Founded in August, 1987 by concerned members of the community, the Southside Community Kitchen (SCK) originally served meals to the hungry in south Lansing at Potter Park United Methodist Church. From the very beginning, the founders envisioned an interdenominational effort to address the needs of the hungry in Lansing. The Southside Community Kitchen engaged over 35 congregations and continues to be supported by people from many local church denominations in the mission to feed the hungry. When the Potter Park Church closed it's doors in 2006, the Southside Community Kitchen moved to Christ United Methodist Church on Jolly Road. Christ United Methodist Church hosted SCK for 10 years. We are grateful for their partnership. For nearly four years we served at St. Casimir's. As of March 2021, we are partnering with the Unitarian Universalist of Greater Lansing on south Pennsylvania. After completing necessary kitchen upgrades, we re-opened our doors on October 11 and are serving people in need at our new location. Meet our Staff
Marcia Beer, Executive Director Marcia Beer joined the Southside Community Kitchen in January of 2013. Marcia brings a heart for service and a background in non-profit organizational management and Christian Education. She loves bringing people together who desire to make a difference in the community. Marcia is a certified ServSafe Food Handler and Food Service Manager.
Joanne Boss, Assistant Director Joanne Boss, has served faithfully with the Southside Community Kitchen for over 24 years. Joanne schedules volunteers for food prep, serving, and clean up workers and is in charge of our dining areas- making sure each guest is welcomed and served with a smile.
Raina Gilbert, Hospitality Assistant Raina Gilbert is our newest staff member. She assists JoAnne Boss with hospitality, assembles children and youth lunches in the summer, transports food to Galilee, accepts and stocks items donated to the kitchen.
Corey Marie Kitley Hassenger, Lead Cook Corey is the newest member of our team. She brings her experience and creativity to her work with volunteers. Corey heads up the preparation of our Monday and Wednesday meal prep and service. Corey is a certified ServSafe Food Service Manager.
Timothy Beer, Janitor Tim is our chief grime fighter. He makes sure the tables and chairs are set up and taken down. He also sweeps, mops, and takes our trash out. We are committed to recycling and composting, Tim is vital to this effort.
Southside Community Kitchen Board of Directors
The Southside Community Kitchen is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. We have an all volunteer Board of Directors who meet monthly to provide direction and oversight to our program. Each director supports the mission of SCK with generous donations of time, talent and money.
Board of Directors Anthony Patrick, President Kimberly Gools, Vice President Karen Saad, Secretary Pamela Baker, Treasurer Kim Cotter Jennifer Cronkhite Diane Dykstra Phyllis Easton Fred Galloway Laura Ray Ex-Officio Marcia Beer, Executive Director JoAnne Boss, Assistant Director