Toni’s Kitchen

“TK has helped me express my feelings. I have been reaching out and telling people how I feel – I’m not scared to do it anymore. A life without love is empty.”

“It’s nice to know there’s a place like Toni’s Living Room to stop in when there’s nowhere else to go, especially when the weather is bad.”

“Toni’s Living Room provides a warm, relaxing, friendly environment for anyone who enjoys reading, watching movies and playing board games.”

“You guys really put your heart into everything. Whenever you walk in here you feel welcome and comfortable... The way you do it really makes a difference in our lives.”

“Everybody has a story. Many voices, music uplifting. I’ve always walked away with a full belly and changed spiritually, smiling, happy, Oh My God.”

“If you come once, you will want to come again – you won’t be able to resist. You can’t come to Toni’s Kitchen only once. I really miss it when I can’t come.”

“The atmosphere here at Toni’s Kitchen nurtures a feeling of comfort, lightness and laughter.”

Services - Beyond Soup

As well as providing food to the needy, Toni’s Kitchen also provides the following services:

Skills Training Program

Guest at computerThe Skills Training Program is comprised of several desktop computers, a fax machine, printer, and phone.  Guests may use the Program to conduct searches, prepare resumes, or stay in touch with family members.  Volunteers are always available to assist with technical issues, help set up email accounts, and guide those guests who need assistance with learning to navigate. 

The Computer Room is open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Beginning in September, additional skills training services will be available.  These services will included individually tailored training using our recently upgraded computers.  Thank you to The Montclair Foundation for making these new services possible!

Mental Health Services

The Mental Health Association of Essex County makes two counsellors available to guests of Toni’s Kitchen every Thursday during the mid-day meal.  These invaluable services are made possible through a grant from Pantry Partners, funded through the Partners for Health foundation. Many, many thanks!

Health Screenings

Toni’s Kitchen offers a variety of health screenings on site, including regular blood glucose testing and blood pressure monitoring.  Thank you to the Montclair Health Department and Mountainside Hospital for partnering with us to provide these screening opportunities!  We also provide informational sessions on issues of particular interest to our guest population.  These include: foot care during the cold weather, dental care, personal hygiene for those without homes. 

Toiletries and Warm Necessities

Many of our guests lack the financial resources to purchase basic personal hygiene items.  We ask the community to donate toiletries to us for distribution to our guests.  Shampoo, soap, razors, washclothes, tooth brushes, toothpaste, deoderant, all are needed.  These items are distributed regularly after the lunchtime meal.  In addition, during the cold weather, we distribute hats, scarves, gloves and warm jackets.  All donations are welcome! 

Musical Entertainment

Several times a month, volunteer musicians play for our guests during lunch. The TNT Ramblers, from Temple Ner Tamid in Bloomfield, come once a month and play guitar, banjo, and piano.  Kirk W. joins us often on Saturdays and other local musicians join us as they are able. We dance, we sing and we enjoy the moments! We are always looking for musicians to share their talents!

Toni’s Living Room

Guests watching TVDuring the cold weather, the dining area of Toni’s Kitchen is open to guests on Sunday afternoons to enjoy a warm, safe place to socialize, play Scrabble or Monopoly, and enjoy a light snack. We also open Toni’s Living Room during certain holidays when public buildings are not available to those without homes.  The computer room is open as well and guests may work on resumes or job searches.  Families may volunteer together.

Health and survival guidance in a “one on one” ministry program for the neediest guests.

Help in preparing income taxes and other forms for government assistance.

“Library on wheels” to provided fiction and non-fiction books and current magazines for guests.

© Toni’s Kitchen 2010 – All guests are welcomed as Christ, because He will say, "I was a stranger and you took me in." - Matthew 25:35