Partner Agency Spotlight: Hope House – May 3
Author: Stacia Olsen
Let’s shine the spotlight on a local partner dedicated to making a difference in the lives of homeless women.
Hope House offers a compassionate and respectful environment for up to 100 women seeking shelter each night. Part of that environment includes building community and friendships over the three meals offered daily.
Dulcie, the kitchen supervisor, can be seen making weekly trips to the Second Harvest warehouse to pick up a variety of food. What you can’t see is the unique circumstances that lead Dulcie to this role at Hope House.
Dulcie started a cooking journey at age 25 after being diagnosed with a gluten intolerance and being inspired by other women chefs. Working as a prep cook and eventually a line cook, Dulcie learned many techniques and plating skills at a variety of different restaurants in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After relocating to Spokane, Dulcie spent some time working at the Rocket Market before learning about the opening for a kitchen supervisor at Hope House.
The switch to the nonprofit world came relatively easy for Dulcie.
“I just wanted to be a part of the community and help in any way I could. Cooking is how I let people know I care about them. It’s my goal to have the best quality meals for these women so they feel taken care of,” Dulcie said.
Dulcie and the rest of the kitchen staff work together to create meal plans based off food they receive from Second Harvest. Then they use their budget to get a few extra items to fully create the dish. Because Second Harvest relies solely on donations, agencies such as Hope House never know what donated products they might receive each week. This requires Dulcie and the kitchen staff to think on their feet and come up with creative recipes. In a recent pickup, Dulcie acquired mushrooms, bacon and heavy cream. These products were taken back to the kitchen and crafted into a delicious creamy roasted garlic and mushroom soup.
Lorie, who works in the kitchen with Dulcie, loves what she does because “it doesn’t feel like a job.” She appreciates the food Hope House receives from Second Harvest because when they don’t have to purchase food to create nutritious meals, funding can be utilized elsewhere.
Whether they call Hope House home, or a stop along the way to independence, women seeking shelter here are met with staff willing to meet them where they are and provide a safe, respectful environment where they can flourish. Both Dulcie and Lorie hope that Hope House is known as a place where compassion is served with every meal. Almost as important, Dulcie hopes the kitchen is known for its amazing soups!
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