Germaine's Journey
•
Germaine's Journey •
The Mission and Program of Germaine’s Culinary Inc.
Germaine's Culinary Inc. empowers people experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve self-reliance through careers in the food service industry.
Trainees learn culinary skills while preparing hot meals for neighbors in need.
Designed to build confidence and independence, Germaine’s curriculum-based program ensures student success through hands-on training alongside professional chefs.
Follow the Germaine’s Journey
Germaine's Culinary Inc. is modeled on a successful program operated from August 2021 to June 2023 by Catholic Charities of Oregon.
That program, named Germaine's Kitchen and Cafe, graduated five cohorts of students and delivered thousands of hot meals to those in need.
Graduates are now employed in the food industry throughout the Portland area.
Germaine’s Kitchen &Cafe
2021 - 2023
2024
Nourish & Flourish Kitchen Wraps Up
A Successful Summer Program
After twelve weeks and more than 1100 hot lunches served, Nourish & Flourish Kitchen Summer Program is in the record books. Five students learned kitchen skills and worked as a team to feed the clients of Clackamas Service Center.
Germaine’s Culinary and Community Partners Dream Big!
A world in which everyone who wants to work is prepared, supported and successful in the workplace. That's the world that the Germaine's Culinary team and community partners envisioned when they gathered on October 22.
Over 20 guests enjoyed a pasta dinner prepared by Germaine’s graduates, followed by a lively discussion of best practices in workforce development. The insights and ideas shared during the event will help guide Germaine’s Culinary as we expand training for individuals experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the visioning meeting!
A special thanks to Clackamas Service Center and Classic Foods for your support.
2025
