Mosaic of Charlotte returned to Another Chance Men’s Shelter for our second cooking class, strengthening the bond we began to build just a short time ago. This visit was centered around a comforting, home-style meal that brought residents together for an afternoon of shared labor and even better conversation.
At Another Chance, we are learning that the kitchen is more than just a place to prepare food—it is a place where residents can find a sense of normalcy, dignity, and calm.
🍚 The Comfort of Baldo Rice
For this session, we introduced a Turkish staple that is the definition of comfort food. We prepared Baldo rice, known for its plump grains and ability to absorb rich flavors, and elevated it with a hearty mix of ingredients:
The Main Dish: Fluffy Baldo rice cooked with chickpeas, sweet corn, and tender, seasoned chicken.
The Side: A fresh, crisp garden salad to provide a light and healthy balance to the meal.
Side-by-Side Service: Cooking together in the kitchen allowed residents to see the care that goes into traditional Turkish preparation, turning a simple grain into a centerpiece of hospitality.
✨ Hearts Full, Bellies Fuller
As the aroma of the pilaf filled the shelter, the atmosphere shifted. The space became filled with warmth, smiles, and the kind of easy conversation that happens naturally when people are working toward a common goal.
Building Connection: Each class helps us move past being “visitors” and toward being friends.
Fostering Dignity: Participating in the creation of a high-quality meal reinforces a sense of self-worth and agency.
Creating Belonging: For an afternoon, the shelter kitchen felt like a family home.
“Gathering around food is the oldest way to build a community. It reminds us that we all share the same basic needs for nourishment and friendship.”
💙 Thank You to the Another Chance Community
We are sincerely grateful to the staff and residents at Another Chance for welcoming us back so warmly. It is a privilege to see these classes grow into something so meaningful for everyone involved.
Our gratitude also goes to:
Our Volunteers for their dedication to showing up and sharing their culinary skills.
Our Donors whose support allows us to bring premium ingredients like Baldo rice to our neighbors.
Together, we continue building community through shared meals and shared moments.
Support Our Growing Program
Your contributions help us expand our reach to more shelters and provide more frequent classes for our neighbors at Another Chance. 📥 Donate via Zelle: charlotte@divancenter.org
📸 See the Cooking in Progress: 👉 View the Instagram Post