“I’m going to try to make myself something bigger than I am. I’m going to be like Chef Kitty one day.” Those were the words of Kyesha after she graduated from the 10-week Fostering Wellness Workforce Readiness program.
Five students total graduated from the program on Friday, August 25th, including Michael, Kacie, and three siblings, Dahmon, Davona and Kyesha. The ceremony was held at the Hope Center at Pullen, with a feast prepared by the students. Each graduate walked away with new culinary knowledge, greater confidence and a ServSafe certificate.
“I learned how to make different sauces,” said Kyesha. “I learned how to make peach cobbler from scratch. The program helps you. If you don’t know how to cook, it’ll teach you things in the kitchen.”
The five graduates work in the kitchen to prepare the graduation meal.
The Workforce readiness program is a 10-week course focusing on culinary training, employment skills and leadership opportunities for young people with a history of foster care in Durham, Orange and Wake counties. The program is the result of a partnership between Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, The Hope Center at Pullen, Life Skills Foundation, Community Partnerships Inc., SaySo, Dress for Success and United Way of the Greater Triangle.
Graduation attendee and Wake County Human Services Senior Practitioner Tori Marshall wrapped up the day perfectly, “I’m proud to see them achieve such an amazing goal. They are excellent adults and I can’t wait to see them flourish into adulthood.”
We can’t wait to see where these five graduates go in life either and we’ll be here supporting them every step of the way. Congrats graduates!
Graduation Photo Gallery
