Food Services Training Program Graduates 25 Students to New Careers and Lives

Ottawa, ON – Today The Ottawa Mission celebrated the graduation of 25 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 FSTP valedictorian Amanda. “I found out about the FSTP while working through a local addiction treatment program. I’ve always had a passion for cooking and wanted to gain the culinary training I needed to start a new career and life.” Amanda has flourished in the program and now has two part-time jobs through The Ottawa Mission: a kitchen prep cook and Mission food truck assistant.

“This program is so supportive. The kitchen staff at The Ottawa Mission and Chef Ric’s are always available to answer any question you might have. I didn’t have much hope in my life before this program. I really love the program and the people here. I have met so many mentors and friends. When I first started, I wasn’t sure that I’d be able to do it. Now I have a lot of confidence in myself and my skills.”

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 260 applications 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 I expanded the program this fall to accommodate even more people who need help,” Allen-Watson noted.

In attendance at the graduation ceremony were representatives from the RBC. RBC has provided generous ongoing support of the FSTP over many years, which has now surpassed $500,000. The Mission is extremely grateful for RBC’s continuing support over the years, including spearheading innovative programming like the FSTP mentorship program. Donations like this make programs like the FSTP possible.

“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 2024-2025, The Ottawa Mission provided emergency shelter to an average of 187 men every night and served an average of 3,312 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
aleo@ottawamission.com