One of our nonprofit partners is quietly making a big difference for the women we serve at Jubilee Women’s Center–and we’d like to shine a spotlight on them.

Les Dames d’ Escoffier Seattle Chapter is a nonprofit invitational organization of women leaders in food, beverage and hospitality, including chefs, winemakers, cookbook authors, caterers, restaurateurs, chocolatiers, food photographers and consultants. The organization’s mission is focused on education and philanthropy, and Jubilee Women’s Center is one very grateful beneficiary of their community outreach efforts, including a recent cooking class for residents hosted by JoAnne Naganawa, owner of Kitchen Resources food consulting.

During the past four years, a number of Les Dames have volunteered at Jubilee preparing meals for the residents, teaching cooking classes, supporting fundraising events, contributing clothing to Jubilee’s free boutique, and lending financial support. Most noteworthy is that these accomplished women—busy, successful restaurant owners, entrepreneurs and executives—make the time to give back to other women in the community.

Here are some of the local Les Dames who have supported Jubilee:
Breanna Beike, chef at Seattle Yacht Club
Bridget Charters, instructor at Art Institute of Seattle
Maria Coassin, owner of Gelatiamo
Lisa Dupar, author and owner of Dupar & Company and Pomegranate Bistro
Beverly Gruber, owner of Gourmet Travel Culinary Tours
Molly Hancock, vice president of programs at FareStart (also a Jubilee board member)
Leslie Mackie, partner at Macrina Bakery and Café
Sue McCown, product development manager at Seattle’s Best Coffee
JoAnne Naganawa, owner of Kitchen Resources
Thoa Nguyen, owner of Chinoise Café and Waba Sabi

Our sincere appreciation to Les Dames for all they do in the community and, especially, for supporting and inspiring the women of Jubilee!

About Jubilee Women’s Center
Since 1983, Jubilee Women’s Center has supported women as they heal and transition out of poverty and homelessness. Jubilee’s three community-living residences, located in Capitol Hill and the University District, provide a safe, affordable and dignified environment for 42 women. Guided by a care manager, each Jubilee resident sets goals for growth and development and works to address the complex issues that caused their homelessness. Jubilee is also a critical resource for more than 1,300 non-resident women each year, providing job readiness and financial management classes, technology and life skills training, an open computer lab, customized referral services, and a free clothing boutique to any low-income woman in need. For more information about Jubilee Women’s Center, please visit jwcenter.org.