ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A Central Florida program is helping people experiencing homelessness learn culinary skills, earn certifications and prepare for employment.
Pathlight HOME offers a 12-week culinary program at no cost to people experiencing homelessness. There are no eligibility requirements to participate.
For Diane Bargman, the program provided an opportunity to rebuild her life.
Bargman said she suffered a stroke about four years ago that caused significant damage and left her spending months in and out of hospitals. She said she eventually lost everything and could no longer do the jobs she had before.
Bargman was directed to the Salvation Army, where she received information about Pathlight HOME’s culinary program. Because she had experience with cooking in the past, she decided to enroll.
She said the chef leading the program took her under his wing and understood what she was going through.
“I showed up every day. He answered all my questions. He took everything that I needed to know. He was kind. He was warm. He understood my situation and now I get to do that for other students,” Bargman said.
The culinary program runs for 12 weeks, with participants attending Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Fernando Beaubran, director of career services, said participants learn more than cooking. The program also teaches teamwork, organization, life skills and digital literacy. Participants take part in workshops designed to help them develop skills for employment.
At the end of the program, participants receive four certificates, including food handling, allergen and banquet hall table setting certificates. They also receive employment services, including help with resumes and completing online job applications.
Beaubran said the program was created as part of a vision to provide people without housing another opportunity.
“It was Reverend Maxwell’s vision that while he was trying to provide housing for the unhoused, he wanted an opportunity for individuals to be able to go through a culinary program to enhance their employability skills,” Beaubran said.
Reverend Maxwell is the cofounder of Pathlight HOME.
The program has been running for more than a decade. In 2025, 36 people completed it.
Beaubran said housing and transportation are among the barriers some participants face when trying to find work. Graduates have received assistance applying for jobs with employers including AdventHealth, Disney and other employers in the community.
For Bargman, completing the program eventually brought her back to the same place where she had learned those skills.
After graduating, Bargman said she volunteered, became a cook and eventually began working at Pathlight HOME. She now works as an instructor and manager, helping people going through the same program she once completed.
Bargman is also back in housing. She said the Salvation Army helped her get into housing and paid for her first month before she was able to take over the payments herself.
“I’m extremely grateful. Everyone needs a second chance. This was my second chance, and now I get to help others go through the same program that I went through for this second chance,” Bargman said.
People interested in the culinary program can sign up through Pathlight HOME’s website or visit the center. Beaubran said participants just need to be willing to learn how to cook.