Katie joined the No More Empty Pots Mosaic Volunteer Team at the Food Hub a few weeks later than the rest. She was shy and reserved, hanging near a dear friend, Tiff. Katie could be coaxed into conversation but if she lost her train of thought would say: “I lost it in my brain.” or “I forgot”. She rarely gave herself time to contemplate but shrugged it off immediately. Since she’s been coming to the Food Hub consistently now, she has learned what to expect and has taken to the garden. At the end of each shift, we always share our favorite part of our time together. Katie always says, “the garden” with a smile. Recently, she picked a perfect pepper and brought it to the Food Hub to clean, slice and share. Only she didn’t share it, she gobbled it up! But the best part was when she told about her favorite part and said, “I’m your favorite, that’s what I like best.”
The Mosaic Volunteer Program engages specially-abled adults, like Katie and Tiff, in our community who are looking for career training. By participating in this program, they receive gardening, food handling and serving instruction, as well as engagement with the NMEP staff, volunteers and community. This partnership has created an environment where individuals not only learn skills but are able to be their authentic selves and contribute value in a meaningful, inclusive and safe space.
For more information on the NMEP Mosaic Volunteer Program, contact Audrey Woita at awoita@nmepomaha.org
WE WANT YOU TO KNOW YOUR VOICES ARE HEARD
Two weeks ago, we announced that we were making a major change to Cups Café at Little Italy by making it an event-only space. While the demand for an event space exists, there are many factors that went into making this decision that we did not make lightly. We want to ensure we support the community in the best way possible while being good stewards of resources, providing meaningful programming and consistent customer service.
No More Empty Pots wants you to know that your concerns matter and we’d like to invite you to chat. Join us on October 16 at 6pm for a Community Conversation about the cafe with No More Empty Pots CEO, Nancy Williams. Light snacks will be provided.
We’d also like to invite you to visit Cups Café at Florence located in the Food Hub. Enjoy your favorite Cups Café specialty drinks and taste food made by local entrepreneurs and Culinary Workforce Training Program students.
