HONORING MIKE

Mike began volunteering at Connections more than 10 years ago and has been cooking breakfast for our shelter residents on most mornings ever since.

It takes a very special person to cook breakfast at our shelter, let alone cook breakfast 3 to 4 days a week. Mike’s in the kitchen at 5am – yes, 5 AM! - with all the groceries in hand.

And, Mike does not just bring some milk and cereal. Before the sun rises, he's making hash browns, scrambled eggs, and fried bacon for the 18 residents of Hilda’s Place.

Mike is a steady presence in helping to ensure that each morning our shelter residents have a delicious, full meal to start their day. He’s also a steady presence for conversation and camaraderie, and he has built many friendships with the people we serve.

Going above and beyond the “breakfast cook duties,” Mike helps to keep the kitchen clean and tidy – no small task with new cooks coming in nightly to cook dinner – cleaning out the fridge and deep cleaning the stove and griddle. ​And, he always lends a hand for our annual summer picnic and Thanksgiving Celebration.

We’re proud to honor Mike for his commitment and immense generosity, and for the servant heart by which he works to help us build the relationships that end homelessness, one person – one hot breakfast – at a time.