Community Kitchen Offers More Than Food

When arthritic pain, diminished movement and joint breakdown made it impossible for Gerri to keep her job, she gave up on life. Through support of The Salvation Army and sheer determination, she is back on track—not just coping, but living well.

“Before I came to The Salvation Army arthritis owned me,” says Gerri, age 40. “I couldn’t walk and was embarrassed. Depressed and unmotivated, I couldn’t pick myself up. The Salvation Army’s cooking class taught me new skills that boosted my self-confidence and fun, social participation helped me feel normal.”

The Struggle to Survive

Gerri’s first association with The Salvation Army was many years ago when she came for help at a food bank. Her husband had left her with four young children to care for.

“Not having the means to feed my kids was agonizing and degrading,” says Gerri.  “We would go for whole days without food. The food bank gave me peace of mind and the staff gave me hope that our situation would improve.”

Over the years, personal challenges caused Gerri and her family to utilize various Salvation Army services that included Christmas hampers, children’s camping programs and thrift store vouchers.

Gerri bounced back from her difficulties and learned how to survive and thrive. But, in 2013, when ill health forced her to leave her role as program manager at a women’s shelter, her dreams and aspirations came to a halt.

The Power of a Cooking Class

“The Salvation Army’s community kitchen in Vancouver helped me believe it was possible to regain a meaningful life,” says Gerri.

Existing to empower vulnerable people and improve lives, the community kitchen teaches new cooking skills, budgeting tips, food safety and nutrition that promote food security and independence.

“Participants often come to this program lacking confidence in themselves and their cooking abilities. They also want to learn about healthy eating,” says Carolyn White, program coordinator. “It is truly amazing to see the transformation that takes place over the four sessions.”

“I found something I love doing,” says Gerri. “Before I came to The Salvation Army I thought my arthritis had won. I felt hopeless and defeated. Today I’m looking at a business grant and proposal to open a mobile food truck. It feels good to be in control of my life.”

Note: Gerri is pictured on the far left of the photo