The time hits 11:30, Head Coach Jeff Hans greets the first guest with a big smile and a handshake.
“Welcome in” he said, as the guest thanked him.
The next thing the guest sees is the team captain, Mya Meredith, at the counter, with a big welcoming smile on her face as she greets the guest.
She greets them warmly, “Hey, welcome in, how are you doing today?”.
More and more guests rolled into the Parish Kitchen on Madison Avenue as the team got to work like they do on the court.
For more than 90 years, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Covington has provided numerous necessities for neighborhoods all across Northern Kentucky.
Grounded in Catholic social teaching and the Gospel call to serve, the agency promotes dignity, healing and self-sufficiency through programs that help address food insecurity, homelessness, incarceration, mental health and many more.
Each year, Catholic Charities provides over 57,000 hot meals at the Parish Kitchen, a ministry that serves anyone in need with dignity and compassion.
James Wendeln, the Manager of the Parish Kitchen, has given back to his community his whole life.
“It means a lot to be here and give back to the community,” he said. “We love when groups come to serve the community. We host many different groups, like the NKU women’s basketball team, and we would love them to come back to do it again.”
Wendeln has ties to Northern Kentucky University as his daughter is an alum, but was also on the national title team back in 2008 when the team overcame a 12-point deficit to defeat South Dakota to win the NCAA National Championship for the second time in program history.
Amy Bauer, the Assistant Volunteer Manager, has worked at the Parish Kitchen for eight years and loves to give back to her community. She was excited that the team was helping serve.
“It means a lot to serve the community, and it means a lot to us that the team is here to help us,” she said.
Hans, who just came off his first year of coaching here at NKU, wants to give back to the community that supports them.
“We are excited to be here to help out our local guests and serve them lunch today,” he said.
Meredith, who is a fifth-year senior, said, “I am excited to give back with my teammates.”
The Norse showcased their relationship and unity with one another, but also with their community.