July Spotlights

At HK, we are privileged to work alongside some truly extraordinary Wichitans. This month we are pleased to celebrate and introduce you to three individuals and groups that go above and beyond to help support our clients.

Volunteer Spotlight: Tate Jacobs

 

“All the clients are so friendly—I really enjoy talking to them.”

 

When the pandemic hit, Starbucks Manager and regular volunteer at our men’s clothing closet Tate Jacobs looked for ways to support organizations that were working on the front lines. The result was a relationship with HumanKind that we are very thankful for.

 

It’s important to Tate to connect people with local resources whenever he can. During the extreme weather in February, when he met a man in need of shelter, Tate used his lunch break to personally drive him to HK’s Emergency Winter Shelter. “He was new to the streets, so it was such a relief to see him in the shelter that night.”

 

Volunteers like Tate keep our programs running and our hearts full. Thank you, Tate, for your support.

Tate Jacobs and a fellow Starbucks colleague volunteering at the Women's Emergency Shelter.

Community Spotlight: KU School of Medicine Wichita

 

“We’re all human and we just need to know that someone, somewhere, cares.”

 

HK is fortunate to have recently started a partnership with the KU School of Medicine Wichita. 

 

Once a month, a group of medical students come active volunteers join HK Outreach Manager Jerry as he visits our unsheltered clients. There, they distribute basic needs such as water, snacks, toilet paper, and dog food; administer basic first aid, and perform basic health assessments. For clients that are not ready to move into shelter, this type of care can make a world of difference to their day-to-day welfare.

 

Students of the KU School of Medicine Wichita also operate the JayDoc Community Clinic in partnership with Guadalupe Clinic— a student-run free clinic for uninsured, indigent and vulnerable populations in Wichita.

 

Thank you, KU School of Medicine Wichita, on behalf of our unsheltered clients, for your care and commitment.

Four of the KU Med volunteers that join Jerry, our Outreach Manager on street outreach.

Staff Spotlight: Matt Lowe

 

“If you want to get the best out of somebody, you have to pour into them first.”

 

HK Director of Homeless Services Matt Lowe has only been with us for a few months but his impression on our organization is unrivalled by most.

 

A former shelter manager at St Anthony’s Family Shelter, Matt is no stranger to the homeless community and their unique and varied needs. He sees beyond each client’s circumstances and walks alongside them wherever they are. He is an advocate for investment in people and believes that with the right support it is never too late to turn your life around. This perspective and his own relatable, lived experiences make for strong, trusting relationships with clients (and many an inspirational staff meeting).

 

Matt truly embodies human kindness, and we are lucky to have him.

Director of Homeless Services Matt Lowe joined HK in April.
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