Musical guest: Cat Voltron (https://www.facebook.com/CatVoltronMusic)
Community moment: Adrienne Anderson
Featured speaker: Mike Marcus, Thelma’s Kitchen & Reconciliation Services

At Thelma’s Kitchen, we believe that food is more than nourishment — it’s a way to bring people together, foster understanding and build a stronger, more connected community. This talk will explore the history of redlining in Kansas City, and how our pay-it-forward café model creates a welcoming space where all are valued, and how small acts of generosity can have a lasting impact on individuals and neighborhoods in conjunction with restorative mental and social health services.

Short Bio:
Mike Marcus is the Community Engagement and Volunteer Manager at Reconciliation Services, where he works to connect volunteers, businesses and community members to meaningful opportunities that foster dignity and belonging. After 13 years in high-volume service industry work and management, Mike transitioned to nonprofit leadership, driven by his belief that food is central to building relationships and strengthening communities. Through Thelma’s Kitchen, he helps connect the community to RS’s mission of transforming Troost Avenue into a gathering place for all. Mike holds an MDiv from St. Paul School of Theology and lives in Kansas City with his wife and two daughters.

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