The Kitchen, Inc.
Meleah Spencer has extensive experience in various leadership roles, including Chief Executive Officer at The Kitchen, Inc. and Executive Director at Discovery Center of Springfield. With a background in alumni relations, annual giving, and membership development, Meleah has a proven track record of cultivating and developing donor prospects. Spencer's career has also involved sales management and retail store management at companies such as Hallmark Cards. Meleah holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, Public Relations, and Business Administration from Drury University.
The Kitchen, Inc.
We bring stability and purpose to people who are homeless. The Kitchen, Inc. operates on the Housing First philosophy. That is to first provide stable housing and then meeting other basic needs. Studies prove once basic needs are met, individuals are more likely to focus on additional areas of their lives and make positive progress. Affordable Housing Developments: The Kitchen, Inc. has developed several properties in Springfield to meet the need for safe, affordable, and desirable housing in the area. Our properties include Beacon Village, Franciscan Villa, McClernon Villas, and Spero Place. Emergency Shelter: The emergency shelter s a short-term intervention designed to move individuals off the street and to meet basic needs. A client will typically use emergency shelter for 90 days or less. Community Housing: Community Housing is designed to help families and individuals quickly exit homelessness and return to permanent housing in the community. Case managers work with clients to set goals that will help them achieve long-term stability. Home at Last: Funded by Supportive Services for Veteran Families, this program offers rapid re-housing and homeless prevention for veterans and their families. The Rare Breed Youth Services: The Rare Breed Youth Outreach Center provides homeless and at-risk youth ages 12-24 a clean, safe environment to meet with case managers and access services including showers, laundry, a computer lab, and a meal. The Kitchen, Inc. is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA). To learn more about COA, please visit www.COAnet.org.