Coming from a background of crime, extensive drug abuse and multiple convictions, this woman is truly inspirational. Statistics say that two-thirds of felony offenders who are released from prison will reoffend; ending up back where they started. This time around Christy* knew that was not the life she wanted to live anymore. After spending over 8 years in a woman's prison, serving time for multiple drug charges, she decided to do something about it.

Christy was released from prison and within a month of being out came upon a brochure for our culinary arts training program. She decided to give People Serving People a call to see what this program was all about. Christy came in for the application process and met with one of the employment staff. She really opened up during her first interview and explained her life story.

Christy was a broken down person with low self esteem; but through it all she had true passion and motivation in her eyes. From that moment it was clear Christy would be a great student and would get out of this program everything she could. Christy's transformation from her first interview through the program and past year is nothing short of inspirational. Christy is truly deserving of the new beginning she has created for herself. Christy is currently working full time, cooking for a sober residential program, living on her own and raising her children

*Names changed for confidentiality.

Emily* was 21 when she arrived at People Serving People seeking shelter. While most women her age were just beginning to don the mantle of adulthood, she had already been a mother from her early teens to Avery and Javon, who were 8 and 3 years old.

Emily was faced with a prolonged search for housing, unemployment and family health issues. She sought to overcome her own struggle with mental health, Javon's speech and behavior problems, and Avery's post-traumatic stress following the 35W collapse when she was rescued from a school bus on the bridge.

Emily's Family Advocate at People Serving People helped her to enroll in therapy sessions while her son was evaluated by a speech/physical therapist. She was reunited with another advocate to provide treatment for her daughter's stress problems. The good news continued as Emily received the support necessary to help her move from the shelter to her own home.

A timid and exhausted guest at People Serving People a few months ago, Emily succeeded in laying stable foundations for her family and left us with renewed confidence and new friends. Family Advocates at People Serving People play an essential role in guiding parents through a vulnerable time, helping to point them in the right direction as they plan a more stable an healthy life.

Thanks to donations from community members that fund our supportive programs, families like Emily's get more than just a roof over their heads at People Serving People – they get the empowerment they need to have a better future.

*Names changed for confidentiality.

Faduma Hashi

One of the goals at People Serving People (PSP) is to help guests and its students feel they can lead self-sufficient lives. One of the programs offered through PSP to aid in achieving this goal is the Culinary Arts Training Program. In the case of Faduma Hashi, it allowed her to ultimately achieve the "American Dream."

A native of Somalia, Faduma's success did not come without struggle. "When I left Somalia, the civil war had just begun. People were killing each other. It was horrible. I never dreamed in a few years I would be doing this. When I arrived in the United States I heard about the 'American Dream.' I believed it and I decided I would own my own company," said Faduma.

When Faduma decided it was food she wanted to work with, she was directed towards PSP. She was desperately looking for a training program in the culinary arts that she could afford. Through a source at Goodwill/Easter Seals she was told about the Culinary Arts Training Program at PSP.

As many of us learn in life, we must start at the bottom and work our way up. Faduma was no exception. Upon beginning the Training Program, she was anxious to learn anything and everything about the food service industry. "It was so satisfying and gave me so much joy to feed people, to know that they had clean, well-prepared food, I was even joyful fixing onions," said Faduma.

Now, as a graduate of the program Faduma has opened her own cafe. In affinity with the star she has become, the cafe is appropriately named, Starlight Cafe. Faduma features a full menu that captures tastes from around the world. Most notably are her pastries that are mouth-wateringly delicious.

With her success, Faduma has not forgotten her ties to PSP. "I love the kitchen crew and PSP managers; they are the kindest people on earth," said Faduma. She credits her success to all her hours of training, dedication and support. Faduma also advises those who may be just starting off, "The opportunities are vast here and everyone should take advantage of them."

If you are interested in tasting some of Faduma's decadent desserts you can visit her at the Starlight Cafe, located in the Midtown Global Market, downtown Minneapolis.

You can also call orders in ahead of time for special occasions at: 612.871.STAR (7827).

To learn more about People Serving People's Job Training Programs call the Employment Coordinator at 612.277.0208.