Poverello House celebrates graduates of culinary workforce development program

Photo by Ben Hensley | Graduates of the Culinary Workforce Development Program were recognized by Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer and leadership at Poverello House on Monday for completing the program.

published on June 29, 2026 – 3:10 PM
Written by Emi Obrero

Poverello House celebrated the graduation of 11 participants from its Culinary Workforce Development Program on June 29 at its campus at 412 F St. in Fresno.

Program instructor Matthew Simons opened the ceremony by highlighting the program’s role in preparing participants for employment and thanking the City of Fresno and Mayor Jerry Dyer for their continued support.

Simons recognized the graduates for completing weekly full-time paid culinary training, gaining hands-on experience in Poverello House’s commercial kitchen, completing Mental Health First Aid training and earning ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification.

Poverello House CEO Zack Darrah then recognized each of the 11 graduates by name. The graduating class included Edward Conley, Gregory Lamb, J’Lissa Outerbridge, Mark Klimecki, Rebecca Body, Roy Davis III, Soledad Iribe, Steven Sims, Tina Guevara, Veronica Gonzalez and Wallace Walker.

Dyer congratulated the graduates and praised the pilot program for helping participants develop the skills and training needed to qualify for employment.

The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from Simons and a prayer led by Dyer. Appetizers prepared by the graduates were served following the ceremony.

Through its partnership with the City of Fresno, Poverello House hired individuals living in emergency shelters to participate in the paid workforce development program.

Throughout the program, participants helped prepare meals for people in need while completing workshops on food safety, equipment use, leadership, communication, conflict resolution, job readiness and workplace expectations.

Poverello House said the program is designed to help participants build work history, develop job skills and prepare for careers in food service and hospitality. Several graduates have already secured employment.