How Christopher's Kitchen Is Transforming Community Support | Sunday Spotlight

Within the walls of the Children’s Home of Pittsburgh and Lemieux Family Center, Joni D’Alessandro is well-known. Professionally trained as both a hairstylist and nail technician, Joni hails from an Italian background where culinary delights hold great significance. Consequently, food serves as her primary means of expressing care and affection, ensuring her kitchen always stocks up on non-perishable items.

D'Alessandro stated, 'We step in when you need us.'

She’s there offering much more than just nourishment while also keeping her stepson, Christopher's, legacy alive. She stated, “I don’t do anything withoutChristopher being present in it.”

When Christopher took his own life, he was just 16 years old. "Only those who are part of that exclusive group, and nobody wishes to join this group, truly understand the pain," explained D'Alesandro.

Initially, as part of her grieving process, she offered to help out with painting nails at UPMC Children's Hospital.

She mentioned they shared stories of their kids, recounted aspects of their lives, and described arriving as a middle-class family but departing destitute.

D'Alesandro mentioned that parents would frequently use their funds daily just to purchase essentials such as water bottles and food. This prompted her to conceive the idea of establishing a round-the-clock free community pantry and kitchen within healthcare facilities, specifically designed for the parents and caregivers of young patients.

Currently, there are two Christopher’s Kitchens located within UPMC Children’s Hospital, and an additional pair at Children’s Home, which serves as a transitional space for young patients exiting the hospital.

"The families are entirely devoted to caring for their children, as they ought to be, yet they also require support. This is precisely what Christopher’s Kitchen offers," stated Taylor Dozier, the Director of Development at the Children's Home of Pittsburgh and Lemieux Family Center.

In a matter of days, they might only be here for some feeding training, but they could stay for months if they're awaiting things like at-home nursing care.

Thus, Christopher’s Kitchen currently assists around 13,000 families annually through the efforts of dedicated volunteers alone. “We’re neither doctors nor nurses, nor caregivers; we aren’t social workers either—we simply step in when someone needs immediate assistance,” stated Kate McDermott, one of the organization’s volunteers at Christopher’s Kitchen.

A swiftly growing need led the nonprofit to establish 16 hydration points at nearby hospitals. Grateful parents express thanks for the meals and sustenance as they spend numerous hours beside their children’s beds in the hospital.

Christopher’s Kitchen operates entirely through donations. " Pittsburgh is simply a fantastic city for this sort of initiative, which enabled us to step in here; I believe we represent the epitome," D'Alessandro stated.

Each penny gets reinvested into the nonprofit to supply additional meals for those caring for children in hospitals during difficult times. This initiative essentially conserves our community’s resources, reducing their efforts, expenses, and worries while ensuring that Christopher’s legacy continues to inspire.

The non-profit organization can always benefit from volunteers, donations, or community members organizing a food drive. To learn more about Christopher’s Kitchen and discover ways you can contribute, simply click on this link for additional details. here .