Meet Alynn Sampson, Executive Director at Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach (www.mtko.org).

Tell us a little about your business. – Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach is a hunger relief and outreach center for the homeless and near-homeless. Our mission is to relieve hunger, overcome homelessness, address addiction and provide outreach and advocacy in Lincoln. Everyone is welcome to walk through our open doors and get a prepared, nutritious meal two times a day, every day of the year. While on-site for a meal, guests can learn about the other outreach and homeless prevention services available at Matt Talbot such as housing, case management, assistance with acquiring vital identification documents, substance use counseling & evaluations, message/mail services for those who are homeless, shower and laundry services and assistance with basic and emergency needs. It is a safe and welcoming place where those who struggle can find respite, hope and pathways to greater self-sufficiency.

How did you get started in the business? – I’ve been working in the non-profit world for 18 years. I’m a huge believer in justice and equity-particularly food justice, so to be able to find work doing something I’m so passionate about is such a win for me. I completed my graduate social work practicum at Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach and really connected with the organization and mission. After completing my practicum, I became a board member and served on the board until I became Executive Director in August 2023.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – The biggest challenge I’ve faced professionally is proving myself to myself. I am my biggest critic and can easily talk myself out of believing I don’t know something when in fact I do.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Realizing I have earned and deserve a seat at the table and I’m happy to bring my own chair.

Tell us a little about your family. – My husband, Will and I have been married for almost 17 years and two children. Eli is 15 and attends East High School. He loves basketball and the Celtics and has turned his own mother into a big fan. Our daughter, Everly is eight and attends Robinson Elementary School. She is involved in competitive gymnastics and a Girl Scout. We are in the time period of Will and I spending most of our evenings and weekends transporting kids to and from different activities.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Sleep in, then wake up, sit on the couch with a cup of coffee and enjoy a quiet empty house.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I am fairly an introvert. I’m really great being “on” but once I’m done, I’m done and require lots of alone time to recover.

Who inspires you? – So many people. My Mom has always inspired me. She’s a fierce independent woman who takes no crap and has always instilled me the value of working hard and standing up for yourself. My sister who makes motherhood look like a breeze when I know it’s not. She inspires me on the daily to be a better parent. She makes it look like you can do all the things and be in five places at once and be physical and emotionally present. And my two kiddos. They inspire me with their cleverness, quick wit, moments of compassion for others and love they have for carving out their own paths.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Alynn.sampson@mtko.org | (402) 817-0618 | www.mtko.org