The Breaking of the Bread
By: Tito F. Williams II
Enjoying a meal, wether it be hot or cold, sitting down or on the the go, pan sered or microwaved, is often taken for granted and over look by most, going through out the day thinking "I want to have (blank) for breakfast, I have a taste for (blank) for lunch, and lets eat out tonight." For some, thoughts such as these are but an unobtainable feat. For those on public assistance, in temporary housing, or homeless, the concept of a guaranteed meal is an inaccessible luxury. Food stamps are available however can run out before the end of the month and soup kitchens can be a demoralizing a depressing experience.
Why not provide a full restaurant experience for those in need of a meal. 4 days a week from 3:00pm - 5:30pm this is possible. As one enters the doors of Broad Street Ministry's sanctuary, he/she is greeted by a lovely host, free to sit at a table of their choosing as music moves through the space. Cloths cover tables, topped with decretive center pieces, thirst quenching ice water, and apatizing bread. Volunteers fan out to assist and mingle with the guest entering the doors as the days dinner prepared by Chef Steven Seibel makes its way from the kitchen to the stage in the sanctuary. Here meals are plated and then served to the tables by volunteers. Guests enjoy a hot professionally chef cooked meal, seated serving, and warm inviting faces. This experience at Broad Street Ministry is what is known as Breaking bread.
I spent a total of three months assistant managing Tuesdays breaking bread service. During that time, every Tuesday night I had the pleasure of witnessing one of the greatest displays of human peace and love I have personally ever seen. Broad Street Ministry's Breaking Bread service transcends a simple meal for those in need. The service provides a family. Individuals from around the city come and experience love with in this room. From friends taking part in the meal to volunteers and staff developing warm relationships with the guest that walk through the doors. Breaking Bread mends a distance cercomstances have created within those who hard times have fallen upon. As we Break Bread in filling stomachs, Broad Street mends a heart in hopes it may bare another day until the struggle has ended and better has arrived.
In response to the discontinuation of the AmeriCorps SISPA program, UArts has enabled selected participants to move forward with their intended community service by creating a comparable in-house program: UArts Community Scholars. Our three scholars volunteer with a partner organization, keep track of his/her service hours, and upon successful completion of the expected hours, will receive a grant via institutional funds. Here, Cody, Joi and Tito share and reflect on their service experiences.
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