Jorge Daupub was forced to leave his home in Venezuela due to the violence that erupted across the country. When he moved to Central Florida he knew very little English and worked odd jobs. He felt alone and scared about his future.
After starting a new job at a local hotel, he learned about Second Harvest’s Culinary Training Program from a co-worker. Desperate for a more stable career, he went home to research the program. It seemed too good to be true. After learning about the different opportunities available for students after graduation, he decided to apply.
“When I found Second Harvest, it was such a relief,” explained Jorge. “The support system was a huge help. I didn’t feel alone anymore.”
Jorge is grateful for the new culinary skills he learned, as well as the life skills. “What I love the most is that I wasn’t taught to cook and then expected to figure everything else out on my own. Second Harvest taught me how to make a resume, work as a team, and lots of little things that help me be a professional. I realize how important these lessons are now that I have a job.”
Jorge is working at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. He hopes to continue his career with Hyatt and work with different cuisines and concepts.
The Second Harvest Culinary Training Program provides qualified, at-risk and economically disadvantaged adults with the culinary and life skills training needed to pursue a sustainable career in the food industry. To learn more about or apply for the program, visit feedhopenow.org/culinarytraining.