our story
THELMA
Caring for her neighbor and sharing what she had came naturally to Thelma. Even when she only had a little, she would offer what she could. Love of neighbor was what drove Thelma “Matushka Michaila” and her husband Father Alexii Altschul to begin their outreach work and acts of mercy along Troost over 30 years ago. It began simply with feeding their neighbors who were hungry. Today, the work of Reconciliation Services consists of an intentional continuum of care, working to see reconciliation one heart at a time through strengths-based healthy community initiatives, social & mental health services, and creating economic opportunities. Thelma’s Kitchen is a healthy communities initiative of Reconciliation Services and aims to gather neighbors together over shared meals and with shared resources.


OUR MISSION
Our mission is to cultivate a community seeking reconciliation to transform Troost from a dividing line to a gathering place, revealing the strength of all. Thelma’s Kitchen is here to meet very real needs in our area for affordable food access and to gather people together for vibrant community life. When we serve together and sit and share a meal together, we begin to understand what it means to be community. Thelma’s Kitchen is a gathering place, where everyone is welcome!
Check out these short videos below to learn more about Reconciliation Services, Thelma’s Kitchen and why we do what we do:
History of Troost
RS PROGRAMS
Thelma's Kitchen
Meet The Team
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Natasha Bailey
Head Chef

Natasha Ellington
Prep Chef

Isha Jones
Prep Chef

Andrew Dessert
Front of House Coordinator