A Second Chance in the words of our graduates
"I have learned so much in this class. Six weeks ago I was unemployed and very discouraged. I knew I needed to make major changes but I didn't know how or what to do. I was very attracted to the model of employee-owned businesses, such as The Cheese Board and Arizmendi, so when I saw the newspaper ad for The Bread Project, I thought the class would prepare me for employment with one of these companies.
Nel, you have taught me so much. You've shared your love of food, your creativity and your standards. Even though you must have been frustrated at times, you kept bringing us new opportunities to make ever-more-wonderful things. When café customers came to the kitchen to compliment our work, I was so proud. Thank you, I'll never forget you.
Lily, your patience and unfailing support has meant so much to me. Over and over you told us not to let past problems or present difficulties get in the way of pursuing our goals. You helped restore my belief in myself. The practical things you taught about applying for jobs gave me more confidence in that process, and have made the difference for me - last week I was hired for a career position with a wonderful employee-owned and managed company. Every day I'll be using things I learned from this class. You make The Bread Project happen. Thank you, you're amazing.
Thank you to my classmates, especially my team members. Toward the end, I was starting to make profound changes in myself, my attitudes and my behavior, mainly due to your feedback. I could have used another 6 weeks, or maybe 6 years, to get it right, but I'll just have to keep on with those changes in my new job. Because of you I will be happier and more fulfilled in my work, and my future co-workers will thank you too!
I wish each of you great success and happiness in your paths, and may our paths cross again. Thank you again, and thank you, The Bread Project"
Janet McFarland
"I came to the Bread Project mainly for the certificate, so that I could market myself better to potential employers. Once I started taking the classes; however, I was surprised at how much I really did learn.
I would like to thank all of my instructors and everybody who's made the program possible, because there really are not many like it, and it is a true asset not only to the students who directly benefit from it, but to the whole community."
Milton Ruiz
"What an amazing nine weeks this has been! I am truly blessed and extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to participate in this excellent program. The level of expertise, knowledge, energy and integrity of the teachers and administration is admirable.
I would like to thank my teachers, Betsy, Judy and Tony for the excellent training that I have acquired; Lucie and Lily for their constant encouragement and constructive criticism and to Martin for being a caring volunteer and running the daily afternoon bakery. I would also like to thank my dear friend, Peggy Woodruff, for sharing the information about The Bread Project with me and encouraging me to apply to the program. Thanks to my family and friends for their constant love and encourgement to realize my talent, skills and potential. This program has changed my life!"
Adrienne White
"There are a few things that each of us gained during these nine weeks of training. Of course we gained a great deal of baking knowledge; that is for sure. But we also gained many tools that will help us gets jobs, which are as valuable as obtaining a certain degree of competence in baking skills.
I want to thank all the people who are committed to keeping The Bread Project alive and well. There are teachers in the kitchen; there are the incredible people who work hard in search of funding and teaching us the skills to find and keep a job. But let’s not forget about The Bread Project board members who receive nothing but our thanks for their commitment to our betterment."
Paul Goettlich
"During the nine weeks of training I had to miss so many days because of my health problems. Sometimes I just wanted to give up, but my classmates and teachers were there to talk and understand me. It was because of their support and prayers that I can say I did it. We all have learned something that will help become better people."
Thomas Dumas