Wellness Chef

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Position Title: Wellness Chef
Department: Pathways Transitional Housing Program - Life Skills Lessons
Location: Whittier, CA
Commitment: one Tuesday every month or every other month, 5 pm to 8 pm
Position Available: Immediately
Contact: Joy Morgen, Development and Outreach Coordinator, joy@unitedfriends.org .

About the Pathways Program and Life Skills Training: Independence doesn't happen magically when anyone turns 18. However, we have a unique opportunity and, in fact, a responsibility to provide foster youth ages 18-23 with the support that will allow them to prepare for self-sufficiency. In Pathways, we do this by surrounding them with positive role models, creating enduring relationships, challenging them to better themselves, and providing them with the safety net of a service-enriched transitional living program. Weekly Life Skills classes bring youth together for interactive educational sessions, providing residents with a sense of community and the opportunity to gain valuable "real life" experiences in a supportive setting. Life Skills workshops take place in Whittier on Tuesdays from 6-8 pm. Presentations last about 45 minutes to an hour, and are followed by a community meal.

Position Description and Duties: Volunteers with a culinary flair are needed to prepare meals for United Friends of the Children's Pathways residents living in transitional housing sites in Whittier. Volunteer Wellness Chefs will be asked to make a monthly commitment and prepare the community dinner for 25-30 foster youth and program staff on Tuesday evenings, as part of the Life Skills seminars. Wellness Chefs will also be asked to purchase all ingredients for the meals, but please note that UFC does cover the cost of the meal. To educate our youth on nutritious meals, Chefs will be asked to a share recipe and make a short (5 minute) presentation from the prepared meal. The Wellness Chefs will have access to the Pathways edible garden (located at the Whittier site), and receive the opportunity to participate in our annual Cultivate LA fundraiser. Cultivate LA brings together the finest Los Angeles restaurants, specialty food vendors, and wine makers from throughout California at one of LA's most scenic private estates. This year's event will celebrate the food diversity of Los Angeles, with a focus on street food culture. The Wellness Chef position will work with Pathways youth on having a booth at the event, and preparing a creative dish to serve guests. Volunteers will receive two free tickets to attend the event (a $350 value).

Volunteer Process: Volunteers are recruited for open positions until the positions are filled. They are selected based on their skills, commitment and availability. Prior to beginning service, volunteers are required to attend an orientation, get fingerprinted, and pass a background check. UFC is seeking to build a meaningful, long-term relationship with its volunteer community and is looking for volunteers eager to connect with our organization’s mission and youth. Please note: it may take up to three weeks to be processed after attending an orientation.