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.

The Stephen WOODS Workforce Development Program is a 10-week course that combines hands-on kitchen experience with foundational culinary education, ensuring participants gain the skills and confidence to succeed in various food service settings.

If you have any questions about the program, please email Heather Douglas, Workforce Development Manager.

Become a Referral Partner

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. We would love to work with you to build opportunity for our community.

I'm Interested in Partnering

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.

I'm Interested in Participating

Program Highlights

Hands-on Learning

Students will spend a significant portion of their training both in the classroom and in a fully equipped kitchen, where they will learn essential cooking techniques, food safety practices, and kitchen management.
Culinary Fundamentals

Classes cover everything from knife skills and cooking techniques to mass production, nutrition, menu planning, and food presentation.
Professional Development

In addition to culinary skills, students will receive training in effective communication, time management, and job readiness to ensure career success.
SERVSafe Certification

Our program includes food safety and sanitation training, leading to the nationally recognized SERVSafe certification.
Career Opportunities

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will receive support in job placement and career development through established partnerships facilitated by Open Hand. We're committed to helping each graduate find meaningful employment in the culinary field.

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 email Katie MacKenzie, Senior Director of Resource Development and Marketing.