CHRISTINA'S STORY.

COOK & CONNECT.

Trigger warning: this brave story discusses addiction and homelessness. Please read with care.

"I heard about Two Good Co upon completing my Residential Rehab at Guthrie House; I was told there was a 7-week 'Cook & Connect' community program starting, so I took the chance and applied.

The free Cook & Connect cooking school taught me not only new skills, but eased me back into working within a group; it totally opened my eyes to new and exciting things. I kept hearing about their Work Work employment program and thought this could be an amazing opportunity for me, as I'd been out of the work world for over 20 years.

WORK WORK.

So, after graduating from Cook & Connect, I was asked if I'd like to come and do some work making candles for Two Good Co. Hand-pouring those candles was an amazing experience for me. It was my first step into employment for many years. I loved having the chance to be taught by an amazing scentsmith and to be able to create something so beautiful with my own hands. I started to feel a sense of belonging; a whole new sense of worth.

Two Good has absolutely changed my life. I get teary when I talk about it, actually. When I was working in the Eveleigh kitchens, we were making the meals for women’s shelters and I had first-hand experience, from being in a shelter myself, of how it feels to get a lovely meal like that. Now it’s come full circle, with me working at Two Good and creating those meals knowing that it’s going to someone who’s going to appreciate it as I did. It’s such a rewarding feeling. I love it. It's such a privilege to work alongside fantastic chefs that are so kind and willing to take the time to teach all that they can.

THE TWO GOOD FAMILY.

The job itself is very rewarding, too; I love being able to give a little back to a community that was once there to help me through tough times. I can't quite find words that describe exactly how it feels...'infinite gratitude' comes close, though.

Working in such a caring environment makes Two Good Co feel like a family. The Work Work program has changed my life for the better; for the first time in a very long time, I'm super excited for my future and the endless possibilities I now have in front of me.

Working at Yirranma Place is absolutely great. Everyone’s welcome at our table. We’ve got lots of people coming in from outside who come and hear our stories from Goodcierge and what the Two Good café is supporting — it’s just wonderful.

At the moment, my absolute highlight of my life is working here at Darlinghurst and being able to create new things with my creativity in cooking and baking. I never had any kitchen experience before working with Two Good and now there are days that I’m in the kitchen by myself, catering and making the food for the café. I’ve come a long way; I’m very proud of myself. I don’t like to toot my own horn often but right now I’m feeling very good with myself.

I’m so proud. Now, my future is limitless...thanks to everyone that has contributed to what’s happening here at Two Good."