There are moments when hard work, courage, and hope come together in a way that feels truly transformative. The graduation of Providence Ministries’ Foodworks program—our second class of 2026—was one of those moments.
On Friday, April 17, friends, staff, and supporters gathered to celebrate not just the completion of an eight-week training program, but the perseverance and growth of four remarkable individuals: Shannon Gillick, Mark Davis, Jorge Perez, and James Paul Bourget.
The ceremony opened with a blessing from Resident Support Counselor Susan Fournier, grounding the celebration in gratitude and reflection. From there, Associate Director Michael Nowak welcomed attendees and shared the heart behind Foodworks: a program designed to equip individuals facing barriers to employment with practical culinary training, essential workplace skills, and renewed confidence.
Over the course of eight weeks, students immersed themselves in classroom learning, hands-on kitchen experience, and real-world service through Kate’s Kitchen and Margaret’s Pantry. Along the way, they built not only technical skills, but also the habits of reliability, accountability, and teamwork that are essential for long-term success.
A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of industry-recognized certifications. All four graduates earned their ServSafe Food Handler Certificates, demonstrating their knowledge of critical food safety practices—from proper hygiene to preventing cross-contamination. Shannon Gillick went even further, earning both the ServSafe Allergens certification and the prestigious ServSafe Manager Certification. These achievements reflect an advanced level of training and responsibility—preparing her to lead with confidence and ensure the safety of others in any food service environment.
In a powerful and personal moment, Susan Fournier shared her own experiences living with food allergies, underscoring just how meaningful this training is. Her words reminded everyone present that the knowledge these students carry forward has the potential to protect and care for others in very real ways.
As the ceremony continued, graduates were invited to share reflections, joined by words of encouragement from staff and guests. The room was filled with pride, gratitude, and a deep sense of community.
Finally, with the presentation of diplomas, the moment became official—but what it truly marked was a beginning. Each graduate leaves Foodworks not only with certifications in hand, but with new skills, renewed purpose, and a path forward. At Providence Ministries, we believe in the power of opportunity, dignity, and second chances. This graduating class is a testament to what’s possible when those values take root.
Congratulations to our Foodworks graduates—you’ve earned every step of this journey, and we can’t wait to see where it leads next.
