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
Collective Impact in Action December was a powerful reminder of what can happen when compassion meets action. Across the Pathways campus, community partners, volunteers, and on-site agencies came together to spread holiday cheer while continuing to provide critical support and services. From meals and outreach efforts to moments of connection and care, the season was filled with hope, generosity, and meaningful impact. Throughout the month, individuals received the resources they needed to move forward—whether through workforce support, housing assistance, health and recovery services, or simply the encouragement of a community that showed up for them. Every act of kindness, every shared meal, and every collaborative effort reflected the heart of Pathways. Together, we closed the year by lifting spirits, opening doors, and strengthening the pathways forward for our neighbors and our community.
Collective Impact in Action November was another month marked by meaningful movement and measurable impact across the Pathways campus. From on-site agencies delivering essential services to community partners offering their time, skills, and compassion, collaboration continued to open doors and change lives. Across the campus, we saw workforce readiness strengthening, individuals securing employment, neighbors accessing housing support, and guests engaging in health, recovery, and spiritual development opportunities—all working together to move people closer to self-sufficiency. In November, 44 new individuals entered the Pathways system for the first time, bringing our year-to-date totals to 535 intakes and 946 referrals. In addition, seven clients successfully transitioned to independent living during the fall—each milestone reflecting perseverance, coordinated support, and the power of collective impact. Every number represents a life. Every life reflects possibility. And every partnership strengthens the pathway forward for our community.
Collective Impact in Action October was another month filled with meaningful movement and measurable impact across the Pathways campus. From agencies providing essential services to community partners offering their time, skills, and compassion, collaboration continued to open doors and change lives. We witnessed powerful moments of progress—workforce readiness growing stronger, individuals securing employment, neighbors accessing housing support, and guests engaging in health, recovery, and spiritual development opportunities. Every effort worked together to move people closer to self-sufficiency. October also marked continued momentum for our Culinary Workforce Readiness Program, a partnership with York Technical College that is already expanding hope and opportunity through hands-on training, skill development, and clear pathways toward stable employment. In October alone, 44 new individuals entered the Pathways system for the first time—bringing us to 496 intakes year-to-date and 882 referrals year-to-date. This month, seven individuals successfully transitioned to independent living, each representing courage, perseverance, and the power of collective support. Every number tells a story. Every story reflects hope. And every act of partnership continues to build lasting change across our campus and community.
