Delicious Solutions to Homelessness
"Opportunity is out there as long as I keep my mind focused on the positive."
Reggie Young is a member of a team of Project HOME residents hired to cook and package "Sister Mary’s Sinfully Delicious Cranberry Sauce." This employment initiative assists formerly homeless residents to enter the workforce by providing food service experience. Reggie lives at Project HOME’s JBJ Soul Homes, and is actively involved in many activities at Project HOME, including the resident advisory council, speakers bureau, and advocacy committee. Read on to learn more about Reggie’s newest adventure, as a cranberry sauce food handler.
How did you first hear about Project HOME?
I was experiencing homelessness and met Sister Mary and Sue Smith doing outreach in Center City.
In what ways are you connected to Project HOME?
I am alumni of St. Elizabeth’s Recovery Residence, a resident of JBJ Soul Homes, a member of the Resident Advisory Committee, an Advocacy Department volunteer, and an employee of Social Enterprise for the Cranberry Sauce Team.
How did you hear about the Cranberry Sauce Food Handler position?
I searched and networked within Project HOME. Last year another resident, who was the resident intern for Social Enterprise, told me about the position. I then followed up with Alexis Pugh in Employment Services to submit my resume. I was called for an interviewed and was hired.
What interested you about this position?
I saw this as an opportunity. I wasn’t employed before and wanted to do something positive, to have less idle time. I wanted to start here for a few months to do something.
What is your favorite part about working to make Sister Mary’s Sinfully Delicious Cranberry Sauce?
I take a lot of pride in being part of the team and making sure everything is right. My favorite part was filling the jars with cranberry sauce.
What are your next steps for employment?
I want to see if there are any other employment opportunities at Project HOME. The Project HOME community personally means a lot to me because they supported me in my transformation, not only in housing but in other areas. It all came through empowerment to help me break the cycle of homelessness and eliminate the cause of poverty in my life, as far as blowing my money on drug addiction. Opportunity is out there as long as I keep my mind focused on the positive.
Why should people buy cranberry sauce from Project HOME?
It is a very good product and very delicious. By buying this product it is also helping to aid us in our struggle to end homelessness. It’s like by buying cranberry sauce you are doing two good things, good for yourself and for someone else.
To see a segment from 6ABC news on Reggie and Sister Mary's Sinfully Delicious Cranberry Sauce, clck here.
Purchase Sister Mary’s Sinfully Delicious Cranberry Sauce, homemade by Project HOME residents HERE.
