Success Story:
Culinary Arts’ School Graduate Makes her Dreams Come True
Angely, South Carolina
Angely came to the United States with her parents at a very young age. As she got older, one of her greatest desires was to establish permanent residency in the United States. Upon graduating from high school, Angely worked on a farm with her mother. But she dreamed of becoming a professional chef, and she felt frustrated that her dreams seemed so far out of reach.
Angely first learned about the National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) posted at store while shopping. She was excited that she was eligible to join the NFJP, and she enrolled in July of 2017. Her goal was to participate in culinary training to obtain credentials to become a licensed professional chef as well as gain employment authorization. During Angely’s assessment with Lena, her workforce development specialist, she expressed her disappointment about not being able to afford the cost of a formal culinary arts school.
“I never thought I would get the chance to realize my dream of being a professional chef. I am so excited! And I am truly thankful to Telamon for helping me to make my dreams come true.”
Lena helped Angely develop a roadmap for making her dream come true of becoming a licensed professional chef. She completed job readiness training and gained skills that prepared her for the chosen field. With Lena’s support, Angely enrolled in Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) in the Professional Culinary Arts (Baking & Pastry) Class. Telamon helped her with course fees and other supportive services. Plus, Angely became a permanent citizen, obtaining her formal work authorization thanks to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Within two years of graduating from high school, Angely graduated from culinary school. Shortly after, she was accepted in the Disney Culinary Internship program in Orlando, Florida. As a result of her culinary skills and work ethic, Disney offered Angely a full-time chef position at one of their restaurants. Now she has her own apartment and is living her dream. Angely is a shining example of how motivation and determination, plus support, can empower you to reach your dreams!
Telamon-TRC’s Workforce & Career Services encompasses a broad array of customized work readiness and job skill training programs, focusing on helping farmworkers, and youth who seek to build skills and career paths. Work readiness and job skill development are often supplemented by language services (ESL), educational support (GED) and includes one-on-one counseling, group workshops and supportive services.
Since 1965 Telamon-TRC has helped individuals like you access services that lead to better jobs, better lives, and better communities. Find a Workforce & Career Services program near you today.
