One of Chef Ric’s new employees is Mercy. Originally a nurse from Ghana, Mercy fled her home in 2019 because she was about to be forced into a marriage. Upon arriving in Canada, she had difficulty securing the support she needed to feel safe, included and valued — until she enrolled in The Mission’s culinary program.
“Getting into this program was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” she says. “Coming here, I felt accepted; I saw that everyone wants me. This program gave me hope — I saw it not only as an opportunity, but also a career. Cooking for the community, I finally saw myself fulfilled. Waking up every morning and having this responsibility, it gave me joy, it gave me happiness.”
Mercy graduated in May 2021 and works in the Chef Ric’s baking department. She also deals with inventory and customers at the point of sale. “This has increased my confidence and self-esteem. I’m so grateful to The Mission.”