Workforce Development
The Stephen Woods Workforce Development Program
Where Opportunity Opens Doors to Success
Open Hand is excited to introduce a comprehensive workforce development program aimed at empowering individuals with the skills and resources necessary for long-term success. Named after Open Hand's visionary former Executive Director, Stephen Woods, our program is designed to prepare aspiring chefs and culinary professionals who are experiencing unemployment and underemployment for careers in the food service industry.
Whether you dream of a restaurant career, catering, or launching your own food business, this program builds the foundation for success. Develop essential culinary skills—knife techniques, food prep, kitchen safety, baking, menu planning, job prep and more. Take the first step today!
If you have any questions about the program, please email Kira Scott, Culinary Education & Innovation Manager.
Program Details
This program is 11 weeks long and completely free to all students. Classes take place Monday through Thursday from 8am-11:30am here at the Open Hand campus. Students must be at least 18 years old, passionate about food, and ready to work!
Application Process for Participants
This program is ideal for individuals passionate about starting a career in the culinary industry, with a commitment to excellence in food service. Interested candidates will complete an application and, if approved, will be invited for an interview to assess their interest and readiness for the program. Once accepted, students must attend a mandatory orientation session to review program expectations and guidelines.
Our classes are currently on a waitlist, but we encourage you to fill out an interest form! We will follow up with you once received and let you know when you're able to move to the next phase of the application process for our next available session.
Program Highlights
Hands-On Culinary Training in real kitchen environments || ServSafe® Training & Certification Testing || Catering Experience with Live Events || Chef Uniform & Tools Provided – no cost to you || Bus Passes – we’ll help you get to class || Nutrition Education with a Certified Nutritionist || Career Coaching & Job Readiness Support || Personal Development & Financial Literacy Training
Become a Referral Partner
We’re always looking to partner with community-focused organizations that want to provide real opportunities for their clients. Let’s work together to empower the next generation of culinary professionals! If you're interested in joining this program by becoming a referral partner for Open Hand's WOODS program, please click the button below to fill out an interest form.
Why Workforce Development?
As the largest community-based provider of medically tailored meals in the Southeast, Open Hand is intentional about addressing all needs that may contribute to poor health outcomes. Beyond access to food, financial stability is a well-known social determinant of health. Without the financial freedom to earn a reliable and steady income, we cannot expect our neighbors to have the ability to afford, worry about, or take care of their long-term wellbeing.
Open Hand is committed to making an impact on economic mobility across metro-Atlanta, but more specifically in our new neighborhood of Grove Park. We are excited to introduce the WOODS program, a comprehensive workforce development program aimed at empowering individuals with the skills and resources necessary for long-term success.
If you're interested in learning how you can support the WOODS program, please contact us.
