Food Services Training Program graduates 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 Julia Godin. Laid off from her previous employer last year, after applying for many jobs and receiving no offers, she came across the FSTP and applied. “But this time—I didn’t get a rejection, I got an opportunity. From my very first interview with Hilary, and that trial shift in the kitchen, I knew I had found the right place. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I was where I was meant to be,” she noted.

Another graduate is Evelyn Addison. Originally from Ghana, she relocated to Canada in January. “I was so impressed with this program. Beyond the skills and training they provided us; it was inspiring to learn from and attend lectures delivered by such a diverse range of people. It showed me how so many people from different – and difficult – backgrounds have been able to make it in this industry, and it gave me hope that I could do it too, she noted.

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 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 expanded 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
aleo@ottawamission.com