Today, Ginger's a Catalyst Kitchen Cook at LuLu's Kitchen, but it wasn't too long ago that she was brought to Campbell Lodge after rehab and getting clean and interviewed for a prep position at the newly opened LuLu's Kitchen.
"I feel like I finally have purpose," Ginger said. "I have a job and accountability. I have a family – people that love me, and I love them. That's a feeling I've never had working anywhere else."
When Ginger first arrived at the shelter, she says she was arrogant, but working at LuLu's has helped her learn and stay humble.
"I came in and knew the [kitchen] basics, but I had never been taught by a chef how to make stuff," Ginger said. "They've taught me how to make gravies and dressings and soups and sauces – all homemade!"
Because LuLu's Kitchen houses a café, a catering business and a culinary training institute, people like Ginger are provided with so many opportunities to grow. The chefs don't just teach the staff how to cook, but they give them the chance to put their skills and creativity into action.
"You don't get the freedom to explore new ideas other places like you do here," Ginger said. "I cook by doing – putting it in and tasting. Sometimes it's good, and sometimes it's bad. And when it's bad, I go to Chef and say, 'Help me!' And he'll help me and teach me why [it ended up as it did], and what I need to do [to fix it]."
Ginger says when people visit the café for the first time, they'll often comment on how good the food is. She attributes it to their not-so-secret ingredient: love.
"It's because we take our time and put love into it," Ginger said. "Our spaghetti sauce simmers for three or four hours. We love our jobs and want to make everybody happy and fat."
Now that Ginger's been at LuLu's for over a year in multiple positions, she's able to train other newbies in the kitchen teaching them some of the techniques she learned when she first arrived. Ginger loves what she does, and she's excited about her future at LuLu's kitchen and continuing to grow as a cook.
"This place gives me hope and faith and a new beginning," Ginger said. "If it wasn't for St. Matthew's House and LuLu's Kitchen, I wouldn't be here right now. They've saved my life, and I love them so much. If I could hug every one of them, I would."
Ginger preparing shelter meals for delivery
Ginger and Chef Joe
Ginger and Chef Victor