Sheila Casey believes that excellent foodstuff is like for those people who consume it.
Casey is one particular of the cooks at the YWCA of Dayton’s downtown department, which shelters women of all ages and family members who need to have aid right after domestic violence. She’s cooking for women of all ages and little ones who have been in tough situation.
Just one 12 months at Thanksgiving, a girl arrived into Casey’s kitchen to pop some popcorn, because the resident considered no a single would be working in the kitchen that day. She turned about and observed Casey, who had created an total Thanksgiving meal for the people full with candied yams, macaroni and cheese and many desserts.
“She just commenced crying due to the fact it took her again to her mom, to her dwelling,” Casey claimed. “And she mentioned, I believed I was likely to have to just try to eat regardless of what.”
Casey explained it can be difficult not to get attached to inhabitants, especially the kids. Minimal kids will run up to the kitchen area and search for her, Casey said, and inform her they’ll be back for whatsoever foodstuff she’s made.
When they leave, Casey claims she feels sad, even if they are leaving for a far better residing condition.
Casey formerly worked at Good Samaritan Hospital as a cafeteria worker and retired to just take care of an aged spouse and children member. Immediately after that family member died, Casey wound up volunteering following her daughter related her to the YWCA starting in 2019 and then came back again to do the job section-time in 2020.
“I get a joy out of carrying out what I’m executing since I really feel like I’m providing back,” Casey said.
Casey stated she was brought up to deliver a feeling of peace and neighborhood to individuals. She goes to church and states that served her deliver a perception of relaxed to herself as properly.
Casey has motivational posters on the kitchen area partitions that remind her and the residents of religion and that people today really like them. She plays gospel music for the reason that that helps make her really feel harmless and loved. But that alongside one another results in a protected environment for other people as well.
“Even the personnel occur up when they’ve had a rough day,” she explained. “They appear into the kitchen area, due to the fact they claimed this is their secure zone the place they can just come breathe and chill out.”
Kaitlin Schroeder, the communications director for the YWCA, stated Casey is a crucial element of the firm, and the YWCA definitely could not serve inhabitants without having her.
“Food is like, and the YWCA would not be the exact place devoid of her in the kitchen,” Schroeder mentioned.
Schroeder mentioned Casey’s career is usually neglected in favor of board customers or executives, but the YWCA would not exist with no a gifted cook dinner. Schroeder mentioned recognition for her perform is perfectly overdue.
“She can take whichever oddball donations we get and helps make a dignified food to provide with enjoy to women and small children escaping from abuse,” Schroeder said.
The YWCA gets foodstuff from The Foods Financial institution, so Casey also does not know what she’s receiving ahead of time. Part of her occupation is assessing what has been delivered and deciding what to prepare dinner primarily based on the substances she has in the day.
“I attempt to get them very good, household-cooked foods,” Casey stated. “I just want them to know a person cares and enjoys them.”