About Germaine's
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About Germaine's •
The Mission and Program of Germaine’s Culinary Inc.
Germaine's Culinary Inc. will empower people experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve self-reliance through careers in the food service industry.
Trainees will learn culinary skills while preparing hot meals for delivery to homeless shelters and transitional housing. Designed to build confidence and independence, Germaine’s curriculum-based program will ensure student success through hands-on training alongside professional chefs.
Board of Directors
Germaine’s Culinary Inc.
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Lori Irish Bauman
Executive Director and President
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Shaili Parekh
Secretary and Treasurer
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Kelsey Allan
Board Member
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Cindy Dulcich
Board Member
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Sam Desue, Jr.
Board Member
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Jake Greenberg
Board Member
Follow the Germaine’s Journey
Germaine's Culinary Inc. will be modeled on a successful program operated from August 2021 to June 2023 by Catholic Charities of Oregon.
That program, named Germaine's Kitchen and Cafe, graduated five cohorts of students and delivered thousands of hot meals to those in need.
Graduates are now employed in the food industry throughout the Portland area.
Germaine’s Kitchen &Cafe
2021 - 2023
The Kuni Foundation supports expanded culinary training
Germaine’s Culinary Inc. is proud to announce a transformative $50,0000 grant from the Kuni Foundation.
With this generous grant we take a big step toward launching full-time, curriculum-based culinary training.
The Kuni Foundation is a leader in funding programs and initiatives that enhance opportunity, possibility and quality of life for individuals who experience intellectual or developmental disabilities.
We are grateful to partner with the Kuni Foundation in our shared mission to create new opportunities for people experiencing IDD.
Nourish & Flourish Kitchen Wraps Up
A Successful Summer Program
After twelve weeks and more than 1100 hot lunches served, Nourish & Flourish Kitchen Summer Program is in the record books. Five students learned kitchen skills and worked as a team to feed the clients of Clackamas Service Center.
Germaine’s Culinary and Community Partners Dream Big!
A world in which everyone who wants to work is prepared, supported and successful in the workplace. That's the world that the Germaine's Culinary team and community partners envisioned when they gathered on October 22.
Over 20 guests enjoyed a pasta dinner prepared by Germaine’s graduates, followed by a lively discussion of best practices in workforce development. The insights and ideas shared during the event will help guide Germaine’s Culinary as we expand training for individuals experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the visioning meeting!
A special thanks to Clackamas Service Center and Classic Foods for your support.
Two grants make the difference for Germaine’s Culinary in 2025!
Funds will help launch hands-on training
The James F. and Marion L. Miller Fund II of Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) just announced a $20,000 grant to Germaine’s Culinary Inc. to support culinary training for people experiencing intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Germaine’s Culinary is proud to partner with OCF, which works to strengthen communities in every county in Oregon through research, grantmaking and scholarships. To learn more about OCF, please visit oregoncf.org.
In addition, an anonymous donor awarded a grant of $20,000 in support of workforce development for people experiencing intellectual or developmental disabilities.
We are deeply grateful to these partners for believing in our mission.
Join us as we build a community that embodies our tagline: Everyone Belongs at the Table.