Hello Friends,


As a chef-instructor at Germaine's Kitchen, I saw our students experience a real transformation. Many came to us without any work history or kitchen experience - often scared to pick up a knife or use a stove. Yet by the end of the 16-week program every one of them cooked up an astounding quantity of food to feed their community.


The students did things they never thought they could - from prepping and packaging 200 meals in a day for our shelters, to making omelets to order, to converting recipes and interviewing for a job. Our students didn’t just learn culinary skills. They learned teamwork, organization, and professionalism. They flexed their creativity and got out of their comfort zones.


The real-life experiences and personal growth at Germaine's Kitchen prepared students for employment and independence. We saw 80 percent of graduates take jobs in the food industry. As one of the few workforce training programs adapted for adults with IDD, Germaine’s was critical in ensuring that people with disabilities not only live, work, and play in their communities, but thrive.


As many of you know, Germaine's Kitchen & Cafe was closed in June after graduating five cohorts of students. Now our community is coming together to revive training in a new nonprofit home, Germaine's Culinary Inc.


We need your help to bring this transformational program back to life. If our story resonates with you, please donate to Phase One, to fund a plan for financial sustainability.


We can't wait to do this together!


With Gratitude,


Chef Shaili