All of us at ECS are are excited to share with you some exciting program updates and fun summer tips this month. July is National Culinary Arts Month, and we’re thrilled to feature ECS’ own culinary program, CHEFS!
What's in this issue:
- Over 100 Community Members Celebrate Re-Opening of Canon Kip Senior Center for In-Person Meals and Activities
- From Trial to Triumph: The Story of Chef Larry Gorbet
- Fun Summer Recipe: Summer Squash Cassolette by Chef Shelby Starks
- ECS CHEFS Kitchen at 1064 Mission Street Supportive Housing Nears Completion
- ECS Wants YOU to Join Our Team
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Canon Kip Senior Center Reopens for In-Person Meals and Activities |
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Above: Canon Kip Senior Center participants move to the beat of the music at the luau-themed re-opening. |
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After being closed for in-person gatherings for more than two years, ECS' Canon Kip Senior Center (CKSC) re-opened with fanfare and festivities on June 30. Buzzing with excitement of friends who had not seen each other in person in over two years, over 100 older adults were served lunch with the option to eat in-person or take-out. About half enjoyed meals in person, and then they stayed to enjoy luau-themed music and dancing. They loved dancing to the music so much that they opted to cancel Bingo for the day. If you know anything about the Senior Center, canceling bingo is a big deal!
Since the reopening, the CKSC has been open for lunch and activities daily and has been serving 40 in-person and 65 to-go lunches everyday.
The CKSC has been providing to-go meals, resources, online activities, and case management services throughout the pandemic. The ECS team has done an extraordinary job of enabling program participants to navigate COVID-19 and the isolation it forced on older adults. We are honored to re-open the Center, which is a hub for extremely low-income older adults, and we are especially happy to see our community come together again.
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From Trial to Triumph: The Story of Chef Larry Gorbet |
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Above: CHEFS Honoree Larry Gorbet speaks at the 2022 CHEFS Gala. |
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From a young age, Larry Gorbet grew up with a love of nature and a knack for the kitchen. Part Native American, Larry was born and raised in rural Northern California with bountiful forests, clear blue water, and night skies full of stars. As a teen, he began working in a local restaurant as a dishwasher, working his way up to a cook in a span of months.
Larry's seemingly content life hit a rough patch after a difficult relationship, and he spiraled into a cycle of substance use and run-ins with the law, which eventually lead to incarceration.
But Larry wouldn't let a setback hold him back. After his release, he heard about the ECS CHEFS program while he was staying in transitional housing for returning citizens. He graduated from the program in 2020, gainfully employed. He would eventually return to ECS, this time as a CHEFS staff member, preparing meals for disabled, elderly, veteran, and special needs participants at ECS programs and guiding new CHEFS students with training, employment assistance, and encouragement to help them thrive.
"For the first time in a very long time, I have options, but even more importantly, I have purpose," Larry says describing his journey through the CHEFS program.
We couldn't be prouder of Larry or more grateful to have a front-row seat to stories like his.
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A Fun Summer Recipe: Summer Squash Cassolette
Recipe by Chef Shelby Starks
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About the Chef: Chef Shelby Starks is the Culinary Program Manager for the CHEFS Kitchens & Culinary Training Program at ECS. She is also a food justice and sustainability advocate. Her cooking style is traditional creole, and she specializes in modern takes on comfort classics.
Are you ready for that summer family potluck or that backyard BBQ? We wanted to help out, with a fun summer recipe you can try.
Summer Squash Cassolette
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Ingredients
2 yellow boatneck Squash
2 Zucchini
2 Sprigs of Fresh Thyme
2 Cloves of garlic
1 Tbsp Lemon Zest
2 cups Ricotta
¼ C minced Shallot
1 Tbsp fresh Basil
3 Sprigs fresh oregano
2 Eggs
2 Tbsp Butter
2 Tbsp flour
2 cup half n Half
¼ tsp nutmeg
½ cup grated parmesan
1 cup Panko bread Crumbs
½ cup Mozzarella cheese (optional)
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Directions
Slice zucchini 1/4 in thick. In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, herbs, shallot, garlic. Set aside salt and pepper to taste.
In a separate bowl, combine bread crumbs, parmesan, and mozzarella for crumb top. Set aside.
Make cream sauce in a medium sauce pan. Melt butter on medium heat, add flour, stir to combine, and cook for minute and a half, add cream, stir until smooth. Let sauce thicken, then remove from heat. Do not boil.
Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Set aside to cool.
In a rectangle baking dish, layer cream sauce, zucchini, and ricotta. Repeat.
Top with bread crumb mix. Cover with parchment, then foil.
Bake at 350 degrees, covered for 35 minutes. No peeking!
Pairs well with fish and poultry.
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ECS CHEFS Kitchen at 1064 Mission Street Nears Completion |
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The development of 1064 Mission Street - which, when it opens, will become San Francisco's largest supportive housing site - is almost complete, and we expect residents to begin moving into their new apartments in a matter of months.
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Above: artist's rendering of the CHEFS Kitchen at 1064 Mission Street. |
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1064 Mission Street will also host the new, state-of-the-art commercial CHEFS Kitchen. The work on the kitchen is nearing completion as well, and we are looking forward to expanding the CHEFS program to welcome more instructors and students. The development of the kitchen is a powerful testament to the philanthropic generosity of our donors. Private philanthropy funded this $2.5 million development in its entirety through a Capital Campaign concluded in 2020. We are deeply grateful and humbled for these incredible partners who shared our common vision and entrusted ECS with changing people's lives at scale. Thank you!
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If service is at the core of who you are, if you believe that together, we can end homelessness, if you are committed to treating everyone with respect - and earning the respect of your colleagues - we may have a spot on our team for you! Come join us, and have your work change the world. |
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Episcopal Community Services of San Francisco
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