Serving Up Purpose: Inside the Mission of Cyclone Bagels & Concern Housing
- S5E111
- 1:11:16
- July 5th 2026
Donna explores how Cyclone Bagels is redefining support for formerly homeless veterans by providing more than just housing; they are fostering empowerment through culinary employment, community connection, and a sense of belonging.
Key Topics Discussed
- The Mission of Concern Housing: Jim Mutton, Associate Executive Director, explains how Concern Housing has expanded over 53 years to serve approximately 1,800 individuals, focusing on supportive housing for formerly homeless veterans.
- Housing as Healthcare: The importance of providing stable, supportive housing—subsidized so veterans pay only 30% of their income—as the critical first step in a journey toward health and wellness.
- The Cyclone Bagels Model: Joaselyn Cruz, who transitioned from a high-stakes career at a two-time James Beard award-winning bakery to Cyclone Bagels, details how the shop is tailored to meet veterans "where they are".
- Veteran-Centric Operations: Shifts are intentionally kept short (four hours) to accommodate varying levels of mental and physical stamina.
- Therapeutic Environment: Beyond making delicious sourdough bagels, the shop serves as a venue for treating moral injury, fostering camaraderie, and creating a safe, inclusive community space.
- Ripple Effects: The impact extends to the neighborhood, where veterans act as mentors to local youth, creating surrogate family bonds and inspiring educational pursuits.
Guests
- Joaselyn Cruz: Director of Operations, Cyclone Bagels.
- Jim Mutton: Associate Executive Director, Concern Housing.
- Michelle Marcisak : Marketing, Concern Housing/Cyclone Bagels.
Support the Mission
If you are inspired by the work happening in Coney Island, you can support them in the following ways:
- Visit: Stop by Cyclone Bagels in Coney Island for a coffee and a bagel.
- Donate: Contributions can be made directly via cyclonebagels.com or concernedhousing.org.
- Follow: Stay updated on social media at @concernedhousing and @cyclonebagels on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Beyond The Frontline
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Beyond the Frontline is a podcast focused on one of the most critical and overlooked missions in military life: the transition from the Frontline to the Homefront. Hosted by retired Air Force nurse and seasoned transition mentor Donna Hoffmeyer, this show offers real conversations, practical guidance, and expert insights for service members, Veterans, and their families as they navigate life beyond uniform.
With over two decades of military service including roles in nursing, flight medicine, education, and policy. Donna brings firsthand knowledge and deep compassion to every episode. She holds a master’s degree in Sport Science, is co-author of Warrior to Patriot Citizen, and runs REBel LLC, a company dedicated to Veteran mentorship, consulting, and publishing.
Through interviews and shared experiences, Beyond the Frontline dives into the emotional, logistical, and cultural aspects of transition, from preparing early to finding purpose after service. Donna also draws from her blog Taking Off The Armor, offering thoughtful commentary on the challenges and growth that come before, during, and after military retirement.
If you're ready to turn experience into empowerment and uncertainty into a plan, this podcast is your next step.
Subscribe to Beyond the Frontline—where preparation meets purpose.
Donna is a 21-year retired Air Force nurse; with a career that spanned from nursing, flight nursing, education, training, readiness, and policy. Donna has a master’s degree in Sport Science and has co-authored her first book, Warrior to Patriot Citizen; focusing on ensuring service members are prepared for transition well before transition occurs. She also has her own blog, Taking Off The Armor, focused on all issues before, during and after transition and after retirement, as well as, a multifaceted business, REBel LLC, focused on veteran transition mentorship, consulting, and publishing her own work.