New Cooking Program Offers Street Kids a Recipe for Success

Homeless kids are learning the skills they need to work in the hospitality industry through a new culinary arts program at Covenant House.

An opening ceremony, with the chance to sample fresh-baked cookies, was held on June 29 at the downtown youth shelter’s newly renovated, fully-equipped kitchen. The construction project was made possible with the aid of federal funding.

“Getting a job is one of the toughest challenges our kids face,” Covenant House Executive Director Ruth daCosta says. “This program will give our kids marketable skills so that they can get a real start on their way to independence.”

Led by a professional chef instructor, the six-week pre-employment program, Cooking for Life, trains young people for entry-level jobs through hands-on experience, including preparing some items in bulk for the residents’ meals.

Working in teams, participants also learn the professional conduct required to work in a fast-paced restaurant environment. Graduates can earn a safe food handling certificate and receive support to help find a job. And, they will be better equipped to cook for themselves when they move out on their own.

Chef Stephen Field, an instructor at George Brown College, heads up the program. Field has experience working with disadvantaged groups in the community.

Initially the program will be open to young people in Covenant House’s residential programs, but will eventually be available to youth in other city shelters once pilot testing is complete.

Toronto Federal MP John Carmichael joined Fairmont Royal York Hotel Executive Chef David Garcelon for the cookie baking session and launch event. Garcelon provided his expertise in the design of the kitchen and encouraged his suppliers, like TREND Foodservice Design & Consulting, to contribute equipment and services.

“We are most grateful to the federal government and our generous donors for making this dream a reality. We could not have undertaken this important project without their support,” Ms. daCosta says.

She estimates that about 110 young people will benefit from the training annually, and that the program will cost about $90,000 a year to operate.

The new kitchen was recently completed at a cost of $350,000 shared between government and the agency, with the support of donors, like the W. Garfield Weston Foundation and suppliers, including TRENDS Foodservices Design and Consulting, Hobart Food Equipment, Garland Commercial Ranges and Sysco Toronto.
Last year, the government awarded Covenant House more than $600,000, matched by the agency, for several much-needed repairs at its 21 McGill Street location, including re-stuccoing the entire exterior of the building, repairing stairwells, refurbishing basement space for future program expansion and renovating the kitchen. To date almost all of the projects have been completed.

As Canada’s largest youth shelter, Covenant House Toronto opens doors of opportunity and hope to homeless youth. More than just a place to stay, we provide 24/7 crisis care and have the widest range of services under one roof, including education, counselling, health care and employment assistance. Covenant House has helped thousands of young people move from a life on the streets to a life with a future.