A Toni’s Kitchen Guest Story: “Walter”

(NOTE: This is part of a series of stories focusing on how we work to improve the lives of our guests at Toni's Kitchen. To see previous "Toni's Kitchen Guest Stories," please click here.)

At Toni's Kitchen, we know that neighbors who need food support also find other local services helpful in gaining independence and stability. For that reason, our Choice Pantry (CP) is managed by a Social Worker, Nancy Xenakis, who collaborates to bring other services such as mobile medical/dental services, nutrition counseling, mental health counseling, insurance enrollment, and other important services onsite during pantry hours.

"Walter" first came to Toni's Kitchen for assistance at the suggestion of his mother, who joined Toni's Kitchen Choice Pantry grocery program earlier this year. Walter was experiencing some mental health challenges centered around the fact that he was unable to find work in marketing since he graduated from college a few years ago. Toni's Kitchen Social Work Manager suggested that Walter come in and meet with Toni's employment and insurance coach. Walter came and participated in a few employment readiness sessions where his resume was reviewed. Walter and his coach worked on a job search strategy which included reaching out to his prior internships about employment opportunities as well as his university's professional development/career office.

Despite these efforts, Walter's mother recently shared that his mental health seemed to worsen. The Social Work Manager told Walter's mother about the individual counseling services that Toni's Kitchen offers to its screened guests with a licensed mental health counselor. Walter decided to pursue counseling and began with a number of sessions with Toni's counselor. The counselor suggested that Walter consider seeing a psychiatrist for an evaluation in addition to meeting with her. Walter pursued this and now has his mental health care established.

Walter's mother has expressed her joy in observing her son's progress, including recent job interviewing, and is hopeful about his future. She shared her appreciation of Toni's for all of the support and resources provided to her son. "I feel him slowly coming back," said Walter's mother, "and I am so grateful to all of you for helping us."

Toni's Kitchen is thankful for the deeply talented partners that work so collaboratively to make sure that all our neighbors can meet their most basis health and nutrition needs.