Former chef's theft prompts fundraiser for Georgetown nonprofit

Amen House's Russ' Kitchen seeks community support after employee's misuse of funds.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A former chef at Russ' Kitchen, a community kitchen operated by the Amen House nonprofit in Georgetown, Kentucky, pleaded guilty to stealing over $3,000 from the organization. In response, the Amen House is asking the community to help offset the theft through a fundraiser to ensure the kitchen can continue serving nutritious meals to those in need.

Why it matters

The theft highlights the challenges that local nonprofits can face, even as they work to fulfill vital community needs. However, the Amen House's response to rally community support demonstrates the resilience of mission-driven organizations committed to making a difference.

The details

Jacob Southworth, the former chef at Russ' Kitchen, pleaded guilty to an amended charge of attempted theft by deception after using the Amen House's credit card to gamble at a local gaming facility. Despite this setback, the Amen House, which operates Russ' Kitchen, remains determined to continue its work of ending hunger in Scott County by serving affordable, nutritious meals prepared with surplus food donations.

  • On Friday, Southworth pleaded guilty to the amended charge.
  • Russ' Kitchen opened this past November.

The players

Jacob Southworth

The former chef at Russ' Kitchen who pleaded guilty to stealing over $3,000 from the Amen House.

Amen House

A nonprofit organization in Georgetown, Kentucky that operates Russ' Kitchen, a community kitchen serving affordable, nutritious meals.

Russ' Kitchen

A community kitchen operated by the Amen House that serves lunch and dinner to the local community using surplus food donations.

Michele Carlisle

The executive director of the Amen House, which includes Russ' Kitchen.

Russ Bourget

A 12-year-old whose dream was to help end hunger in the community, and whose artwork and sketches are featured on the walls of Russ' Kitchen.

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What they’re saying

“We are determined that we can end hunger in Scott County.”

— Michele Carlisle, Executive Director, Amen House (wkyt.com)

“Drawing was a big part of his world. He always had sketching going on.”

— Michele Carlisle, Executive Director, Amen House (wkyt.com)

“We were doing about 27 cents per plate to put food in front of people here. So quite honestly, all donations help.”

— Michele Carlisle, Executive Director, Amen House (wkyt.com)

“The beauty of how this entire nonprofit works is we lean into donations from the community to make sure that we are constantly able to feed people who show up here.”

— Michele Carlisle, Executive Director, Amen House (wkyt.com)

What’s next

To help Russ' Kitchen keep food on the table and continue its mission to end hunger in Scott County, the community can donate through the fundraiser initiated by the Bourget family.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the challenges that local nonprofits can face, even as they work to fulfill vital community needs. However, the Amen House's response to rally community support demonstrates the resilience of mission-driven organizations committed to making a difference, and the power of a community coming together to support a cause.