I've been a volunteer with Kitchen Angels for nearly twenty years, first as a substitute delivery driver and now doing delivery prep. I've helped in the kitchen, helped at events, and helped during the renovation of their building.
It's a pretty extraordinary organization, providing meals to a constantly growing population of homebound individuals for whom there is no other source of service, and doing it without charge. Theirs is the only program in the state that tailors meals to meet clients' nutritional needs. Originally intended to serve people under age 60, now more than 50% of their clients are over 60 because no other organization provides that level of service.
It's also an easy organization for which to volunteer. Staff go out of their way to make volunteers feel welcome and are always accommodating. Particularly during the pandemic, staff have taken extraordinary measures to make sure volunteers and clients are safe, something that seems to come quite naturally, given that the organization is focused on keeping clients safe, nourished and cared for in their homes.
It's an important part of the Santa Fe community and, given the level of support they receive from the community, it's clear that Santa Feans recognize its importance.
I’ve volunteered with Kitchen Angels for over 5 years now. I have never found a nonprofit more worthy of my time and effort than this one. I was welcomed with a thorough training and kindness all around. The volunteers I’ve encountered are some of the finest people I’ve ever met in Santa Fe. I see how hard the very small staff works - It’s amazing they can serve so many with so few admins. During Covid, things have gotten more serious and they put a lot of safety measures in place. I feel it’s one of the safest spaces to be in Santa Fe at this time. I’ve had several friends go on service as clients and speak about the good, quality meals. Santa Fe is lucky to have such a treasure as this organization in its city limits. I’m proud to call myself a Kitchen Angel!
Sorry to hear about The volunteerˋs experience of a clique at K A.
As a nurse I’ve volunteered a lot ( well over 20 organizations) and have seldom experienced this; it can certainly knock the wind of enthusiasm straight out of a person. I’m not overly surprised though if it’s anything like my experience with the supervisor. I receive meals secondary to my health status now and I’m always stressed out when I have to call KA /supervisor. I always feel like I’m bothering, definitely disturbing this person and asking to much even when it’s a question ( such as - I’m sensitive to this, can we figure out another plan? the answer is NO! (But it’s the undertone of disregard and anger that is not pleasant). There is no hint of caring at all. I totally understand if you can’t but be nice to another human being.
I never call KA if I don’t get the right meal or someone doesn’t show up to deliver, I don’t feel safe, and don’t want to expose myself to the wrath of this individual.
Maybe this person is Burnt out and doesn’t realize the impact of the shared communication. So I have unfortunately just cancelled all extra frozen meals that I would really need. Such a « yucky » feeling again to interact with this individual, a front row representative of KA. I’m getting close to cancelling a wonderful service that I need, i was so enthusiastic when I signed up initially). I just do not want to be treated in this matter again! It’s not ok with me, I DID NOT sign up for this and I don’t want other recipients to be treated in this matter.
There are so many things I like about KA it is an amazing service, you provide good healthy food but there is no way, as a nurse and a recipient of meals, that I would recommend the service to a vulnerable, sick person that is often fending for her life and is challenged when making decisions.
I’m even concerned about repercussions writing this. I’m gonna get slammed and somewhat belittled again!
In talking to other Santa Fean recipients ( because I wanted to know if this was a collective experience) they have expressed the same sentiment , and just don’t call because of their interactions with this supervisor.
As a nurse for over 20years in all kinds of settings ( national, international, SF college /UNM Teacher schools of nursing, travel RN, palliative, public health…) I felt I needed to say something. When I think of other people that are vulnerable being treated this way, the advocate in me has To step up. Where is the gentleness and empathy for another? .…I don’t want anybody else treated the way I have been.
Kitchen Angels board members and advisors please consider and revise. I usually do not get involved but I just had to let you know.
Ultimately, I thank you for providing service , aid, food to our phenomenal community.
From a healthcare professional and meal recipient
Good intent - clique-oriented volunteer staff does not welcome newcomers - very poor to
no supervisory personnel overseeing the kitchen volunteers prepping and cooking - unfriendly and weird elder volunteers in kitchen prep do not help newcomers to the kitchen and create a "caste system" - all said, I walked out - twice.
Kitchen Angels prepares and delivers nutritious and delicious meals to homebound people with chronic illnesses who live alone and cannot shop for or prepare food on their own. Approximately 125 people are served five days a week. For many of the clients, the smiling volunteer who delivers their meal is the only human contact they have on any given day. Kitchen Angels operates with a small staff of 2 full-time and 3 part-time employees who over-see the more than 200 people who participate in cooking and delivering each week. I've been involved with this organization for over 12 years and am awed by the service and devotion this group offers to our community!