Despite his dedication and impressive kitchen skills, Jalier had trouble getting a job after graduating from our Culinary Training program in April. His background and lack of formal experience was a roadblock. When a position opened in our Catering kitchen, we saw his potential and offered him the job. Today, he is our talented Catering Production Cook.
At just 12 years old, Jalier began cooking for his five younger siblings while their mom worked long hours as a Certified Nursing Assistant. What started as an obligation became a passion. He loved seeing people truly enjoy his food. For years, people recommended our culinary program, but life in the streets consumed his focus. When he was laid off in 2023 from an uninspiring job, he decided to take the leap and enrolled.
The class didn’t just equip him with practical skills; it changed his entire outlook on life. He now has goals he never would have considered before. While he has always strived to be a good father, he has come to realize that self-care is just as important as caring for his kids. By balancing their needs with his own, he has strengthened his relationship with them, becoming a more present and engaged parent while ensuring he isn’t neglecting his physical and emotional health. He recently earned his driver’s license for the first time! He wants his children to have stability and opportunities he didn’t have.
Having spent years caught up in day-to-day survival, Jalier never learned essential financial skills. Through CK’s financial literacy courses, offered as part of the Culinary Training program, he was introduced to new concepts that opened his eyes to new possibilities. He learned how to check his credit score, responsibly open new lines of credit, and build a financial future. Since graduating, his credit score has steadily improved, he’s begun researching loan options and plans to enroll in a homeownership class soon.
“CK has changed my life by motivating me to be more positive. Before the class, I didn’t like talking to people, to find opportunities. I didn’t even want to have a job. I wanted to be on the streets. But now, I like talking to people, I laugh, I have conversations. Now I really want a job, I want to fill my resume up and prove that I know what I’m doing. I couldn’t do any of that before.”
His favorite thing about working at Cathedral Kitchen is that it allows him to channel his creativity and passion. He loves the trust and independence he’s given in the kitchen, where he can experiment and bring new ideas to life. His ultimate dream is to open his own restaurant. He envisions a rotating menu that keeps customers excited, offering a diverse range of cuisines and surprising people with the unique dishes he creates.
Jalier’s story is a testament to the power of opportunity, perseverance, and the impact of a supportive community. We are so proud of him for achieving his goals, setting an example for his family and others from similar backgrounds, showing that change and opportunity are possible.
