Mosaic of Charlotte recently hosted our very first cooking class at Another Chance Men’s Shelter, and it was a truly heartwarming debut. What began as a culinary lesson quickly transformed into a meaningful experience filled with active participation, deep conversation, and shared joy.
For the men at Another Chance who are working toward new beginnings, this class offered a chance to slow down, develop new skills, and connect with neighbors in a relaxed, supportive environment.
🥙 Cooking as a Community: The Art of Kıyma Kavurma
The residents jumped right into the process as we prepared Kıyma Kavurma, a traditional Turkish ground beef dish. Often enjoyed like a kebab, it is a flavorful, hearty meal that symbolizes hospitality and warmth.
Hands-On Participation: Everyone joined in the preparation, from seasoning the meat to ensuring the perfect sauté.
A Table Set with Care: We served the Kavurma with fresh bread and simple sides, creating a complete and nourishing experience.
Shared Rhythms: The kitchen became a space of learning and laughter, where the act of cooking together naturally broke down barriers.
The smiles around the table and the ease of conversation made it clear that food is one of the most powerful ways to build common ground and trust.
✨ The Start of a New Journey
This first class was more than just a one-time event—it marked the beginning of a partnership we hope to grow. We believe that by returning to the kitchen, we can continue to foster a sense of community and provide a consistent source of encouragement for the men at the shelter.
“The kitchen is the heart of the home, and the table is where a community becomes a family.”
We are looking forward to more classes, more flavors, and many more opportunities to gather around the table together.
💙 Thank You for Welcoming Us
We are deeply grateful to the team at Another Chance for their warm welcome and for allowing us to start this journey with them.
Our thanks also go to:
Our Culinary Volunteers for their patience and for sharing their traditions with such heart.
Our Supporters whose donations provided the fresh ingredients for this inaugural session.
Together, we are building community through food and connection.
Support Future Classes at Another Chance
Help us grow this program! Your support allows us to bring more classes and ingredients to the men at Another Chance and other local shelters. 📥 Donate via Zelle: charlotte@divancenter.org
📸 See the First Class in Action: 👉 View the Instagram Post