b'DAYTODAY FULL PLATEPaul RatkovichThe Main IngredientWhite tablecloth service makes anyone feel worthy and lovedO ne of the many challenges rescue mis-Photo courtesy of Paul Ratkovichsions and other similar ministries face is addressing those experiencing home-lessness with dignity and a sense of worthiness. Many people experiencing homelessness are viewed as a burden and treated as second-class citizens. Often when the public provides food for those in need, it is leftovers, scraps, or discarded items. This only adds to a persons self-realization of feeling less than and unworthy. The Medford Gospel Mission in Medford, Oregon, has found a unique way to provide an environment where those living on the streetsreceived by the community. With nothing but can experience love and respect, and beword-of-mouth advertising on the street, the Main welcomed as valued members of society.Ingredient serves up to 200 guests nightly. Each In 2011, the mission launched a white table- night between 8 and 12 volunteers, mostly from cloth restaurant which is open to the public fivelocal church groups, wait on the guests and ensure days a week. The restaurant, called the Mainthey are given the same respect that you would Ingredient, is an upscale restaurant that offers areceive from dining at any other nice restaurant.completely free fine-dining experience to Med- The goal of the Main Ingredient is less about fords citizens who are experiencing homelessness.fine dining and more about building relationships. Just as with any typical fancy restaurant, individu- The volunteers are encouraged to engage with the als make reservations to dine. A hostess greetsguests to get to know them and to share about the them and escorts them to their tables. A volunteermissions program. Diners leave having enjoyed server takes their orders for a plated, four-coursea great meal, but more importantly they leave meal. Tables have fresh flowers donated by thefeeling loved and appreciated.Chef Paul served as the CEOlocal Trader Joes, real silverware, napkins, and aLife on the streets is rough. Its cold, danger-and founder of the Maui Dessertbasket of fresh, warm bread and butter. Duringous, and scary. Its such a blessing that for a few and Catering Company. He hasthe growing season, meals are often prepared withshort hours, those without a home can come in been in the culinary industry for over 25 years. For 10 years heproduce grown in local gardens that were createdfrom the elements to a safe, warm, and loving served as the head volunteerby members of the Medford Chamber of Com- environment and be treated as a special guest chef for the Orange Countymerce. After dinner, guests can enjoy dessert andrather than a burden. \x03Rescue Mission. He recentlycrafted coffee beverages by a trained barista in the retired to southern Oregon where he is currently theupscale bistro lounge. For more information about the Main Ingredient, convolunteer chef at the MedfordSince its inception, the restaurant has been welltact Trinity Beck at tbeck@medfordgospelmission.org.Gospel Mission.60 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024'