Dishing Up a Brighter Future

Tomas was a 22-year-old, love-starved kid when he traveled 1,500 miles for a fresh start in Grand Forks. But his dream of a new beginning was squelched as soon as his two caretakers deserted him. Thankfully Northlands Rescue Mission was here for him.

Tomas struggles with a learning disability, but knowing our staff loves him and supports him has helped him grow emotionally and mentally. Shortly after he arrived, Tomas was assigned to help in our kitchen, where chef Al Talamante took him under his wing.

“Al gave me an opportunity because he saw past my physical and mental problems and pushed me in the right direction, Tomas says. “He saw the character I had in me.

As a prep cook, Tomas gained more than cooking skills. He learned compassion. “Al showed me when you serve people and give them a smile, you let them know you care.

Al also helped Tomas find a position as a full-time dishwasher at the Blue Moose Restaurant, a job he’s definitely proud of. “I get a lot of confidence and encouragement from my job, he says. “I’m proud of how far I’ve come.