Mosaic of Charlotte spent a wonderful day at Gracious Hands Women’s Shelter, bringing residents together through the art of cooking and the joy of creative expression. In our kitchen, ingredients are just the starting point—the real result is the friendship and confidence built between neighbors.
👩🍳 Mastering the Art of Çiğ Börek
The day began with the savory craft of preparing Çiğ Börek, a traditional Turkish dish that is a favorite for its crispy texture and flavorful filling.
Hand-Folded Tradition: Residents worked alongside our team to roll out thin dough, filling each piece with perfectly seasoned ground beef.
Golden Perfection: We fried the hand-sealed pockets until they were light and crispy.
Teamwork in Action: The hands-on process turned the kitchen into a hub of learning and laughter, as everyone mastered the perfect fold.
🍫 A Masterclass in Sweetness
The highlight of the afternoon was a special chocolate-making session led by a talented guest chocolate chef. She brought the elegance of her craft to the shelter, guiding the ladies through the delicate process of making handmade chocolates.
Global Stories: As she tempered chocolate, she shared heartwarming stories from her own café in Türkiye, bridging the distance between Charlotte and the world through shared passions.
Creative Expression: The residents explored their own creativity, decorating and molding sweets that were as beautiful as they were delicious.
A Personal Touch: Her warmth and generosity made the experience feel deeply personal, reminding everyone involved that they deserve moments of luxury and care.
✨ More Than a Meal: A Day of Connection
Throughout the day, the kitchen was filled with curiosity and joy. These sessions transform an ordinary day into a memory marked by dignity and shared culture.
“Creativity is contagious, and food is the best way to pass it on.”
By learning new skills—from savory pastries to fine chocolates—the residents at Gracious Hands are reminded of their own capabilities and the community that stands behind them.
💙 Thank You to Our Partners
We are sincerely grateful to Gracious Hands for welcoming us back and to our guest chef for donating her time and talent to make this day so special.
Our gratitude also goes to:
Our Dedicated Volunteers for coordinating the supplies and providing support.
Our Supporters whose contributions make these high-quality, skill-building workshops possible.
Together, we continue building community through food, culture, and connection.
Support Future Workshops
Your donations allow us to bring specialized guests and premium ingredients to local shelters, creating life-changing experiences for women and children. 📥 Donate via Zelle: charlotte@divancenter.org
📸 See the Chocolate Creations: 👉 View the Instagram Post