What Working in the Culinary Arts Team Means to Me

Culinary Arts Team working hard at Vincent House

Working in Culinary Arts gives me the capability of learning how the food preparation process happens; from different types of dicing to food presentation. I worked in food service as a general manager for many years prior to my stroke, and being in the Culinary Arts team gives me the opportunity to continue doing what I love to do.

-Sonya Herring

I love working hard in the kitchen and making friends with the members that attend Vincent House. Washing the dishes is my favorite thing to do.

-Malcolm Campbell

            

            Culinary gives me stamina that I can’t find in other teams. I am always doing something so that makes me energized. There is always something to do which I like a lot.

-Tom Lancaster

Culinary is a really good experience for me because when I move out, I’ll be ready to cook food that I won’t have to eat too much fast food as often. Also, Culinary has great people with great potential that I can really learn so much from them.

-Eric Vitan

            

            I enjoy working in the Culinary Arts unit because you learn skills in the kitchen and garden. The members and staff here at Vincent House are very nice as well.

-Steven Raymond

            

            I like being in Culinary Arts because I enjoy doing janitorial duties, such as sweeping and mopping. The people I’ve met at my time at Vincent House have been outstanding. I enjoy talking to other members out on the gazebo and getting to know everyone. The food that we make is always fantastic and healthy, lunch is probably my favorite part of the day.

-Charlie Strubbe

Mike cutting pineapple

I like working in Culinary Arts because of the fantastic people in the team, and I believe I’m scratching the surface of loving the work that’s done in the kitchen. Working is becoming fun, and I enjoy the food prep, cleaning and sweeping, and the cooking aspects. All is going pretty well in the team!

-Mike Taddeo

Clubhouse Colleague Training at Gateway House

Vincent House and VAAC team (from left to right:
Asaf, Justin, Ben, True, Sierra, and Corydon) 

Vincent House is a part of the international Clubhouse model. We operate under the same standards and values as any clubhouse across the globe. As such, we collaborate together at several training events around the world. For the past two weeks, two Vincent House members and two staff, along with two representatives from Vincent Academy Adventure Coast, traveled to Gateway House in Greenville, South Carolina for the Gateway House Colleague Training. 

The training began on Monday, February 26^th, 2018. Our Vincent House team arrived in South Carolina and were happy to start off the event with a great group of fellow clubhouse members. “Everyone seemed to know each of us by name midway through the first day,” exclaims Vincent House staff member, Corydon Martin. Throughout the training their days were filled with discussions on clubhouse operations and how to engage members with meaningful work. 

The Training Team visits a local member at their job

One special field trip during the training was a drive over to TJ Maxx to see Gateway House member, Spencer, in action at his new position there. It was a great opportunity to admire how the clubhouse model really does transform lives and help members get back to work. 

From featuring Vincent House staff member, Asaf Baruh, as an anchor on the Gateway House newscast, to inviting everyone to the local Marvel Comic art exhibit in Greenville, the training has been an exceptional opportunity for new growth and friendship between our clubhouses. Vincent House will be happy to have all of our members back next week, and we look forward to implementing a new action plan to better help members here in Pinellas Park.

Welcoming Kerstin to Vincent House

Vincent House recently hired a new staff member in the Arts and Communications team, Kerstin Cook. Kerstin brings a unique skillset and kindhearted personality to the Vincent House team. Get to know a little more about our newest community member below in this featured interview.

Kerstin Cook

Kerstin first came across Vincent House when she was looking for a career which either focused on art and marketing, or one in a non-profit organization that helped people for a worthy cause. “Ideally, I wanted a job that served both purposes, but that seemed like a far reaching goal. That was until I came across Vincent House, and the Arts Rehabilitation Specialist position listed just that,” she exclaimed. Upon her first visit to Vincent House, meeting our wonderful members and seeing the unique Recovery through Work approach, Kerstin felt an immediate connection to the community. “I feel lucky and happy to have been offered the position, and now look forward to coming to work alongside members every day.”

Everyone in the Vincent House community brings a unique perspective and skillset to the team, and Kerstin is no exception. She began her career in digital marketing and graphic design as a Social Media Content Producer for Stetson University Marketing. There she developed skills in brand voice, journalism, and photography. After graduation, she started working at Riviera Dunes Marina as an Office Assistant, where she learned valuable customer service and sales skills. “I’m grateful for what I have learned and accomplished in my career so far. However, I knew I would be happiest in a position where I could really help people that needed it. I believe my diverse set of strengths and collaboration with members will help our community grow in new ways,” Kerstin stated.

Kerstin with members in the Arts & Communications team

We are excited to welcome Kerstin to the community and see how she will benefit our members in our Recovery through Work approach. Every member and staff works together to build up Vincent House, and strive for the best. “I can personally see value in the Recovery through Work platform,” Kerstin stated. “When I was without work for a few months after my graduation, I felt unmotivated and weary about searching for a job. Now, I take great pride in my career and helping members to achieve their own career goals.” To accomplish this, Kerstin brings some creative ideas to the team. From her background with social media and design, she believes we can further develop Vincent House’s social presence, in order to spread the word and help even more potential members in the area. “Ultimately, I believe that we can grow stronger together, creatively and in new ways that members want to go.”

Finally, we all like to know what our Vincent House staff enjoy doing outside of work. As an artist, Kerstin loves to practice her artwork, both traditional and digital. She frequents museums and gardens to get inspired, and she hopes to have her own gallery show open within the next two years. Additionally, Kerstin likes to write creatively, and even founded the poetry slam club in her high school. “I have a lot of diverse interests, from art to television, and I even have the aspiration to write my own rap album someday!” Kerstin exclaims. “I think Vincent House would be a great place to collaborate with members to make our own unique projects.” So once again, please help us in welcoming Kerstin to our Vincent House community.

Vincent House Welcomes our New CEO

What a remarkable woman of empathy and experience! Our newest addition here at Van Gogh's Palette -Raine Johns hired and our CEO- is indeed inspirational and carries herself well. I believe she will represent us with great expertise. First and foremost she brings fortitude to the table. She has, “been there and done that” one might say, in the mental illness field. Not only does she have a personal side to her journey, in that her daughter has been with PTSD from the mere age of 6. She currently holding down a job and attending college in San Diego. Raine learned throughout the experience how to be a friend to her daughter and to the people living with mental illness.

Ms. Johns comes to us from the Pinellas/Pasco Public Defender’s office with a 13 year career in an advocacy role for people living with mental illness.  Additionally, she has witnessed countless Baker Acts implemented, many unjustly. She worked diligently to see the release of such individuals without a voice, or means of defense in an, often times, debilitating system of unfairness. She knows the ropes, she is well connected, and is extremely committed to maintaining the fidelity of Vincent House and the foundation laid by Dianne and Elliott Steele. I, for one, say a great big thank you not only to her, but to the Board of Directors for their selection.   

I know Ms. Johns has her work cut out for her with our three current locations. However, being from Pasco County I stand very excited that she also has a vision for a Vincent House model in Pasco County, as well. We know she is the perfect woman to help us transform more lives of those who have mental illness.