Conquering Homeless through Employment in Food Services
CHEFS is a 6 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 75% of CHEFS graduates acquire a place to live, and a better life through employment.
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?
• Individual qualify if they live in one of the following:
• On the street
• In a shelter
• In transitional housing
• In a treatment program
• In a supportive housing building
• In a SHEC building
• In a Care-Not-Cash building
What do students learn?
• All standard cooking methods
• Preparation of stocks and sauces
• Ethnic meals
• Vegetarian and Vegan Meals
• Kitchen equipment and terms
• Teamwork
• Nutrition
• Food safety and sanitation
• Menu planning
• Work readiness skills
