Meet Randi Krenzelok

This story is part of Council of Community Services’ WyoGives Interview Series, sharing conversations with the people who know the Council’s work best.

For Randi Krenzelok, Soup Kitchen Manager, the mission is simple and deeply important: everyone needs to eat.

Randi first learned about the Soup Kitchen through a friend, Chris Wolbert, who was preparing to take over for the retiring manager at the time.

“I learned about the Soup Kitchen through a good friend, Chris Wolbert, who was preparing to take over for the retiring manager at the time. He told me all about the program and asked if I would become his assistant. Because my husband worked at the coal mine, I had been staying home with my special needs son. However, once he was in school during the day, I found myself getting bored—so of course, I said yes! That was October 2021.”

Today, Randi serves as Soup Kitchen Manager. Alongside Joann, the Soup Kitchen Assistant, and teams of volunteers, she helps provide warm lunches to people in need 364 days a year.

“Through this role, I have truly learned so much more about the Council of Community Services and all they do.”

One story changed the way Randi saw the work.

“There was a woman living at the shelter who was having to start her entire life over again. She came to lunch every single day and eventually approached me to express how much she looked forward to that hot meal. While I did not know her full story, I knew it was incredibly painful for her.”

The woman was trying to find a job, but she did not have a car. She mentioned that a bicycle might help.

“Despite everything, she was fiercely determined to find a job. She did not have a car and mentioned she was hoping to find a bicycle to help with her job search. Her determination deeply inspired me, so when she asked me to keep my ears open for a bike, I did.”

Soon after, Randi found one.

“Soon after, I came across a practically brand-new bicycle just sitting in a garage, completely unused. When we gave it to her, she burst into tears, and I started crying right along with her! It was a powerful moment—I could not believe that something just left to collect dust could completely change another person's life.”

A meal, a conversation, a bicycle, and one more way forward. For Randi, it was a reminder that small things are not always small to the person receiving them.

“That specific experience entirely shifted my perspective. Working for CCS has made me deeply grateful, more empathetic, and far more understanding and compassionate. This position teaches you never to take things for granted and to be truly thankful for everything you have.”

There is a lot of work behind each meal served at the Soup Kitchen. There is planning, cooking, cleaning, coordinating volunteers, and trying to meet a need that can feel bigger than what one program can carry.

“Not everyone sees the full scale of what we do behind the scenes. Even when people do see a glimpse of the work, they often do not think it is enough. Sometimes, honestly, it feels like it could never be enough, and that is the hardest part of the job. However, the sheer gratitude shown by the people we serve makes every ounce of hard work completely worthwhile.”

For Randi, the reason she keeps showing up is clear.

“There are so many reasons, but the number one reason is simple: everyone needs to eat. For some, the Soup Kitchen is their only option for a meal. You truly never know when someone might suddenly lose their job or their income and find themselves unable to afford food.”

The Soup Kitchen gives people something they can count on while they work toward the next step.

“At the very least, our Soup Kitchen ensures that everyone can count on one reliable meal a day until they can get additional help and find their footing again.”

This WyoGives, Council of Community Services is raising $55,000 to support homelessness and housing programs. Your gift helps support the larger network of care that connects people to food, shelter, resources, and support when they need it most.

Support Council of Community Services this WyoGives and help neighbors in Campbell County find their next step forward.