Hunger to Hope launched last week, and we are so happy to have Jade, Fancy, Chris, Gabe and Brenda on board! We kicked off the brand new worker training program by getting Food Handler’s Permits. Our participants are officially ready to go!Hunger to Hope is a 12 week program. Participants will spend most of the week in the kitchen, prepping, cooking and serving meals in the Friendship House Café. They’ll be learning various techniques and cooking skills from our Kitchen Manager, Tom Hoffman, who brings nearly 25 years of experience in the food service industry.

Once a week, the group will meet with Blake Westhoff, our Program Coordinator, to take Life Skills and job prep classes. They’ll learn important work ready skills like responsibility, prompt attendance, and effective communication. They’ll also gain interview and resume writing skills to assist in their job search.

At the end of the program, our participants should be prepared to succeed in the food service industry. Our overall goal is to provide homeless men and women with the self-esteem, employable skills, and supportive resources necessary to enter the job market and to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.