Food Services Training Program graduate 28 students to new careers and lives

Ottawa, ON – Today the Ottawa Mission celebrated the graduation of 28 students of its renowned Food Services Training Program (FSTP) trained at “Chef Ric’s”, the shelter’s social enterprise at 384 Rideau Street.

One of these students is Mark Rudolph, FSTP graduate and valedictorian. Originally from Montreal, he found himself in a halfway house in Ottawa after years of incarceration in the federal system. “What more can I say about this program other than it gave me some hope for life. I feel proud to be connected to The Mission, and I’m proud when I put on that apron that says, ‘Chef Ric’s.’ The fact that this program is basically entirely funded by the community and their kindness… it’s so moving,” Rudolph observed.

Rudolph noted the advantages completing the FSTP has given him as he progresses through his new career. “I was a dishwasher at a downtown restaurant when I applied for this program. I’m now working as a prep cook there, and with the skills and experience I’ve gained there and in this program, I’ll be working as a line chef soon,” he added.

The FSTP was created by Chef Ric Allen-Watson, The Mission’s Director of Food Services. Homeless at age 14, he knows the power of paying it forward. Ninety percent of FSTP graduates go on to careers in the food service industry. This success is one reason for the incredible popularity of the program, with over 250 people applying for this cohort.

“When I started at The Mission in 2002, I saw myself in the faces of the people I served food to. While it was satisfying, it wasn’t enough. That’s why I started the FSTP: to help vulnerable people more by supporting them to become independent. And that’s why we’ll be expanding the program this fall to accommodate even more people who need help,” Allen-Watson noted.

The FSTP is funded entirely by donations. With both homelessness and food insecurity at record levels in Ottawa, this program is needed more than ever. “Our incredibly generous donors have changed so many lives in our community for the better by your continuing support for this program. On behalf of our students, thank you so much,” Ottawa Mission CEO Peter Tilley concluded.

About The Ottawa Mission
Since 1906, The Ottawa Mission has been serving the homeless, the hungry and the lost by providing food, clothing, shelter and skills. In 2023-2024, The Ottawa Mission provided emergency shelter to an average of 187 men every night and served an average of 3,103 meals every day. The Ottawa Mission also provides to men and women health services, mental health and addiction treatment programs, hospice care, dental services, housing services, educational support, job training, spiritual care, and clothing to thousands in need in our community. In September 2020, The Ottawa Mission marked the one millionth hour that the shelter has been in existence since its founding in 1906. In 2019, the Mission became a housing-focused shelter reflective of its commitment to a home for everyone as a human right with the launch of a new housing department.

FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Aileen Leo
Director of Communications
T 613.234.1144 x 305
C: 613.712.3092
E-mail: aleo@ottawamission.com