{"id":1184,"date":"2021-10-22T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-10-22T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bowery.org\/updates\/?p=1184"},"modified":"2026-01-08T18:46:05","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T18:46:05","slug":"chef-waynes-hope-story-im-just-really-grateful","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bowery.org\/updates\/2021\/10\/chef-waynes-hope-story-im-just-really-grateful\/","title":{"rendered":"Chef Wayne’s hope story: “I’m just really grateful”"},"content":{"rendered":"
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He first came to The Bowery Mission in need but is now thankful to serve others.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For two years, Chef Wayne struggled to find full-time work and affordable housing. He didn\u2019t always have clear direction for where he wanted to go in life, and it led to a series of poor decisions. \u201cI was really hard-headed,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2014, while staying at a nearby shelter, he started coming to The Bowery Mission for food and clothing. He didn\u2019t know much about the Mission then, but as time went on he learned more about what it had to offer. \u201cThat was the point where I realized, I have to let go and let God in,\u201d Chef Wayne says. \u201cI need to listen to what people have to teach me about how to live.\u201d That year, he signed up for the Mission\u2019s Residential Program for men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A fresh start at the Mission<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

From his earliest years, Chef Wayne had always loved cooking. He learned by watching his mom cook, even helping her out at Thanksgiving. After entering The Bowery Mission\u2019s program for men, he discovered his opportunity to develop that passion. \u201cIt was at the Mission that I really started to get into the kitchen,\u201d Chef Wayne says. \u201cAs a client, I began to see how my skills could be applied in a real way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When he graduated from the Residential Program in October 2014, he started working at The Bowery Mission full time. Today, Chef Wayne is our Food Service Supervisor! He is thankful to be able to serve men and women he can often relate to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cBecause I\u2019ve been in that place, I understand feeling kind of forgotten by everybody. That keeps me motivated. I know I\u2019m doing something that God has in store for me: to help other people.” \u2014 Chef<\/span> Wayne<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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A meal makes a big difference<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s the first step. When a basic need like a meal is met, that helps people realize The Bowery Mission is a place where they can find help with other needs \u2014 whether it\u2019s safe shelter, job training or recovery from trauma, illness or addiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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