Nitzaida is 24 years old and the proud mother of a five year old son named, Dariel. She came to the United States to learn English and become a "professional woman". Upon learning that she had been accepted into the Lazarus House Culinary Training program she explained, "I am trying really hard to be a good role model to my son and to show him that with hard work and dedication everything is possible."
Jonel and Jomielyz are the children of Yomaira. She came to Lazarus House for housing but hopes she will soon find a way to support her family. She shared, "It is important for me to be able to take care of my family both financially and spiritually without needing assistance . . . I believe at the end of this class I will be ready to work for a restaurant and be prepared to give my children a better life .. ."
For Maribel taking the Culinary Training is the fulfillment of a dream. "I feel I have a talent for cooking," she said with a big smile, "and I knew I would love being in the kitchen learning new cooking skills My immediate goal is to pass the training and find a reliable job. I also want to get Safe Serv Certified and continue my education so that in the future I can be a chef."
The Culinary Training program is offered to adults at or below the poverty level who seek a career in the food services industry. Executive Head Chef, Elaine Chirichiello, from the Andover Country Club, volunteers her time teaching participants in all facets of the food services field with the help of "guest chefs". Trainees receive 160 hours of high quality training and 500 paid hours of extensive "real world" experience at local restaurants in the Merrimack Valley region. They also get classroom instruction to prepare for the National Serv Safe Certification examination.
As the class gathered to learn the latest trends in cooking from Chef Guerrero, owner of Café Azteca, you could feel the excitement build and their intense concentration while learning to cook his signature dish, Pollo Pablano. Guerrero commented, "The students were interested to learn all they could, listened carefully and asked very good questions. The morning went by quickly and through this program I was happy that I had a chance to give back to the Lawrence community."
Michele, a past student in the Culinary program and currently a cook at the Irish Cottage was thrilled to come back to the program and share her experiences "on the line". One day she hopes to become one of the "guest chefs" and teach the class.
Since 1998 more than 72% of the students who have completed the Work Preparation program at Lazarus House have found steady employment.
The Work Preparation program at Lazarus House was developed to move people out of poverty and homelessness. A sponsorship of $3,000 will finance one culinary trainee's 3-month externship at a local restaurant. To find out how you can help email Ray Joyce or call (978) 269-5212.
