The Ottawa Mission provides vital shelter to people who have lost their homes. The company's food service training program is one of many services that provide you with what you need to succeed.
Twenty-six students graduated from the program on Thursday. For graduate Raven Spade, this is the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
“It's very emotional,” she told CTV News Ottawa. “My goal is to work in the kitchen.”
Spade moved to Ottawa from Thunder Bay to improve her life and that of her children, and the program taught her skills to move forward.
“I arrived at the shelter and I was basically starting from scratch,” she said.
Chef Ric's students learn what it takes to work in a commercial kitchen and the connections to start a new career.
“This is important because it's just the tip of the iceberg. Now they're successful. They've done everything they need to do to be successful, and their lives have changed,” said the Ottawa Mission's says director and chef Rick Allen Watson. food service.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Food Service Training Program, which began in 2004. According to the mission, there have been approximately 350 graduates since the program began, and nearly 90% have found employment in the restaurant industry.
“One of the things about this program is that we have a lot of connections and a lot of people who can help us on our journey,” said Nathan Adaka, who also graduated Thursday.
“When I think of this as my hand, it makes me realize how far I have come,” he says, proudly holding up his award.
The program emphasizes how successful the mission is. It's more than just basic shelter. It provides primary care, dental clinics, hospice, language and vocational training.
“On top of that, we still serve 3,000 meals a day and 246 people sleep here every night. So it's more than a shelter, but it's still a very necessary service,” Ottawa said. Mission CEO Peter Tilley said.
For graduates like Spade, it's all part of the recipe for success, and she says she's showing potential in her own children, too.
“I can do it, and I did. I'm very happy and grateful.”