CHEFS is a 12 month program that includes classroom instruction, hands-on kitchen training in institutional and restaurant settings, job counseling, and placement with coaching and follow-up. Professionals volunteer hundreds of hours to this outstanding program, imparting a "real" perspective of the culinary world and providing motivation and support to our clients. We are proud to say that 80% of CHEFS graduates acquire a place to live, and a better life through employment.

About CHEFS:
Who qualifies for CHEFS?
What do students learn?
Where do CHEFS intern?
Who are the guest instructors?
Where is CHEFS located?
How do I contact the program?
Watch the new CHEFS video

Success Stories

After a bad year, Janna found herself homeless and separated from her 8-year-old daughter, Deanna. She turned to ECS's CHEFS culinary training program for help.

Janna was an excellent CHEFS student, yet she was anxious to regain custody of her daughter. She worried that Deanna would think "that I didn't love her anymore."

Soon after Janna graduated from CHEFS with flying colors, she regained full custody of her daughter. They were both elated. Through CHEFS, Janna pulled her life together so that she could truly be there for her daughter.

Today Janna supports her daughter by cooking for a children's daycare center. "I love my job-I love cooking for kids," she asserts with a smile. "Without the CHEFS program, I wouldn't be where I am today."

Who is qualified to become a CHEFS student?

What do students learn?

Where do CHEFS intern?

Guest Instructors and Friends of the CHEFS Program

Where is CHEFS located?
Canon Kip Community House
705 Natoma Street (at 8th)
San Francisco, CA 94103

To learn how you can be involved, contact our CHEFS program staff:
Sandra Marilyn, Training and Employment Manager: (415) 487-3792
Sally Ray, Employment Specialist: (415) 487-3742
Bill Taylor, Lead Instructor: (415) 487-3747
Mallory Hasick, ECS Volunteer Coordinator: (415) 487-3348