A Second Chance in the Kitchen: How Community Support Helped Haylea Rebuild
February 6, 2026
On any given night, thousands of women across America experience hardship. For Haylea Hoke, a mother and recent graduate of York Technical College’s Culinary Workforce Readiness Program, a pathway toward stability became possible through workforce training rooted in opportunity and strengthened by a network of community partners committed to walking alongside her.
An integral part of Haylea’s journey toward self-sufficiency was her completion of the York Technical College nine-week Culinary Workforce Readiness Program, a hands-on training designed to equip participants with professional culinary skills, industry-recognized certification, and the confidence needed to pursue meaningful employment. For Haylea, the program represented more than job training; it was a turning point.
When asked about the purpose of the program, Kimberly Massey, Workforce and Economic Development Activator for York Tech, said:
“The Workforce and Economic Development Department at York Tech offers short-term training, certification, and licensure to help people find work or to advance in their work roles. Many people think of the Technical College as the place that offers 2-year degrees, and we do, but our department offers 2-week, 6-week, 4-month, etc. programs that meet the needs of our local citizens and local industry. Quite often, in cases like Haylea's, people do not have 2 years to become qualified for their next job. They need the knowledge and skills concentrated into a brief time period and assistance connecting with workforce partners who want to hire them.”
Like many individuals navigating difficult circumstances, Haylea was already taking steps to care for herself and her family when she connected with local support services that helped stabilize her life and make participation in the program possible.
In a recent interview, Haylea reflected on a pivotal season that led her to York Tech’s program.
“At the time, I was homeless. I moved to The Life House Women’s Shelter,” she shared. “If it wasn’t for Amber and The Life House, I wouldn’t have been in the culinary program.”
The Life House Women’s Shelter, located at Pathways Community Center in Rock Hill, provides women experiencing hardship with access to safe shelter, meals, hygiene services, fellowship, and case management. These essential supports allowed Haylea to focus on her goals and fully engage in York Technical College’s training program.
Offered in partnership with Pathways Community Center, York Technical College’s Culinary Workforce Readiness Program blends technical instruction with professional development to prepare participants for success in the food service industry. Throughout the program, Pathways staff worked closely with students to provide encouragement, accountability, and ongoing support.
“Mr. Taylor and Wanda support you in ways that I don’t think many people get supported,” Haylea said. “If it weren’t for Mr. Taylor constantly pushing us to go and keep going, I wouldn’t have stayed in the class.”
In the kitchen, Haylea trained under the guidance of York Technical College instructor Chef Teshia, who challenged students to develop both their skills and their confidence.
“It was truly amazing to watch Haylea’s confidence grow, not only in the kitchen but in every aspect of the program. At the start of the course, she was quiet and preferred to observe. By the end of the class, she was confidently cooking and helping lead discussions,” Chef said.
Even while navigating personal challenges — including the loss of a family member — Haylea remained committed to completing the program, supported by her classmates, Chef Teshia, and Pathways staff.
“Chef Teshia pushed us to the point where we knew we could do it,” Haylea shared. “She gave us the confidence that we needed.”
On December 18, Haylea proudly received her white coat and Managerial ServSafe Certification during a graduation ceremony held at Pathways Community Center, marking the successful completion of York Technical College’s Culinary Workforce Readiness Program. “I don’t overthink anymore,” she said. “If I set my mind to something, I’m going to do it.”
When asked what advice she would give to future students, Haylea offered simple but powerful encouragement: “Just keep pushing through. Don’t give up. It’s easy to give up, but just don’t.”
Since graduating from the program, Haylea has been hired at Junior Varsity and will soon return to the kitchen at Eleven 11 Steakhouse in Rock Hill — continuing the momentum she built through York Technical College’s workforce training.
Her story highlights the impact of workforce education when paired with intentional community collaboration. Through York Technical College’s Culinary Workforce Readiness Program — and the vital support of partners like The Life House and Pathways Community Center — individuals are gaining the skills, confidence, and stability needed to build lasting change.
Written by Karl Vogl
Welcoming Jericha Osborn, Intake & Engagement Manager Pathways Community Center is honored to welcome Jericha Osborn to our team as our new Intake and Engagement Manager. Jericha joins us with a deep calling to serve individuals experiencing homelessness and navigating life transitions. With more than two years of experience in recovery and community-based support, she has walked closely alongside individuals in some of their most challenging seasons, offering not only guidance, but presence, compassion, and unwavering belief in what’s possible. Her work is rooted in meeting people exactly where they are, honoring their dignity, and helping them take meaningful steps toward stability and restoration. Through her role, Jericha will help connect individuals to critical resources such as shelter, treatment, and community support, while also serving as a consistent source of encouragement and accountability along their journey. We are grateful for the compassion, strength, and hope she brings to Pathways and the many lives that will be impacted through her work. Please join us in warmly welcoming Jericha to the Pathways family.
Collective Impact in Action March continued to show what’s possible when a community stays committed to the work. Across the Pathways campus, partners, volunteers, and on-site agencies remained engaged, responding to needs and creating real opportunities for individuals and families to move forward. Throughout the month, 404 services were delivered across our campus. Each one represents more than a moment of support. It reflects coordination, trust, and a shared commitment to showing up for our community in meaningful ways. Access to food and nourishment remained a critical part of that support. In March, 1,756 hot meals were served, alongside 1,546 bags of fresh groceries distributed. These resources continue to meet immediate needs while helping create stability for individuals and families navigating uncertain seasons. March also marked the close of another impactful VITA tax season. By the end of the month, 5,263 tax returns had been completed, serving 2,843 clients across York County. This work helped ensure individuals and families could file with confidence, access the credits they’ve earned, and keep more of what they’ve worked for. The work continues to build. Not always loudly, but consistently. And that consistency is what creates lasting impact.
Collective Impact in Action Across the Pathways campus, partners, volunteers, and on-site agencies continued to show up with purpose, meeting needs and cultivating real pathways forward. From workforce development and housing support to health, recovery, and community connection, the momentum continues to build. In February, 83% of individuals enhanced their health and wellness, engaging with healthcare providers, counselors, peer-support specialists, and Learning Lab programming to take meaningful steps toward stability and wholeness. We also celebrated three individuals transitioning into independent living, marking powerful milestones on their journey toward self-sufficiency. We also expanded access to nourishment through our partnership with House of Agape, adding breakfast service on Fridays and Saturdays. This expansion now provides nine hot, nutritious meals each week on our campus, helping ensure consistent care and support throughout the week. In total, 443 services were provided through our on-site agencies, each one representing care, coordination, and collaboration in action. February was a reminder that when community shows up consistently, transformation continues.
