Emi Obrero<\/a><\/p>\nPoverello 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.<\/p>\n
\nProgram instructor Matthew Simons opened the ceremony by highlighting the program\u2019s role in preparing participants for employment and thanking the City of Fresno and Mayor Jerry Dyer for their continued support.<\/p>\n
\nSimons recognized the graduates for completing weekly full-time paid culinary training, gaining hands-on experience in Poverello House\u2019s commercial kitchen, completing Mental Health First Aid training and earning ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification.<\/p>\n
\nPoverello House CEO Zack Darrah then recognized each of the 11 graduates by name. The graduating class included Edward Conley, Gregory Lamb, J\u2019Lissa Outerbridge, Mark Klimecki, Rebecca Body, Roy Davis III, Soledad Iribe, Steven Sims, Tina Guevara, Veronica Gonzalez and Wallace Walker.<\/p>\n
\nDyer congratulated the graduates and praised the pilot program for helping participants develop the skills and training needed to qualify for employment.<\/p>\n
\nThe ceremony concluded with closing remarks from Simons and a prayer led by Dyer. Appetizers prepared by the graduates were served following the ceremony.<\/p>\n
\nThrough its partnership with the City of Fresno, Poverello House hired individuals living in emergency shelters to participate in the paid workforce development program.<\/p>\n
\nThroughout 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.<\/p>\n
\nPoverello 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.<\/p>\n
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