Recently, Michelle found herself alone with three little girls under the age of five to support. She was trying to find a job so she approached the Lazarus House Work Preparation team for help in her search. Within a short time she was accepted into the pilot Food Preparation and ServSafe Certification (Food Program) program that was launched last September with a full class. Through this program Michelle gained valuable cooking experience by participating in eight-weeks of hands-on training and now is in a three-month paid internship at a local restaurant.

Michelle enthusiastically shared her thoughts about starting the program, "I was so excited to be chosen to be in the cooking class because all I do at home is cook; you can't get me out of the kitchen. I am now done with the class and get paid to cook in a restaurant - I feel independent! I am really, really thankful that Lazarus House was here!"  

Michelle is interning at the 'Irish Cottage Restaurant and Pub' and she will be hired as a permanent emplyee as soon as she graduates from the Food Program. The Executive Chef at the Irish Cottage, Monica Cote raved, "Michelle very quickly proved that her abilities exceeded what we were asking of her. She is able to work in a fast paced environment and has adjusted her schedule to work with us during busy shifts . . ." 

Michelle's inspiration for success continues to be her girls who are enjoying the benefits of her training acting as food tasters. She concluded smiling, "I just want to be able to provide for my girls so that they can go to college, finish school and be able to do whatever they want to do in life."

Our next food service class begins in the spring of 2011 with five new participants. Won't you consider sponsoring a student to bring a positive, permanent change to their life and the lives of their children? 

For more information about sponsoring a student for a three-month food preparation internship, to gain essential on the job training, please contact Ray Joyce at (978) 269-5212 or development@lazarushouse.org. What an incredible opportunity to reach out with your heart and give someone a new direction in life!