04-19T07:19:00.005-04:00

A couple of weeks ago the nursing students from Montgomery County Community College visited Manna. On a regular basis, Pam Pfalzer a professor of nursing at the college, brings students to do health checks for the guests. In addition to doing blood pressure checks, the students were also measuring blood sugar levels.

One of the more interesting outcomes of their visit was a discussion with an individual who has had a life-long battle with obesity. It turns out that over the past six months he has lost about 50 pounds. He couldn't say that he was doing anything differently, but, he was happy about the change. While he may be unaware, there is one thing that has changed significantly in the past six months: Manna has been serving healthier meals. We have eliminated most of the sweets available, and each meal usually includes one fruit or vegetable. In addition, the volunteers are more aware of portion control and there are more discussions about eating healthier foods.

Pam noted the importance of our clients being in a supportive environment, one that encourages them to think differently about their lifestyle. She recommend we continue with the approach to not pressure them to change, but simply offer them suggestions and alternatives. Little by little, we can make a big difference...

Fresh

2010-04-12T07:39:00.003-04:00

One year ago, this was a dream of ours: fresh produce being a part of our daily meals. While we were receiving some fresh food items from local grocery stores, it would usually wind up being given out for the food pantry. And though it was nice for families to have fresh produce to take home with them, our soup kitchen guests were not enjoying the benefits of a healthier diet.

Now it's a different story. Nearly every day there is either a salad or fresh fruit. Often the soups are made from scratch. We often joke about being a five-star soup kitchen (see the current newsletter). But each day, with the help of our food service manager, Barry, we're getting closer to making that a reality.

Two for the price of Two

2010-04-05T07:59:00.003-04:00

Come visit the Whole Foods grocery store in North Wales this Friday between 11 am and 2 pm. We will be there along with other members from the Community Nutrition Coalition for another "Fresh Food Drive." The concept is pretty simple: do you regular grocery shopping, and when you select your produce, pick up an extra item to donate to your local food cupboard.

"Two for the price of Two" can really apply to any time you're going shopping, and the goods wouldn't necessarily have to be dropped off at Manna. Perhaps you know a neighboring family having some financial difficulty. Or it could be a family member that is struggling. Perhaps an elderly person you know. You could just stop over and say it was a "buy one, get one free" deal - they don't really need to know all the details...

Destruction, Deliverance

2010-03-29T07:24:00.005-04:00

Last week, last year, ten years ago...

A young mother with a drug addiction neglects her 8-year old daughter
Alcohol continues to hold back a middle-aged gentleman from finding a job
The woman with a mental illness complains about abuse from her partner, but never leaves him

It can be disheartening at times, being a constant witness to the challenges people face; people we can feel as close to as family. We could judge them and insist that they create their own problems, make bad decisions, choose to be in that situation. Instead, we do our best to be supportive, make them aware of their options, point them to a potentially better path.

Occasionally, one of them breaks free from the demons that hover about them. That's when we celebrate.

But, it's been a while.

Perhaps this week...

Less Than Perfect

2010-03-22T07:28:00.002-04:00

In spite of all the good we attempt to do, there are still a number of things that keep us from moving forward, and being all that we want to be. For example:

We serve our meals on flimsy paper plates, instead of real china
There is seating for only 15 people - sometimes folks have to wait outside
Too often we refuse financial aid to someone in need
Pies, cakes and other sweets are too often found on our shelves
Far too many volunteers are turned away for lack of space to accommodate them

These, and the many other imperfections we live with can actually be good. They confront us every day and challenge us. How can we increase our service to people in need? How can we better engage our volunteers to help make a difference in people's lives? How can we make our small operating space larger in our outreach?

Less than perfect helps us to maintain our heart, our passion, our striving to do more...

Generous Winners Redux

2010-03-14T18:55:00.003-04:00

JT, the winner of our cookie guessing contest is an elderly gentleman who lives alone. For his custom dinner, he requested, and Barry, our food service manager, prepared for him Flounder Francoise, asparagus and red bliss potatoes, along with an appetizer of cheese and fruit. One of our volunteers ran down to the local thrift store and picked up some china and silverware (the thrift store insisted on selling the items to us for 1 cent). JT arrived in a suit and tie and the other staff members, Liz and Nadja served him.

The next day JT dropped off a thank you card, expressing how deeply he was touched by the experience. For us it was one of those lump in the throat experiences, one that affirmed who we are, and probably gave us a customer for life...

The Great Pumpkin... erm Orange?

2010-03-07T18:05:00.005-05:00

No one really knows for sure what produce item she represents, but Moriah Zimmerman from the Food Trust was a big help in our fresh produce drive. Landis' Market in Souderton allowed the Community Nutrition Coalition to hold the drive at their store, and we collected over 850 pounds of potatoes, oranges, apples and other fresh fruits and vegetables.

The Community Nutrition Coalition is a network of local food pantries working together to provide food and nutrition education to people in need living in the North Penn and Indian Valley region.

The Beauty of Tedium

2010-03-01T07:31:00.002-05:00

Every day it's the same thing:

Put soup on the stove top, meal in the oven
Restock the plates, cups, plastic-ware and napkins
Serve a meal to the guests
Clean up
Restock shelves for the food pantry
Help guests with the grocery shopping
Clean up
Put the afternoon meal in the oven
And on and on

Day after day, year upon year, the routine is repeated. What keeps us going is the beauty this tedium brings about. The guests are grateful, volunteers are fulfilled and everyone looks forward to the next day...

Generous Winners

2010-02-21T12:54:00.005-05:00

When Barry, Manna's food service manager, saw the barrel of cookies, he knew what he had to do... have a contest. He counted the cookies then posted a sign for all our guests: whoever guessed the number of cookies would receive a custom-prepared meal for two, plus the jar of cookies. One entry was allowed per dining session, and the competition was held for one week.

In the end, JT came the closest to the actual number (guessed within two of the 972 official count). And when it came time for JT to claim his prize, he asked for a bowl to share the cookies with everyone at the table. He also said that since he lived by himself, he only needed one meal, not two. JT's generosity really reflects the spirit of giving at Manna, be it from volunteers, staff or guests..

Be My Turkey Valentine

2010-02-14T15:57:00.004-05:00

Sarah, Annie and Paul were supposed to serve a meal at Manna on Saturday the 6th, but they were snowed out. So, to make up for the time they missed, they brought in Valentines goodie bags and flowers to go along with the Thanksgiving/Valentines food baskets that were distributed this past Friday.

In the past, Sarah made Rosary beads and sold them to benefit Manna. We are always inspired by what the young people in our community do to help care for people in need...

Caring... but Calculating

2010-02-07T09:07:00.003-05:00

As a nonprofit soup kitchen, it is natural that we are a caring organization. We welcome anyone who is hungry, and provide a safe place for people to come together and be fed. At the same time, we are very methodical in how we run our business. There is a budget in place; we never spend more than we take in. The surplus at the end of each year is invested conservatively, so that we have a guaranteed reserve in the event of an emergency.

When an individual or family asks for financial aid, we perform a thorough background check to validate the need. The checks are never paid to the individual, but to the landlord, utility company or health care provider. We even calculate our success rate of keeping people in their household (last year it was 94%).

In our partnerships, we align ourselves only with the best organizations in the community - agencies like the North Penn Boys & Girls Club, the Lamb Foundation, the North Penn YMCA, Keystone Opportunity Center, Laural House - those who have proven to make a positive impact on the people they serve. By working with and learning from our partners, we improve our operating methods.

We are indeed very calculating... because we care.

More Alike Than Not

2010-01-31T17:12:00.006-05:00

We (staff, volunteers, random folks who come through our doors) don't always dress the same, but it seems we do attract a certain type of individual. People who are kind and thoughtful; those who tend not to ask, "What's in it for me?" but, "What's in me for others?" No matter what you wear, perhaps you're the kind of person who would stop in...

Layers

2010-01-24T14:37:00.002-05:00

Richie (not his real name) is a young man who eats at Manna on a regular basis. He is always polite and appreciates what we do. Richie is a hip-hop artist and tells us he's on the verge of signing a music contract. He recently passed along a CD of his work for us to listen to. The language used in the songs might be offensive to some, but what emerges from the lyrics reflect the earlier hard times of his life: being a witness to a murder, having a nervous breakdown and a spiraling downward into the world of drugs. What is not so evident in his music is what he carries in his heart after his emergence from a troubled life: his faith in God, love for family and a striving to remain humble and yet focused on his goals.

It is often easy for us at Manna to look at a person as we see them today, and miss the things that have been layered in their lives. That is why we do our best to listen to their entire narrative before we determine how we can serve them. And for those who a reluctant to share their stories, we feed them as best we can...