Chester County OIC would like to congratulate the three students that completed The Chester County Food Bank’s FRESHStart Kitchen Culinary Program on August 12th.

We would especially like to congratulate Daryll and Shaqueena as they walked into the doors of OIC over 10 weeks ago and were brave enough to start a new thing! We would lastly like to thank Chef Ranney, Chef Wayne and Ms. Amy and any other food bank staff for their hard work, dedication and will—- this program is about more than cooking!

The FRESHStart Kitchen is a 12-week culinary job training program provided by the Chester County Food Bank. Participants receive a set of professional cooking materials, ServSafe Managers certification, resume assistance, any many more assets for those looking to enter a culinary career. Call 610-692-2344 to learn about applying for the September 16th session.

The “I am OIC” program started a few years ago and continues to be a powerful way for our clients, staff, donors and volunteers to express why they are a part of the OIC Family. The following is a story submitted by Gina as she speaks about teaching in our ESL Program:

“I came to OIC as an ESL teacher, thinking about what I could give to students to adjust and develop their lives in the United States. Instead, the students and staff at OIC broadened my worldview and gave me the opportunity to use and share my experience and talents as an educator, manager, and writer. Thank you to all who helped me to be able to say, ‘I am OIC!’ I am successful because…I am OIC!”

If you have been touched by OIC we would love to hear your story on how you are a member of the “I am OIC” family. Please email cynthia@ericsonsms.com and include your full name and a paragraph on your experience. If you are comfortable please also attach a picture of yourself, note that testimonials may be included in OIC’s social media program and website.

Chester County OIC invites you to come, visit, and relax with us at our table at the Coatesville “Sounds of Summer” Jazz Series at Gateway Park Friday nights through August 23rd! Enjoy the improvisational sounds of Beebop, Cool and Contemporary Jazz, Cross Over, and many more artistic styles of music at this fun for everyone event. Be sure to bring a lawn chair, and don’t be shy to stop on over and chat with us about all the important work CCOIC is doing for the community!