Organization: Blessings From My Heart To Your Table
Title: Executive Chef- Trainer
Nominated by: Board Member
Chef Delphia’s daily commitment to Blessings From My Heart To Your Table is truly exceptional. From being the first to arrive and the last to leave, she selflessly dedicates herself to the survivors of abuse in the program. Her role is multi-faceted and vital. Delphia meticulously manages inventory, ensuring that supplies and resources are readily available. She provides comprehensive wrap-around services, offering not just culinary training but also emotional and practical support to the survivors.
Delphia \oversees work schedules, ensuring that the culinary training and social enterprise programs run smoothly. Her dedication is visible in her frequent wellness checks on everyone in the program. Going the extra mile, she visits their homes, providing a personal touch and a sense of security. Delphia is the driving force behind the annual Survivors Night To Shine event, which celebrates the resilience of survivors and brings our community together. She is also deeply involved in community outreach, connecting with women’s shelters to provide employment and training opportunities.
Chef Delphia has been a cornerstone of Blessings for five years, consistently demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the mission. What truly sets her apart is her personal journey as a survivor of domestic violence. Her profound understanding of the healing process, the enduring impact of trauma, and the necessity of financial independence for survivors gives her a unique perspective. Delphia approaches her work with patience, empathy, and a wealth of knowledge. She treats our survivors with the same care and respect that she wished for during her own healing journey.
Delphia’s relatability and humility create a safe and nurturing environment, making survivors feel truly understood and valued. She has even attended court hearings with women and provided clothing from her own closet, among many other acts of kindness and support.
Since 2018, she has led the growth of the Blessings catering/pop-up program from a humble commissary kitchen to a fully-fledged brick-and-mortar restaurant, a wholesale company, catering service, nonprofit organization, and culinary training program. In just five years, she has empowered over 25 women through culinary training, employment opportunities, rental and transportation assistance, and comprehensive wrap-around services. Her work has even led to the establishment of our first relocation home for survivors of abuse.
Chef Delphia’s crowning achievement in 2023 is our annual Survivors Night To Shine event. With her leadership, this event has grown in scale and impact,
capturing the hearts of the entire state of Washington. Featuring performances by global, national, and local artists, this event now draws over 2000 participants and serves as a beacon of hope and healing for the community.
Catalyst Kitchens has been a vital part of the puzzle that holds Blessings together. Through their network, Delphia has connected with invaluable resources and individuals who have enriched the program. She has been an active member of the Catalyst Kitchens network, leading one of the IDEA groups and participating in virtual meetings that facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices. Chef Delphia’s work stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and commitment. She embodies the spirit of the David Carleton Catalyst for Change Award.
