Maddie finishing her shift at Café Options

Maddie finished the WOW program in October 2011 and was hired at Café Options in November 2011.

How did you hear about WOW?

I heard about it from my TANF (Temporary Aid for Needy Families) BDA (Business Development Associate) in May 2011.  I had started my GED and still needed to complete some work hours every month.  I told him that I had a thing for cooking and he recommended the WOW program.  I passed the intake and started a couple of weeks after that.

What was your first impression of WOW? 

I was surprised that it existed.  I had been in the Denver Human Services building so many times and I had no idea they had a kitchen and cafeteria up there on the 3^rd floor.

How has the WOW program changed you?

It changed me a lot.  I mean, I have a job now.  My kids go to day care.  I have something to do every morning.  I’m just more responsible.

What’s the biggest thing you learned in the program?

I have way better knife skills and I’m more careful about moving around sharp things.  I also know all the names of different kitchen utensils now – six pans, hotel sheets, cylinders, all this stuff.   I used to just say, “Hey, pass me that thing over there!”

Personally, I have more self-esteem.  I used to be all up in other people’s bubbles.  Now I feel confident to do my own a thing and be more respectful of others.  I like to keep in mind what’s going on with other people in their lives.  I still try to get other people to be happy, to get them to smile, but I’m calmer about it.  I can put my child side away now.  My kids and my friends still get that side of me though.

Can you tell me about going back to get your GED?

Last year, I was going to high school but just not getting much done.  I switched to the GED program and I just passed my science and social studies courses.  It works much better for me because it’s only twice a week, and the teachers help us out a lot more.  I’m much more of a visual learner and the style of teaching works better for me.  I should be completely done by May.

Is it hard to balance life with two children, a full-time job, and GED classes?

Honestly, it’s not that bad.  WOW set me up with CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program) that provides day care and they can even pick up my kids and drop them off.  It’s really not hard to balance.  You just can’t think about it too hard.  You set your mind to something and you do it.  I work because it’s just something that I have to do for myself and my kids.

What are three words to describe yourself?

Friendly, happy…and, I don’t know, let’s ask my co-workers. <They contribute helpful, ambitious!” >

What advice would you give to new students in the WOW program?

Take everything with a grain of salt and don’t take anything personally.  Everything is worth it in the end and you’ve just got to look at the big picture, but there will be hard days because you’re learning and changing your whole life around.

What’s your favorite dish to make?

Well, at home, it’s my famous Snickers Cake!  I made it off the top of my head one day, and now I make it every year for my friend’s birthday.  It’s basically a vanilla cake with a bottom layer of Snickers Bars…it’s so good!

At Café Options, I have to say I like to make the sandwiches, especially the Caprese.  It’s just so beautiful with all the colors of the tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella.

What’s next for you?

I’m thinking of taking more advanced culinary classes at the Emily Griffith Opportunity School.  Maybe become a sous chef!

100% of your ticket sale goes to supporting the mission of WOW: “to help impoverished women gain the skills and confidence they need to work their way out of poverty and become gainfully and permanently employed in the food service industry.”

Many thanks to Whole Foods Cherry Creek for their sponsorship of January – March classes.

FEBRUARY 15TH, 2012

Potatoes with Max MacKissock of the Squeaky Bean

In February, join Chef Max MacKissock of The Squeaky Bean to learn his culinary tricks for potatoes. Potato…pot-ah-to…Max begs to differ – there IS a right way when it comes to making everyone’s favorite root vegetable. Max will be teaching several different techniques to help you master the art of potato preparation, from simple roasted potatoes all the way to delicious gnocchi.  SOLD OUT!

MARCH 7TH, 2012

Veggie Burgers with Rachel Kesley of WaterCourse

Join Chef Rachel Kesley, executive chef of WaterCourse, Denver’s most popular vegetarian restaurant.  Chef Rachel will be teaching veggie burgers – good, tasty, homemade veggie burgers made of tempeh and wild rice.  REGISTER!

April 18th, 2012

Salmon with John Emanuel of Project Angel Heart

April’s class is led by Jon Emanuel, Executive Chef at Project Angel Heart, a Denver non-profit that delivers nutritious meals to improve quality of life, at no cost, for those coping with life-threatening illness. Jon has been has been a professional chef for nearly 20 years and has been cooking since he was in kindergarten.  Join Jon for this class and learn the way to make perfectly cooked salmon.  REGISTER!

JUNE 21st, 2012

Grilling with Tyler Wiard of Elway’s

Join Elway’s Executive Chef Tyler Wiard as he explores all things on the grill. You’d expect tips on Wiard’s USDA Prime steaks, but he’ll surprise you with seafood, other meat and lots of vegetarian options.  REGISTER!

JULY 18th, 2012

“Breakfast for Dinner” Kids Class with Jessica Berry of WOW

Drop off your kids at this “Breakfast for Dinner” cooking class!  Led by Jessica Berry, WOW’s Job Placement Coordinator and former sous chef, this class will have your children wanting to take over breakfast duty every weekend.  Recommended ages are 8-13 years old.  REGISTER!

Click HERE to purchase your ticket to WomenCook!

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Join us for our 8^th annual WomenCook! event benefiting Work Options for Women.  This popular walk-around dinner features some of Denver’s most well-respected and creative women chefs.

DATE

Monday, May 7^th, 2012

6:00 – 8:30PM

LOCATION

Temple Emanuel

51 Grape Street

Denver, CO 80220

PRICE

$125 for individual tickets

CONFIRMED CHEFS

Kathleen Kenny of Gateaux

Elise Wiggins of Panzano

Jennifer Jasinski of Rioja

Dana Rodriguez of Bistro Vendome

Aniedra Nichols of Elway’s Cherry Creek

Sheila Lucero of Jax Fish House

Lisa Bailey of DBar Desserts

Rachel Kelsey of Watercourse

Sandra Adams of the Hyatt

Look for Line 39 when you or your tax preparer is filling out your Colorado Income Tax Form this year.  Enter any amount you wish to donate, and you could help support the United Way’s 2-1-1.  The 2-1-1 is a free, multilingual service that is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week and refers callers to non-emergency health and human services.

Last year, the service aided more than 285,000 fellow Coloradans in finding vital services like shelter, food, rental assistance, utility assistance, child care, health care and much more.

Visit United Way to learn more about the 2-1-1 Fund and watch a video that demonstrates its impact.

WOW Executive Director Catherine Henry enjoys the festivities at Cafe Options

Colorado Gives Day has proved yet again what a community can achieve when working together.  Despite some technical glitches on the GivingFirst.org website, the campaign drew in over $12 million, exceeding last year’s contributions by 40 percent.  To accommodate those who had trouble processing donations, the Community First Foundation made the decision to extend the deadline 12 hours until December 7th at noon.

A generous $15,471 came in to support WOW programs.  Cafe Options was bustling all day with complimentary treats,  entertainment, and a live broadcast from 560 KLZ.  Interviews included representatives from Work Options for Women, FirstBank, Rocky Mountain Center for Performance Excellence, The Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute, YouthBiz and Community First.

Making a donation at Cafe Options

While most donations came in remotely, some customers contributed directly from the computer kiosks set up at Cafe Options.  Many loyal supporters and WOW board members stopped by the cafe to make donations and partake in the festivities .  New customers pitched into the donations jar after hearing about Colorado Gives Day and the mission of WOW.

WOW thanks all those who participated in this fantastic community event.  We’re already looking forward to setting some big goals for next year!

Donating to Work Options for Women on Colorado Gives Day, 12/6, is easy.  Just follow the instructions below:

1)      Go to www.givingfirst.org

2)      Click on the green Donate Now button

3)      Search for Work Options for Women

4)      When Work Options comes up, click again on the Green Donate Now button (on the right)

5)      Enter the dollar amount, click the box for Colorado Gives Day and any special instructions, then SAVE

6)      Then go to checkout

7)      Please Review your donation and then proceed to checkout.

8)      You will need to sign up for an account by providing your email address and a password.

9)      Go to your giving cart

10)   Then proceed to checkout

11)   Please enter your credit card and billing information

12)   Submit

Thank you in advance for supporting WOW!