Amanda joined the JBJ Soul Kitchen team way back when we launched our Friday night pilot program at St. Anthony of Padua. She'd been volunteering at LunchBreak, bagging canned goods and earning school credits, when JBJSK's Chef Zeet, a friend of her parents, asked Amanda if she'd like to help out with Soul Kitchen. "I was nervous at first but over time, I began to love my work here. I'm excited each time I walk through the door."
Now a high school sophomore, Amanda hasn't missed a week since the JBJ Soul Kitchen opened it's doors on Monmouth Street last October. She usually works two days and can handily manage any job entrusted to her.
"I started out as a busser and I've hostessed but most of the time now I waitress. I like waitressing the best because I enjoy interacting with our guests and engaging them in conversation. I feel a real connection with the people who dine here."
Yet Amanda remembers how apprehensive she was on her first day and believes that helps her when training new team members. "When we greet new volunteers, we guide them through the process and help them feel at home, the same way I grew to feel at home here, and just as we make our guests feel at home." Amanda admits, "Now, when I'm not here, I miss it. I miss the people, the guests and my friends who work here. We really have created a family at Soul Kitchen."
Also created? A profound sense of gratitude. "Everyday I'm reminded how lucky I am to eat a healthy meal, wear clean clothes, and sleep in a warm bed. I'm so grateful for all my family has that I want to give back."
Amanda hopes other teens seek out volunteer opportunities in their own communities. "Helping others is so fulfilling and I'm lucky to be doing it with a great group of people, my second family."
Naturally, she's a big fan of what comes out of the kitchen, too -- "The menu changes every month and it's all so good but the pulled pork sandwich is my favorite right now. And the desserts are just amazing. You have to come eat with us."
