At Magdala House’s Sisters Mission site, we believe that true empowerment comes from equipping individuals with the skills they need to live independently. A significant challenge for those transitioning out of homelessness is adjusting to life’s daily responsibilities—one of the most fundamental being the ability to shop for, prepare, and cook nutritious meals. That’s why our Occupational Therapy Cooking Group, led by Davis, our dedicated Occupational Therapist, is making such a profound impact.
A Week of Learning and Preparation
On Friday, January 24, our clients wrapped up a week of smart shopping, meal prepping, and nutrition education with an interactive cooking session. The goal was to give them the confidence and knowledge to make healthy, cost-effective meals on their own.
Throughout the week, participants engaged in discussions and activities related to nutrition, budgeting, and meal planning, which helped them think critically about their food choices and spending habits. They learned how to budget for groceries, compare prices, and estimate portion sizes—essential skills for maintaining a healthy lifestyle on a limited income.
Cooking for Self-Sufficiency
To put their knowledge into action, clients took charge of their own meal preparation. They decided on a nutritious, budget-friendly dish—chicken tacos—that allowed them to practice using affordable, accessible ingredients.
With guidance from Davis, they used an air fryer to crisp tortillas and heat pre-cooked chicken, demonstrating how simple tools can be used to create healthy, well-balanced meals. By making their own meal choices, they also explored ways to ensure that their food covers all major food groups—an essential part of maintaining a balanced diet.
But this experience wasn’t just about cooking—it was about empowerment. Clients discussed the challenges of cooking after living in a shelter, where access to kitchen supplies is often limited. They also identified practical solutions and tools they could use to overcome these obstacles once they transition into stable housing.
A Pathway to Independence
For many of our clients, transitioning out of homelessness means facing a steep learning curve when it comes to independent living. Simple tasks that others might take for granted—like meal planning, grocery shopping, or even using kitchen appliances—can be overwhelming for someone who has spent years without stable housing.
By providing hands-on experiences like this, Magdala House is helping bridge the gap between shelter life and independent living. These cooking sessions equip our clients with real-world skills that they can use to sustain themselves in their next chapter.
How You Can Help
This transformative work would not be possible without the support of our donors and community partners. Every contribution helps fund programs like our Occupational Therapy Cooking Group, which ensures that individuals in transition receive the life skills they need to succeed.
You can be part of this impact! Help us continue providing life-changing programs by donating today.
Donate here: Give Hope, Today!
We are so proud of our clients for taking this step toward independence, and we are deeply grateful to Davis for leading such an impactful program. If you believe in the power of skill-building and empowerment, join us in making a difference today!
