Meet Rachel Ulriksen, Soups & Sweets Caterer!
How long have you been working at JFCS? I just celebrated my one year anniversary in April!
Tell us about your role. My title is caterer but, more importantly, I am a member of the Soups & Sweets team. That means we work together to teach our future chefs, and prepare food for the café, bake sales, and catering orders.
What brings you joy in your role at JFCS? I love working with our “chefs in training.” They are so happy and excited to be here. They all take such great pride in their work, and most are anxious to try new things every day. It’s such a great team to be part of. Whether we’re food shopping, folding laundry, cleaning dishes, disinfecting surfaces, or packaging food, everyone does their part. There is no sense of that IS or ISN’T my job. There’s just food to be made and jobs to be completed, and everyone does their part.
This year was really special because for the first time one of our graduates has obtained gainful employment with us! Rebecca Boro is the best partner I could ever wish for. It’s just the two of us on Thursday and Friday and I’ve so enjoyed watching her utilize the skills she learned as a Soups & Sweets student. Every day our chefs in training assist me in preparing meals for our customers. They love selling the food they prepare in the café. It fills them with a sense of pride.
Honestly this building brings me joy. The entire staff is dedicated to caring for others. TOPS and Aleph are so beautifully managed. The staff obviously takes great pride in their work and their devotion to the clients is infectious. In a world that can be unkind, it refreshes the soul to be surrounded by so much kindness.
What might the community be surprised to learn about you? I have a special needs child myself. Kevin is 19 years old and attends the SOAR program at Seneca high school. I am hopeful he can join the gang at TOPS in a few years. As the parent of a disabled child, the services provided by JFCS have given me such a sense of hope for the future. This entire organization provides so much hope to so many people. The Betsy & Peter Fischer Food Pantry, the numerous support groups, Kosher Meals on Wheels, etc. I am so blown away by the community and overall dedication to outreach.
