Create a sustainable and thriving catering business, staffed exclusively with students and graduates from the Culinary Arts program.
OUR MISSION
We equip individuals transitioning from homelessness and addiction with the culinary and life skills needed for lasting employment and personal growth. Grounded in the values of dignity, excellence, and Courageous Love in Action, we foster confidence, connection, and a path toward consistent success.
Launching Fall 2025, Tacoma Rescue Mission’s Second Course job training program is a 14-week journey designed to empower individuals and cultivate a passion for food and service. Through hands-on kitchen training, life skills development, and job readiness coaching, we prepare students to succeed in the food service industry—and beyond.
Participants will benefit from wraparound support such as transportation resources, housing support, case management, and a strong community that believes in second chances
a two-phase program for real transformation
Students begin by developing essential culinary skills including knife work, food safety and sanitation, kitchen terminology, basic math for recipes and scaling, and disciplined recipe adherence. From day one students will be aiding the Mission’s kitchen, preparing meals for hundreds of guests each day. They’re equipped with kitchen attire, knife kits, and a personal laptop to support hands-on learning and job readiness.
Building on their foundation, students will aid in menu planning, practice recipe development and preparation of meals and events. Plus, we dive into teamwork, soft skills, resume building, interview prep, financial literacy, email basics and online banking.
plans for the future
CATERING
EVENTS
Set up booths and stations at various events, such as the Washington State Fair. Inform the public about our great work and give them a taste of what we can do!
GOOD NIEGHBOR VILLAGE
Provide extended training opportunities for program members at the Good Neighbor Village.
