Frieda Hayward
 Frieda was 57 year-old and living in a shelter with her adult daughter and her 7 year old granddaughter, when she enrolled in the Philabundance Community Kitchen (PCK). PCK moved into the building housing the shelter to provide meal service to the residents 2 weeks before the commencement of Frieda’s class.
Frieda had not finished high school, nor completed a GED. Frieda had no work history on the books except a brief period in the 80’s when she owned and operated a small neighborhood restaurant. The restaurant was too difficult to maintain, so she was forced to shut down.
While challenging at times, Frieda approached living in the shelter and preparing meals for her fellow residents with integrity and poise. She was determined to get her ServSafe certification, graduate from the program, gain employment and move into housing of her own. Frieda was focused on achieving her goals and became an inspiration to many of the women shelter residents.
“While challenging at times, Frieda approached living in the shelter and preparing meals for her fellow residents with integrity and poise.” |
The week Frieda graduated she and her family moved out of the shelter and into a year-long transitional housing situation. Shortly after graduating, she was hired by Philabundance in a part time utility position. Time and time again she proved herself a reliable employee. Each day she came to work in the shelter where she once lived, she was able to show others the possibilities that are available for each of them. She did this by telling her own story and becoming an example.
She worked in the same position for just under 1 year. During that year, she saved and prepared to rent a house on her own. Then Frieda was promoted to a full-time shelter cook, with a pay increase and full benefits. She had turned down other similar positions before because the early morning hours would not work with her family obligations, but this shift was a good fit, and she took it.
Being employed full time with benefits, Frieda was able to get off of state assistance and food stamps. Almost 1 year to the day, Frieda moved out of transitional housing into a house that she rents with an option to purchase in the future.
Frieda continues to earn the respect and admiration of the women at the shelter through her commitment to work. She has worked for Philabundance for over 14 months and is highly valued by her supervisors, colleagues and customers. She is accomplishing her goals in a field she loves.
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