Are you looking for your next career move? CFBNJ's Food Service Training Academy offers FREE culinary and life skills training. The next 14-week... class starts on June 12!
Learn more: cfbnj.org/foodservicetrainingacademy
Want to hear from a current student? Meet Valerie, who will graduate next week:
Currently, Valerie resides in a halfway house, and FSTA is her ticket to a sustainable and fulfilling post-release career. Valerie has lived in a shelter and struggled with addiction, but now she’s on a path to a better future.
“You can change the people, places, and things around you,” she said, “but you take yourself with you everywhere you go. It’s not an easy road to make a change in yourself, but you can do it.”
Hailing from Jersey City, Valerie adores her family and has two kids, ages 9 and 17. Valerie hopes to set a good example for them and the rest of her family. That’s where FSTA comes in.
Her favorite part of the program was the time she spent in bulk production making nutritious meals for hungry seniors and children.
“I loved the experience of being able to feed kids in need. It encourages you to do more for the community,” she told us.
Now, she’s on her way to a career making brides’ dreams come true with gorgeous wedding cakes. With a passion for art, she hopes to become a baker.
When asked what advice she would give to future FSTA students, Valerie said: “Be open-minded to learn new things. Don’t close yourself off to new opportunities.”