Cathedral Kitchen in Camden, New Jersey, is feeding more than just appetites, with support from our PSEG Foundation, they’re serving a generous platter of hope … something we all need in our lives. By training residents for new careers, serving over 100,000 meals each year and creating a welcoming space for lasting friendships, they’re transforming lives daily.
“We’re grateful for the generous support from the PSEG Foundation of our Culinary Arts Job Training Program, which provides unemployed and underemployed individuals with the opportunity to build meaningful careers and transform their lives and their families’ lives, while positively impacting our community,” said Carrie Kitchen-Santiago, executive director at Cathedral Kitchen.
The Culinary Arts Job Training Program offers a free 15-week course that equips students with essential culinary skills and cooking methods, along with certification in ServSafe food safety and sanitation. Graduates receive job placement assistance, with over 86% of graduates finding employment within three months.
But this program is more than just a path to land a job – it’s a second chance for many, a reminder that they still matter.
“I was kind of apprehensive about how I would be accepted here because of my past, but Chef Nai told me that your past does not determine your future, and that it’s a building block that propels me in a position to be successful. There are some bright personalities here and they showed me how bright I can be,” said one graduate.
The course’s intimate setting allows for the chef instructors to connect with the students on a personal level and provide support beyond the kitchen’s walls. Students receive help with childcare, housing, building credit and much more, and many graduates become emotional when sharing how loved and seen they felt while in the program. One thing is very clear: Cathedral Kitchen genuinely cares about its people.
“We give them hope that they’re able to fix their lives,” said a volunteer. “Hope that there’s someone here to help you and it’s someone that really, really cares about you, and it’s us.”
While they excel at providing employment opportunities for the underemployed and overlooked, the largest emergency food provider in Camden also has one core program that’s served the community for 40 years – its meal program.
Cathedral Kitchen opens their doors as a location for community nourishment, bridging the social isolation gap for many of the community members during its meal program.
“If folks linger, they’re more likely to develop community; with each other, with us, with the volunteers,” said Carrie.
Open Monday to Friday from 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 1 p.m., the dining room provides guests hot and nutritious meals served “restaurant style.” Visitors can also receive take home bags containing additional food, toiletries and necessities.
For many, Cathedral Kitchen offers a sense of community, emotional security and safety not found elsewhere. Within these walls, new friendships blossom, bright futures are forged and healthy companionships are built, all while creating a sense of belonging for everyone who walks through the doors.
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