NYC Rescue Mission

On our last day in the Big Apple, we spent the morning working in the soup kitchen of the New York City Rescue Mission. Donning hairnets, aprons, and gloves, we eagerly put our cooking skills to good use to help the soup kitchen prepare for lunch and dinner. 

The New York City Rescue Mission, America's First Rescue Mission, has been providing shelter, food, and resources to the people of New York City since 1872. With three floors and a capacity for 125 men, the Mission is currently expanding to add another three floors to accommodate up to 250 people, including women. It is scheduled to be completed by Mother's Day of this year. Lunch is reserved to current occupants, but dinner is open to the public and serves over 300 people. With so many mouths to feed, it was all hands on deck to prepare for the lunch and dinner services!  

The mastermind behind the menu is Candice. Her infectious smile and sweet demeanor reflected how much she enjoyed cooking at the Mission. The other established volunteers shared her passion to serve the homeless of NYC. We all worked to assist Candice in whatever way we could to prepare for both lunch and dinner. We split up into teams to cut crates of vegetables and fruits, clean, and serve food. Some people helped with cooking the lunch menu which included basmati rice and beans, chicken, and burritos. Candice kept the dinner menu a carefully guarded secret.  

After hanging up our aprons, we walked out of the kitchen with smiles, knowing that we helped feed those who were hungry that day. The environment at the New York Rescue Mission was so positive and supportive. With its efforts to expand, there is no doubt that the Mission will continue to do great things in the community.

-Tiffany Hoang, UHS Scholar Class of 2017