Watch Elaine's video

Overview

I need supplies for my culinary arts program. This includes sturdy shoes that are ok for working in a kitchen, a rubber mat to stand on, a bag to carry my knives, and a mixer so I can practice at home.

Meeting this need will help me because I usually spend any money I have on my family. This would let me get the supplies I need for class and so that I can be a better cook. 

My goal is to one day own my own restaurant. I love omelets, and I want to have a restaurant that just does omelets of all kind. I like to cook Asian omelets and things maybe people haven't tried before.

My current situation is that I'm raising one of my grandchildren and taking care of my mother. I also help out my other family members. I have 8 grandchildren and even a great-grandchild! I love my family a lot, but I decided I have to do something with my life, and that its never too late to start. I went back to culinary school last year to get a degree to work in restaurants and one day maybe even have my own business. 

Right now, my biggest challenge is getting used to being a student again. Its been a long time. Taking tests and sitting in classes is a bit hard sometimes, but I really love it. 

I just want people to know that this really means a lot to me. 

I think of myself mostly as a strong, confident woman who loves her family. I'm most proud of going back to school. Its not always easy, and I have to study a lot, but it feels good to do this. 

I've worked at jobs including in restaurants and raising my children and grandchildren. Something interesting about me is my favorite thing to cook is duck.

Thank you so much for helping to make my dream come true. 

Watch Alexis's video

Validated

Validated by Alexis from CLAIM (Chicago Legal Advocacy for Incarcerated Mothers) (What does this mean?)

I have known Elaine for almost a year. She is a very dedicated grandmother and daughter, who cares for her mother and grandchildren. She has been through a lot in life, but she has always worked hard for others.

I think meeting this need is important because Elaine is always taking care of other people. She decided to go back to school to get a degree in culinary arts because she wanted to show her family that it is never too late to learn. Plus, it has always been Elaine's dream to open her new restaurant!

This will move Elaine's life forward by helping her get the supplies she needs for school. She needs work shoes to be able to stand in the kitchen. She's an older student, so having comfortable shoes is very important. She also needs a bag to carry all of her knives and a mixer to be able to practice at home.

Elaine is an extraordinary dedicated woman. You should see her face when she talks about cooking! It just lights up. She cares so much for others that its nice to see her caring about something for herself, too. 

About Alexis

My job title is Pro Bono and Staff Attorney. I have been in this position since April of 2012. My work involves helping incarcerated mothers, formerly incarcerated mothers, and the caretakers of their children. What I like about my job is I get to see families brought together. In the future, I… Read more