25 graduates from Ottawa Mission FSTP culinary job training program launch new lives
17 September 2026
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.
The FSTP provides free job training to those experiencing housing, income, or employment insecurity, offering a barrier-free path to independence and stability.
Amongst the graduates is class valedictorian James Simmill, who demonstrates how the FSTP unlocks opportunity for those seeking a fresh start. In his mid-40s, James is grateful for the opportunity the FSTP has provided as he’s moved on from struggles with addiction and the correctional system.
“The FSTP and The Ottawa Mission gave me a chance when no one else would.”
The FSTP provided James with culinary training, real workplace experience, educational supports, and more. “On top of all the kitchen skills, this program provides essential life skills. It teaches you how to conduct yourself, how to be respectful and respect yourself. It’s provided me with a range of opportunities that you can’t get anywhere else.”
Beyond James, each and every FSTP graduate has a similar story of hope, perseverance, and transformation.
Approximately ninety percent of FSTP graduates go on to careers in the food service industry. Today’s class saw 23 of its 25 students graduate immediately into gainful employment, including James.
This success is one reason for the incredible popularity of the program, with over 250 people applying for this cohort.
The FSTP was founded in 2004 by the Mission’s Director of Food Services Chef Ric Allen-Watson. Overcoming homelessness himself as a young person, he wanted to give back. “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. The program continues to grow in leaps and bounds,” Allen-Watson noted.
The FSTP is funded entirely by donations. With both homelessness and food insecurity at record levels in Ottawa, this job training program is needed more than ever. “Job training programs like the FSTP are crucial in preventing and ending homelessness. Our incredibly generous donors have changed so many lives in our community for the better through 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