Feeding Midland with Love | Inside Breaking Bread Kitchen

09/10/2025 59 min

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Episode Synopsis

In this episode of Good Work West Texas, hosts Cindy Payton and Leslie Crisp sit down with Shirley Almanza, Executive Director of Breaking Bread Kitchen, to discuss how this Midland-based organization is changing lives—one meal at a time.What began in 1986 with a single man feeding people from the back of his pickup has become a thriving community where compassion and dignity meet daily needs. Shirley shares heartfelt stories about the guests they serve, the volunteers who make it all possible, and the partnerships that keep Breaking Bread connected to over 30 agencies through the Midland Homeless Coalition.From understanding the realities of homelessness to finding joy in serving others, this conversation will inspire you to see people not by their circumstances but by their value and potential.Chapters00:00 – Intro00:54 – Meet Shirley Almanza and Breaking Bread Kitchen02:00 – The History of Breaking Bread03:00 – Serving Midland’s Homeless and Hungry05:00 – The Power of Collaboration and Faith-Based Service09:00 – Who Breaking Bread Serves12:00 – Misconceptions About Homelessness15:00 – The Heart Behind Nutrition First18:00 – A Day in the Life at Breaking Bread Kitchen22:00 – The Power of Dignity: Showers, Meals, and Hope25:00 – How Volunteers and Donations Make It All Possible27:00 – Volunteer Opportunities Through Every Neighbor31:00 – Understanding the Homeless Coalition38:00 – Collaboration Across Midland’s Nonprofits40:00 – From Compassion to Care: Helping Without Judgment45:00 – Shirley’s Faith and Motivation46:00 – Dreams for the Future of Breaking Bread48:00 – How the Community Can Support50:00 – Reflecting on Compassion: “Leave the Road, Take the Trails”55:00 – Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

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