iCater Graduate Efrain and Restauranteur Joanne Chang on
GBH Radio

Joanne Chang, owner of Flour Bakery+Café, and iCater food service training program graduate Efrain spoke with hosts Jim Braude and Margery Eagan on Boston Public Radio. During the interview, Joanne discussed Flour’s history with Pine Street Inn, including hiring Efrain.

"We wanted to give back," says Joanne. "We’ve been partnering with Pine Street for about two and a half decades, and we are thrilled that we can have graduates who work with us at Flour."

"Before Pine Street, I had been going through a very tough time. Starting at Pine Street was officially the best choice I had made in my life," says Efrain, who is working in his "dream" job at Flour. "Everyone is so helpful, and I’ve been having a blast."

Click here for the full interview.

Shoe Drive for Shelter Guests

People experiencing homelessness often walk miles each day in all kinds of weather conditions, making insulated, comfortable footwear a much needed and frequently requested item. Provision Ministry, a group that coordinates donations to support people in need, recently donated several hundred pairs of boots.

During the shoe drive, shelter guests at Yawkey House tried on and selected boots to help keep them comfortable and warm. "These boots were just what I needed," says Naomi, a Yawkey House guest. "It was nice to pick from the different styles, too!"

View images of the event on Pine Street's Instagram.