May 01, 2022 A Social Impact Story: Sylvia Celestain
Seminole Ridge Resident, Sylvia Celestain, Graduates from Second Harvest Food Bank Culinary Training Program!
On February 12 of 2022, Sylvia Celestain attended a resident resource fair provided by Seminole Ridge Apartments that included several community partners. She had no idea that in doing so, she would be making a decision that would change the trajectory of her life and the life of her children.
During the Pandemic and as part of the Social Programs Impact initiatives, Seminole Ridge Apartments began hosting resource fairs as a method to bring much-needed services to residents while maintaining Covid-19 guidelines. The first resource fair hosted in 2022 featured Second Harvest Food Bank’s outreach team who participated to promote its Culinary Training Program. Their 16-week program, provided at no charge, takes place Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 2:00pm in person at the Food Bank over a 3-month period. Though offered at no charge, it still requires a commitment.
After learning that she qualified for the program and understanding how this opportunity could lead to a better life for her and her children, Sylvia took the leap of faith and enrolled in the program. When asked how she felt about the program, she exclaimed “Oh, I love it! Everyone at Second Harvest is like family. You should never be afraid to ask for help. They just want you to succeed.” When asked why she chose to participate in the program, she explained that “It was a sacrifice because I had to quit my job. I couldn’t work for 3 months so I had to get help with my rent. But I was doing this to learn something new. Something new that would help me grow and get a career. Sometimes you have to make that sacrifice to make a better life for your kids.”
After months of hard work and dedication, Sylvia graduated on Saturday, the 11th of June. She said that many, if not all, the funders who support the program offer job opportunities to the training program graduates.
“I have three interviews lined up already. I have my preference, but I will be happy with any of them. It depends on which one picks me up first!”
Seminole Ridge Apartments has been collaborating with Second Harvest Food Bank for multiple years, starting with offering the Summer Lunch program and then year-round meals during the Pandemic. This resident resource fair in February of 2022 was the first time the Culinary Training Program participated in on-site outreach. To learn more about Second Harvest Food Bank and the Culinary Training program, visit Second Harvest Food Bank www.feedhopenow.org.
Source: Anita Rodriguez, Impact Programs Director, Kairos Investment Management Company February 2022
